Getting a Japan tourist visa as a foreigner living in Vietnam needs careful planning and following the right steps. You need to understand visa types, prepare the right documents, know how long it takes, and follow the correct process to get approved for your trip.
Japan visa for foreigners in Vietnam means the official permission you need to enter Japan for short visits when you’re not Japanese but living in Vietnam. Whether you’re planning a business trip, vacation, or visiting family, understanding the Japanese visa application process will save you time and stress.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a Japan tourist visa in Vietnam – from document requirements to application procedures, processing times, and costs. We’ll also share practical tips to help make your visa application for Japan successful.
At VisaNow, we’ve helped hundreds of foreign nationals in Vietnam get their Japan visas approved. Our experience shows that proper preparation and knowing what to expect makes all the difference.
Which countries get visa-free entry to Japan?
Japan allows visa-free travel for citizens from 69 countries and territories. The list includes many regions around the world, making travel easier for millions of people.
Here is how visa-exempt countries are organized by region:
- Asia
- Americas
- Oceania
- Africa
- Europe
- Brunei
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Macau
- Israel
- UAE
- Indonesia
- South Korea
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- Qatar
Stay duration: 14-90 days
- USA
- Canada
- Bahamas
- Costa Rica
- Honduras
- Dominican Republic
- Barbados
- El Salvador
- Mexico
- Uruguay
- Argentina
- Chile
- Guatemala
- Suriname
Stay duration: 90 days
- Australia
- New Zealand
Stay duration: 90 days
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Tunisia
Stay duration: 90 days
- Turkey
- Andorra
- Austria
- UK
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- North Macedonia
- Croatia
- Poland
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Slovenia
Stay duration: 90 days
>> Special cases:
- Indonesia and Thailand get 15 days, Brunei gets 14 days, UAE and Qatar get 30 days, while most other countries get 90 days visa-free.
- You can check the latest updates and specific conditions for each country on the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Japan visa application documents for foreigners in Vietnam
Getting your documents ready is the most important step in your Japan visa application. Here is what you’ll need to prepare:
- Documents for all applicants
- Employment-Related documents
- Financial proof documents
- Family travel documents
| Document Type | Specific Requirements |
| Passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months, clear passport number, no water damage or smudging |
| Photos | 4.5cm x 4.5cm, white background, no glasses, original digital file (not low quality copies) |
| Residence status | For non-Chinese foreigners in Vietnam: – Temporary residence card – Vietnam work permit – Rental contract, and residence confirmation (if available) |
| For Chinese nationals in Vietnam: – Vietnam work permit – Multiple-entry Vietnam visa (must have lived in Vietnam continuously for 6+ months) – Work contract, and residence confirmation |
- For Employees:
- Employment contract (certified copy)
- Leave application letter (original, max 10 days)
- 6-month salary statements/social insurance records (certified copies for cash payments)
- Social insurance book (original + copy)
- For Business Owners:
- Business license (certified copy)
- VAT tax records for the last 3 months
You’ll need to show you can support yourself during your trip to Japan:
- Savings book with minimum USD 5,000 (photocopies accepted)
- Fixed deposit certificate
- Bank balance confirmation showing minimum USD 5,000
- If you’re traveling with your spouse or children, you’ll need legal proof of your relationship. Any documents issued outside Vietnam must be properly legalized.
- Make sure all your foreign documents are translated into Vietnamese and properly notarized. This step is really important – incorrect translations can cause delays or rejection.
>> The key difference between Chinese and non-Chinese applicants is the visa requirement. Chinese nationals need a Vietnamese multiple-entry visa and proof of continuous residence for over 6 months.
How to get a Japan visa for foreign nationals in Vietnam?
The application process has 5 clear steps. Following them in order will help you avoid problems and delays.
Step 1. Prepare and notarize your documents
Gather all the documents we listed above. Get your foreign documents translated and notarized properly.
This usually takes 2-3 days, not including the time you spend researching and planning.
Step 2. Fill out the visa application form
You must complete the Japan visa application form entirely in English using capital letters.
The form asks for detailed information about your trip, background, and finances.
Take your time with this step-mistakes can cause delays.
Step 3. Submit your Japan visa application and pay fees
You have two options for submitting your application through:
- One of 13 authorized agencies appointed by the Japanese Embassy
- VFS Global centers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang
Step 4. Wait for processing
The embassy will review your application and documents.
Processing typically takes 7-10 days, but can be longer during busy seasons.
Step 5. Collect your Japan visa
Once processing is complete, you’ll get a text message or email notification.
