Japan Online Visa for Burmese Citizens
Japan launched a new eVisa for citizens of Canada, the United States, and Taiwan in August 2022. It could be extended to other nationalities, such as Burmese, in the future.
The Japanese eVisa system simplifies the visa application process for eligible travelers. Applicants can apply online and receive their approved visa by email.
For now, travelers from Myanmar need to apply for a Japanese visa at the embassy or consulate. More information about Japanese visas for Myanmar citizens is provided below.
Do Burma Nationals Need a eVisa for Japan?
Yes, Burma nationals need a visa to travel to Japan, even for short stays.
Japan has a visa-exemption system for more than 60 countries, however, Myanmar is not included.
Tourists, business travelers, and other short-stay visits need to get a visa before traveling to Japan.
There are also various visa options for Burmese citizens depending on how long they want to stay in Japan and their purpose for visiting.
Types of Japanese Visas for Burmese
Burmese passport holders will have the option of selecting from several different types of Japan eVisas. Visitors must have the relevant visa for their trip.
There are particular terms and conditions for each type of Japanese visa for Myanmar nationals.
Myanmar Citizens and Short-Term Visa Options for Japan
- Japanese tourist visas are issued for either a single-entry or double-entry, depending on the option you select according to your travel plans. This visa is the one to choose if you intend on visiting Japan for tourism, leisure, short business dealings, or to visit family and friends for less than 90 days.
- Japanese transit visas are for those travelers who are landing in a Japanese port of entry but do not intend on staying. Connecting passengers would select a transit visa.
- Japanese business visas are intended to be used by people who are visiting Japan only for business but who do not intend on staying for more than 90 days. These visas are also available in single or double entries, but different conditions apply. It is recommended to obtain more information about the business visa options from the nearest embassy or consulate to avoid more errors during the application.
Long-Term Visa Options for Japan from Myanmar
If Burmese travelers are planning to stay for longer periods in Japan, then it would be mandatory to apply for one of the following long-term visas. It is advisable to carefully read and obtain information about each of these travel permits since they are meant for various yet very specific purposes.
Another suggestion is to allow enough time to gather all the required documents and to meet the conditions stated by the intended visa. Following are the long-term visa options for Myanmar citizens willing to stay in Japan for more than 90 days in most cases:
- General visa: this travel authorization is available for those Burmese travelers who have met the eligibility requirements stipulated by the government and who plan on staying in Japan for between 90 days and three years.
- Working visa: as its name suggests, this is a visa designed for Burmese citizens who have received an offer of employment and must move to Japan for work. This visa can be obtained by international workers interested in moving to the country or, for instance, by graduate foreign students willing to work in Japan.
- Specific visa: this travel permit is meant for Myanmar passport holders who have **Japanese family members or spouses**. The applicants must also have the proper documentation that verifies their familiar links. The visa is valid for up to five years.
- Diplomatic visa: suited for people who are in Japan doing diplomatic work. The duration of the visa varies.
- Official visa: granted for business, governmental, and other reasons involving international relations. The duration of the visa also varies according to the **applicant’s missions or projects**.
How do Myanmar Nationals Apply for a Japan Online Visa?
The specific documents that each citizen needs to provide are dependent upon the visa that they are applying for. In general, alongside the completed visa application form, each applicant is required to provide a few basic personal details and documents to Japanese authorities.
- Burmese passport with six months remaining validity and two blank passport pages.
- Recent color passport-sized photograph with a white background (digitalized).
- Official government-certified identification to accompany your passport. This can take the form of a birth certificate (or copy) or a driver’s license.
- If the traveler has a spouse, it is necessary to provide a marriage license.
- Copy of your intended itinerary and travel plans for Japan including your proof of onward travel.
- If the traveler is not using a guarantor or sponsor then they must provide proof of financial independence for their time in Japan via recent bank statements and income tax forms.
Many travelers arrive in Japan with the help of a guarantor or sponsor. If this is the case, then each traveler must provide the following supporting documents:
- Guarantee letter that details the relationship between the two parties.
- Proof of the relationship that was detailed.
- Financial records that prove the ability of the guarantor to provide for the traveler throughout the duration of the trip.
These requirements to travel to Japan must be met by any eligible citizen planning to visit the island nation.
Before traveling to Japan, Myanmar residents are advised to stay up to date regarding any changes to the Japanese eVisa system, as well as stay informed regarding tourism in Japan in general.