Japan: independently obtaining a visa for Russians in 2021

Japan was completely closed from the world for a long period. But now visiting the Land of the Rising Sun is available to foreign citizens. A visa to Japan for Russians in 2021 remains mandatory regardless of the purpose of the trip. You must apply for a visa to Japan in advance at the Embassy or Consulate General.

Japan is the only country in the world that bears the title of Empire

Types of visas

The Japanese side issues several types of visas. The key distinction is made depending on the duration of the trip: short-term or long-term.

Short stay visa

Short-term permits, in turn, are divided based on the purpose of staying in the country. The following targeted visas to Japan for Russians in 2021 can be obtained:

• Business (single and multiple);
• Tourist;
• Guest room for visiting friends;
• Guest room for visiting relatives.

All types of short-term visas are issued for a period of 3 months (90 days), and they give the right to come to Japan once and stay in the country for 15 days. If there is a justified need to visit Japan several times, a multiple-entry visa may be issued. A tourist visa does not provide the opportunity to find a job. Short-term permits cannot be extended.

Long-term visas

Those who wish to stay in the country longer need to apply for a long-term permit. Obtaining a long-term visa to Japan is possible only if there is a significant reason by the standards of the Japanese authorities. Therefore, such permits are graded based on the purposes of stay:

• Educational;
• Medical;
• Working – “Certificate of Eligibility”;
• Wife/husband visa.

It is noteworthy that a student visa gives the right to work in the country, but in a strictly limited number of hours per week. Limits are set by the administration of the prefecture where the foreigner lives. Directly fully working - “Certificate of Eligibility” is issued very rarely, and only if there is an already concluded contract with the resident.

A Japanese long-term visa is valid for one year, extension is not provided, subsequent ones must be obtained in the same way as the original one, but they are issued more leniently.

Permit for spouses of nationals

If a Japanese citizen lives in the Russian Federation, then his/her spouse has the right to obtain a visa if:

1. The spouses live together.
2. A Japanese citizen has the right to live and work in the place where the application is made.
3. The marriage took place more than a year ago.
4. Previous visits to the country were without crime.
5. The purpose of the visit meets the criteria for being in the Middle Kingdom.

If papers are submitted for a multiple-entry visa, then the applicant’s passport must have at least one record of visiting the country before.

In addition to the standard set of papers, prepare:

№	Additional papers	Requirements
1	Certificate indicating cohabitation	Real estate lease agreement, spouses' registration address.
2	Letter stating why a multiple entry visa is required	There is no special form for writing. It is compiled independently if an application is submitted for a multiple visa.

The spouse prepares the papers:

№	Additional papers	Requirements
1	Copy of the passport	Page with photo and page with Russian visa.
2	A copy of the permit to work or reside in the Russian Federation.
3	Certificate of marriage.	A copy of a page from the family record book. Marriage certificate.

Transit through Japan

Previously, visa-free transit was allowed, but obtaining a visa to Japan for tourists staying in the country as a result of transit has become mandatory. The peculiarity of the Japanese transit visa is that Russians need to apply for it through the Consulates and Embassy of Japan in Russia. Unlike other countries, Japanese authorities do not issue permission at the airport upon arrival, except in cases of force majeure .

If the plane landed at Tokyo airport due to a breakdown or other valid reasons, and this circumstance did not depend on the tourist and could not be foreseen by him, then transit will be processed at the airport, but such situations are resolved privately. Therefore, in order to avoid problems with the Japanese authorities and obtaining visas in the future, you must definitely apply for a transit visa in Russia if you are planning a layover in Japan. The transit permit is valid for 72 hours.

Summing up

Obtaining a Japanese visa does not cause any particular difficulties for tourists. An independent trip is possible, and organizing it is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.

All requirements for obtaining a tourist visa are set out on the website of the Japanese Embassy. Incorrect preparation of the application form, false data, or information that does not correspond to reality will definitely lead to refusal to issue a permit.

You do not need insurance to obtain a visa to Japan. This is not a Schengen country, where they won’t even accept papers without an insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip. Whether to take out insurance or not is a personal choice of the tourist.

