Starting today, August 1, 2024, UAE foreign residents are required to apply for a Japan visa via VFS Global, as the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai has entrusted the company with facilitating the visa application process.
The Consulate will no longer accept visa applications directly from UAE applicants and all visa requests need to be made to VFS Global, VisaGuide.World reports.
VFS Global has already launched two visa application centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and is accepting applications for Japan visas.
According to VFS Global, the centres will accept the submission of documents for short-term and long-term visas to Japan with a prior appointment. The appointments are made online and are free of charge.
These centres will play a crucial role in effectively catering to the growing demand for travel to Japan, one of the most popular destinations in the world.
UAE Passport Holders Are Exempt From Visa Requirements for Short Stays
While foreign nationals whose country of nationality does not have a visa facilitation agreement with Japan need to obtain a visa before entering the country, the case is not the same for UAE passport holders.
UAE nationals are exempt from the visa requirement when traveling to Japan, provided that their stay is no longer than 30 days. Meanwhile, those who plan to stay in Japan for more than 30 days must obtain a long-term visa.
When applying for a long-term visa, such as for employment or residence in Japan, the representative in Japan must obtain a “Certificate of Qualification” in advance, and the visa applicant must submit the original Certificate to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General.
It gives me great pleasure to announce the opening of the VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centre here in Dubai. The Government of Japan has set a target to increase the number of foreign visitors to Japan to 60 million by 2030. In recent years, partly due to the yen depreciation, the number of visitors to Japan has continued to increase, with more than three million foreigners visiting Japan each month since March this year.
Japan Restarts E-Visas for Dubai Residents
Moreover, UAE-based travelers eligible for e-visas to Japan will be able to apply for them from September 1, 2024, through VFS Global. Applications can be made at Wafi Mall, Dubai, and The Mall, Abu Dhabi branches.
The launch of the e-visa was a resounding success among residents, contributing to making Japan one of the most sought-after Asian destinations.