Maldivian citizens require an embassy visa for tourism in Japan.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We do not publish an amount for this route yet: fees differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• Visa Application FormCan be filled digitally or with a pen; signature must be in pen. Fields like 'Certificate of Eligibility No.', 'Guarantor or reference in Japan', and 'Inviter in Japan' should be left blank.
• Valid PassportA valid passport and a copy of the passport data page are required. Commercial sources suggest at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay, but official source only states 'Valid Passport'.
• Passport-size PhotoOne photo on a plain background, taken within 6 months, pasted onto the application form (do not staple).
• Letter of EmploymentOn company letterhead, stating identity, job position, salary, and period of service. Must be original with physical signature and/or company stamp, dated no earlier than six months. Self-employed: copy of business registration and profile. Freelancers: letter detailing work and income source.
• Travel Itinerary in JapanDetailed daily activities, including accommodation places and contact numbers for each day.
• Reservation of Flight TicketsReservations for the full round trip from Maldives to Japan and back, including any stops. Do not make payment yet; reservation is sufficient.
• Reservation of Accommodation in JapanReservations for all hotels/Airbnbs for the duration of stay, indicating name, address, and contact number. Do not make payment yet; reservation is sufficient.
• Proof of Sufficient FundsBank statement covering a minimum of the past three months, showing sufficient end balance. Statements from multiple accounts or original/photocopy of bank account book accepted. If third party guarantees expenses, their bank statement (past 3 months, sufficient balance) and an original letter of guarantee are required.
• For Expatriates in MaldivesCopy of re-entry visa for Maldives (e.g., Marriage Visa, Dependent Visa) and copy of Work Permit card or printout of Electronic Work Permit. Only expatriates with long-term visas in Maldives can apply through this embassy.

1. 1
   Gather all required documents as specified by the Embassy of Japan in Maldives.
2. 2
   Complete the Visa Application Form, ensuring all fields are accurately filled and the signature is in pen. Leave specific fields blank as instructed.
3. 3
   Submit your visa application in person at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Japan in Maldives.

   Embassy of Japan in Maldives Address
4. 4
   Allow a minimum of 7 working days for processing, but be prepared for longer evaluation times. It is advised to apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended departure date.
5. 5
   Collect your visa in person from the Embassy once notified. Visa fees are paid in cash upon issuance.

• Incomplete application or missing documents.

  How to avoid: Ensure all required documents, including the application form, passport, photo, employment letter, itinerary, reservations, and proof of funds, are submitted as specified.

• Insufficient proof of funds.

  How to avoid: Provide bank statements covering the past three months with a sufficient end balance to cover your travel expenses. If a guarantor is used, ensure their bank statement and a signed letter of guarantee are included.

• Unclear or inconsistent travel itinerary.

  How to avoid: Submit a detailed daily itinerary that clearly outlines your planned activities, accommodation, and contact numbers for each day of your stay in Japan.

• Passport not meeting validity requirements.

  How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid. While the official source doesn't specify a minimum, it's generally advisable for your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

• Incorrect or outdated passport-size photo.

  How to avoid: Submit one passport-size photo taken within six months of the application date, on a plain background, and paste it onto the application form without stapling.

• Applying too close to the travel date.

  How to avoid: Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended departure date, as the minimum processing time is 7 working days and evaluation may take longer.

• Do not make payment for airline tickets or accommodation until your visa is issued; only reservations are required for the application.
• Avoid stapling any documents or photographs; ensure photos are pasted onto the application form.
• Consider purchasing overseas travel insurance, as it is recommended for all travelers to Japan.
• Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure date to account for the minimum 7 working days processing time and potential delays.

• What is the maximum duration of stay allowed with a tourist visa for Maldivian citizens?

  The Embassy of Japan in Maldives does not explicitly state the maximum duration of stay on its official pages. Commercial sources suggest a typical maximum stay of 90 days for a single-entry tourist visa, and up to 30 days per visit for a multiple-entry visa.

• Can I submit my visa application or collect my visa through someone else?

  Both the submission and collection of the visa must generally be done by the applicant in person. A third party may only submit or collect on your behalf in unavoidable circumstances, with a Letter of Authorization, their ID, and a copy of their ID, provided you reside in Maldives at the time of submission.

• Do I need to pay for my flight tickets and accommodation before applying for the visa?

  No, you are advised not to make payments for airline tickets or accommodation yet. Only reservations for both flights and hotels/Airbnbs are sufficient for the visa application.

• How long does it take to process a Japan tourist visa for Maldivian citizens?

  A minimum of 7 working days is required to process visa applications. However, the evaluation may take longer, so applicants are advised to apply at least 2-3 weeks before their intended departure date.

• What are the passport validity requirements for a Japan visa?

  You need a valid passport. While commercial sources suggest at least 6 months of validity beyond the intended stay, the official source only states 'A valid Passport' without specifying a minimum duration.

• Can I use a digital signature on my visa application form?

  No, digital signatures are not accepted. Your signature on the visa application form must be in pen.

• Are there specific requirements for expatriates residing in Maldives who wish to apply?

  Yes, expatriates must provide a copy of their re-entry visa for Maldives (e.g., Marriage Visa, Dependent Visa) and a copy of their Work Permit card or printout of the Electronic Work Permit. Only those with long-term visas in Maldives can apply through the Embassy of Japan in Maldives.

• When and how do I pay the visa fee?

  The visa fee is charged only when the visa is issued, and you will be notified of the amount prior to collection. Fees must be paid in cash, using the exact amount, and damaged cash notes will not be accepted.

• How much does a Japan visa cost for Maldivian citizens?

  The consular fee is the charge that matters; anything else depends on how and where you apply. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.