Frequently Asked Questions

	Table of Contents
1	General Information (Q1-Q20) ・Visa Overview ・Application Process ・Appointments ・Passport Drop-off     (In case you cannot leave your passport) ・Visa Transfer ・Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
2	For Qatari Nationals (Q21-Q28) ・Passport Registration for Visa Waiver ・Diplomatic and Special Passport Holders ・Travelling with Domestic Worker
3	Requirements (Q29-Q51)  Dependants and Guarantor Information  3-1:  Letter of Employment  3-2:  Bank Documents  3-3:  Accommodation and Hotel               Booking Information  3-4:  Flight Booking Information  3-5:  Travel Itinerary (Schedule)
4	Passport Collection,         Visa Issuance and Rejection (Q52-Q57)

 

1. General Information 

Q1) Where can I find the List of Requirements?

Please visit our Visa Information page and choose the list of requirements that matches your situation. Requirements vary depending on the followings:
・Purpose of Visit
・Type of Accommodation 
・Nationality 
Kindly note you may be requested to provide additional documents. (See Q32)

 

Q2) When should I start the process?

You can start the process 3 months prior to your departure date by securing an appointment through our Online Booking System. (See Q3)
 

Q3) How long does the process take?

(A) Visa
It normally takes 3 or 5 working days from the date of acceptance depending on your nationality and circumstances. However, please start the process well in advance of your anticipated travel date because it may take a while for you to secure an appointment or the process may require additional confirmation such as submission of additional documents, an interview and inquiries etc. There is no priority service. 

(B) Qatari Passport Registrations for Visa Waiver
It normally takes 1 or 2 working days. Please see Q21-27. There is no priority service.
 

Q4) What is the validity of visa?

A Single Entry Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of visa issuance. The “Date of Issue” and “Date of Expiry” are printed on the visa. Once the visa is issued, you must enter Japan on or before the date of expiry. (See Q6)
 

 

Q5) Can I extend the visa validity?

 

Q6) How many days can I stay in Japan?

The number of days you can stay in Japan is printed as “Duration of Stay” on your visa.  For example, if the duration of stay is stipulated as 15 days on your visa, you can stay in Japan up to 15 days.

(A) Short-Term Stay Visas
Short-Term Stay Visas allow you to stay up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives etc.  You cannot be engaged in remunerative activities. (You cannot earn money.)

(B) Long-Term Stay Visas
Long-Term Stay Visas allow you to stay in Japan over 90 days and/or may allow you to perform remunerative work (paid-work) depending on the status on your Certificate of Eligibility. (See Q18-20)

 

Q7) How much is the visa fee?

Visa fee for a Single Entry Visa is QR73, QR20 or Free of Charge depending on your nationality. EXACT AMOUNT of fee must be paid in CASH at the time of passport collection. Please check the details of the fee on the Visa Fee page. 

 

Q8) Can I apply for a visa on behalf of my family, friends or work colleagues etc.?

Yes. A representative may apply for a visa, collect a passport or drop-off a passport on behalf of the applicant. The following documents are required: 
・Family Members: Copies of marriage or birth certificates.
・Non-Family Member: An authorisation letter.
Please see Q30 regarding the requirements for dependants.

 

Q9) Can I apply for a visa on behalf of a family member living outside Qatar?

No. We only accept applications from residents of Qatar (QID holders). Visa Applications must be made only at the place of your residence or in your home country.
 

Q10) Can I apply for a visa or register my passport online?

(A) Visa
No. Visa applications must be made in person at the embassy by appointment. (Q11)

(B) Qatari Passport Registrations for Visa Waiver
Yes. There are two ways to register your passport. The registration can be made either in person or online through JAVES (JApan Visa Exemption System).  (See Q21-27)
 

Q11) Do I have to make an appointment to visit the embassy?

Yes.  You need to book an appointment to visit the embassy for certain procedures.  Please refer to the table below for details.

Please note:
・appointments must only be made through the online booking system.
・we cannot provide information or respond to enquiries regarding appointment availability beyond what is shown online.

