Japan Visa Guide for Nepalese Citizens – Tourism and Work
Planning a trip or a job move from Nepal to Japan? This all-in-one guide explains the latest rules for Nepali passport holders, including where to apply (VFS Kathmandu), documents, fees, processing times, the 2025 TB screening rule, work-visa pathways, COE, arrival steps, and practical tips.
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Quick overview for Nepali citizens
| Topic | Key points |
|---|---|
| Do Nepali citizens need a visa? | Yes. Nepal is not visa-exempt for Japan. Short-term visits use “Temporary Visitor” status. |
| Where to apply in Nepal | Through the Japan Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Kathmandu. The Embassy shifted public visa intake to VFS (Embassy handles mostly diplomatic/official). |
| Typical processing time | Usually about 1 week; complex cases can take around 2 months. Apply after you fix travel plans and within 3 months of entry. |
| eVISA availability | MOFA’s eVISA is limited to residents of specific countries/regions; Nepal is not on the current list. |
| New TB screening rule (JPETS) | From June 23, 2025, Nepali applicants must submit a TB Clearance Certificate (screening available from March 24, 2025 at designated clinics in Nepal). |
| After arrival | Register on Visit Japan Web for smoother arrival, and note where residence cards are issued and address-registration deadlines. |
Throughout the guide you’ll find related reads on Japan Handbook like Visa & Immigration, Study & Work, Housing & Living, Health & Medical, and Money & Finance.
Who needs a Japan visa and which one?
All Nepali passport holders need a visa to enter Japan. Short stays (tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, conferences) use the Temporary Visitor category, which does not permit paid work. Stays are typically up to 90 days.
If your plan is to work, study, or live in Japan, you’ll use a long-term status of residence (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, or Specified Skilled Worker). These usually require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued in Japan before you apply for your visa in Kathmandu.
For quick airport connections: transit visas are only needed if you must pass immigration; if you remain airside in the international transit area, a transit visa is typically not required—always confirm with your airline and routing.
Where Nepali applicants submit a visa
Since 2021, the Embassy of Japan in Nepal has had visa intake handled by VFS Global (Japan Visa Application Centre, Kathmandu). The Embassy desk in principle accepts only diplomatic/official visa applicants; all other categories go via VFS. Book your appointment online with VFS.
Helpful pages: VFS Nepal’s Japan section shows visa types, fees, photo specs, and processing times for Kathmandu applicants.
You can always double-check general Embassy guidance (processing time window and validity) on the Embassy’s page.
Tourist visa from Nepal – step by step
What you’re applying for: A Temporary Visitor visa (single entry is most common). This covers tourism, family visits, business meetings without pay, and similar short-stay purposes.
1) Book your VFS appointment
Use VFS Kathmandu’s appointment system and select the appropriate short-term visa category (tourist/visiting relatives/business).
2) Prepare your documents
Exact checklists are on VFS Nepal’s Japan pages (and the printable one-pagers). Typical items include:
- Visa application form (print double-sided)
- Passport (valid and with blank pages)
- Photograph meeting VFS/Embassy specs (follow the photo specifications on the VFS Nepal page for Japan)
- Itinerary and proof of funds/accommodation
- Proof of ties to Nepal (employment letter, business docs, or study docs, as applicable)
Tip: Documents issued in Nepal should be in original; if any document is in Nepali, you may need an English translation—VFS checklists will indicate requirements for your category.
3) Attend submission at VFS
Submit your application and pay the fees (visa fee + VFS service charge) at the Japan Visa Application Centre in Kathmandu. Fee amounts are based on MOFA’s annual yen-denominated fee table and collected in local currency; VFS shows the current NPR figures for Nepal.
4) Processing time and passport collection
The Embassy states visa processing usually takes about one week, but can take around two months if detailed examination is needed. Plan ahead.
Remember: A visa is generally valid for 3 months from issue; don’t apply too early.
5) eVISA—can Nepali residents apply online?
