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Japan Visa

Type of Japan Visas

Tourist Visa
  • Processing time: 4-5 days
  • Stay period: As per Embassy
  • Validity: Upto 90 days
  • Entry: Single/Multiple
  • Fees: INR 4,999/-
Business Visa
  • Processing time: 4-5 days
  • Stay period: As per Embassy
  • Validity: Upto 90 days
  • Entry: Single/Multiple
  • Fees: INR 4,999/-

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Documents required for Japan Visa

  • Must have Documents for Japan Visa:
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    • Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports if any;
    • Visa Application form;
    • 2 recent colour photographs (Photo Specification);
    • Personal Covering letter (For Employed-Plain paper/ Self-Employed-Letterhead);
    • Original updated Bank Statements with sufficient bank balance (last 6 months);
    • Income Tax Returns/Form 16 for last 3 years;
    • Confirmed return flight ticket;
    • Hotel reservation;
    • Supporting Financial Documents such as Fixed Deposits, Property Investments, Other Investments etc. (Optional)

    Kindly note: The Govt is very strict on the photograph requirement; please ensure that your photos are as per the specifications.

  • Supporting documents as per your occupation, type of visit:
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    1. If Employed:

    • Original Leave sanctioned certificate with company seal and signature;

    2. If Self Employed:

    • Business Registration License / MOA / Partnership deed;
    • Company’s updated bank statement of last 6 months.

    3. If Retired:

    • Proof of retirement like pension book, statement etc.

    4. If Student:

    • School / College / Institute ID Card;
    • Bonafide certificate.

    5. If Minor:

    • Birth Certificate;
    • No Objection Certificate from the parents / non-accompanying parent on Rs 100/- stamp paper;
    • ID proof of parent like passport or PAN card.

    6. If Visiting friend or relative:

    • Original Invitation letter;
    • Inviter’s ID proof like Passport, valid Japan visa/Resident Permit;
    • Address proof like any Electricity bill, any Utility bill etc.

    7. If Sponsored:

    • Sponsorship letter;
    • Sponsor’s national ID proof like Passport, PAN card or Resident permit;
    • Updated bank statement of last 6 months.

    8. For Business Visa:

    • Original Invitation letter from host Company stating purpose of trip, business details etc;
    • Original Letter of Guarantee & a certified copy of the incorporation register or an overview of company / organization. (If inviting company is bearing the expenses);
    • Covering letter from Indian company on company letterhead.

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Japan Visa FAQs

  • add Who needs a visa for Japan?

    All Indian nationals require a visa to enter Japan. Indians must apply for a Japan visa prior to their travel.

  • add When should I apply for visa?

    Applicants should apply as early as possible keeping in mind the average processing time and their intended date of travel. However applicants should not apply for their visa earlier than 45 days from intended date of travel.

  • add Who decides if I will get a visa?

    The Embassy of Japan assesses and decides all visa applications. The VFS Application Centre staff are not employees of the Embassy of Japan and do not have the authority to assess or decide applications.

  • add What is the processing time for visa?

    Under normal circumstances, the visa applications will take a minimum of 3 working days to process. However, it will take longer to complete the process if the Embassy may require further confirmation, such as additional documentation or an interview. This may vary for certain applications and it is at the sole discretion of the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi.

  • add How long will you take to process my Japan Visa application?

    The time taken to process your application can vary depending on:

    • Fulfillment of the requirements of the Japan Immigration;
    • The completeness of your application;
    • Processing time can also depend upon how busy the Japan Embassy is.
  • add How long is the Japan Visa valid for?

    Single-entry visas are only valid for entering Japan on one occasion. The period of validity of the single-entry visa is upto three months. The extension of period of validity of visa is not possible. If a foreign national residing in Japan wish to have his/her period of stay extended while he/she is in Japan, please consult with the regional immigration bureau.

    Multiple-entry visas can be issued to business travelers, etc. The period of validity of these visas is from one to five years, and these visas can be used any number of times during their period of validity.

  • add Do I need to submit original documents?

    Yes. Original documents will be required in order to process your Japan visa application

  • add Will I be called for a personal Interview?