Where to apply for a visa

A Japanese visa is issued after a foreign citizen applies to the Consulate General of Japan in Russia at the Embassy located in Moscow, or regional consulates. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demarcated the work area of ​​each consular unit . Thus, the Consulate General in Khabarovsk has the right to accept applications from the majority of residents of the Far East, and the consular department in Vladivostok - from residents of Kamchatka, Primorsky Krai, and the Magadan Region. Residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region need to contact the St. Petersburg Consulate of Japan. There is also a branch on the island. Sakhalin.

All Russians can submit documents to the Moscow Consulate General.

You can also apply for a Japanese visa at the specialized “Asian Visa Center”. The center is located in Moscow and is an official trusted partner of the Japanese Embassy in the Russian Federation. It is noteworthy that in obtaining a visa, the center acts as an intermediary-guarantor, that is, through it you can obtain a visa, even if there is no invitation from the Japanese resident.

It is allowed to resort to the help of tourist operators as intermediaries, as well as to use the services of a representative. If the applicant does not have the opportunity or desire to visit the consulate in person, then he can issue a notarized power of attorney to the person representing his interests at the consulate.

The guarantor and his role

Obtaining a visa to Japan on your own is quite problematic. The reason for this lies in the mandatory condition put forward by Japanese laws - the presence of a guarantor on the Japanese side .

The guarantor must be exclusively a resident of Japan. When applying for a tourist visa, the guarantor, as a rule, is a travel company that is necessarily accredited in Japan. If an application is submitted for a business visit, the guarantor is the Japanese partner. The participation of a Japanese citizen as a guarantor is allowed, but a visa may not be given unless the existence of a relationship between the foreigner and the Japanese is proven. Only a friend or Japanese acquaintance can invite you to visit Japan.

Algorithm of actions

Once a Japanese guarantor has been found, you can obtain a visa to Japan on your own. The procedure is as follows:

1. Preparation of documents on the part of the applicant;
2. Drawing up a letter of guarantee, creating a package of title papers for the guarantor;
3. Transfer of the letter and documents to the guarantor by mail to Russia to the applicant;
4. Filling out forms, organizing documents by a Russian;
5. Appeal to the Consular Section, according to territorial jurisdiction;
6. Waiting for documents to be verified;
7. Obtaining a visa or refusal to issue it.

Current information about the opening hours of each consulate can be found on the website of the Japanese Embassy in Russia. It is worth considering that documents are not accepted on Japanese and Russian holidays.

Visa for medical purposes

This type of permit is issued:

1. Foreigners who travel to the Middle Kingdom to benefit from medical services.
2. Accompanying.

A list of organizations that provide services to foreigners is on the website.

Short list of organizations

The applicant and accompanying person submit a standard set of papers. The receiving party prepares:

1. Letter of guarantee from the guarantor organization.
2. Certificate of institution, which indicates the name, registration number, address.
3. A list of the applicant's planned procedures.

When requesting a multiple visa, they provide a plan for completing the procedures, which indicates the dates of entry and exit to the Celestial Empire.

Required documents

The list of papers that need to be submitted to the consulate differs slightly from the type of permit being issued. Required documents:

• International passport, valid for no less than the planned visit;
• Invitation;
• Letter of guarantee;
• Documents for the guarantor;
• Papers provided by the Japanese side;
• 2 photos;
• A copy of the first page of the Russian passport;
• Certificate from work;
• Statement.

The Japanese government does not set time limits on the validity of a tourist’s passport, but difficulties may arise at customs if the validity of the passport borders the period of the trip, it is better to renew it in advance.

Only a resident has the right to issue an invitation for a tourist to visit Japan . This can be either a citizen or an organization conducting legal activities in the country. The document must have details and be issued to a specific person - the applicant. The invitation is valid for no more than 6 months from the date of issue.

The letter of guarantee is prepared by your Japanese guarantor. After which the documents, along with papers addressed to the person acting as the guarantor, are sent to you in Russia.