The appointment system allocate time slots on a first-come-first-served basis.  Available time slots are limited and there is no guarantee that your first choice is available.  Appointments can be booked up to 4 weeks in advance. New slots open every 31 days.  Please refer to our Online Booking System page for further details.
✔: Appointment is required.

	Purpose	Appt.
1	Visa Application	✔
2	Passport Registration   In Person	✔
3	Passport Registration   ONLINE/JAVES	-
4	Visa Transfer	✔
5	Visa Inquiry	✔
6	Passport Collection     (10:00 -15:00)    *Ramadan 10:00 - 13:30	-
7	Passport Drop-off          (7:30 - 15:00)    *Ramadan   8:30 - 13:30	-

     

Q12) How can I cancel my appointment?

Please send us a cancellation request via email, as appointments cannot be cancelled online. Please ensure you cancel any appointment you are unable to attend. No-show will affect your ability to make future bookings. 
 

Q13) Why has my appointment been cancelled?

Appointments will be automatically cancelled if the system detects certain irregular actions, as listed under "ATTENTION" section on the online booking page. 

 

Q14) What can I do if I cannot leave my passport at the embassy?

We normally retain your passport for 3 or 5 working days.  However, if you are unable to leave it with us, we can return it to you temporarily provided that you resubmit it at a later date for 1 working day. Please follow the below procedures.
(1) Submit passport during application.
(2) Passport returned after registration.
(3) Resubmit passport on a later date
      (7:30-15:00).
(4) Collect passport the next working day
      (10:00-15:00).  

                

Q15) My application has already been accepted.  Can I add more documents to my application?

No. You cannot add any documents once your application is accepted. The decision on your application will be made based on the submitted documents. 

 

Q16) Can I apply for a Multiple Entry Visa?

Nationals of designated countries who meet the criteria listed on our website are eligible to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa.  Please refer to the Multiple Entry Visa for further details. 

 

Q17) How can I transfer my valid visa to my new passport?

Please book an appointment and visit us with the following documents. (The processing time is 1 working day. There is no charge.)
(1) Application Form for Visa Transfer
(2) Old Passport
(3) New Passport

 

Q18) I am going to study/work in Japan.  What type of visa should I apply for? 

Please refer to the table below to confirm your status, then see Q6 and Q19-20.

✔: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required. 

	Duration of Stay  and Type of Activity	Type of Visa	COE
1	Over 90 days  All Activities	Long-Term Stay Visa	✔
2	Up to 90 days  with Paid Work	Short-Term Stay Visa	✔
3	Up to 90 days  without Paid Work	Short-Term Stay Visa	-

 
 

Q19) What it Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and how can I get it?

ATTENTION 1
The COE is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Ministry of Justice); the Embassy of Japan does NOT issue COEs. It is your sponsor in Japan (i.e., employer, school) who must apply for and obtain the COE on your behalf through a local Immigration Office.  For details of the COE, please contact your sponsor in Japan or the Immigration Services Agency.  

ATTENTION 2
The validity of COE is 3 months.

(1) A COE is issued as:
・an e-mail. (sample of e-mail COE)
・a paper certificate. (A5 size)

(2) Once the certificate is issued, your sponsor in Japan should forward it to you by:

・email (for the digitally issued COE).
・post (for the paper COE).

(3) For your visa application, you can submit any of the following:
・a printout of the digitally issued e-mail COE.
・an original paper COE.

 

Q20) I have received my Certificate of Eligibility. What should I do next?

ATTENTION 
We have no information on jobs in Japan nor do we issue visas for the purpose of job hunting.

Once you receive the COE from your sponsor in Japan, please book an appointment and visit us with all the required documents. The list of requirements can be found on our website under:
(3) WORK (Long-Term Stay / COE Holder) 
(4) STUDY (Long-Term Stay / COE Holder) 
(5) STUDY without a COE
Please contact us for the requirements for other categories.  

 

 

2. Qatari Nationals 

Q21) What is the procedure for Qatari Nationals?

Procedures vary depending on the purpose and duration of your stay in Japan. Please refer to the table below.  

