Important Note before Applying for a visa:
The embassies listed below are given as an indication only - factors such as additional travel before/after your tour may change the embassy you should apply at. Please read all the information to ensure you apply at the correct embassy.
Certain nationalities can obtain an e-visa, other nationalities will need to apply for a visa at their local Japanese Embassy.
Visa-exempt travellers can enjoy visa-free trips up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting loved ones, as long as it's considered a "short-term stay". Take a moment to check the list of visa-exempt countries here.
If your country isn’t on the list, you will need to apply for a short-term tourist visa. All the details you’ll need to guide you through the application process can be found on the official Japan visa website here.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all necessary visas for your travels. Please check carefully to ensure you have the relevant documentation. A good starting point is to enter your details and the countries you are travelling to during your trip on the Sherpa travel planning website.
Visa rules can change, so it is important to check the most up-to-date information. For additional help, we recommend using iVisa, a helpful tool that can provide general guidance on visa requirements and make the process a bit easier to navigate.
Visa Documentation
If you do need a visa, we’re here to help! Once your tour is fully paid for and within 90 days of departure, we can provide supporting documents for your application. You’ll receive two key documents:
- A Travel Document – This includes a visa letter for the consulate confirming your booking and a purchase statement showing your full payment.
- A Visa Program – This includes your accommodation list and complete tour itinerary.
Simply email us at customerservice@travelchasers.com to request these documents. In the email, please include the name and surname of each passenger as per their passport. We’ll require up to 5 working days to get everything ready for you.
Hotel Confirmation Letters
You may require hotel confirmation letters for your visa application. These are different from the accommodation lists we usually provide. Not all nationalities require them, so it’s best to check with your local embassy or consulate to find out if this applies to you.
Obtaining these letters can take up to 4 weeks, so do plan ahead. While we’ll do our best to speed things up, response times from hotels may vary. We appreciate your patience.
If you need hotel confirmation letters, email us at customerservice@travelchasers.com. The earlier you reach out, the earlier we can help ensure everything is in place for your visa application.
Your Passport
Your passport is your key to exploring the world, so keeping it safe is essential. Make sure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your return date and has enough blank pages for any stamps and visas you may need during your travels.
We recommend making two photocopies of your passport (and any required visas). Keep one copy in your hand luggage and the other in your main luggage, along with a copy of your travel insurance policy. This way, you’re covered if something unexpected happens.
While exploring, we recommend leaving your passport in the hotel safe (if there is one) and carrying a photocopy with you for identification while out and about. Just don’t forget to grab it before checking out of the hotel!
Some countries might ask to see your passport at borders, hotels, or money exchanges. If it’s lost or stolen while on tour, notify your tour leader immediately, report it to the local police, and contact your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance. Keep in mind that replacing a passport can take time and may lead to additional expenses, so a bit of extra care now can save you a lot of hassle later.