    Sometimes applicants may be requested by the Embassy of Japan for a personal interview. These interviews shall take place at the Embassy of Japan only.

  • add How to apply for a multiple-entry visa? What are the requirements?

    The following is an outline of application procedures for Indian nationals who wish to apply for a multiple entry visa as a temporary visitor (period of stay: max. 90 or 30 days, visa validity: max. 5 years). The visa is for the purpose of tourism, business affairs, and visits to relatives/acquaintances, so it is not permitted to perform activities to undertake revenue generating business operations or activities to receive remuneration. Indian nationals with ordinary MRP (Machine Readable Passport)/ e-passport in compliance with the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standard, who wish to apply for a multiple entry visa and are applicable to one of the following categories.
    (1) Individual who has travel records as temporary visitor to Japan twice or more in the last one year (period of stay: 90 days maximum)
    (2) Individual who has travel record as temporary visitor to Japan in the last three years and has financial capacity to pay the travel expense (period of stay: 30 days maximum)
    (3) Individual who has travel record as temporary visitor to Japan and travel records as temporary visitor to G7 countries (except Japan) in the last three years(period of stay: 30 days maximum)
    (4) Individual with sufficient financial capacity (period of stay: 30 days maximum)
    (5) Spouse or children of the individuals who are mentioned (4) above (period of stay: 30 days maximum)

  • add What is the eligibility if I wish to apply for a multiple entry Business Visa?

    The following is an outline of application procedures for nationals of India who wish to apply for a multiple entry visa for business purpose, and for cultural or intellectual figures (period of stay: 15, 30, or 90 days, visa validity: 1, 3, 5, 10 years). The visa is for the purpose of business affairs for the first visit, but from the second visit it is possible to use as tourist or visiting to relatives/ acquaintances as well. But it is not permitted to perform activities to undertake revenue generating business operations or activities to receive remuneration.

    Eligibility for business visa:

    Applicant with business purpose

    Applicant who is applicable to one of the following categories and his/her spouse or children:
    (1) A regular employee of a public (government) enterprise
    (2) An employee of a private company which is listed on the stock exchange (including Japan and third countries)
    (3) A regular employee of a Japanese-affiliated company which is a member of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and has a management base in Japan
    (4) A regular employee of a joint venture company, a subsidiary company or a branch office of a company which is listed on the stock exchange (including Japan and the third countries)
    (5) A regular employee of a private company with constant business transactions with a Japanese company which is listed on the stock exchange
    (6) A regular employee with a travel record to Japan for business purpose and travel records as temporary visitor to G7 countries (except Japan) in the last three years
    (7) A regular employee with more than three travel records to Japan for business purpose in the last three years

    Applicants for cultural or intellectual figures etc

    Applicant who is applicable to one of the following categories and his/her spouse or children
    (1) An artist (Fine Art, Literary Art, Music, Stage Play, Dance etc.), a specialist in humanities (Literature,
    Law, Economics etc.), or a scientist (Technology, Medicine etc.) who has relevant accomplishments
    (2) A lawyer, certified public accountant, patent attorney, judicial scrivener, notary, medical doctor who has a national or international qualification and actually working as the same position.
    (3) An amateur sports player who has relevant accomplishments
    (4) A full-time professor, assistant professor, or lecturer of a university or a college
    (5) A director or higher post of a national or public research institution or a museum
    (6) A Diet member, government official, local assemblyman, local government official
    Additional Please note that the grant of visa & visa type is completely at the discretion of the Embassy and they may issue a single entry visa after visa examination.

    The period of validity of a single-entry visa (that becomes invalid as soon as once you enter Japan) is basically three months. Enter Japan within three months of the issuance of the visa. If you wish to postpone your travel for longer than three months, you will be required to make another visa application.

  • add I want to postpone my travel. Until when is my visa valid?

    The period of validity of a single-entry visa (that becomes invalid as soon as you enter Japan) is basically three months. Enter Japan within three months of the issuance of the visa. If you wish to postpone your travel for longer than three months, you will be required to make another visa application.