	Duration of Stay and Purpose of Stay	Procedure
1	Up to 30 days  for Tourism etc.	Passport Registration    (See Q21-24)
2	Over 30 days for Tourism etc.	Single Entry Visa
3	Work or Study with   Cert. of Eligibility	Long-Term Stay Visa (See Q6, 18-20)
4	Special/Diplomatic Passport Holders (See Q27)	Up to 90 days: NO Visa/Registration  required.
		Over 90 days: Please contact us.

   

Q22) What is Visa Waiver Passport Registration?

This arrangement allows Qatari nationals to enter and stay in Japan up to 30 days for purposes such as  tourism simply by registering their e-Passports.  The registration remains valid for 3 years or until your passport expires. (Whichever comes first.) During this period, you can travel to Japan multiple times, provided each stay does not exceed 30 days.  (There is no need to register your passport for every tirp.) For further details, please visit the MOFA Japan website.
If you wish to register your passport, please go to Qatari Passport Registration for Visa Waiver (EOJ website).

 

Q23) How can I register my passport?

There are two ways to register your passport: 
(A) in person at the embassy 
(B) online via JAVES (Japan Visa Exemption System)

 

Q24) How do I know my passport has been registered and what should I do at the airport?

(A) Registration made in person at the Embassy
・A registration sticker and a date stamp will be placed in your passport.
・Please present the page with the sticker and stamp at the check-in counter.  

(B) Registration made Online (JAVES)
・You will receive a “Visa Exemption Registration Notice” email from the JAVES system.
・At the check-in counter, please display the notification email on your mobile device.

IMPORTANT
・Screenshots and printouts are not accepted. The notice must be shown LIVE on your device to verify the real-time countdown timer, which confirms its authenticity. 
・Please refer to the JAVES FAQ for more details. (Note: The FAQ page covers both eVISA and JAVES. Please scroll down to find the JAVES section.)

★ If a third party (proxy) has applied on your behalf, please follow these steps.
(1) Obtain the QR code from your proxy, either as a PDF or a printed copy.
(2) Scan the QR code with your device.
(3) Log in by entering your "passport number" and "date of birth".
(4) Display the “Visa Exempt. Reg. Notice" on your device at the check-in counter.

 

Q25) What should I do if I’m staying in Japan for longer than 30 days?

If you want to stay in Japan for more than 30 days for tourism etc., please apply for a Single Entry Visa.  

 

Q26) What should I do if I’m staying in Japan for the purpose of work or study?

If you are staying in Japan for longer than 90 days and/or for the purpose of Work/Study, you must apply for a Long-Term Stay Visa. (See Q6, 18-20)  

 

Q27) I have a Special/Diplomatic passport. Do I have to apply for a visa? (Short-Term Stay)

Special/Diplomatic Passport Holders are eligible to enter Japan and stay there up to 90 days without obtaining a visa or registering their passport. (NO Passport Registration or Visa are required if you hold a Special/Diplomatic passport.)  Please refer to the MOFA Japan page for further details.

 

Q28) I want to take my domestic worker (e.g. maid, driver etc.) with my family. What type of letter should I prepare?

Please issue a letter as their sponsor. The letter must include the following details (1)-(11):

Applicant's Information
(1) Full Name
(2) Nationality
(3) Passport Number
(4) Position
(5) Joining Date with the specific day
      ✔  12th March 2015
      ✖  March 2015 
(6) Purpose of Visit
(7) Duration of Visit
(8) Monthly Salary
(9) The following sentences:
・The applicant will return to Qatar.
・The travel expenses will be borne by the sponsor.               

Sponsor's Information
(10) Full Name
(11) Original Wet Signature




3. Requirements

ATTENTION 1
ALL the documents stipulated in the List of Requirements must be submitted. We cannot process visa applications with an incomplete set of documents.

ATTENTION 2
2 Application Forms and 2 Photos are required if you are a national of:
Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Georgia.
 
 

Q29) Where can I find forms such as Application Forms?

Availability
Forms can be found on our "Visa Information" page under the "3. Forms" section.

Format
All forms may be either handwritten or typed, with the exception of the signature. When using your own format for the "Travel Itinerary (Schedule)", please ensure all essential details are included. (See Q50-51)

Signature
A "wet signature" (original ink signature) is required. Digital or electronic signatures are not accepted. A parent may sign on behalf of a minor applicant.

