How to apply for a Japanese visa in Nigeria

Applying for a Japanese visa in Nigeria can be difficult especially if you do not know how to go about it. This is partly because Japan is not an English-speaking country. Therefore you need to know the step, requirements and process for applying for Japan Visa in Nigeria.
Applying for a visa to Japan is also one of the easiest ways to explore mountainous terrains and islands. Japan is a developed country that shares borders with the Pacific Ocean as well as China, Taiwan and the Philippine seas.

Moreover, Japan which has its capital in Tokyo is known for its amazing history, cultural settings and artistic symbols. Although Japan is inhabited by a lot of people, this has not affected the influx of tourists to the country in recent years.

Therefore this article serves as your guide to applying for a Japanese visa from Nigeria.

Reasons to visit Japan

A great option for tourists

Japan has served as a major tourist destination that welcomes millions of people from all over the globe. Here, you will find amazing historical sites, agricultural products and handcrafted pieces.

Furthermore, visiting during the Japanese holidays is quite fascinating. This is because you get the chance to witness traditions, festivals and events that take place annually.

Low unemployment rate

Japan has one of the lowest rates of unemployment in the world. This could be one of the reasons why you should apply for a Japan visa in Nigeria. As a way to generate revenue for Japan’s economy, jobs are available in diverse sectors. Travel, tourism, hospitality, industry, agriculture and many more.

Also, Japan welcomes skilled individuals to have a chance to contribute their proficiency to the economy.

High quality of life

Japan has a promising quality of life with low death rates. This is basically because of a good health care system and access to fresh agricultural produce.

Great Economy

Japan’s economy relies on both imports and export. The export of machines, metals and automobiles has helped grow the economy of Japan over the years.

Furthermore, Japan imports quality raw materials for the expansion of major manufacturing industries in the nation.

Cultural Heritage

Japan has historic buildings, practices and many more that the nation is identified with. Furthermore, the country is well known for festivals, live shows and celebrations that depict her cultural heritage.

Amazing dining experience

If you have ever tasted sushi, then you surely want to find out where it originated from. Sushi is a tasty treat that is made from seafood and spices.

Furthermore, Japan is known for its combination of spices with seafood, fresh vegetables and many more. This is to give you a remarkable dining experience.

Low crime rate

Based on world safety reports, crime rates are relatively low in Japan. Law enforcement agencies exist to uphold the laws and regulations of the nation.

Fairweather

Japan has mild weather which is favourable and easy to adjust to. Although it can get extreme, this happens rarely and it just happens during the winter and summer months.

Types of visa available in Japan

Tourist visa: The Japanese tourist visa is available for you to tour Japan solely for visitation or tourism. Also, the Japanese tourist visa is available if you will be travelling for holidays, visiting relatives and another short-term stay.

Moreover, this visa category allows you to remain in Japan for at least three months. You can apply for a Japan visa in Nigeria.

Furthermore, it is divided into two groups;

The Single entry visa

The Japanese single-entry visa is available for Nigerians to travel to Japan once within the space of 90 days. This means that you can visit Japan and enter Japan once with a single entry visa.

The Multiple entry visa

Japan Multiple entry visa is for Nigerians planning to visit Japan more than once. This means that you need a multiple-entry visa if you want to arrive and exit Japan more than once in the space of 365 days.

Transit visa

This Japanese visa can also be termed a stopover visa. The Japanese transit costs 700 Yen and it qualifies you to wait within the borders of Japan. Nigerians travelling to another country through Japan can apply for a Japanese transit visa in Nigeria.

Business visa

The Japanese business visa is solely to visit Japan for professional deals. This type of visa is for business owners or people intending to visit Japan for business-related activities.

Cost of Japanese Visa

The Cost of a Japanese tourist visa ranges depending on the type of visa. For example a multiple-entry visa cost more than a single entry visa.

The cheapest of them all is the Transit visa. However, please be informed of changes in prices with exchange rates and other immigration duties.

Best time to apply for a Japanese visa

The best time to apply for a Japanese visa is before your scheduled date of travel. This should be within 14 days or more, depending on the urgency of your travel too.

Validity of the Japanese visa

The validity of a Japanese visa counts from the time you obtain it. Therefore, it depends on the category of visa you are applying for.

Furthermore, this affects your length of stay as well. This is because your visit to Japan is valid once you arrive in the country.

Asides from a brief stopover for another flight at any airport in Japan, the last time you can stay in Japan is 3 months. Although, you can stay for less than a week depending on your travel itinerary.

Eligibility for Japanese visa

Eligibility for a Japanese visa in Nigeria counts if you can provide all necessary documents and information needed by the Japan immigration office.

While eligibility differs for citizens and non-citizens of Japan. You need to ensure that all applications are honestly done. Although some countries require a visa on arrival to Japan, Nigeria is not one of these.

Documents required for Japanese visa

Nigerian passport

First, you need a valid Nigerian passport to apply for a Japanese visa in Nigeria. Also, your passport must have 6 months of validity when submitting your application.

To add to this, there must be blank spaces on your passport for a visa stamp as well.

Recent passport photograph; 3 months or less

Your passport photograph should be a recent one with quality lighting and the required size.

A letter stating travel intent

You must provide a letter of intent which will state your purpose of visiting Japan. Your purpose of travel to Japan should be clearly stated with assurance that it would be followed strictly.

