Japan visa requirements for Rwandans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Rwandans visiting Japan

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

  • A filled Japanese visa application form.
  • A valid and properly signed national passport with at least one blank page.
  • One 45mmx45mm passport-sized photo.
  • A document indicating your purpose of visit. 
  • A document showing the applicant's legal status e.g. National I.D. card.
  • A proof of family ties such as a birth or marriage certificate.
  • A proof of financial stability for the duration of stay in the country.  
  • A proof of confirmed accommodation provision in Japan.
  • A detailed flight itinerary of the trip for the duration of stay.
  • A proof of confirmed repatriation after intended stay in the country. 
  • Documents must be written in either Japanese or English.

Japan Visa for Rwandans

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.

Types of Japan Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 6-7 days 3-4 months
Business visa 6-7 days 3-4 months
Work visa 4-15 working days 1-3 years
Student visa 4-15 working days 3-4 years
Transit visa 4-7 days 24 hours-3 days

General Requirements for Japan Visa

  • A filled Japanese visa application form.
  • A valid and properly signed national passport with at least one blank page.
  • One 45mmx45mm passport-sized photo.
  • A document indicating your purpose of visit. 
  • A document showing the applicant's legal status e.g. National I.D. card.
  • A proof of family ties such as a birth or marriage certificate.
  • A proof of financial stability for the duration of stay in the country.  
  • A proof of confirmed accommodation provision in Japan.
  • A detailed flight itinerary of the trip for the duration of stay.
  • A proof of confirmed repatriation after intended stay in the country. 
  • Documents must be written in either Japanese or English.
Japan Tourist visa Japan Business visa Japan Work visa Japan Student visa Japan Transit visa

Japan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to applicants who intend to visit Japan for leisure and tourism.
  • Applicants of this visa are issued the Short-stay visa which is valid for 3-4 months from the application date.
  • The short-stay visa allows tourist do activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends, or attending conferences or courses.
  • The visa application form should be printed out, filled and signed by the applicant. 
  • Applicants are required to pay the required visa application fee and the receipt must be kept carefully.
  • The application form should be filled with a black pen. 
  • These information are very important and should be followed when submitting a passport:
    •         An original Rwanda passport is required.
    •         It should be signed by the bearer.
    •         It has to be valid for  at least 6 months from the application date.
    •         One 45mmx45mm passport-sized photo should be submitted along with the passport.
    •         The photo should have a white background. 
    •         The photo must match all other photos in the submitted documents.
    •         The applicant's name should be written at the back of the photo.  
  • Applicants are to submit a copy of their bank statement that dates back to at least 3 months to prove their financial stability. 
  • Applicants are advised to have at least $5000 or its equivalent in their country's currency.
  • A detailed record of your trip should be submitted along with all other documents.  
  • This visa does not allow applicants take up paid employment in Japan.
  • Applicants are to provide a copy of their round-trip ticket.  

Japan Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to applicants who want to visit Japan for business purposes.
  • Applicants of this visa are also issued the Short-stay visa into Japan.  
  • The business visa allows a stay of up to 90 days which can be issued for either a single or double-entry visa. Business activities applicants can carry out or participate in include conferences, meetings, signing contracts, and market surveys.
  • In the case where applicants have a host company inviting them, there should be a letter of invitation by the company stating the applicant's name and purpose of visit in Japan.
  • There should also be a business letter from your company of employment in Rwanda stating your purpose of visit to Japan.  
  • There should be proof of financial support  for the applicant from the host or home company.
  • For both invited applicants and those going to Japan by themselves, an original bank statement dating back to 6 months should be provided to prove that the individuals would be catered for throughout the duration of stay in Japan.   
  • Applicants are to submit an Income Tax certificate alongside other important documents.  
  • A certificate of employment from a company in your residing country should be provided in the case where you don't have a sponsor or a host.
  • A certificate of ownership of a business from your residing country is required if you are a business owner coming to Japan for the earlier mentioned purposes.
  • Note that business travelers can also be issued multiple entry visas valid for unlimited entries within 1–5 years upon request. 