Preparation
Please ensure the below are completed prior to submission:
(1) Forms are signed.
(2) Photos are affixed using glue only.
(3) All staples are removed.
 

 

Q30) What are the requirements for dependants (spouse/children)? 

To act as their guarantor, you must submit the Family Entry Request Form along with photocopies of the marriage and birth certificates. 

・Family Entry Req Form 1 (Travelling with Guarantor)
・Family Entry Req Form 2 (Travelling without Guarantor)

Mandatory docs for each dependant:
・Application Form
    (A parent may sign for minors.)
・Original Passport
・Passport Copy
・QID Copy
・Marriage/Birth Certificate Copy
・Flight Booking Information
    (if arranged individually)

(A) When travelling with the Guarantor
A single set of common documents is sufficient for the entire family. There is no need to provide us with multiple copies of the same documents.  Common documents include:
・Guarantor's Employee Certificate
・Guarantor's Bank Documents
・Flight Booking Information
・Hotel Booking Information
・Travel Itinerary (Schedule)
・Family Entry Request Form 1

(B) When NOT travelling with the Guarantor 
All documents specified in the List of Requirements must be submitted. (See Q35) Please provide the following information for the guarantor (typically a father or spouse):
・Guarantor's Employee Certificate
・Guarantor's Bank Documents

 

For school trip, please see Q31.

 

Q31) What is the requirements for a school trip?

Please ask your school to contact us first, as they will need to prepare specific documents for your application.

 

Q32) Why was I asked to provide additional documents?

Each applicant has different conditions and circumstances. Therefore, sometimes we become aware that additional information will be required only after your application has been accepted. If you do not submit the additional documents we ask for, the review of documents cannot be processed any further and you will not be able to get the visa.
 



3-1: Letter of Employment

Q33) What kind of letter should I submit?

Please ensure that your letter meets the following requirements:
(A) Authenticity
(B) Signature and Company Seal
(C) Required Information of the Applicant

(A) Authenticity
Originality
The letter must be an original hard copy, printed on official company letterhead. (Digital letters are only accepted from employees of major government institutions.)

Verification 
The letter must feature a wet signature from an authorised signatory and the official company seal. 

Validity
1 month only

(B) Signature and Company Seal
Authorised Signatory
The letter must be signed by an individual listed on the company's Establishment Card (also known as a Computer Card). (See Q34-35)

Name and Title
The signatory's full name and job title must be printed clearly. (Note: "Signatory" is not accepted as a job title. A specific role, such as "HR Manager" must be provided.)

No Digital Signatures
Digital signatures are not accepted.

Establishment/Computer Card
If you work for a small or medium-sized enterprises, you must attach a photocopy of the Establishment/Computer Card.

(C) Required Information of the Applicant
The letter must explicitly include: 
(1) Full Name (as it appears on your passport)
(2) Nationality
(3) Passport or QID Number
(4) Position / Job Title 
(5) Joining Date with the specific day
       ✔  12th March 2015
       ✖  March 2015 
(6) Monthly Salary
(7) Purpose of Visit
(8) Duration of Stay
(9) Declarations applicable to your situation:
・A statement specifying who will bear the travel expenses.
・A guarantee that the applicant will return to Qatar.

 

Q34) Who can sign the Letter of Employment?

Only an individual listed on the company's Establishment Card can sign the letter. Moreover, please ensure that the letter has the following information of the listed authoriser. (See Q33 & 35)
(1) Company's Wet Seal
(2) Authoriser's Wet Signature           
(3) Authoriser's Full Name
(4) Authoriser's Job Title

Image

 

Q35) I am the authoriser. Can I issue the Letter of Employment for myself?

No. You cannot issue a letter for yourself. Please ask another authoriser to issue it. If no other authoriser is available, a shareholder or a subordinate may sign the letter. In this case, please submit  a copy of their QID and/or passport.

 

Q36) I am a dependant (housewife/student etc.) and travelling WITHOUT my sponsor (typically husband/father ).  Should I submit the Letter of Employment of my sponsor ?