Only the applicant has the right to submit papers to the consulate; the guarantor does not have the opportunity to send documents to the Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The inviting party is required to provide the visit program, time spent on the territory and purpose of visiting Japan, and place of residence upon arrival.
These documents also include confirmation of your hotel room reservation. Documents are drawn up in Japanese or English addressed to the consul. The relationship between the receiving party and the applicant is described in detail, for example, if the visit is personal in nature - a wedding, then it is worth confirming the intention and existence of the relationship, for example, through correspondence, data from the telephone company about calls, etc.

Confirmation of the tourist's solvency is required. If it is not possible to provide a proof of employment, a proof of availability of money in a bank account or a letter of sponsorship will be suitable. Accordingly, the sponsor must provide documents confirming the availability of funds. Individual entrepreneurs must submit documents from the tax office.

Application – the form must be filled out in English, legibly and without corrections . It is allowed to use technical means - a computer, but the signature must be made by hand. The questionnaire is printed on two sheets; printing on the back of one sheet is not allowed. It is not allowed to use paper clips or staples.

Additionally, you will need air tickets or reservations for them, especially a return ticket confirming your intention to leave Japan on time.

Japan visa photo requirements

Photos to obtain a visa must be in color or black and white. The size of the photograph for a visa to Japan is 4.5 x 4.5 cm. They must be taken no later than 6 months before applying to the consulate. It is not acceptable to submit two different photographs. The photo must be attached to the application form.

List of documents and deadlines

The application review period is four working days. This takes into account not only the calendar of holidays and weekends in Russia, but also weekends in Japan. The period for making a decision on applications is noticeably longer during the New Year holidays. It is advisable to take this into account when planning your trip.

List of mandatory documents required to obtain a tourist visa.

Required documents
1. Visa application form (2 copies)	2. Photos (2 pieces measuring 4.5*4.5 cm)	3. Foreign passport	4. Copies of internal and foreign passports	5. Documents confirming the ability to pay for the trip
6. Stay program	7. Ticket booking confirmation	8. Letter explaining the need for multiple visits (if necessary)		9. Power of attorney (if documents are not submitted in person)

To obtain a transit visa, you must provide the following set of documents to the Embassy.

Required documents
1. Visa application form (2 copies)	2. Photos (2 pieces measuring 4.5*4.5 cm)	3. Foreign passport and its copy	4. Copy of internal passport	5. Documents confirming the ability to pay for the trip
6. Documents confirming the possibility of entry into the country of destination	7. Ticket booking confirmation	8. Confirmation of hotel reservations (for those staying in Japan)		9. Power of attorney (if documents are not submitted in person)

There is a high probability that an employee of the visa department of the Embassy will request additional documents that are not included in the list of mandatory ones. Consider what might be needed in your specific case. Marriage or divorce certificate (if these items are checked in the corresponding box of the visa application form), birth certificate for minors, pension certificate, certificate from the place of study and permission to skip classes, copies of previously obtained Japanese visas, a copy of a ticket to some event, taking place in Japan - this is an incomplete list of probable documents.

Requirements for documents (both mandatory and additional) are specified in the main article.

A certificate from the place of employment cannot be replaced by the 2NDFL form.

Attention! The Japanese Embassy does not accept applications sent by mail or courier. The personal presence of the applicant or an authorized person in whose name the applicant has written a power of attorney is required (notarization is not required).

For those living in those cities where there is no Embassy or Consulate, the cost of travel to the Embassy will be significantly higher than the amount requested by travel companies for assistance in obtaining a Japanese visa. If for some reason you cannot come to the Embassy in person, contacting a travel agency would be a good option. Your relative or friend can also become a proxy. Prepare and give him the documents along with your passport. Try to collect as complete a set of documents as possible so as not to waste extra time and money on shipping.

Consular fee

Japan, despite being closed from the rest of the world and having difficulties obtaining a visa, does not charge Russians a consular fee. In fact, the cost of a visa to Japan for Russians in 2021 is zero, but you have to pay for sending documents - about 10 dollars.

When applying for an urgent visa, the consular fee depends on the urgency:

• 10,000 yen – application less than 4 days before departure;
• 4,000 yen – apply 4 – 5 days before the trip.

