Emiratis can enter Japan on e-visa

Emiratis who have a new e-passport can pre-register at Japanese diplomatic missions

Emiratis will soon be able to visit Japan for up to 30 days after registering for free online, the Japanese Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced yesterday.

Under the new rules, which come into effect from July 1, Emiratis who have a new e-passport can fill in a simple form and pre-register at Japanese embassies or consulates around the world, free of charge. There, their passport will be registered and returned the next day.

Holders of the newly registered e-passport can then enter Japan as many times as they want during a three-year period or whenever their passport expires — whichever comes first.

The Japanese Embassy stated yesterday that the new rules are “much simplified and accelerated” from the previous visa regime.

Registration can be made without any specific travel plans to Japan — and the process can be done by any person designated by the passport holder such as a relative or driver.

From July 1, entry into Japan will be denied unless the visitor has completed the registration of the e-passport in advance. And in case a visitor granted a certificate of registry has obtained a new e-passport, new registration is required.

However, pre-registration will not be needed for those who already possess valid visas for short-term stay.

Those who wish to stay more than 30 days still need to obtain a conventional visa.

Meanwhile, UAE nationals who possess valid diplomatic or special passports and wish to enter Japan for a period of not more than 90 consecutive days can enter Japan without a visa.