VISA

1. Activities without remuneration and shot-term stay (less than 90 days)
    Example: company missions, business meetings, acquaintance/relative visits, tourism etc.
 
   A. Greeks and other foreign nationals with a so-called “ short-term visa exemption” as on the LIST HERE do NOT need to obtain a visa.
 
   B. Foreign nationals NOT on the LIST HERE for a so-called “short-term visa exemption”, MUST obtain a visa to enter Japan.
Foreign nationals not on the LIST are kindly asked to prepare all necessary documents beforehand and contact the Consular Section to arrange appointments for application and delivery. 
Alternatively,
    -Call the Japan VISA Information Hotline
                   Tel. (＋30) 215-7779826 (24h/ 7 days a week, English),
     which includes guidance of required documents,
    -Click here for required documents depending on your nationality:
    ・China ・Russia ・CIS countries, Georgia ・Philippines ・Vietnam ・Other nationalities
    or
    -Visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for further information:      https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
 

2. Activities with remuneration or long-term stay (more than 90 days)
    Example: employment, long-term residency, long-term studies etc.
 
ALL foreign nationals should obtain a “Certificate of Eligibility” prior to a visa application at the Embassy. The “Certificate of Eligibility” can be applied through a proxy/company/organization based in Japan at  the local Immigration Bureau (Ministry of Justice) of the proxy residence/company base etc.
Remark: Applications for a “Certificate of Eligibility” CANNOT be accepted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassies/Consulates.
 
Required application documents:
  1. Visa application form (filled through)
  2. One photo (45mm×35mm)
  3. Valid Passport
  4. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)　
  5. Resident permit issued by the Greek Government (※Non-Greek nationals only)

Time needed for issuance   Approximately one week is needed for the examination of the application and issuance of a visa, with a full set of documents submitted. However, the processing period may vary depending on each case, e.g. the applicant may be required to submit additional documents, extra time may be needed for a decision etc. Therefore, kindly book and apply well in advance prior to your scheduled journey. 
Appointments   All applicants are kindly asked to prepare all necessary documents beforehand and contact the Consular Section to arrange appointments for application and delivery. 
Geek stay permit   Most of non-EU nationals must hold a valid Greek stay permit to apply for a visa.
Nationals of Russia and NIS countries   Nationals of Russia and NIS countries are required to submit visa application IN DOUBLE (TWO (2) froms) and TWO (2) photos.
Applying with authorization    Find here the details of an APPLICATION (and/or delivery) BY PROXY with a LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION.
In case the proxy presents a Greek ID card, ONLY a physical hard copy is accaptabler (Greek digital ID cards are NOT acceptable).
Visa fees    Visa fees depend on nationality and visa type. See here the Visa Fees List. Visa fees must be paid IN CASH only (cheques or credit/debit cards are NOT acceptable).

As of 12^th January 2023, temporary measures apply to all travellers from China. Click HERE for details.
       As of 7^th September 2022 all travellers with a COVID-19 booster vaccination shot are allowed to enter Japan with a valid vaccination certificate. Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen etc. are acceptable, but a combination with a recovery certificates is NOT acceptable.

Travellers WITHOUT an appropriate vaccination certificate MUST present an appropriate negative result certificate of a COVID-19 test conducted within 72h prior to departure. The use of the format HERE is strongly recommended, to avoid boarding or border control issues.

All travellers are also recommended to use the FAST TRACK through login and registration to “Visit Japan Web” (NOT obligatory). Travellers can conduct the border control, toll declarations and, as of 1^st November 2022, the COVID-19 related FAST TRACK through “Visit Japan Web” prior to arrival to Japan. (The border control applies to new entries of foreign nationals only and not to Japanese nationals or re-entries of foreign nationals.)

 
LATEST JAPANESE BORDER MEASURES

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html

Requirements of a valid vaccination certificate
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_vaccine.html

Visit Japan Web
https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/
The FAST TRACK is included here.

For Visitors: Notices on the Use of Mask in Japan

Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel
 
Border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
　　      　
Measures for Resuming Cross Border Travel

(1) For visitors: On the travel insurance to Japan (YouTube video)
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lleQbd0yXmw
 
(2) Animal/Plant Quarantine and Inspection of Animal/Plant Products
      https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/product/import.html
 
(3) Useful tools for foreign travelers in case of disaster
      https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001471576.pdf
 
(4) A Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals
      https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/index.html

(5) Foreign national coexistence policies



Consular Section
Embassy of Japan in Greece
Ethnikis Antistaseos 46, 152 31 Halandri
Tel: 210 670 9910 /11
Monday-Friday, 09.00-16.00, except holidays
consular@at.mofa.go.jp