Japan entry requirements for travellers from Vietnam
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for Japan?
Yes. Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Japan. There is no visa on arrival for Vietnamese nationals.
Vietnamese applicants can use Japan’s eVisa system, but you must apply through a MOFA-accredited travel agency based in Vietnam. The agency submits your application electronically. If you prefer to apply directly, you can visit the Japanese embassy in Hanoi or the consulates in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.
How long can you stay in Japan?
A short-stay visa permits a maximum of 90 days per visit. The exact permitted duration is determined by the immigration officer on arrival, not by the visa alone. You may be granted a shorter stay depending on your itinerary and supporting documents.
Short-stay visas cannot be extended or converted to long-term residency from within Japan.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the full length of your stay. At least one blank page is required for entry stamps. Japan does not require six months of validity beyond your return date.
Proof of funds
You must demonstrate sufficient funds for your visit. Bank statements covering the last three months are typically required. There is no fixed minimum amount, but your balance should be proportionate to your planned expenses and the length of your stay.
Onward or return travel
A confirmed return or onward ticket is required at the time of application and upon arrival in Japan.
Applying for your Japan visa
Option 1: eVisa through an accredited agency
Vietnamese nationals can apply for a Japan eVisa via a MOFA-registered travel agent. The agent handles the electronic submission. If approved, the visa is issued digitally and linked to your passport. There is no physical sticker.
Documents required: completed visa application form, valid passport, one passport-size photograph (4cm x 3cm, white background), confirmed return flight booking, accommodation confirmation, a detailed day-by-day itinerary, three months of bank statements, and an employment certificate or proof of self-employment.
The fee is ¥15,000 for single-entry and ¥30,000 for multiple-entry. The agency may charge a service fee separately. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
Option 2: Apply in person
You can apply directly at the Japanese embassy in Hanoi or the consulates in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. The same document requirements apply.
Health requirements
No vaccinations are required to enter Japan. All COVID-19 entry restrictions have been lifted.
Other entry requirements
You must complete a disembarkation card during your flight. Fingerprinting and photography are carried out at the port of entry. Amounts of cash or valuables exceeding ¥1,000,000 must be declared at customs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply through a travel agent to get a Japan eVisa?
Vietnamese nationals cannot apply for the eVisa directly online. You must use a MOFA-accredited agency. However, you can bypass the eVisa system entirely and apply in person at the embassy or consulate.
How long does the Japan visa process take?
Standard processing is 3 to 5 business days. Apply two to three weeks before your trip to allow for delays.
Can I visit Japan for work purposes on a short-stay visa?
No. Short-stay visas cover tourism, business visits, and family stays. Paid employment is not permitted.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for Japan. However, medical care in Japan is expensive and insurance is strongly advisable.
Can I apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?
Yes. A multiple-entry visa (¥30,000) allows repeated entry within the validity period. Eligibility depends on your travel history and application.
What documents are most important for approval?
Strong bank statements and a detailed, credible itinerary are important. Applications with vague itineraries or insufficient financial proof are more likely to be queried or refused.