FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions Related to Japanese Visas and the Applicant's Passport

Q1: Can I take my medication into Japan?

A1: In many cases the answer is yes, but you may need permission. Whether permission is needed depends on the kind of medication, if it is classified as narcotics in Japan and the amount you intend to bring etc. Please note that some drugs classified as non-narcotic drugs in Sweden might be classified as narcotic drugs in Japan. Please refer to:

• Importing or Bringing Medication into Japan for Personal Use
• Guidance: Import / Export medicine containing controlled substances

Q2: Do I as a Swedish citizen need a visa to enter Japan as a tourist?

A2: No, you can stay in Japan as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa. For further information see Visa Information for Swedish Passport Holders.

Q3: I have lost my passport and I am supposed to go to Japan for one week from tomorrow on business. I am a Swedish citizen. Can I use a Swedish emergency passport?

A3: Yes, you can use an ordinary emergency passport for travel to Japan. The emergency passport must be valid for the whole period of stay and should preferably be valid for at least six (6) months at the time you enter Japan. (This does not apply to the Swedish emergency passports in the shape of an A4 page which is not valid for traveling to Japan.)

Q4: How long does it take to get my visa issued after I have applied?

A4: An application with a Certificate of Eligibility usually takes 3 to 5 working days (day received not included). If the application is made with supporting documents at least 5 working days are needed. However, if we need to inquire to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan regarding your visa application, it can take a month or even longer. You should always apply well in advance of your planned departure to Japan.

Q5: I want to work in Japan. Can I get a "work visa" at the embassy?

A5: To obtain a visa for work you need first to find an employer in Japan that can be your visa sponsor. The employer will then on your behalf apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at the local immigration bureau in Japan. When you have received your certificate of eligibility you can apply for a visa at the embassy. You cannot apply for a "work visa" without having an employer to sponsor you in Japan.

Q6: Can I apply for a Working Holiday Visa as a Swedish Citizen?

A6: The Agreement Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden Regarding Working Holiday Visas, which was signed on 26 August 2019, will enter into force on 5 March 2020. From 5 March 2020, Working Holiday Visa application is possible for Swedish citizens aged 18 to 30, intending primarily to go to Japan on holiday, in accordance with the detailed instructions. For further information, please see the application instructions on the page Working Holiday Visa.

Citizens of countries that have an agreement about working holiday with Japan need to apply in their home countries for this particular visa.

Q7: I want to follow my partner to Japan for a long term stay. How can I obtain a visa?

A7: You can apply for a Dependant Visa if you are married. If you are not married, then you cannot apply for a Dependant Visa. The visa status of your spouse also determines if you can apply for this visa, so please contact the visa section for further information.

Q8: On my one year visa it says "date of expiry 03 JAN 17", but I will go to Japan on January 22, 2016, and my school in Japan ends January 15, 2017. What should I do? Isn't there something wrong with my visa?

A8: The time period "Date of issue" to "Date of expiry" is the time period when you can use the visa for entry into japan. You must enter Japan before the date of expiry to be allowed entry.

Upon arriving in Japan the time period stated at "For stay(s) of" will start, and you can stay for as long as it says.

NOTE: If you have applied for a visa with a Certificate of Eligibility, you are required to enter Japan within three (3) months of the issue date on the certificate, regardless of the expiry date on your visa.

Q9: Where can I find information about extending my stay in Japan?

A9: We refer you to the Immigration Bureau of Japan. Please be informed that the Embassy of Japan does not handle questions regarding extending your stay.

Q10: How long does my passport need to be valid for when travelling to Japan?

A10: If you have an ordinary passport, then you can travel to Japan as long as your passport is valid through the whole visit.

Q11: I am a foreign citizen living in Sweden with a permanent residence permit. Do I need to apply for a visa to go to Japan?

A11: This depends on your nationality, since the residence permit in Sweden only means that you are allowed to apply for the visa in Sweden. Please refer to the list Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay) on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Q12: I have a Swedish Resedokument or Främlingspass. Do I need a visa?

A12: For the purpose of applying for a visa to Japan, a Resedokument counts as your own national passport. (For example: A Syrian national with Swedish Resedokument will follow the same application procedure as someone with an ordinary Syrian passport.)

The Swedish Främlingspass is not recognized as a valid travel document (passport) by Japan, and therefore you will have to apply for a Japanese Travel Document as well as a visa to be able to enter Japan. (This process takes a lot of time and as a rule is not available unless you have an inviter in Japan. Contact the visa section for more information.)