Japan visa requirements for Sierra Leoneans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Sierra Leoneans 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.  
  • 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 an intended stay in the country. 
  • Documents must be written in either Japanese or English.

Japan Visa for Sierra Leoneans

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
Visitor Visa 10 working days 30 days
Work visa 10 working days As stated in the applicant's contract
Student visa 10 working days 1-4 years

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.  
  • 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 an intended stay in the country. 
  • Documents must be written in either Japanese or English.
Japan Visitor Visa Japan Work visa Japan Student visa

Japan Visitor Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to applicants who want to go into Japan for reasons such as vacationing, tourism, visiting family and other short term purposes.
  • Those issued this visa are given the Temporary Visitor status.
  • It is also possible to have business meetings, seminars, conferences, sign contracts, engage in PR activities and conduct market research.
  • The visa is issued on both Single and Multiple entries.
  • The application form should be filled with a black pen. 
  • The passport used for the application must be signed by the bearer. It should also be valid for 6 months.
  • If you are meeting a family relation in Japan, you are required to provide documents that sufficiently prove the family relationship. 
  • The document to be submitted should include either a birth certificate, marriage certificate or an extract from the civil status certificate.
  • A certified copy of the family register is required if your host is your spouse and is also Japanese.
  • All applicants of this visa should make sure they present a letter of invitation which bears the seal of the host.
  • It is important that details of the program of stay are provided along with the coordinates of your accommodation.
  • This visa does not allow visitors to undertake paid activities while in Japan.
  • A visitor visa to Japan is valid for a period of up to 90 days.
  • People traveling on this visa must have the intention to leave Japan at the end of their authorized stay.

Japan Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to people who have been given employment in Japan.
  • The Japan work visa only covers the kind of work that requires a high level of professional knowledge or skills.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • Work visas are normally issued to be valid for a 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 a 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 and it has two sub-types:
  •        The Specified Skills Visa No.1 allows foreigners to work in Japan for a period of 5 years and is immediately accessible for application.
  •        The Specified Skills Visa No.2 allows foreigners to work in Japan indefinitely. It is however to be noted that this visa is yet to be released for use.
  • Applicants can renew their work visas if they are found eligible to renew it.  

Japan Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The student visa is issued to foreigners 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 copy of the applicant's last school leaving certificate or transcript is necessary for the application process.
  • Documents that show that applicants can support themselves or are being sponsored is to be provided. 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 a resident in Japan, he or she is expected to submit a proof of residency in Japan.
  • A person on a student visa may apply for permission to do part-time work.
  • Once granted permission, the student is allowed to work for up to 28 hours per week during the study term and up to 8 hours per day during study vacation periods.
  • Note that the time of application is usually limited. Applicants are to always be on the lookout for the right application period.

Japan Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Visitor Visa

3000.00 (JPY)

Work visa

3000.00 (JPY)

Student visa

3000.00 (JPY)

Japan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Sierra Leone

Location

Address

Freetown

Japanese Honorary Consulate General. Prinsensgate, 12 PO Box 28, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

(+232) 232 441 91 81

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I avoid in Japan?

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

Can foreigners work in Japan?

Yes, foreigners in Japan can work but they are expected to request a work and residence permit after getting a job in 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.

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.

Am applying for the (MEXT) scholarship in your country, am from Sierra Leone i want to know when to apply for the visa?