Arab News Japan

DUBAI: The UAE Embassy in Japan announced that UAE nationals are officially exempt from visa requirements when visiting Japan starting November 1.

Holders of ordinary UAE passports will be able to travel to Japan without visa requirements, provided that the duration of each visit does not exceed 30 days. A negative PCR result must be obtained 72 hours before departure to Japan, alternatively a vaccination certificate with three approved vaccines must be presented. 

The Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) in the Dubai office, KOBAYASHI Daisuke expressed his happiness with the decision taken by the Japanese government to waive tourist visa requirements and encouraged UAE nationals to visit.

“We are delighted to now welcome UAE nationals visa-free to Japan, and hope many Emirati nationals take advantage of this seamless opportunity from the onset,” Kobayashi said in a statement.

Elaborating on a market survey conducted by JNTO in 2021 about Emirati nationals that have previously visited Japan, Kobayashi said that 44 percent found activities in nature the most satisfying element of the trip.

Kobayashi proposed the ideal months for those interested in visiting Japan, suggesting that “November and the beginning of December as the two best months to experience the natural beauty of Japan’s world-famous autumnal foliage.”

The ski season in Japan runs from November to March and high season is January to March, which is when it gets crowded and prices are at their peak.

“From the ski fields of Niseko in Hokkaido in the north, to Hakuba in Nagano in central Japan, Japan is an ideal destination for ski beginners and experts alike, as well as for families with young children, and couples looking for adventure mixed with unique cultural experiences,” Kobayashi said.

“This winter we are enticing Emirati travellers to come to Japan for the skiing and snowboarding, stay for the hospitality, indulge in our delicious cuisine, rejuvenate at our hot springs and experience the culture,” Kobayashi added.