  • add As a “guarantor”, to what extent do I need to be responsible?

    The "guarantor" for the visa application is the person who makes a promise to the head of the embassy / consulate (the Japanese ambassador/ consul-general, etc.) to the effect that the visa applicant will stay legally in Japan. The responsibilities of the guarantor only entails moral responsibilities and does not entail legal responsibilities like that of the "guarantor" in the Civil Code. However, if it is recognized that the guaranteed matters (expenses for the applicant's stay in Japan, return travel expenses, compliance with laws and regulations) have not been performed rightly, that person would lose credibility as a guarantor in subsequent visa applications. However, be aware that if the guarantor or inviting person made a false statement in the documents about their relationship to the visa applicant or the purpose of visit, or if that caused terrorists to enter Japan or crime such as human trafficking, they may be held criminally responsible.

  • add Will I be asked to submit additional documents after submission of my application?

    Sometimes additional information will be required for the assessment process by the Embassy of Japan, and in the process they may request applicants to submit extra documents in addition to the documents indicated in Requirement List. Each applicant has different conditions and circumstances, and sometimes the Embassy of Japan do not become aware of these until the application has been accepted, therefore there are some documents that are not requested to everyone to submit in the beginning.

  • add How will I know the reason incase my visa is refused?

    The reason for the rejection is that your application did not meet the criteria of visa issuance. The Embassy of Japan does not give you the specific reason of the rejection.

  • add Can I apply again if my visa is refused?

    The Embassy of Japan does not accept your visa application if your previous application was rejected and you can only apply for the same purpose of visit after six months from the visa rejection.

  • add What requirements must I meet for a Japan Visa?

    You must show the officer that you meet all the below requirements of the Japan Immigration and that you will be in Japan for a temporary stay. You must also:

    - Satisfy the officer that you will leave Japan at the end of your trip;
    - Show that you have enough money to maintain yourself and your family members in Japan and to return home;
    - Not intend to work or study in Japan unless authorized to do so;
    - Be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity (you may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate);
    - Not be a risk to the security of Japan;
    - Produce any additional documents requested by the officer to establish your admissibility;
    - Be in good health (complete a medical examination, if required);

  • add What is the eligibility criterion for a Japan Visa?
    • One can be granted a Japan Visa if the intention of Visit is genuinely expressed to the officer.
    • Demonstrate sufficiency of funds to stay in Japan for the time of stay.
    • Demonstrate the intention to return home after the mentioned time of stay.
    • No intention to study or work unless or otherwise mentioned.
    • No record of criminal offenses.
    • Be able to provide any other documents upon request.
    • Be healthy at the time of Japan Visa Application.

    Beyond this, you will need to also demonstrate your intended temporary purpose in Japan. Do not forget that you are applying for a temporary document and an officer will wish to see the temporary nature of your stay in all aspects of your application.

  • add What will happen after I submit my Japan Visa application?

    After receiving your complete Japan Visa application, our Visa Experts will perform a complete check based on the Japan Immigration requirements and will then submit the application on your behalf to VFS. Once the Embassy/Consulate has assessed your application they will make a decision and affix a visa counterfoil in your passport or otherwise issue you with a letter explaining why a visa could not be granted.

  • add Do I need to take health/travel insurance?

    You are strongly advised to purchase a health / travel insurance to cover yourself as medical treatment can be very expensive in Japan. Your travel insurance offers protection against unexpected emergencies on international travel such as coverage of medical expenses, flight delay and cancellations, passport and baggage loss or personal accident.  For financial safety and security on your international trip we highly recommend you to purchase travel insurance and avail our special offer.

  • add Can you fill out the application forms for me?

    Yes. Our Visa Experts work with you to collect all the information required for successful completion of your Japan Visa application. How long this takes can depend on factors such as the type of visa you are applying for & how easy it is to collect your information. At our initial consultation we will advise you on the steps to take for you to be in Japan lawfully after which we will guide you throughout your application. We understand that your visa applications may be urgent and we have the capacity to deal with this.

  • add How will you help me with getting my Japan Visa?

