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) 2297 888236 (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
Attention: Chinese nationals applying in Greece can be granted a maximum stay period of 30 days only for a single entry visa, for some kind of purposes, such as tourism.

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, electronic form, original paper or copy is accepted.)
      ※An electronic form must be submitted printed. A copy must be submitted front and back page.
  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. 
Greek 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 accaptable (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).

(1) Visit Japan Web: Arrival procedures (immigration, customs) and "tax-free shopping service"
     https://www.digital.go.jp/en/services/visit_japan_web-en 

(2) Travel insurance (YouTube video)
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lleQbd0yXmw
 
(3) Animal/Plant Quarantine and Inspection of Animal/Plant Products
      https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/product/import.html
 
(4) Animal and Plant Quarantine Notice for Import -  “When entering Japan, we may look inside your luggage to check for meat products. 
      https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/topix/attach/pdf/pamphlet-33.pdf

(5) Leaflet for travellers to Japan - “You must not bring any meat products, vegetables or fruits into Japan.”
     https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/topix/pdf/this-is-a-message-to-you-EN.pdf
 
(6) A Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals
      https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/index.html

(7) Foreign national coexistence policies

(8) Guide for when you are feeling ill
      https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html

(9) Information on Local call centers
      https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_33166.html


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