Planning your next holiday to Japan? There’s now one less thing to worry about before you go.
Singapore residents can now apply for a single-entry tourist visa to Japan entirely online, following the launch of Japan eVISA services in Singapore by VFS Global. The new digital application process means eligible travellers no longer need to visit a Visa Application Centre to submit their application in person.
For anyone already dreaming about Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, Kyoto’s autumn colours, Osaka’s food scene or a ski trip to Hokkaido, this could make planning a Japan getaway considerably more convenient.
Who Can Apply for the Japan eVISA in Singapore?
The Japan eVISA service is available to legal residents of Singapore, including Singapore Permanent Residents, Employment Pass holders, S Pass holders, Work Permit holders and other eligible long-term pass holders.
However, there is an important catch: the online eVISA is currently intended specifically for tourism and sightseeing.
If you are travelling to Japan for business or to visit relatives, you will still need to submit your visa application in person at a Visa Application Centre, following the relevant application guidelines.
How Does the Japan eVISA Application Work?
The application process is designed to be completed digitally, from registration through to receiving updates on your application.
There are six main steps:
1. Register your email
Create an account and register your email address on the JAPAN eVISA portal.
2. Verify your identity
Upload a copy of your passport bio page and take a photo as part of the identity verification process.
3. Complete your application
Enter your personal information and travel details, including information about your planned trip to Japan.
4. Upload your documents
Submit the required supporting documents in the specified digital formats, including PDF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, and TIF.
5. Pay the visa fee
Pay the applicable visa fee by credit card. A payment receipt will be sent to you by email.
6. Track your application online
Once submitted, applicants can track their application’s progress via email notifications at each stage of processing.
The entire process can now be handled remotely, meaning no trip to a Visa Application Centre is required for eligible tourist visa applications.
A More Convenient Way to Plan Your Japan Holiday
The launch comes at a particularly useful time for travellers planning their next escape to Japan. Whether you’re organising a long weekend in Tokyo, a family holiday, a food-focused trip to Osaka or a multi-city itinerary covering Kyoto and beyond, being able to complete the visa application online can make the pre-trip planning process that little bit easier.
VFS Global says applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of their intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing and to avoid potential delays.
The company has been providing visa services on behalf of the Government of Japan since 2010 and currently operates Japan visa services across 18 countries through a network of 48 Visa Application Centres.
Ready to Start Planning Your Japan Trip?
For eligible Singapore residents travelling to Japan for tourism, the new eVISA service offers a simpler alternative to the traditional in-person application process.
To check the latest eligibility requirements, required documents, and application guidelines, visit the official JAPAN eVISA portal via VFS Global before submitting your application.
Whether Japan is on your travel list for its food, shopping, culture, nature or simply that irresistible convenience-store haul, getting the paperwork sorted online means you can spend less time thinking about the visa — and more time planning where to go next.
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