Yes. Please submit the “Letter of Employment” and “Bank Documents” of your sponsor. You must also submit Family Entry Request Form 2 (Travelling without Guarantor). (See Q30)
 



3-2: Bank Documents

ATTENTION
The Balance Certificate, Salary Certificate and Payslip are NOT acceptable.
 

Q37) What kind of documents should I submit to show my financial situation?

Financial documents are divided into two categories:
(A) SALARY information (Mandatory)
(B) SAVINGS Information (If applicable). 
If your savings are NOT held in your salary account, both (A) and (B) are required. Please check the details for (A) and (B). 

(A) SALARY information (Mandatory) 
You must provide authorised bank statements for the specific account where your salary is credited.

Authenticity: 
must be original and authorised by the bank.

Coverage: 
must cover a full 6-month period.

Transaction History: 
must clearly show at least 6 salary credits.

Validity:  
1 week only.
 
(B) SAVINGS Information (if applicable)
Bank statements or transaction records for additional accounts where your funds are held. These documents are mandatory if your savings are NOT held in (A). 

Authenticity: 
Documents issued by the banks in Qatar must be authorised. However, documents issued outside of Qatar (home country etc.) do not necessarily need to be authorised. In that case, printed screenshots of your transaction histroy from a banking app are also acceptable. 

Coverage: 
must cover a full 6-month period.

Validity:  
1 week only.

 

Q38) Why do I have to submit bank information?

It is to examine your financial situation; to confirm salary credits (6 times at least) and to see how financially stable you have been etc. 
 
 

Q39) How much should I have in my account?

We do not set any specific amount as circumstances vary depending on applicants. Many aspects such as salary and how stable the account has been maintained are reviewed and taken into consideration for the decision.

 

Q40) Can I ask my travelling companion to be my guarantor as I may not have enough funds?

No. As a general rule, only your family member with considerable financial capacity who resides in Qatar is eligible to become your guarantor.
 
 

Q41) Can I submit e-Statements for my main account?

We only accept authenticated e-Statements as valid documents for your main salary account. Documents that are not officially certified cannot be accepted, even if they are issued via banking app.
 
 

Q42) I have savings in my home country. Can I submit those documents?

Yes. Please submit bank statements and/or transaction records for the last 6 months. If official documents are not available, printed screenshots of your transaction history from a banking app are also acceptable. 
 
 

Q43) The bank in my home country only issues statements covering a 3-month period. What should I do?

Please COMBINE bank statements and screenshots of your transaction history to COVER the FULL 6-MONTH PERIOD.  Screenshots from your banking app are acceptable to supplement any missing periods. Please ensure that the combined documents provide a complete 6-month record. 

Please ensure your screenshots clearly show:
(1) Account Holder Name
(2) Account Number
(3) Transaction Records
(4) Latest Balance
(5) Date the Screenshot was captured

Example
Type of  Documents	From	To	Period	Total Period
Bank Statements	1st Jan	31st  Mar	3 mos	In total 6 months
Screenshots	1st Apr	31st Jun	3 mos

 

 
 
3-3: Accommodation / Hotel Booking Information

Q44) Do I have to make payments to the hotel?

It is not necessary ot complete the payment for booking. However, please submit the documents which allow us to confirm the following information:
(1) Hotel Name
(2) Check-in / Check-out Dates
(3) GUEST NAME(s)
(4) Number of Guest
*Same rule applies for Airbnb. (See Q47)

 

Q45) I am staying at my relative’s/friend’s house. What documents should I submit?

You can check the Lists of Requirements via the links below. Please note that this application requires several documents from your inviter in Japan. We recomment reviewing the list on our website carefylly to ensure all necessary documents are prepared.  (FR: Foreign Resident)
・1-3) FR for Tourism (Staying with Relatives)
・1-4) FR for Tourism (Staying with Friends)

If you are visiting relatives or friends but staying in a hotel, please follow the requirements for: 
・ 1-2) FR for Tourism (Staying in Hotels)
 
 

Q46) What should I do if I want to travel by Night Bus?