    Applying for a Japan Visa through us will be an easy and hassle free process. It is highly advisable to process your visa through us as we will take care of your complete visa process right from getting your documents ready to stamping of your Japan Visa.

  • add What is the easiest way to apply for a Japan Visa?

    The easiest way to apply for a Japan Visa is to contact us. We are experts in the travel and tourism sector with over 40 years of experience. Through our expertise, in-depth knowledge and integrity, we commit to delivering an exceptional experience to our customers each and every time you use our service. In order to help us understand your unique visa needs, please drop in your query and our Expert will get in touch with you.

  • add Are you still having doubts about the Visa process?

    We have you covered across India with presence in all the major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow and many more.

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Simple steps to get a Japan Visa:

Akbar Travels has been a part of more than one million travel dreams. We offer a superior, quick and hassle-free Visa Facilitation service. With a highly professional and dedicated team of Visa Experts, we are here to cater to all your Japan visa application requirements. Read more

Throughout your visa process, you will have a dedicated Visa Expert handling your application.

Here are the steps to apply for a Japan Visa through Akbar Travels:

Step 1: Provide your travel details to our Visa Expert and get all your queries answered.

Step 2: Pay the visa fee and upload your documents online through our secured online document locker to ensure its confidentiality.

Step 3: Our Visa Expert will verify your documents and submit your application to the Embassy.

Step 4: Receive your Visa.

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Basic Requirements to visit Japan

  • Have a valid Passport and valid Japan Visa;
  • Be in good health; Read more
  • Good moral character;
  • Be able to convince the immigration officer that you have your family, property, assets, etc. that would serve as an incentive to come back to your home country;
  • Be able to convince the immigration officer that you will leave the country before your Japan visa expires;
  • Have sufficient funds to support yourself and the amount depends on how long you will stay in Japan and whether you will be staying with family, friends or any paid accommodation.
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Travel Checklist

  • Passport;
  • Valid Japan Visa; Read more
  • Confirmed return Ticket;
  • Contact details of your relative, friends or business contact in Japan;
  • Confirmed hotel bookings (If Any);
  • Japan country Currency and other forms of forex;
  • An unlocked smartphone, preferable with a Sim card from India;
  • Any additional documents required to prove your purpose of visit (especially if you are travelling on a business Visa).
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What to do when you arrive in Japan

  • Keep your Declaration form in hand (provided to you on the flight); Read more
  • Keep all travel documents (passport, valid Japan Visa, return ticket, hotel bookings etc.) ready in case the immigration officer asks to produce any document;
  • If you are an unaccompanied minor, make sure you stay with the flight attendant who is in charge of your safety. Additionally, you must recognise the adult picking you up at the airport. If you have any doubts, you must inform the airline staff immediately.
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Japan country travel guide

Japan is one of the most amazing, beautiful, and friendly countries in the world. From bustling Tokyo and zen-like Kyoto all the way to laid-back Okinawa and wintery Hokkaido, Japan is a high-tech world mixed with the politeness and respect of their past. Read more

Visit Japan to experience a land where cutting-edge modernity coexists with ancient tradition. Tokyo -- Japan’s capital city -- is one of the world’s premier technology hubs. With a population of more than 13 million people, the urban center is a spectacular, shimmering neon-lit metropolis, with a raucous nightlife, delicious food and a vibrant art, theater and music scene. But Japan travel shouldn’t end with Tokyo. The city of Kyoto is a cultural treasure, where one can watch geishas dance in traditional garb before stopping to reflect on the experience at a peaceful Zen rock garden.

