Japan visa requirements for Zimbabweans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Zimbabweans visiting Japan

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

  • A filled and signed Japanese visa application form.
  • A valid and properly signed national passport with at least one blank page for visa stamps.
  • 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.
  • Proof of family ties in the origin country such as a birth or marriage certificate.
  • 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.
  • Proof of confirmed repatriation after the intended stay in the country. 
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Documents must be written in either Japanese or English.

Japan Visa for Zimbabweans

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 10 working days 3-4 months
Student visa 10 working days As stated on the applicant's contract
Work visa 10 working days 1-4 years

General Requirements for Japan Visa

  • A filled and signed Japanese visa application form.
  • A valid and properly signed national passport with at least one blank page for visa stamps.
  • 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.
  • Proof of family ties in the origin country such as a birth or marriage certificate.
  • 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.
  • Proof of confirmed repatriation after the intended stay in the country. 
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Documents must be written in either Japanese or English.
Japan Tourist visa Japan Student visa Japan Work visa

Japan Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Japan tourist visa is issued to foreigners who want to visit Japan for tourism, leisure, business, and other short term purposes.
  • 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. 
  • The passport used for the application must be signed by the bearer. It should also be valid for 6 months.
  • 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 advised to have at least $5000 or its equivalent in their country's currency.
  • If you are visiting either a friend or relative, you are required to possess a letter of invitation from your host in the country.
  • In the invitation letter provided by your host, the home address and valid means of identification of your host should be written in detail.
  • For business travelers, there should be a letter of invitation from the host company stating the applicant's name and purpose of visit to Japan.
  • There should also be a business letter from your company of employment in Zimbabwe stating your purpose of visit to Japan.  
  • There should be proof of financial support for the applicant from the host or home company.
  • This visa does not allow foreigners to take up work while in the country.

Japan Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The student visa is issued to Zimbabweans 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.

                Japan Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

                • This visa is issued to people who have been given employment in Japan.
                • 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 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 Visa Fees

                Visa Type

                Sub Types

                Visa Fees

                Tourist visa

                3000.00 (JPY)

                Student visa

                3000.00 (JPY)

                Work visa

                3000.00 (JPY)

                Japan Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Zimbabwe

                Location

                Address

                Harare

                Japanese Embassy. 4th Floor Social Security Centre Corner Second Street/Julius Nyerere Way, Harare, Zimbabwe.

                www.zw.emb-japan.go.jp

                info.emb-japan@hz.mofa.go.jp

                (+263) (242) 250 025

                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.

                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.

                Mercy

                2 years ago

                Do you apply for residence permit while you are already in Japan or while you are outside 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.

                Can I apply for my visa in South Africa using Zimbabwean passport??
                Naomi Zhowao

                10 months ago

                Can I apply for my visa in south Africa using zimbabwean passport