Booking Information of the night bus is required. Please submit documents which include following information.
(1) Travelling Time and Date
(2) Name of Passenger
(3) Place of Departure
(4) Place of Arrival
 
 

Q47) I am staying at Airbnb, what documents should I submit?

Booking confirmation issued by Airbnb is required. It must include the same information listed in Q44.
 
 
3-4: Flight Booking Information 

Q48) Do I have to purchase and submit the flight ticket?

Payment is not required at the time of booking. However, you must provide flight booking information that allows us to confirm the following:
(1) Passenger Name(s)
(2) Flight Booking Number(s) / PNR
(3) Flight Number(s)
(4) Date and Time of Departure
(5) Date and Time of Arrival 
 
 

Q49) I’m flying to Japan via another country/other countries. What information should I submit?

Please submit all the information for your whole trip between Qatar and Japan regardless of how many stops you make between Qatar and Japan.

For example, applicants travelling between Doha and Tokyo transiting through Manila must provide booking information for ALL 4 flights segments.

Example
Outbound		Total
1	Doha - Manila	4
2	Manila - Tokyo
Inbound
3	Tokyo - Manila
4	Manila - Doha

                              
 
3-5: Travel Itinerary (Schedule)

Q50) I haven’t decided my schedule yet. Do I have to submit the document?

Yes. Travel Itinerary/Schedule of Stay is a mandatory document for the application.
 
 

Q51) How can I fill out the Travel Itinerary form?

Please provide details for each day from your arrival to departure, including specific locations and activities planned. Vague descriptions such as "Sightseeing in Kyoto", "Tour in Osaka" or "Shopping in Tokyo" are not acceptable. Please refer to the sample below.  While our format is available for your convenience, you may use your own if it includes all required information.

✔: Acceptable
✕: Not Acceptable

✔✕	No.	Date	Activity Plan	Cont	Accoomm
✔	1	2 Aug	Exploring Asakusa, visiting Senso-ji, Shopping in Ginza and Harajuku	+81 xxx-xxxx	ABC Hotel Tokyo 1-2 xxx, xxx…
✔	2	3 Aug	Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen, visiting  Kinkaku-ji and Ryuan-ji temples	+81 xxx-xxxx	EFG Hotel Kyoto 3-4 xxx, xxx…
✕	3	4-8  Aug	Sightseeing  in Osaka	+81 xxx- xxxx	XYZ Hotel Osaka  5-6 xxx, xxx…

✕ No. 3 is not acceptable for the following reasons: 
・Date: Each day must be listed separately.
・Activity Plan:  The description is too general. Please include specific names of places and activities.




4. Passport Collection, Visa Issuance and Rejection

Q52) Must I collect my passport on the specific date indicated on the receipt?

You do not need to collect your passport on the exact date stipulated on your Passport Collection Receipt. You or your proxy may collect it any time after that date. If a non-family member is collectiing on your behalf, they must present an authorisation letter. 

Collection Hours: 10:00 – 15:00
(Ramadan 10:00 – 13:30)
・Please bring your Passport Collection Receipt.
・Please bring exact amount of fees in CASH if it occurs.
・No appointment is required for collection.
・Please see Q14 for passport drop-off information.
 

 

Q53) My application was accepted at the visa counter. Does this mean I can get a visa?

No. Please be aware that the acceptance of an application at the counter does NOT guarantee that a visa will be issued. Once accepted, your documents will undergo a formal review by the relevant authorities, and they will make the final decision.

 

Q54) When and how do I know my result?

You will only be notified of the result at the time of passport collection at the embassy.  Please note that we do not provide results via phone or email, nor do we disclose the status of the result while the application is being processed.

 

Q55) Why was my visa application rejected?

Your application will be rejected if your application did not meet the criteria of visa issuance. We do not disclose the reasons for the rejection nor can we communicate on this matter. 

 

Q56) What happens if my application is rejected?

You will not be able to apply for a visa to Japan for the next 6 months. 

 

Q57) Does my visa guarantee my entry to Japan?

No. A visa is only one of the requirements for entry and does not guarantee admission into Japan. (As noted on the visa application form, your signature indicates your acceptance of this fact.) Even with a valid visa, permission to enter may be denied under certain circumstances by immigration authorities.