Abu Dhabi: Emiratis will soon be able to visit Japan visa-free for up to 30 days after pre-registering, the Japanese Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced on Monday.
Under the new rules, which come into effect from July 1, Emiratis with ordinary e-passports can fill in a simple form and pre-register at Japanese embassies or consulates around the world, free of charge.
There, their passport will be registered and returned the next day.
Holders of the newly registered e-passport can then enter Japan as many times as they want during a three-year period or whenever their passport expires — whichever comes first.
The Japanese Embassy stated on Monday that the new rules are “much simplified and accelerated” from the previous visa regime.
Registration can be made without any specific travel plans to Japan — and the process can be done by any person designated by the passport holder such as a relative or driver.
From July 1, entry into Japan will be denied unless the visitor has completed the registration of the e-passport in advance. And in case a visitor granted a certificate of registry has obtained a new e-passport, new registration is required.
However, pre-registration will not be needed for those who already possess valid visas for short-term stay.
Those who wish to stay more than 30 days still need to obtain a conventional visa.
Meanwhile, UAE nationals who possess valid diplomatic or special passports and wish to enter Japan for a period of not more than 90 consecutive days can enter Japan without a visa.
The new visa waiver programme was announced after Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday in Tokyo.
During the meeting, held as part of Shaikh Abdullah’s official visit to Japan, the two sides discussed cooperation and the friendly relations between the UAE and Japan in areas such as economics, trade and investment.
The Japanese premier welcomed Shaikh Abdullah’s visit and stressed Tokyo’s keenness to strengthen bilateral ties with the UAE.
Did you know?
Emirati citizens currently have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 121 countries and territories — more than citizens of any other GCC country.
