In a bid to facilitate foreign visitors and support the resurgence of tourism, Japan’s government is expanding its electronic visa services system. The online service, launched in March and initially available in 11 countries and regions, is designed to streamline visa application procedures for eligible travelers.
One of the key advantages of the electronic visa system is that it allows eligible applicants to obtain short-term stay visas without having to visit their local Japanese embassy or consulate. Since its launch, the service has been successful in reducing processing times, decreasing the workload on government staff, and offering a more convenient application process.
The move comes as Japan sees a resurgence in tourism after the relaxation of coronavirus-related border control measures. In the first eight months of this year, approximately 15.19 million foreign tourists entered Japan, representing about 69% of the total number recorded in the same period in 2019, before the pandemic emerged.
According to officials from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, the rate of online applicants for visas is on the rise, contributing to the recovery of inbound tourism. The ministry is now considering expanding the electronic visa scheme to more countries and regions.
Among the 12 countries and regions initially included in the program are Brazil, Britain, Canada, Cambodia, China, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The system has been particularly beneficial in managing the increasing number of inbound tourists efficiently.
Furthermore, under the expanded plan, applicants from all eligible countries and regions (except China) will be able to pay visa fees using credit cards. Successful applicants will be notified of the results of their screening via email and can conveniently present their visa issuance notice from their smartphones when boarding flights to Japan or entering the country.
The expansion of electronic visa services is expected to provide a smoother experience for travelers and further boost Japan’s tourism industry, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
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