Japan’s eVISA is currently available only to nationals/people residing in specific countries/regions. Nepal is not on that list, so Kathmandu applicants use the paper process via VFS.
Tourist-visa checklist (at a glance)
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Form | Use the MOFA application form (print both sides). |
| Photo | Follow the VFS Nepal photo specs for Japan. |
| Proof of trip | Flight plan + hotel booking or inviter’s letter (as applicable). |
| Bank/finance | Recent statements and employment/business proof (as applicable). |
| Where to file | VFS Japan Visa Application Centre, Kathmandu. |
| Timeline | ~1 week typical; up to ~2 months if extra checks. |
Related reads: Visa & Immigration, Money & Finance, Housing & Living.
Important 2025 update: TB screening (JPETS) for Nepal
Japan has introduced pre-entry tuberculosis screening for travelers from certain countries, including Nepal. For Nepal:
- Panel clinics in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Damak are designated.
- Screening start: March 24, 2025
- Mandatory certificate submission (COE or visa applications): June 23, 2025
Plan your medical exam before applying to avoid delays. The official page lists designated clinics such as CIWEC Hospital, IOM Migration Health Assessment Center, Grande International Hospital, Norvic International Hospital, and others.
Sample of designated locations (Nepal):
| City | Some designated clinics |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu | CIWEC Hospital (Lainchour); IOM Migration Health Assessment Center (Panipokhari); Grande International Hospital (Dhapasi); Norvic International Hospital (Thapathali); Nepal Mediciti (Lalitpur) |
| Pokhara | CIWEC Hospital, Lakeside |
| Damak | IOM Migration Health Assessment Center |
Related read: Health & Medical.
Work in Japan from Nepal: your pathways
If you plan to work in Japan, you’ll typically follow this flow:
- Get a job offer or university admission in Japan.
- Your employer/school in Japan applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA). Processing often takes 1–3 months.
- You apply for your work (or student/dependent) visa at VFS Kathmandu, submitting the COE (paper or digital).
- Enter Japan, obtain/receive your Residence Card, and complete address registration within 14 days.
Digital COE is accepted
Since March 17, 2023, Japan has digitized the COE. Your sponsor can receive it by email and forward it to you; you can submit an original or a copy depending on local mission guidance.
Common work-visa categories
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (often called “ESI” or “gijinkoku”)
For professionals hired by Japanese companies in roles requiring STEM knowledge, humanities expertise, or international services (e.g., engineers, analysts, corporate roles, interpreters, marketing).
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)
For roles in designated industries facing labor shortages. SSW has Type 1 and Type 2 tracks, with industry-specific tests and Japanese-language requirements. Official information for foreign workers is available on the government’s SSW portal.
Recent policy updates continue to expand SSW pathways and sectors; check the ISA’s materials and government SSW sites for the latest scope and testing schedules.
Other routes include Intra-Company Transferee, Student, Dependent, and Highly Skilled Professional statuses. Your employer or school will advise the correct status and documents.
Costs and timelines (typical ranges)
| Stage | What it covers | Typical range / note |
|---|---|---|
| COE issuance in Japan | Employer/school files at ISA | Commonly 1–3 months, varies by case and local bureau workload. |
| Visa fee | MOFA fee schedule (JPY) | About JPY 3,000 single-entry; JPY 6,000 double/multiple; JPY 700 transit. Paid in NPR at VFS. Local VFS service fees apply. |
| Embassy processing (Nepal) | Application review after VFS intake | Usually ~1 week, possibly up to ~2 months for detailed examination. |
| TB screening (if required) | JPETS medical exam and certificate | Complete before visa/COE filing; Nepal is covered from 2025 with specified start/mandatory dates. |
Using Visit Japan Web for a smoother arrival
Visit Japan Web is the official online service for immigration/quarantine/customs procedures. Create an account, input your trip, and generate QR codes in advance—it speeds up lines at major airports.
For customs allowances (cash/tobacco/alcohol) and declarations, consult the Japan Customs passenger guide before packing.
