--- title: Japan visa for citizens of South Africa description: "Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Japan and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 30 days. Processing: 1–5 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/japan/south-africa lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Japan visa for citizens of South Africa Citizens of South Africa 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.evisa.mofa.go.jp/ ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · eVisa · Short-term stay (Tourist/Business/Transit) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 30 days - **Visa validity:** 90 days - **Entries:** Single entry - **Processing time:** 1–5 days - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Not required - **Appointment:** Not required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Sufficient funds for stay ## How to apply 1. **Prepare required documents** — Gather all documents listed above, including scanned copies of your passport, photo, itinerary, bank statements, and employment letter. 2. **Create account on JAPAN eVISA portal** — Go to https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/ and register a personal account with a valid email address. 3. **Complete application form online** — Fill in all required fields (personal info, travel details, purpose of visit) and upload digital copies of the required documents. 4. **Pay visa fee (if required)** — Currently the eVisa for South African passport holders is free; if a fee is introduced, pay via the portal using a credit card. 5. **Print application confirmation with QR code** — After submission, the system generates a PDF with a QR code — print this to present at the airport check-in. 6. **Wait for eVisa approval** — Processing typically takes 1 to 5 business days. Check your account for status updates. 7. **Receive eVisa via email** — Once approved, the eVisa will be linked to your passport number. No sticker in passport. 8. **Travel to Japan** — Present the printed confirmation page with QR code at airline check-in and upon arrival at Japanese immigration (if asked). 9. **Enter Japan** — Immigration officer will scan the QR code and may ask brief questions. Max stay is 30 days (single entry). ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (original + copy of photo page)** (Travel): Must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for the entire stay in Japan. - **Passport-style photograph (45mm x 35mm)** (Identity): Taken within the last 6 months, white background. - **Visa application form (QR code generated)** (Supporting): Complete online via JAPAN eVISA system and print the application form with QR code. - **Itinerary / Schedule of stay** (Travel): Detailed day-by-day plan including accommodation and flight details. - **Round-trip flight reservation** (Travel): Confirmed or reserved itinerary showing entry and exit from Japan. - **Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)** (Travel): For each night of stay. - **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Original or certified copy showing sufficient balance. - **Employment letter or proof of enrollment** (Employment): Dated within 1 month, stating position, salary, and approved leave. - **Passport copy (data page only)** (Identity): Clear color photocopy. - **Visa fee payment receipt (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Currently eVisa issuance is free for eligible nationalities; check during application. ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Equivalent of approx. ¥100,000 (roughly 12,000 ZAR) for the trip - Bank statements (last 3 months) - Credit card statements - Letter from bank showing balance Proof of sufficient funds is mandatory; can include combined savings and available credit. ## Good to know - The eVisa is only for certain nationalities; South African passport holders are eligible but must apply from their country of residence. - The eVisa is single entry only; any exit from Japan voids it. - eVisa approval does not guarantee entry – final decision is made by immigration officers at the port of entry. ## Common refusal reasons - **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all entries for accuracy and completeness before submission. - **Insufficient funds or unclear source of income** — Provide clear bank statements showing stable funds; include a cover letter if needed. - **Invalid or expiring passport (<6 months validity)** — Renew passport before applying. - **Previous overstay in Japan or other countries** — Ensure clean immigration history; if in doubt, consult the embassy before applying. - **Suspicious travel purpose or itinerary** — Provide a genuine, detailed itinerary with confirmed flights and hotels. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Japan? Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Japan and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: eVisa · Short-term stay (Tourist/Business/Transit). ### How long can citizens of South Africa stay in Japan? Up to 30 days. ### How long does Japan visa processing take? Typically 1–5 days. ### What documents do citizens of South Africa need for Japan? Valid passport (original + copy of photo page); Passport-style photograph (45mm x 35mm); Visa application form (QR code generated); Itinerary / Schedule of stay; Round-trip flight reservation; Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter); and 4 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for Japan? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/ ## Sources - [evisa.mofa.go.jp](https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/) ## More - [Japan visa for every passport](/visa/japan) - [Every destination for South Africa passport holders](/visa/passport/south-africa)