Japan and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement to significantly increase the number of working holiday visas issued to each other’s citizens. Starting next year, both countries will issue up to 6,000 visas annually, a substantial increase from the current limits. The agreement was formalized in Tokyo by Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and
29 March 2023
| Post byThe Japanese Embassy in Saudi Arabia has announced that Saudi nationals and residents are now able to apply for the electronic visa (eVisa) for Japan.
Saudi nationals and residents became eligible for the Japan eVisa starting March 27, 2023. The removes the need for these applicants to request a visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate and supply paperwork in person, as was previously the case.
The move is expected to streamline the visa application process and to increase the number of Saudi visitors to the East Asian nation.
Now, nationals or legal residents of Saudi Arabia simply need to complete an online application form to request their visa for Japan. This can be done in matter of minutes.
Applicants receive the approved eVisa through email, which can then be printed or presented on a mobile device upon arrival in Japan.
Why Japan Has Made Saudis Eligible for the eVisa
The Japanese visa policy has been modified to allow Saudi nationals and residents to apply online to improve bilateral relations between the 2 countries.
The relationship between Japan and Saudi Arabia dates back to 1955. This is when the 2 countries first established diplomatic ties. Since then, they have enjoyed a fruitful relationship.
Japan became the third-largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia in 2015. In that year alone, Japan imported over $45 billion in Saudi petroleum products and exported around $7.5 billion in goods to the Gulf country.
Additionally, in 2017 the 2 nations launched the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 project to further boost bilateral cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Japan also signed a range of agreements to implement joint projects in areas such as education and manufacturing in 2019.
The extension of Japanese eVisa services to Saudis is just the latest development in a long history of collaboration and friendship.
Other Nationalities Eligible for the Japan eVisa
In addition to Saudis, foreign nationals/people who reside the following countries are also eligible for the Japan eVisa:
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Mongolia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
The Japan eVisa system allows these eligible citizens to obtain a short-term single-entry visa that permits a stay of up to 90 days or less.
For longer stays, Saudis and other eligible nationals need to contact a Japanese embassy or consulate in their country of residence. They will then be able to request one of the other types of visa for Japan.
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