The information shown below is copied from Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since the details will change from time to time, we suggest participants search for the most recent policy before making visa application.
Any foreign visitor who wishes to enter Japan must have a passport, which will
remain valid during the period of stay. In order to enter Japan, visitors
usually must comply with the conditions of their visas and authorizations of
resident eligibility. However, visa exemptions can be made for citizens of
sixty-six different countries provided that their stays are within ninety
days such as with stays for sightseeing purposes and that they do not engage
in activities where they earn compensation. This page provides information
on short stays. Revisions in visa conditions are made periodically.
Therefore, please check the “Visa” section in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Japan website if the latest and detailed information on standard
visas or visas other than for those for short stay programs is needed.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
On Short Stays – Countries and regions that do not require visas
The following is a list of nationals of countries that have “Reciprocal Visa
Exemption Arrangements” with Japan:
For a period of 90 days or less
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria(*7), Bahamas, Barbados(*6), Belgium,
Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany(*7), Greece, Guatemala, Honduras,
Hong Kong(*3), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland(*7), Israel, Italy, Latvia,
Lesotho(*6), Liechtenstein(*7), Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao(*4),
Malaysia(*1), Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino,
Serbia(*2), Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Surinam, Sweden,
Switzerland(*7), Taiwan(*5), Tunisia, Turkey(*6), United Kingdom(*7), United
States and Uruguay
For a period of 15 days or less
Thailand(*2) and Brunei
(*1) For nationals of Malaysia (since July 1, 2013), visas are not required
only for holders of ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who
do not hold such ePassport are advised to obtain a visa in advance,
otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.
(*2) For nationals of Thailand (since July 1, 2013) and Serbia (since May 1,
2013), visas are not required only for holders of ePassport in compliance
with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
(*3) For citizens of Hong Kong, visas are not required only for holders of
Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport issued by the Hong Kong SAR of
the People’s Republic of China or British National Overseas (BNO) passports
who have the right of residence in Hong Kong.
(*4) For citizens of Macao, visas are not required only for holders of SAR
passport issued by the Macao SAR of the People’s Republic of China.
(*5) For citizens of Taiwan, visas are not required only for holders of
Taiwan passport which includes a personal identification number.
(*6) For nationals of Barbados (since April 1, 2010), Turkey (since April 1,
2011) and Lesotho (since April 1, 2010), visas are not required only for
holders of Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or ePassport in compliance with
ICAO standards. Those who do not hold an MRP or ePassport are advised to
obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly examined and may be
refused entry to Japan.
(*7) For nationals of those countries with visa exemptions permitting stays
of up to 6 months under the bilateral visa exemption arrangements, those who
wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an
extension of the period of stay to the Ministry of Justice (Regional
Immigration Bureau) before the period of permitted stay is to expire.
(*8) Nationals of Peru (since July 15, 1995) and Colombia (since February 1,
2004), are advised to obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly
examined and may be refused entry to Japan.
A “Temporary Visitor’s Visa” is usually required as permission to stay in
Japan for a period of up to 90 days for non-remunerative activities such as
sightseeing, participating in amateur sports, visiting relatives, taking
inspection tours, participating in lectures or research, attending
conferences, making business contacts or other similar activities.
Needless to say, the “Temporary Visitor’s Visa” cannot be used for any
remunerative purposes, which involve profit making or payment acceptance
within Japan by the visitor.
Countries that require visas
Nationals of countries that do not have “Reciprocal Visa Exemption
Arrangements” with Japan must obtain a visa. Please see the information
below if you are a visitor from a country that does not fall under the
sixty-six countries with the visa exemption programs above.
China http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/topics/china.html
Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/russia_nis.html
Philippines:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/philippine.html
Other nationalities (if a visa is necessary)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/other_visa.html
To apply for a visa, please check the following link:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/pdfs/procedure.pdf
!! The conference is not authorized to assist with the VISA process beyond
providing the Notification of Acceptance Letter and Invitation Letter (after
registration) issued by the conference group.
Should your application be denied, the conference cannot change the decision
of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor will the conference engage in
discussion or correspondence with the MOFA or the Embassy of Vietnam on
behalf of the applicant. The registration fee cannot be refunded when the
VISA application of individual being denied.