A transit visa is an official travel permit required to board connecting flights in Japan and to enter a third destination through Japan. This is required for travellers who need to make a short stopover in Japan and travel to another country. However, travellers who wish to stay at the airport before their next flight would not need a transit visa. It is worth noting that visitors on a transit visa can only perform rest and leisurely activities. Holders of the visa cannot perform any business–related activities or visit their family. Japan is strategically located as it shares borders with major Asian tigers like China, South Korea and Russia. Citizens of Countries without a direct flight arrangement with these Asian Tigers will be required to stop by Japan before getting to their destination.
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Eligibility
Citizens/nationals of the United States, and other countries which have reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with Japan, may be eligible to stop in Japan without a transit visa. Interested applicant can check their status at the Japanese embassies in their respective home countries. However, citizens or nationals of non-visa exemption countries and regions, are advised to contact their airline(s) to confirm whether or not you will go through the Customs and Immigration area at the transferring airport. If you will, then you most likely need a transit visa. If not, then you do not need a transit visa.
Validity of Japanese Transit Visa
A Japanese transit visa once issued is valid for a maximum of 15 days. Travellers must note that this visa policy does not have room for an extension. Therefore holders of this visa must make adequate arrangements to transit to their destinations once they get to Japan.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE JAPANESE TRANSIT VISA
You have to apply for a Japan Transit Visa from one of the Diplomatic Representation offices of Japan abroad (an Embassy or Consulate). The application process for a Japan Transit Visa is as follows:
- Contact the Embassy or Consulate to book an appointment.
- The diplomatic mRFission offices of some countries do not accept individual applications, however, and you may have to apply through an accredited travel agency.
- Collect the required documents for a Japan Transit Visa
- Submit the documents at the Embassy/Consulate or the travel agency.
- Wait for the visa to be processed. This will usually take 5 working days, starting from the day the Japanese Representative Office receives your completed application.
- Collect your passport Embassy/Consulate/travel agency. If the application has been approved, your visa will be affixed and you can use it to travel to Japan within three months.
REQUIREMENT
When you apply for a Japan Transit Visa, you need the following supporting documents:
