Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan From Singapore?

japan water shrine

If you are looking to visit Japan but unsure whether you need a visa, do not worry, we are here to help you.

In this article we will break down in simple terms if you need a visa when you're going to Japan, and where to go to get one.

Whether you need a visa or not you depend on the following things;
 
  1. Where you are a resident
  2. How long you are wanting to stay in Japan for
  3. The purpose of your visit

Residents of Singapore do not need to obtain a visa for visiting Japan for a short stay of up to 3 months, no matter your reason for visiting. This could include tourism, visiting family/friends, business, attending conferences and other unpaid activities.

Please note that if you are travelling for any paid activities then you will need to seek a different visa.

As of 2017, Japan has made arrangements with 68 countries as part of their short stay visa exception program, and good news for us is that Singapore is one of them!

This means that if you are a resident of another country, you will need to seek advice from the Japanese Embassy in Singapore, or visit this website here. 

  • As a Singapore resident, you are allowed to visit Japan for up to 3 months for unpaid reasons without needing to obtain a visa before you travel.
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  • If you are looking to stay in Japan for longer than 3months but are still visiting for unpaid reasons, such as tourism, to visit family and friends or for business, you will need to apply for, and obtain a long-term visa in advance. Find out more here.

If you are visiting Japan for unpaid activities such as for tourism, visiting family or friends or to attend a conference, then you do not need a visa if you are staying less than 3 months.

If you are visiting Japan for paid activities such as working, you will need to obtain a working visa - Find out more here. 

Before applying for one of these working or long-term visas you will need to obtain a certificate of Eligibility (COE). No visa application process can take place without this. A COE is issued by the Japan immigration authority and confirm that the visitor has passed certain conditions to enter, and the reasons for your visit.

Documents needed to apply for a visa:

  • Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
  • Original visa application form
  • Colour passport style photo taken in last 6 months (Russian Federation nationals and Newly Appointed Independent States must have 2 photos)
  • Original certificate of eligibility + 1 copy
  • Identity photo card as issued by Singapore Government (photocopy, front and back)
  • Letter of authorization if it is made on behalf of a proxy

To visit Japan, you may need to have a valid and comprehensive travel insurance policy to protect you should you run into any trouble, such as theft, bad health, accidents and more - Get a quote in seconds.

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