Updated Japan Visa Process for Dubai Residents: What You Need to Know

Beginning on August 1, the management of the  Japan visa process for persons residing in Dubai going to Japan will be handled by VFS Global. This change applies to short and long-term paper visas, and the e-visa service will restart its services in September. Before, people getting a visa had to schedule an appointment with the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai, but hopefully, it should be easier now. VFS Global operates a processing period of about eight working days beginning from the day of application.

The widely known e-visas that were disrupted in April will be processed by VFS Global from September. Tourists will still be required to make an appointment, and while it will still not be a free-for-all like some thought, it will be easier than before to get an appointment. Other services that will still be conducted through the consulate include diplomatic and official visas. This will also be possible through VFS Global application centers that will be established in Abu Dhabi, providing easier opportunities to apply.

The costs of a short-term travel visa to Japan also depend on nationality. Currently, many nationalities, especially from the United Kingdom, United States of America, and Russia, are not required to pay any fee when they visit Japan from Dubai. Indian nationals pay Dhs20 for single and multiple visit visas. For other countries, normal charges are Dhs80 per single visit and Dhs160 for multiple visits. All applicants will be required to pay a processing fee of Dhs100 if they decide to apply via VFS Global.

Tourism to Japan continues to attract the attention of UAE citizens and tourists, particularly to Osaka and Tokyo. In 2023, Osaka experienced a 305% increase in searches from the UAE, and Tokyo saw a 250% increase. Emirates and Etihad airlines have direct flights to both cities; current average rates for direct return flights stand at about Dhs4,600. There are cheaper connecting flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

These changes should make it easier for people living in Dubai to apply for Japanese visas and increase the efficiency of the visa application process for traveling to this attractive country.