Japan visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Kenyans visiting Japan

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Japanese Visa.

  • Valid national passport which has a validity of 180 days from the period of exiting the country. The passport should have two blank pages for necessary stamps.
  • Duly completed visa application form which is signed by the applicant.
  • Two passport-sized photographs which is taken with a white background. The passport should not be older than 3 months old.
  • Bank statement from the last three months prior to visa application with a positive closing balance. This shows that you can take of yourself during your time in the country.
  • Valid travel insurance which covers the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Return flight ticket.
  • Proof of civil status.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Japan Visa for Kenyans

Facts about Japan

Japan is an island nation which features dense cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and a plethora of shrines and temples. Tokyo, which is the capital is a popular destination for skyscrapers, shopping, and pop culture. Other popular tourist sites in the country are Onsen – a hot spring resort which features mineral baths, ski resorts such as Niseko in Hokkaido, Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and Himeji Castle. Shops in Japan are famous for having the latest fashion trends, kimono gowns, and electronics. Sumo-wrestling, Kabuki theater productions, and karaoke bars are the forms of entertainment which tourists can pass time with. Child tourists in the country look forward to visiting Tokyo Tower which is considered Tokyo Disneyland.
 
The 21 World Heritage Sites make Japan one of the most visited countries in the world. Since 2011, the number of foreigners visiting the country has steadily been on the rise, a total number of 28.69 million foreigners visited Japan in 2017. The Japanese government hopes to receive 40 million foreign tourists every year by 2020.
 
Foreigners should desist from engaging in drug-related crimes as there are sophisticated methods of detecting drugs in Japan. Huge fines and lengthy sentences are handed out to anyone caught in the act.

Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI will land you in jail for up to 5 years and attracts a $10,000 fine.

Types of Japan Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 4 - 5 working days 90 days
Business visa 4 - 5 working days 90 days

General Requirements for Japan Visa

  • Valid national passport which has a validity of 180 days from the period of exiting the country. The passport should have two blank pages for necessary stamps.
  • Duly completed visa application form which is signed by the applicant.
  • Two passport-sized photographs which is taken with a white background. The passport should not be older than 3 months old.
  • Bank statement from the last three months prior to visa application with a positive closing balance. This shows that you can take of yourself during your time in the country.
  • Valid travel insurance which covers the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Return flight ticket.
  • Proof of civil status.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Japan Tourist visa Japan Business visa

Japan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The tourist visa allows foreigners to visit Japan for the purpose of sightseeing, relaxation and recreation purposes.
  • Kenyans who intend to visit friends and relatives in the country can do so using this visa.
  • Foreigners who intend to visi friends and relatives in the country should provide an official letter of invitation from their host. The letter should contain the home address and telephone number of the host.
  • If your host will be responsible for your expenses during your stay in Japan, a certificate of income or taxation from your host should be provided.
  • Your host's certificate of residence is also required.
  • You are required to provide a letter from your employer stating the awareness and allowance of your leave. The duration of your leave and your job position should be clearly stated in the letter provided.
  • If your host in Japan is a foreign national, a copy of both sides of the valid residence card, a certificate of residence, and a copy of his/her passport (including the pages of status items, records of entry/departure and permission of residence).
  • Applicants of this visa are not permitted to receive payments for the services they render during their time in the country.
  • Be careful not to overstay the validity of your visa as this can land you in hot water with the authorities.
  • You are required to present a document to prove kinship with your host in the country. The documents to be presented may include birth certificate, marriage certificate, certified copy of family register, photos, letters, e-mails etc.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the original copy of your birth certificate is required.
  • The visa is valid for 90 days and it cannot be extended.

Japan Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Kenyans who are traveling to Japan to engage in business activities are the eligible applicants of this visa.
  • Foreigners visiting the country on this visa may sign and negotiate business contracts with their partner companies in the country.
  • Holders of this visa may intend to attend conferences, business summits, and trade fairs during their time in Japan.
  • An official invitation letter from the company you are visiting in the country should be provided. The letter should contain the duration and purpose of your stay in the country.
  • A signed letter from your employer in Kenya stating that he/she is aware of your business leave. Your status in the company and how long you have been employed should be clearly stated in the letter.
  • The certificate of business registration of the company you are visiting should be provided.
  • If your expenses during your time in the country are going to be covered by your employer, it should be stated in the letter by the company you are meeting with.
  • Applicants of this visa are not allowed to receive payment for the services they render while they are in the country.
  • Non-Kenyans should ensure they provide the original copy of their residence permit.
  • An extension to this visa will not be granted after the expiry of its validity.

Japan Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

6000.00 (JPY)

Business visa

6000.00 (JPY)

Japan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Kenya

Location

Address

Nairobi

Mara Road, Upper hill, Nairobi, Kenya.

https://ww.ke.emb-japan.go.jp

+254 20 289 8000

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I avoid in Japan??

If you are planning a trip to Japan, avoid breaking the rules of chopstick etiquette, don’t ignore the queuing system, don’t blow your nose in public, and don’t leave a tip.

If my application is rejected, is my visa fee refundable??
No, the fee paid for visa application is non-refundable.
How much is the tourist visa in Japan??
The single-entry visa is 3,000 yen while the multiple-entry visa is 6,000 yen.
Is Japan safe to visit??
Yes, Japan is relatively safe, the only fear is the risk of natural disaster.
Is Japan visa free for Kenyans??

No, Kenyans require a visa to visit Japan.

Is there an online application to be filled and submitted for Japan visa or should the appcant come in person to the embassy in Nairobi to submit the application along with the required documents? Please share the process. Thank you Naureen?
Must one be related to the person sponsoring their trip to Japan.??