The costs of paperwork, in particular the transfer of papers from the Japanese side, are paid by the tourist . Additionally, payment for intermediary services is taken into account. The price is set independently by the travel agency or visa center. The cost of a visa can reach $100 or more.

GUESTS FLYING INTO JAPAN MUST COMPLETE A MANDATORY 14-DAY QUARANTINE

After the luggage is received at the airport, the guest is sent strictly by individual transport to the hotel to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. JAL gives its passengers a 20% discount on taxis. Quarantine is also mandatory for transit passengers if they intend to leave the airport.

You can choose any hotel for quarantine. There are no restrictions here.

Business travelers will be able to leave the hotel, but only for meetings, after which they will need to immediately return to the hotel. For trips you need to use only individual transport.

All safety measures are observed in hotels in Japan. Guests' temperatures are taken, sanitizers are placed everywhere, and masks and social distancing are observed. The rooms are often ventilated.

As Alena Kostenko, a representative of the sales office of Marriott Corporation, said, the chain is trying to transfer as many services online as possible. This also applies to registration and selection of dishes.

According to Ms. Kostenko, 31 Marriott properties are planned to open in 2021-2022. This year, three new hotels of the chain opened their doors in Japan - The Tokyo Edition Toranomon 5* (Tokyo), Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto 5* (Kyoto) and The Ritz-Carlton Nikko 5* (two hours drive from Tokyo).

Refusal to issue

Japan strictly regulates the procedure for issuing visas and checks applicants' documents very carefully. Refusals to issue visas to Japan are not uncommon. The most common reasons:

• Incomplete package of papers;
• Filling out the form incorrectly;
• Submission of false data;
• Presence of offenses during previous visits;
• Fraud of consulate staff.

In case of refusal, the reason must be indicated. If your application is rejected due to incorrect or missing documents, you can reapply after 6 months. If the refusal was due to fraud or violation of Japanese laws, then the period may be increased, up to and including a permanent ban.

Consulate employees do not conduct a preliminary check of papers when submitting an application. Therefore, the fact that your documents were accepted does not mean that later, when checked and analyzed, they will meet the established standards and requirements.

WHAT OTHER CHANGES HAPPENED IN JAPAN DUE TO THE PANDEMIC

Residents and guests of Japan, according to Roman Uskov, have already become accustomed to the new rules of behavior in society.

“I’m talking about maintaining a distance of 1 to 2 meters in transport, wearing masks. Restaurants have banned food from shared utensils. Now, for example, sushi is not served on large plates for company,” says Mr. Uskov.

In cafes (Ramen Ichiran), for example, they have introduced an electronic menu, and guests are separated from each other by partitions; in one of the bars (Izakaya), visitors are given free plastic protective masks and straws for drinks. And in karaoke, the sound range was increased so that the mask did not drown out the voice of the singer.

The rules for visiting Tokyo Disneyland have also changed. Mass events are not yet allowed in the park; the maximum number of guests has been halved. All visitors have their temperature taken at the entrance and guests must wear masks.

Visa to Japan for a child

If you are planning a trip to Japan with children, then you should follow several rules:

1. A child visa to Japan is required;
2. A child over 14 years old needs a foreign passport;
3. It is necessary to paste a photograph of a child over six years old into the parents’ passport;
4. Children under 14 years of age are entered into the questionnaire of the parents whose passport contains information about them;
5. A separate form must be filled out for minors over 14 years of age;
6. If the child is not traveling with his parents, then a notarized power of attorney is required in the name of the person accompanying the child, even if the accompanying person is the mother or father;
7. The cost of a child visa to Japan for Russians in 2021 is zero.

In addition, when submitting documents for opening a child permit, you will need to provide:

• Birth certificate (copy and original);
• Certificate from school or other educational institution.

Standard set of papers

Each applicant provides a standard set of papers and additional certificates that are necessary to open a specific type of permit.

A person who needs a Japanese visa prepares the following documents to submit an application:

№	Document	Requirements
1	Questionnaire	Provided in 2 copies. 2 photos are pasted. Signed. Filled out in Japanese or English.
2	Passport for traveling abroad	Without cover and extraneous things.
3	Copy of foreign passport	A page with photos and personal information.
4	Photocopy of internal passport	Pages with photo and registration.
5	Certificate of financial position	Bank statement, salary certificate.

