Japanese Online Visa for Canadian Citizens

The Japanese government has now launched an eVisa for Japan for Canadian citizens, making it easier to obtain a Japanese visa from Canada. Originally intended to launch in March 2020, the implementation was postponed due to coronavirus restrictions.

However, the Japan eVisa finally went live on August 18, 2022, and is now available for Canadian citizens. The simplified online system allows Canadians to submit a Japan visa application and upload supporting documents online in just a few minutes.

This page outlines the requirements to apply for a Japan eVisa for citizens of Canada, and the steps they need to take to obtain their travel permit for the country.

Do Canadians Need an eVisa for Japan?

Yes, at present all foreign citizens need a visa for Japan, as Japanese visa exemptions are currently suspended. Canadians currently need a visa for Japan no matter the intended length of stay or purpose of travel.

Citizens of Canada are able to apply for a single entry eVisa for Japan for a stay of up to 90 days in the country.

To visit Japan for longer consecutive periods of time, or for purposes such as to work or study, It is necessary to apply for one of the other types of visa for Japan in person at a Japanese embassy or consulate in Canada.

Types of Japanese Tourist Visa for Canadians

An online visa for Japan for Canadians may be issued for purposes of:

At present, it is necessary for Canadian tourists applying for the eVisa to be traveling as part of an organized tour group to Japan. Business travelers also need to have a receiving organization (e.g. an inviting Japanese company).

Those planning to visit relatives with the eVisa must have an invitation from their family in Japan to do so, as well as proof of kinship. At present, it is not possible to visit friends or acquaintances in Japan with the online visa.

Japan eVisa Requirements for Canadian Passport Holder

To apply for the eVisa, you should first ensure you meet the online Japan visa requirements for Canadian citizens.

All applicants are required to have:

Canadians applying for the business or tourist eVisa for Japan are also required to supply a certificate of registration to ERFS (the Entrants, Returning Follow-up System for Japan). This is supplied to the applicant by their receiving organization in Japan (tour operator or business).

Applicants may be required to submit additional documents upon request in some cases in order to finalize their application.

Requirements for Specific Japan eVisa Applications from Canada

Those applying for the eVisa to visit relatives must submit an invitation letter and a document such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate to prove kinship.

However, if the eVisa is for the spouse or child of a Japanese national, or permanent or long-term resident, only the kinship document is required.

Those applying for a Japan eVisa from Canada on behalf of a minor are required to supply a parental consent form.

Finally, if the application is submitted by a third party instead of the applicant, a letter of attorney must be supplied, authorizing the proxy to apply on the traveler’s behalf.

Application by proxy is only permitted if the applicant is having difficulty applying for an eVisa by themselves and/or the proxy needs to help the applicant to display their Visa Issuance Notice at the airport when checking in.

How to Apply for the Japanese eVisa from Canada

Travelers can obtain their eVisa for Japan from Canada in just a few simple steps:

The traveler is required to use their approved eVisa Issuance Notice document to gain entry to Japan. It must be presented on a digital device to airline staff to board a flight to Japan, alongside the same passport used to complete the online visa application.

Please note that a PDF copy or a screenshot of the Visa Issuance Notice page will not be accepted as evidence of visa validity. The original digital document must be displayed on the traveler's phone screen.

The standard processing time for a Japan eVisa from Canada is 5 business days. As a result, applicants should submit the request at least 5 days before the intended travel dates to ensure adequate time for processing and approval before their trip.