Visa
Current visa application procedure
Procedure of entry into Japan (Entry Cut-off, PCR Test Certificate, and Visa Application)
Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
NOTICE: VISA application and collection by agent for those who are difficult to come in person
Coronavirus (COVID-19) related Notice
※Currently all foreigners who enter Japan are required visas. The following information is for the ordinaty situation and different from the current circumstances.
Please check "Current visa application procedure", "Procedure of entry into Japan (Entry Cut-off, PCR Test Certificate, and Visa Application)", "Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19", and "Coronavirus (COVID-19) related Notice " above for more current information.
Consular COUNTER SERVICE hours - 9:30 -12:00 (morning ONLY)
TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE hours - 9:30-12:30, 13:30-17:30 (02-9250-1000 press 2)
"Japan Visa Information Hotline" (Visa telephone assistance 24/7)
1800-930-979 (English only)

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Due to the recent increase in the number of visa applications and the Consular affair procedures, our waiting room is crowded and the waiting time could be longer.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Furthermore, it might be difficult to make an appointment to schedule a visit to apply for a visa at the moment.
If it is urgent or your departure day from Sydney is coming up soon but you cannot make an appointment, please call us for further assistance.
1. Check if you need a visa
Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay) Nationals of some countries and regions are not required to obtain visas to enter Japan for short term stay for tourism, commerce, conferences, visiting relatives/ acquaintances, etc up to 90 days. The list below is just some examples of visa exempted countries/regions (as of December 2019, 68 countries and regions in total).
Table - Some examples of visa exempted countriers & regions
Please ensure to check the details of the visa exemptions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website below.
2. Check if you can apply in Sydney
Only Applications from the residents in NSW, NT and New Caledonia are accepted.
Who Can Apply? Who CANNOT?
Long Term Residents in NSW, NT, and New Caledonia
* Permanent resident visa holders
* Student visa holders
* Business visa holders
* Graduate visa holders
Visitors and Residents in other states (QLD, VIC, TAS, SA & WA) in Australia
* Australian temporary visitor visa holders
* Holders of an Australian visitor visa who changed their visa from a student Visa
* Residents in the other states in Australia except Northern Territory
3. Visa application period
You may apply for a visa 3months prior to entering Japan.
Depending on your travel plan, please apply for a visa accordingly.

4. Visa processing time
Visa Processing Time:
The minimum assessment time is 5 working days for all visas.
It generally takes longer if additional documents are required for further assessment.
In some cases, applications need to be referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and it can take between 2 weeks and 2 months or more to complete the process.
There is NO priority processing service.
5. Opening hours
Visa application hours 9:30 - 12:00 (Online booking required)
Visa collection hours 9:30 - 12:00 (Booking NOT required) *Morning ONLY
Phone inquiry hours 10:00 - 12:00, 15:00 - 17:00 Phone : 02-9250-1000 (press 2)
6. Visa fee

* Visa fee exemption (no charge) : Australian, New Zealander, Korean, Malaysian, Bangladeshi, Colombian and Pakistani passport holders.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)