Related reads: Health & Medical.
After you land: residence card and first-week tasks
If you enter Japan on a mid- to long-term status (work, student, dependent), you’ll receive your Residence Card at immigration at major airports (e.g., Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, Fukuoka). If you arrive via another port, the card will be mailed after you register your address.
Within 14 days of settling your address, visit your municipal/ward office with your residence card (or landing permission note) to register your address—this triggers the mailing of your card if it wasn’t issued at the airport.
Related reads: Housing & Living, Study & Work.
Transit through Japan on a Nepalese passport
- If your connection keeps you inside the international transit area, a transit visa is usually not required.
- If you need to change airports, collect/recheck bags outside immigration, or plan a short sightseeing landside, apply for a Transit or Short-Term Visit visa.
- Always confirm with your airline for your exact routing and whether you’ll pass immigration.
Document tables you can use
A) Temporary Visitor (tourism/family visit/business meetings)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application form | MOFA form; print double-sided. |
| Passport | Valid; with blank visa pages. |
| Photo | Must meet VFS Nepal photo specs for Japan. |
| Itinerary + accommodation | Flights and hotel or invite letter. |
| Proof of funds and ties | Bank statements; employer/student letters. |
| (If visiting family/friends) | Invitation letter, proof of relationship, etc., as per VFS list. |
B) Work or long-term stays via COE
| Step | Your action | Who helps |
|---|---|---|
| COE application | Employer/school files with ISA in Japan | Your sponsor in Japan |
| Receive COE | Paper or digital (from Mar 17, 2023) | Sponsor emails the e-COE if used |
| Visa filing in Kathmandu | Book VFS appointment and submit COE + required docs | VFS Japan VAC |
| Arrival & first week | Residence card issuance and address registration | Airport/municipal office |
Practical tips to avoid refusals or delays
- Follow the VFS Nepal checklist exactly—categories differ (tourism vs visiting relatives vs business). Check for translation requirements if any documents are in Nepali.
- Book early but not too early: the visa is valid 3 months from issue; Embassy recommends applying after travel is fixed.
- Match your itinerary (flights/hotels) to your form; last-minute changes can raise questions.
- Do not plan paid work on a Temporary Visitor visa—paid activities require a work status.
- Complete JPETS TB screening (if applicable) before filing COE/visa from Nepal (see dates above).
- Use Visit Japan Web for faster arrival checks and to minimize paperwork at the airport.
FAQs for Nepali applicants
Q1. Can I apply for Japan’s eVISA from Nepal?
Not at this time. MOFA’s eVISA is currently limited to residents of certain countries/regions; Nepal is not listed. Apply via VFS Kathmandu.
Q2. How long does a tourist visa take?
The Embassy advises about one week in straightforward cases, but around two months if extra examination is required. Apply once your travel is fixed and within 3 months of entry.
Q3. Do I need a transit visa for a short connection?
If you remain airside, usually no; if you must pass immigration (change airports, collect bags, leave the airport), you’ll need a transit/short-term visa. Confirm with your airline.
Q4. What is a COE and who applies for it?
The Certificate of Eligibility shows your planned activities meet legal requirements for landing as a resident. Your sponsor in Japan (employer/school/family) applies to ISA; once issued, you file your visa at VFS. Digital COE is now accepted.
Q5. Where will I get my Residence Card?
At major airports (Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, Fukuoka) it’s issued on arrival. Through other ports, it’s mailed after you register your address. Register your address within 14 days.
Final checklist before you apply
- Book your VFS Kathmandu slot.
- Gather documents from the VFS checklist for your visa type.
- If you’re from Nepal and your case is in scope, finish JPETS TB screening and keep the certificate ready.
- For work/study/long-term, confirm your COE (paper or digital) is issued and valid.
- Register on Visit Japan Web to speed up airport procedures.
If you found this useful, explore more on Visa & Immigration and Study & Work—and once you’re packing, our Health & Medical and Housing & Living hubs will help you settle smoothly.
