How to Apply for a Japanese Tourist Visa

Nigerian citizens need a visa to visit Japan and in this post, I’ll detail the Japanese tourist visa requirements and application process. I’ll talk about how to apply in Kenya (as a resident) and in Nigeria and some important information you need to know. If you’re applying for a visa for the first time, be sure to read my guide, detailing general rules about visa applications in Nigeria.

PS: I encourage you to check the Japan Embassy’s website for updated information about the visa application process. All information presented in this post is correct at the time of this writing. They are subject to change without notice. Always confirm travel details and requirements with respective embassies & airlines before you apply or travel.

Japanese Tourist Visa Application – The Process

This is a summary of the whole process to apply for a Japanese tourist visa in Kenya or Nigeria. You’ll find a detailed breakdown of each step further down in this post.

Download and fill out the application form

Visit the Embassy of Japan Website to download the visa application form. Review the requirements needed for your visa class and prepare them for submission.

Compile your supporting documents & submit them to the embassy

See a list of documents you need to apply for a Japanese tourist visa in the details below. Usually, applicants are not required to book an appointment before submission however, the embassy may require one (especially during the ongoing pandemic), so be sure to check their website whenever you’re ready to submit.

Pay the visa fees upon collection of your visa

Visa fees are to be paid in cash during pickup. If you do not get the visa, you wouldn’t need to pay any fees.

How to Apply for a Japanese Tourist Visa – Details

Visit the Japanese embassy website here if you’re applying from Kenya or here if applying from Nigeria. Review the details for the visa type you wish to apply for and download the application form. You would need to submit this alongside other documentation listed below.

All documents are to be submitted in person at least 2 weeks before your travel date. I would recommend you submit a month before to give yourself enough time between the visa decision and your travel date. You only pay the visa fees at pickup time once you’ve been granted a visa. (Thank you, Japan!)

Japanese Tourist Visa Application Supporting Documents

The documents needed for your visa application include, but are not limited to the following below. Remember not to staple any of the documents.

• Visa Application form filled in English, downloaded from this site and personally signed by the applicant.
• A valid passport and its copy with a minimum of two free leaflets and six months validity
• Original letter of invitation (if applicable)
• Recently taken 1 passport-size photos (45mm × 45mm), not older than 3 months and on white background, glued to the spot provided on the form
• Original and copy of Kenyan Work/Resident’s permit (for non-Kenyan citizens)
• Photocopy of your international passport bio-data page
• Certified bank statements for the last 6 months
• Return flight reservation (Note: you do not have to pay for the flights yet)
• Proof of civil status
• Copy of travel itinerary (Daily schedule with quotation for the tour package) – A copy of my daily itinerary, with the format required, is available for supporters on my buy me a coffee page.
• Hotel reservation if applicable. You should submit all reservations if you will stay in more than one city in Japan
• Health insurance covering the whole duration of your stay in Japan

Depending on your visa type, additional documents may be requested. See the Japanese Embassy’s website for more information.

Other Japanese Tourist Visa Requirements…

• For employees: Introductory letter from your workplace. In English, on official company paper with stamp, signature, date – detailing your position, salary and the length of your employment, confirming that you have been given time off work and your position will be kept until your return, and stating whether this time off is paid or unpaid.
• Confirmation or promotion letters
• Valid tax certificate, work ID card
• Certificate of incorporation
• For students: Introductory letter from your school issued within 3 months of your application

Where is the Japanese Embassy in Kenya Located?

The Japanese Embassy is located on Mara Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi. They are open on Mondays to Fridays (except weekends and public holidays) from 8:30 am – 12:20 pm for submission and then from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm for collection.

Where is the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria Located?

The Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Consular section is located at No.9, Bobo Street (off Gana Street), Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria. They are open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (except weekends and public holidays) from 8:30 am – 11:30 pm for submission and then from 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm for collection on Monday – Thursday and 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm on Fridays.

Japanese Tourist Visa Fee in Kenya

A regular single-entry visa costs  2,900 Kenya Shillings (~$29) at the time of this writing. This amount is payable only in cash at the time of collection. The exact amount is expected.

Japanese Tourist Visa Fee in Nigeria

A regular single-entry visa costs ₦10,700 as of the time of this writing. This amount is payable only in cash at the time of collection. The exact amount is expected.

Japanese Tourist Visa Application in Nigeria and Kenya Processing Time

It takes an average of 4-5 working days to get a response for a regular visa. However, this time may vary from one application to the next.

What Next?

The next part is a waiting game. At the moment, there is no way to track the status of your Japanese tourist visa application. You have to wait for the embassy to send you an email or text message letting you know when to pick up your passport.

That’s it for the entire process of the Japanese tourist visa application in Nigeria and Kenya. I hope you find this guide useful. Feel free to share your visa experience with me or ask any questions you might have in the comment section.

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Images Courtesy: David Edelstein, Nicki Eliza Schinow, Clay Banks, Lin Mei on Unsplash