Japan Visa in 2025 — My Personal Experience
If you’ve been dreaming of traveling to Japan or want to offer this destination to your clients, I’m sharing every step to make the process easier for you.
Tourist visas for Ukrainians are free of charge.
You can apply for a visa in any visa center or embassy in the country where you currently reside.
💡 I applied for my visa in Kyiv in 2019 and again in Dublin in 2025 (Ireland).
🗓 When to Apply?
The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.
This means you should apply no earlier than 3 months before your trip.
✉️ Application Process:
1️⃣ I emailed the embassy stating that I was planning a trip to Japan.
They sent me the official list of required documents.
2️⃣ Then I gathered all the documents in printed form and sent another email saying I was ready to apply and requesting an appointment.
3️⃣ On the scheduled day, I arrived at the embassy and submitted everything in person.
4️⃣ A few days later, I collected my passport with the visa.
The passport is not sent by post — it must be collected in person or by an authorised representative.
📄 Documents I Needed:
1. Passport (original + copy of the bio page)
2. Residence permit of the country where you apply
(IRP card, Temporary Protection Permit, etc.) — original + copy (both sides)
3. Two completed and signed visa application forms
Form: https://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000124525.pdf
Sample: https://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100581994.pdf
4.Two recent passport-size photos (taken within the last 6 months)
5. Letter from employer or educational institution
Issued within the last 3 months
6. Financial documents
Bank statements for the last 3 months or payslips
7. Schedule of Stay (trip itinerary)
Form: https://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100581999.docx
8. Flight information (E-ticket or reservation)
You do not need to buy tickets — a planned flight or booking is enough.
I submitted just a screenshot of the flights I intended to purchase.
9. Hotel booking ( I used a Unit booking with free cancellation)
10. Documents for family members (marriage or birth certificates, etc)
The passport is kept at the embassy during processing (usually up to 5 working days).