Bring your receipt to collect your passport with the visa decision.
Need help with your Japan visa application? VisaNow has successfully processed hundreds of Japan visa applications for foreigners living in Vietnam. Our team knows exactly what documents work best and how to avoid common mistakes. Contact us at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for professional assistance.
Where to submit your Japan visa application as a foreigner in Vietnam?
You can submit your Japan visa application through authorized agents or VFS Global centers across Vietnam.
Option 1. Authorized agencies
Japan’s Embassy in Vietnam works with 13 authorized agencies that can accept your application. You can submit it to any of these agencies regardless of where you live in Vietnam.
Option 2. VFS Global centers
| Location | Address | Contact |
| Ho Chi Minh City | REE Tower, Floor 3B, 9 Doan Van Bo Street, Ward 13, District 4 | 028-3521-2002 |
| Hanoi | OCEAN PARK Building, Room 207, Floor 2, 1 Dao Duy Anh Street, Phuong Mai Ward, Dong Da District | 028-3521-2002 |
| Da Nang | ACB Building, Floor 6, 218 Bach Dang Street, Phuoc Ninh Ward, Hai Chau District | 028-3521-2002 |
If you need a long-term visa (work, study, family reunion), you must apply directly for Japanese diplomatic missions:
- Japanese Embassy in Hanoi
- Japanese Consulate General in Da Nang
- Japanese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City
- Coverage: Ha Tinh province and northern Vietnam
- Address: 27 Lieu Giai Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Phone: 024-3846-3000
- Working hours: Monday to Friday (8:30-16:45)
- Application submission: Monday to Friday (8:30-11:00)
- Result collection: Monday to Friday (13:30-16:45)
- Coverage: Da Nang City, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Kon Tum, Gia Lai provinces
- Address: Floors 4-5, Lots A17-18-19, 2/9 Street, Binh Thuan Ward, Hai Chau District
- Phone: 0236-3555-535
- Same working hours as Hanoi Embassy
- Coverage: Dak Lak, Phu Yen provinces and southern Vietnam
- Address: 261 Dien Bien Phu Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: 028-4458-1025
- Same working hours as other diplomatic missions
>> Remember to check the specific requirements for your visa type before visiting these locations.
Japan visa processing time for foreigners in Vietnam
Japan tourist visa processing takes a minimum of 6 working days from the day after submission, excluding weekends and holidays. However, actual processing time usually ranges from 7-10 working days.
Processing time can take longer in these situations:
- Peak travel seasons: Summer, New Year, and major holidays see much higher application volumes
- Incomplete documents: If the consulate requests additional papers, you’ll need extra time
- Information verification: Some cases require additional background checks
- Japanese holidays: Golden Week (late April/early May) and Obon (mid-August) can slow processing
>> Important note: Don’t book non-refundable flights or hotels before getting your visa approval. Submit your application at least 1 month before your intended travel date to allow for any unexpected delays.
Worried about timing or document preparation? VisaNow can review your application timeline and help you submit everything correctly the first time to avoid delays.
Japan visa costs for foreign applicants in Vietnam
Japan visa fees in Vietnam for foreigners depend on the type of entry permission you need.
- Single-entry visa: VND 500,000
- Multiple-entry visa: VND 1,000,000
These are the official embassy fees paid directly to Japanese diplomatic missions in Vietnam. Additional service fees apply if you submit through authorized agents or VFS Global centers.
>> Note: Fees may change over time, so check current rates before submitting your application. The embassy accepts payment in Vietnamese dong at the current exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions about Japan visas for foreigners in Vietnam
Can I apply for a Japan visa if I’m not a Vietnamese citizen?
What happens if my Japan visa application gets rejected?
How early should I apply for my Japan visa?
Professional Japan visa services for foreigners in Vietnam
VisaNow specializes in helping foreign nationals living in Vietnam get their Japan visas approved quickly. Our experienced team understands the specific requirements for different nationalities and employment situations.
Why choose our Japan visa service:
- Expert document review: We check every document before submission to prevent common mistakes that cause delays or rejections
- Personalized guidance: Each nationality and employment situation has different requirements. We tailor our advice to your specific case
- End-to-end support: From document preparation to visa collection, we handle the entire process for you
We hope this guide has provided you with complete information about Japan visa applications for foreigners living in Vietnam. Our team has successfully helped hundreds of foreign residents get their Japan visas with professional guidance through each step of the process. Contact VisaNow today at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for professional consultation and assistance. Our team will review your case, explain exactly what documents you need, and guide you through every step of the process.
