Japan is a popular destination for travelers and professionals.
It is known for its rich culture, technological advancements, and stunning landscapes.
If you’re a Pakistani citizen dreaming of exploring Japan for tourism, work, or business purposes, you’ll need to navigate the Japan visa application process.
This detailed article will walk you through the Japan visa requirements, application procedure, fees, and essential information to make your journey to Japan a reality.
Types of Japan Visas for Pakistani Citizens
Before looking into the application process, it’s crucial to understand the various types of Japanese visas available to Pakistani citizens:
Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor Visa)
Ideal for travelers exploring Japan for leisure, tourism, or visit friends and family.
Work Visa
If you intend to work in Japan, a work visa is necessary. The category includes skilled labor visas, specified skilled worker visas, and intra-company transfer visas.
Business Visa
Designed for individuals engaged in business activities like meetings, negotiations, and market research.
Student Visa
Required for Pakistani students planning to study in Japan at a recognized institution.
Spouse or Family Visa
Applicable for spouses and dependents of individuals residing or working in Japan.
Japan Visa for Pakistan – A Step-by-Step Guide
Pakistani nationals planning to visit Japan must obtain a tourist visa. Currently, the application process involves submitting the necessary documents at the Japanese Embassy in either Karachi or Islamabad.
Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to the Japan visa requirements for Pakistani citizens, simplifying the application process for your convenience.
Tourist eVisa Japan
Japanese immigration authorities have introduced the Tourist eVisa Japan, making the application process more straightforward and eliminating the need to visit an embassy.
It is currently available to citizens of Canada, the United States, and Taiwan, with plans to extend it to other nationalities.
Japan Visa Requirements for Pakistani Passport Holders
Requirements for Pakistani nationals seeking to explore Tokyo, Osaka, or other Japanese cities are relatively straightforward, and organized into various categories based on the traveler’s circumstances:
Identification Documents Required
- Original valid passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages and at least 8 months of validity.
- All previous passports, even if expired.
- Original national identification card (CNIC) with a photocopy.
- B-Form photocopy for minors applying for a Japanese visa from Pakistan.
Forms Required
- A signed visa application form for a Japan visa was provided by the Japanese embassy.
- For minor applicants, both parents must sign the visa form and supporting forms, along with the minor’s signature or thumbprint as it appears on the child’s passport.
Photographs Required
- Four recent 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm full-colour borderless photographs with a white background.
- The applicant’s face must be visible, and the photos must be no older than 3 months.
- Photos may have a matte or semi-matte finish.
Travel Documents Required
- Hotel booking (usually no advance payment required; modifications can be made later).
- Return air ticket booking (temporary reservations held for 24-48 hours are acceptable).
- Travel itinerary downloaded from the Japanese embassy website specifies your day-by-day plans and accommodations.
Financial Documents Required
- Printed original personal bank account statement for the last 6 months.
- The statement must display the bank’s name, telephone number, the applicant’s full name, and account number. It should be printed on bank letterhead, signed, and stamped.
- Financial records should cover expenses such as ticket prices, hotel bookings, and daily expenses. A minimum closing balance of approximately PKR 300,000 per person traveling from Pakistan to Japan is recommended. Sudden deposits to meet this balance just before application are discouraged. Bank statements should be less than 7 days old before submission.
Employment Documents
Employed Pakistani Nationals
A signed letter from your employer confirming your occupation, position, NIC number, salary, and duration of employment.
A signed “No objection” certificate or leave permit letter from your employer, specifying approved vacation dates and consent for your temporary absence from the country. This document should be printed on company letterhead and indicate the authorized leave period.
Original salary slips from the past 3 months.
Personal income tax returns for the last 3 assessment years or tax deduction certificates.
Copy of your visiting or business card and employee ID card.
Self-Employed Pakistani Nationals
- Personal income tax returns for the last 3 years.
- Company income tax returns for the last 3 years if filed separately from personal taxes.
- Original company bank account statement for the last 6 months, displaying the bank’s name, telephone number, full name, and account number. It should be printed on bank letterhead, signed, and stamped.
- Company Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable).
- Proof of proprietorship or partnership.
- Chamber of Commerce Certificate (if applicable).
Retired Pakistani Citizens
- Photocopy of retirement order or relieving letter.
- Photocopy of discharge book (if applicable).
- Photocopy of pension book (if applicable).
Families Traveling Together to Japan
- Official Family Registration Certificate.
- Marriage Registration Certificate.
How to Apply for a Japan Visa From Pakistan
Applying for a Japanese visa in Pakistan involves gathering the necessary documents mentioned above and submitting them at the Japanese Embassy in Karachi or Islamabad. Here’s a step-by-step process:
Gather the appropriate documents for your situation, including originals, photocopies, and photographs.
If traveling with family, one applicant may submit individual documents on behalf of the entire group.
In exceptional cases, an application interview may be required, though this is uncommon.
If the electronic visa becomes available for Pakistani passport holders, the application process will become simpler. Travelers will complete an online application, upload supporting documents, and pay fees online.
- Approved eVisas will be delivered via email.
- Japanese Embassies in Pakistan
Japanese Embassy in Karachi, Pakistan
Address: 6/2 Civil Lines, Abdullah Haroon Road, Karachi, 75530.
Phone: 0213-5220800.
Japanese Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan
Address: 53-70, Ramna 5/4, Diplomatic Enclave 1, Islamabad 44000.
Phone: 051-9072500.
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 12 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Document submission is only open in the morning, so ensure you arrive before noon.
Additional Information on Japanese Visa for Pakistani Citizens. Please note that if your Japan visa application is rejected, the embassy typically does not provide a reason. In such cases, you may reapply after a waiting period of 6 months.
If you need any assistance regarding your visa application, Trek Law offers legal and immigration services. They help people move to countries like Estonia, Germany, Austria, and others.
If you’re a Pakistani looking to work abroad, Trek Law can assist with visas and permits, making the process easier. They provide guidance and ensure you follow the rules. Trek Law is a reliable choice for smoother international immigration.
Japan, with its unique culture and customs, offers a diverse and enriching experience for travelers. It’s advisable to acquaint yourself with Japanese culture and etiquette before your visit.
Remember that visa requirements and processes can change, so it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information on the official website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in Pakistan before applying.