---
title: Japan visa for citizens of the Maldives
description: "Citizens of the Maldives need a visa for Japan and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: $30. Processing: 5–7 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/japan/maldives
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Japan visa for citizens of the Maldives

Citizens of the Maldives need a visa for Japan and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

*Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

Official application site: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Tourist Visa · Single Entry (up to 90 days)
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days
- **Visa validity:** 90 days
- **Entries:** Single entry
- **Processing time:** 5–7 days
- **Government fee:** $30
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient balance

## How to apply

1. **Determine visa type and prepare documents** — Choose tourist visa and gather all required documents listed above.
2. **Complete visa application form** — Fill out the official Japanese visa application form accurately.
3. **Book an appointment at the Embassy of Japan** — Contact or visit the embassy in Male (or designated VFS centre) to schedule submission.
4. **Submit application in person** — Attend the appointment with original documents and biometric enrollment.
5. **Pay visa fee** — Pay USD 30 at the embassy (cash or card as accepted).
6. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 5–7 business days.
7. **Collect passport** — Return to the embassy to collect the passport with visa affixed.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport** (Travel): At least 6 months validity from arrival date
- **Visa application form** (Supporting): Completed and signed
- **Passport-sized photo** (Supporting): 45mm x 35mm, white background, taken within 6 months
- **Flight itinerary** (Travel): Round-trip or onward ticket
- **Hotel booking or accommodation proof** (Travel): For entire stay in Japan
- **Bank statements** (Financial): Last 3 months with sufficient balance for the trip
- **Employment letter** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and approved leave (if employed)
- **Company registration / business license** (Employment, optional): If self-employed
- **Tourist visa cover letter** (Supporting, optional): Briefly explaining purpose and itinerary
- **Travel insurance** (Supporting, optional): Recommended, covering medical expenses
- **Previous passports (if any)** (Supporting, optional): To show travel history
- **Income tax returns** (Financial, optional): Last 1-2 years if available
- **Proof of ties to home country** (Supporting, optional): e.g., property deeds, family certificates
- **Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): From host in Japan with their residence card copy

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** Equivalent of approximately USD 1,000–2,000 for the trip length
- Bank statements
- Income tax returns
- Salary slips

Sufficient to cover travel, accommodation, and daily expenses.

## Good to know

- Applying with incomplete documents will lead to rejection.
- In-person appearance for biometrics is mandatory – no exceptions.
- Visa is single-entry only; departure ends the stay.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient funds or unclear source of income** — Provide clear bank statements with consistent salary deposits and a strong financial cover letter.
- **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all fields and sign the form.
- **Weak ties to home country (risk of overstay)** — Submit proof of employment, property, or family in Maldives.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of the Maldives need a visa for Japan?

Citizens of the Maldives need a visa for Japan and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa · Single Entry (up to 90 days).

### How long can citizens of the Maldives stay in Japan?

Up to 90 days.

### How much does the Japan visa cost for citizens of the Maldives?

Government fee: $30.

### How long does Japan visa processing take?

Typically 5–7 days.

### What documents do citizens of the Maldives need for Japan?

Valid passport; Visa application form; Passport-sized photo; Flight itinerary; Hotel booking or accommodation proof; Bank statements; and 8 more.

### How long must my passport be valid for Japan?

At least 6 months.

### Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

## Sources

- [mofa.go.jp](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/)

## More

- [Japan visa for every passport](/visa/japan)
- [Every destination for Maldives passport holders](/visa/passport/maldives)