Japan has changed visa rules for the European Union/European Economic Area countries. The European Union/European Economic Area citizens who do not hold entry permits are required to apply for a visa while travelling to Japan as the latter has introduced new rules.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that EU/EEA nationals, and citizens from several other states who do not hold a re-entry permit, are required to apply for a visa to newly enter Japan, as per the reports.
“Currently, all foreign nationals who are recognized to be in special exceptional circumstances, and wish to newly enter Japan, need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit,” the Ministry said, announcing the new rules.
Earlier, Japan had Visa Exemption Agreement with 68 countries and regions, including the EU/EEA nations. However, the Japanese government officials decided to suspend the agreements for the time being.
This means that all those planning to visit Japan now need to obtain a visa as the previous agreement no longer is effective.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the period of stay granted at the time of the landing permission would be 90 days for EU/EEA citizens.
Additionally, the Ministry highlighted that those who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay. The application needs to be made at the Ministry of Justice before the period of permitted stay expire.
“For nationals of those countries with visa exemptions permitting stays of up to 6 months under the bilateral visa exemption arrangements, those who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau) before the period of permitted stay is to expire,” the statement of the Ministry reads.