.

Photo options

Photo requirements

Photos must meet the following requirements:

1. Size: 45×45 mm.
2. Color: black and white or color.
3. No corners.
4. The image was taken against a light background.
5. Photos are pasted onto the forms.

Entry rules to Japan

Japan makes it mandatory for everyone entering the country to provide biometric data. Refusal of the required procedure results in an entry ban. The following are exempt from submitting fingerprints:

• Holders of diplomatic passports;
• Children under 16 years of age;
• Persons who have a permanent residence permit in Japan;
• Persons invited by government agencies;
• Tourists who are not physically able to undergo the procedure.

In addition, at customs control the foreigner’s face must be photographed. And if there is suspicion of terrorism or involvement in the activities of terrorist organizations, they may be denied entry.

Japan is gaining popularity among tourists, despite the difficulties with obtaining visa documents. But the growth of demand among Japanese travelers is positively influenced by the fact that the desire to plunge into another culture and enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms more than offsets all the difficulties of obtaining a visa. The absence of restrictions on movement within the country for Russians also plays a role; it is enough to have a passport with you.

Short stay visa

This type of permit allows you to stay in the Middle Kingdom for 90 days. Conducting labor activities is prohibited.

The following varieties are distinguished:

1. Tourist travel. The travel agency acts as a guarantor.
2. Visit to friends.
3. Visiting relatives.
4. Business trip (internship, participation in events, marketing, business visits, signing contracts, meetings).
5. Business trip (multiple visa).

In each of these cases, a guarantor is required to obtain permission. The guarantors are:

1. Citizen of the country.
2. Resident.
3. Tour operator.

If the guarantor is a legal entity, those that have no debts are considered.

Sample of short-term entry permit

The applicant collects a standard set of papers, the guarantor, in turn, prepares the necessary documents.

Sample letter of guarantee

If the guarantor is an individual, he provides:

1. A letter outlining the reasons for the visit.
2. Program for the duration of your stay in the state.
3. Letter of guarantee.
4. Certificate of registration at the place of residence from the population registration book.
5. Papers that indicate a way to earn money.
6. A certificate of the total amount of income or taxes, which is issued by the local administration and certified by a seal.
7. Papers that indicate acquaintance or family ties with the applicant.

If the guarantor is a foreigner, then a scan of both sides of the valid Residence Card is provided.

If the inviting party and the guarantor are not the same person, then provide certificates about the inviting person (from the place of study or work, about registration).

List of papers, if the guarantor is a legal entity:

1. A letter indicating the reasons for the trip.
2. Letter of guarantee. The travel agency provides a registration number under which it is listed in the register of tourism organizations in the country. The paper indicates the personal information of the person who supervises the trip on the Japanese side.
3. Program of stay with dates of entry and exit from the Middle Kingdom. The plan is described in detail.
4. Papers about the inviting organization (quarterly report, booklets describing activities).

Forms for filling out papers can be downloaded from the embassy website.

Contacts of Japanese Embassies and Consulates

Embassy of Japan in Moscow

• Address: Moscow, Grokholsky lane, building 27;
• Telephones;
• Telephone number of the consular department;
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday from 09:00 to 18:00;
• Opening hours of the Consular Section: Monday-Friday, acceptance of documents - from 09:30 to 12:00, issuance of passports - from 14:30 to 17:30.

Consulate of Japan in St. Petersburg

• Address: St. Petersburg, Moika River Embankment, building 29;
• Telephone;
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday from 09:00 to 17:45.

Consular Section of the Consulate General of Japan in St. Petersburg

• Address: St. Petersburg, Millionnaya street, building 30;
• Telephone;
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday, acceptance of documents - from 10:00 to 11:30, issuance of passports - from 15:00 to 16:30.

Consulate of Japan in Khabarovsk

• Address: Khabarovsk, Turgeneva street, building 46;
• Telephone;
• Telephone number of the consular department;
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday, acceptance of documents - from 10:00 to 12:00, issuance of passports - from 15:00 to 17:00.