Japan is a land of duality, a place that balances tradition with the cutting edge. The bright neon glow of the city signs as you stand next to a 100-year-old shinto shrine. The rolling green farmland whipping by the window as you kick back in a train. When you travel to Japan, you notice that the scales of new and old seem to be constantly balancing each other; the future and past existing next to each other in a beautiful harmony. No other country does a mixture of modern technology and antiquity quite the same way as Japan. In one train ride, a trip to Japan can go from chrome skyscrapers and neon lights, Harajuku fashion, and realistic robots to hot spring onsen, Shinto shrines, and tiny hamlets surrounded in rural beauty of mountains, lakes, and rivers While the image of modern Japan in the West is of large cities and heavy industry, 75% of the country is mountainous forest and the country offers terrain ranging from sub-tropical islands to alpine peaks. The Japanese landscape - the rivers, trees, mountains, natural hot springs - are at the heart of Japanese culture and religion. Japan's Shinto religion worships Kami sacred spirits which have taken the form of things such as rain, trees, mountains, rivers. This belief formed an intrinsic link for the Japanese between their everyday lives and the natural world.

While Shinto lost its status as Japan's official religion after World War II, Japan's mountain peaks are still often crowned with a Shinto shrine, and in the deep valleys of the Kii Peninsula or the mountains of Yamagata mountain priests known as Yamabushi still perform feats of endurance such as praying under cold waterfalls or making a pilgrimage over the lofty peaks. The Japanese people often refer to themselves as an island-nation, and the uniqueness this has contributed to the Japanese people and their culture. Japan today is 99% ethnic Japanese. This homogeneity has been an important factor in the way many of the intricate social customs such as gift-giving have persevered.

Places to visit

Golden Gai

Golden Gai is a maze of tiny, seven-seat bars in the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo. Here you literally rub elbows with ex-pats and locals, and it’s hard not to make friends with the people you’re sitting next to.

Mt. Fuji

Pack some boots, because Mt. Fuji is worth it. Incredible to look at, and incredible to visit, this symbol of Japan is just a train ride out of Tokyo. It’s a great day trip to get you out of the city and back to nature.

Mt. Koya

On Mt. Koya, you can stay with monks, who will treat you like an honored guest. Walk around the ancient graveyard that dominates the top of the mountain with shrines and a temple, and eat some vegetarian monk fare.

Dōtonbori in Osaka

A canal-centric neighbourhood in Osaka famous for its bright neon signs, Dōtonbori is a great place to eat, shop, or simply take in the electric show of the famous Glico sign, seen as a symbol of Osaka

Taito Station

If you’re in Akihabara, Tokyo, and want to play some video games, just look for the big building marked with the Space Invader. Inside Tatio station, you’ll be bombarded with the sights and sounds of five whole floors of gaming madness.

Nara's Bowing Deer

Nara, once the capital of Japan, is now home to Nara Park. Here, the deer there have become so accustomed to people they’ll ask for a “deer-cracker” by bowing to you. Bow back, give the deer a snack, and pet them on the head.

Cities to visit in Japan

Tokyo

Tokyo is the de-facto base for a lot of travelers in Japan, and for good reason. It’s huge, and has a little bit of everything within its city limits. The subway system is extensive, and the city is broken up into 23 wards that are cities unto themselves, almost like the boroughs of New York City. You could spend an entire trip exploring Tokyo and never see everything, even with our travel tips

Hiroshima

Hiroshima means “Broad Island” in Japanese, and is also known as the “City of Peace” after the bombing during World War Two. It may not be as glamorous as other cities, but it has a powerful history. During the yearly ceremony in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, on August 6th, you can witness thousands of prayer lanterns drifting down the Motoyasu River in the evening.

Osaka

Osaka is second in size and scope only to Tokyo, but somehow it feels more personal and welcoming. Visit Amerika-mura and see the miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty that overlooks the fashion shops of Triangle Park, or head to the electric glow of Dōtonbori for food and fun.

Nagoya

Nagoya is the home of the Japanese automotive industry, so if you’re a gearhead you’ll want to check it out. The Toyota Auto Museum houses dozens of vintage cars, which could be a nice break from the history museums found in most other cities. Nagoya also has Osu Shopping Street, a great place to get some good food and, of course, do some shopping.

Kyoto

Kyoto is thought of as the cultural heart of Japan, and is packed with museums, historical buildings, temples, castles and shrines. The world-famous Temple of the Golden Pavilion is found here, along with lush gardens like the one at Shugaku-in Imperial Villa. It’s also the home of Japan’s “Hollywood,” and you can take a walk on the set of an old samurai flick.