Japan Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to people hoping to find employment in Japan.
  • The application for this visa requires the cooperation of the company that will be employing the applicant.
  • Applicants are to fill a visa application form from the embassy and present a valid passport.
  • The company of employment serves as the sponsor for the applicant. Hence, the company is required to present a letter stating the applicant's intending position and expected salary to be paid.
  • The company is also expected to ensure that the applicant is issued a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) as this is a vital part of the application process. 
  • The COE is issued by the immigration bureau under the jurisdiction of the Japan ministry of justice. A photocopy of the certificate is to be carried along with the original. 
  • Work visas are normally issued to be valid for the period of 1-3 years.   
  • Applicants are required to take their letter of employment and work contract to the embassy for application.
  • For work applicants, a CV containing proof of previous work experience should be submitted along with the contract letter.
  • Applicants are to also get a residence and work permit.
  • A Specified Skills visa has been newly introduced to foreigners coming to Japan for work. It has two sub-types:
    •        The Specified Skills Visa No.1 allows foreigners work in Japan for a period of 5 years and is immediately accessible for application
    •        The Specified Skills Visa No.2 allows foreigners work in Japan indefinitely. It is to be noted however that this visa is yet to be released for use.
  • Applicants can renew their work visa if they are found eligible to renew it.  

Japan Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who have intentions to study in Japan.
  • Applicants of this visa have to get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the Ministry of Justice from their institution or school of admission.
  • A valid national passport is required for the application process and travel.  
  • Applicants are required to bring one passport-sized photo with a plain background. This should be taken within 3 months prior to the application period.
  • The passport photo should be specifically for the visa application and should not be identical with any other one.  
  • A photocopy of the passport is to be brought along for the application.
  • A copy of the applicant's last school leaving certificate or transcript is very necessary for the process.
  • Documents that show that applicants can support themselves or are being sponsored is to be provided. For self-sponsored applicants are expected to have ¥3,000,000 or the equivalent in dollars.
  • For those sponsored, they are required to bring the income statements of the sponsor along with bank statements and scholarship award letters. 
  • If the applicant's sponsor is resident in Japan, he or she is expected to submit a proof of residency in Japan.
  • There also  has to be a bank statement dating back to at least 6 months.
  • A student visa lets you stay in Japan for as long as 4 years. However, this is on the condition that you are fully enrolled in a school in Japan. 

Japan Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Japan transit visa is issued to travelers who want to proceed to another country through Japan.
  • A detailed flight itinerary issued by the airline company is required.
  • A visa to the next destination must be submitted alongside a valid passport. 
  • Applicants are allowed a stay of 24 hours.
  • If the stay goes beyond 24 hours, they are expected to submit a letter of guarantee from a resident in Japan or proof of sufficient funds to stay in Japan for the short period.
  • Applicants are not allowed to tour with this visa. 

Japan Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

186.00 (USD)

Business visa

186.00 (USD)

Work visa

236.00 (USD)

Student visa

250.00 (USD)

Transit visa

70.00 (USD)

Japan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Rwanda

Location

Address

Kigali

5th Floor, Blue Star House,No35 Plot no. 1236, KG7 Avenue, Kacyiru, Kigali, Rwanda.

rw.emb-japan@kq.mofa.go.jp

+250 (252) 500 884

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to move around luggage in Japan?

Yes it is. This is because there are luggage forwarding services in Japan that can help you move your luggage from one place to the other. Train-lockers are also an available option for travelers.

Is it safe to visit Japan?
Japan is one of the safest countries to visit in the world. Travelers are however advised to be alert, take common security measures and keep their belongings safe.

What language is spoken in Japan?
Japanese is the official language of Japan. It is the language mostly spoken by locals but many people in Japan also speak English. Travelers can safely speak English and not feel lost.

Are places in Japan crowded?
Cities and streets of Japan are mostly crowded. However, people move very quickly and the transportation systems work well. This helps reduce the traffic on the roads of Japan.
What seasons are experienced in Japan?
There are four seasons in Japan: Spring (March to May),Summer (June to August),Autumn (September to November) and Winter (December to February). Spring is the best time to visit Japan as the weather during this season is moderately warm.