Evidence of bank statement

For proof that you can fund your stay in Japan and other visa requirements, you need evidence of bank statements. This means that the inflow and outflow of cash for about six months to a year should be printed and submitted.

Employment Status

If you are visiting Japan for business, you need to provide a company registration status. Also, evidence of tax payments could be requested as well.

Furthermore, when you are visiting Japan because you got employed in a firm over there, there is a need to provide evidence- an appointment letter.

Letter of invitation or sponsorship

Invitation to tour Japan either by a relative, friend, company and so on requires that you provide a letter to support this claim. Also, your sponsor needs to give residential details and other documents to prove citizenship in Japan.

Medical report

Medical documentation could be requested in case of a disease outbreak. Besides, as the situation progresses, you can be told to present certain medical fitness reports.

Evidence of return flight ticket

A reserved flight ticket is essential, especially for a short-term stay in Japan. This can be provided by travel agencies based on request.

Accommodation or lodging confirmation

You should have confirmed that you have a place to stay during your tour of Japan. This can be with your host or a reserved hotel.

Travel plan

Your entire travel plan should be specified along with your presenting documents. This includes all you need to do during your visit to Japan and all the destinations you will visit as well.

A record of all visa applicants

When applicants exceed one person, you need to add the list of other people who are applying for the visa with you.

This includes providing their documents too with other necessary evidence.

Birth certificate

A birth certificate is mostly required for under-aged applicants, less than 16 years of age.

Letter of parental or guardian consent

Consent provided by a sponsor, parent or guardian is needed if minors would be touring Japan.

This should come with a signature to confirm approval of travel to Japan for whatever reason, which should be mentioned.

Steps to apply for a Japanese visa in Nigeria

Step 1: Apply for the Japanese visa by filling out the form

First, you need to download the Japanese visa application form online and fill appropriately. This should be done accurately concerning the instructions provided.

Step 2: Prepare all documents in advance

All documents needed to be submitted at the Japanese embassy should be printed or photocopied.

Step 3: Schedule an embassy interview session

Once you have gotten your documents ready, you can go to any Japanese embassy during working hours. Here, you will submit your form and be interviewed.

Step 4: Attend your interview

The time allotted for your embassy appointment should be adhered to. Thus, you should be there to submit all the required information about your travel to Japan.

Step 5: Pay your visa fees

You need to pay your Japanese visa fee in cash at the embassy. Thus, group cash payments are accepted from travel agencies.

Step 6: Await the embassy’s decision on your visa

It takes about 3-7 working days to get your Japanese visa. Therefore you need to wait for a while before your travel visa is processed and approved by the embassy.

Step 7: Obtain a visa stamp on your passport and get ready for your trip.

Once your Japanese visa is stamped on your passport, you will be informed of when to go back for it. This means that you have to get your passport from the embassy and get ready to fly.

What happens when you overstay in Japan?

Please be informed that the Japanese visa can not be extended. Accordingly, you need to leave Japan immediately after you are done with your purpose visit.

Tourist destinations in Japan

Japan is also an amazing tourist destination with mind-blowing exhibitions, culture, traditional meals and lots more. Hence, you will find that there are a lot of things to do on your tour of Japan.

Places you will find very attractive and welcoming are;

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Mount Fuji
Imperial Palace
Snow Monkey Park, Yamanouchi
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima
Sapporo Clock Tower
Tokyo National Museum
Yakushima Island
Ghibli Museum
Umeda Sky Building
Giant Ferris Wheel, Osaka
Tokyo Disneyland
Meiji Jingu Museum

All of these attractions have a common goal, to pitch Japan’s history and culture. Therefore you will be amazed at the themes, architecture and hospitality in most of the destinations.

Moreover, Japan is known for welcoming millions of tourists every year which has not only

Tips to note when applying for a Japanese visa

When applying for a visa to Japan, you need to be timely about this process. This is to ensure that you get approval from the Japanese embassy as soon as possible.

You can note the following as well when applying for a Japanese visa in Nigeria;

First, to ensure ease and less stress with the Japanese visa application process, do well to employ the service of a travel agency.

Apply for the Japanese visa at least a month before you intend to travel
Identify your visa category before you apply
Do not miss your interview at the embassy
Take note of the opening times at the consulate to avoid unnecessary transportation expenses
Endeavour to complete your online application with the right details before you schedule an interview with the embassy.
Get all documents ready to be submitted at the embassy
Embassy deals should be done by you as the applicant
The Japanese eVisa option is not available for Nigerians at the moment.

If you are a citizen of Canada, the United States and Taiwan, you can apply for an eVisa to Japan, even if you are living in Nigeria.

Address of Japan embassy in Nigeria

9, Bobo Street, Off Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja Nigeria
Opening days and times at Japanese embassy in Nigeria
Mondays to Thursdays: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Fridays: 8:00 am – 12:45 pm

Conclusion

Although applying for a Japanese visa is a basic step to entering the country, you need to be thoroughly informed. Thus, all details to be provided during the application must be valid and clear enough to refer to.

Furthermore, note that you can get a visitor visa to explore Japan which is the easiest to obtain. However, you should know that the decision to gain access to Japan lies with the immigration officials at the entry borders of the nation.

In addition, if you need further help, do not hesitate to contact us for reliable and prompt assistance with your Japanese visa.