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Japan Facts and Figures

Name:
Japan
Location:
Far East
Time:
IST (+) 3 1/2 hours Read more
Capital:
Tokyo
Major cities:
Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo 
Language:
Japanese and English
Area:
377,829 sq kms
Population:
126,451,398
National day:
23 Dec
Currency:
Japanese Yen (JPY) 
Main Airline:
Japan Airlines (JPY)
International Airports:
New Tokyo (Narita City) (TYO)
Kansai (KIX)
Nagoya (NGO)
Fukuoka (FUK)
Osaka (Itami)  
Best time to visit Japan:
March to May and September to November
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Other Japan Visa types

We currently only process Tourist and Business Visas. Kindly contact the Embassy for the following visa applications.

Japan offers many different visas. The best way to avoid spending frustrating hours in government immigration offices is to make sure to apply for the visa that fits your situation best.

1. Temporary visitor´s Visa

Short-term visas allow the holder to spend a maximum of 90 days in Japan for recreational purposes. Any work-related visits require a business visa, regardless of the applicant's country of origin.

2. Japanese work Visas

To live and work in Japan you will need to apply for a work visa. Work visas are issued for specific fields. If you work as a journalist, for example, you will be issued a journalist visa. In all, there are 14 types of work visas. To apply, you will want a Certificate of Eligibility from the company or organization that is sponsoring your move to Japan. While it is technically possible to obtain a work visa with alternative documentation (documents supporting your stated reason for living in Japan, proof of financial means of support), for the sake of convenience and your sanity you should make every effort to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility.

Your employer must submit additional forms to the Immigration Bureau, including a registration form (tokibo tohan), profit-loss report (son-ekai keisansho) and general company information. You will have to provide your CV, degree, and employment contract as part of the application process. Work visas may be issued for lengths from two months to several years.

If you wish to stay in Japan longer than your visa permits you must apply for an extension before it expires. If you fail to do so you will have to leave the country and apply for a new visa at a foreign embassy.

3. Long-Term Visa

A stay of over 90 days for performing paid work (professor, journalist, researcher, engineer, etc.), to study, for training, etc.

4. Working Holiday Visas

The working holiday visa was created to promote cultural exchange among young people. This Japan visa allows a person between 18 and 30 to spend a year living and working part-time in Japan. Likewise, young Japanese are permitted to apply for working holiday visas abroad. You are eligible to apply for a working holiday visa if you are from any of the following countries:

Australia
U.K.
Canada
France
Ireland
Germany
New Zealand

To obtain a working holiday visa you will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself. You will need to submit a CV along with all other required documents. After arriving in Japan, you must register with the embassy of your home country. The Japanese Association for Working Holiday Makers (JAWHM) has more information on the working holiday programme. Note that the working holiday visa only allows you to enter Japan once. If you travel outside Japan during your stay you risk being refused re-entry.

5. Student visas for Japan

If you are studying in Japan for longer than 90 days, your study abroad program or Japanese university should be able to help you obtain a student visa. However, you must apply for your visa at a Japanese consulate or embassy prior to your departure. Requirements are similar to those of the work visa, with the university taking the place of the employer. Students are not allowed to work in Japan (even part-time) unless they get special permission from local immigration officials.

6. Cultural activities visas

Japan offers cultural activities visas to serve foreigners involved in cultural or academic studies not covered by the student visa. Foreigners studying martial arts in Japan, for instance, are eligible for cultural visas. This visa allows you to remain in Japan longer than a tourist visa (up to a year). In order to obtain a cultural visa you will need to submit proof of your cultural activities in addition to the commonly required items.

7. Volunteer visas

Since 2003 and the introduction of the Volunteer Visa Scheme (a bilateral agreement between the United Kingdom and Japan) it is possible for British citizens to volunteer in Japan for up to one year. Recipients of this visa must work for a registered charitable organization providing public services (The Red Cross, for example) and may not receive any payment for their work. Applications can be submitted at the Japanese consulate in London or Edinburgh. Those travelling on volunteer visas may not bring children or spouses with them.