UAE Residents’ New Visa Application Process
The Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai announced that UAE residents who wish to travel to Japan must now apply for their visas through VFS Global. Starting August 1, 2024, this company will process all documents for both short-term and long-term paper visas. This adjustment comes after a halt in the provision of e-visas for UAE residents in Japan, who are expected to return in September.
Visa Applications Moving to VFS Global
The return of e-visa services means that tourists must apply for permits via VFS Global. It will not be possible anymore for those who live here to carry out this transaction independently using the internet, as it was withdrawn by the Embassy and Consulate. By implication, the VFS Global website expressly states that it is now partnering with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE and the Japanese consulate general in Dubai, which is considered a major shift in visa application processes.
The Exception and the Direct Application
In other words, unless one is applying for a diplomatic or official visa, the Consulate-General has declared it will no longer accept applications. VFS Global can be contacted for other applications or queries. On its website, VFS Global gives detailed information about visa requirements, booking procedures, and timeframes within which it operates.
Cause of the Stoppage and Resumption of E-Visa
The e-visa service was initially launched in Japan, which proved very popular among UAE residents and made this nation a number one tourist destination in Asia. Nonetheless, the suspension of this service on April 27 2024, made it hard for expats planning to go to Japan. During that period, when the process started at 07:00 AM (UAE Time) till midnight of May 1, 2024 onwards, until further notice, people had to write an email to the Japanese consulate in Dubai asking for an appointment, thus making getting appointment slots difficult. However, Emiratis were still allowed entry into Japan without visas.
Standard Processing Times and Eligibility
Managed by VFS Global, the new system saw a standard processing time for visa applications of eight working days, provided all the necessary documents were submitted correctly. The short-term e-visa allows foreigners to stay in Japan for up to 90 days and remains valid for three months from the date of issue.
Eligibility For The E-Visa
Citizens from many countries can apply for the e-visa, including Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK), and the USA. This wide eligibility is aimed at making travel to the country faster and more easily accessible to tourists from these parts of the world.
The collaboration between VFS Global and the Japanese consulate in Dubai represents a significant development in the visa application process for UAE residents. This initiative is anticipated to simplify and hasten the procedure, helping travellers plan their trips better to visit Japan. With the resumption of e-visas, residents of UAE and Japan should anticipate a much more efficient way to obtain their travel permits with so much ease, leading to smoother journeying into Asia’s one-of-a-kind destination.
