Japan
General visa requirements for travelling to Japan. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Journalist visa (Journalist Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Fee
- 3,000 JPY
- Validity
- 5 years
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
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Employment
Must be dispatched by a recognized foreign media organization. Freelance journalists generally not eligible. Must engage in genuine journalistic activities (news gathering, editing, reporting).
Required status: Dispatched by recognized media organization
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
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Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Journalist; Validity months: 3
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Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.
Accreditation type: Dispatch certificate from affiliated media organization; Media organization: Recognized foreign media organization (newspaper, news agency, TV station, magazine publisher)
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain dispatch certificate from media organization and prepare press credentials.
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Processing wait
Apply for COE at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
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Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE, press credentials, and dispatch certificate.
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Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
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Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan.