Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Japanese government announced on Friday that the visa waivers for Qatari ordinary passport holders, based on the Ordinary Passport (e-Passport) registration system, will start on April 2, following an earlier announcement on Jan. 31.

The visa waiver measure by Qatar for Japanese ordinary passport holders has already been in operation since 2017.

The foreign ministry said: “The measure is expected to encourage people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Qatar and contribute to Japan’s goals of promoting itself as a tourism-oriented country and supporting regional revitalization.” 

Qatari nationals with valid ordinary passports (e-passports) in compliance with ICAO standards will be eligible for the Visa Waiver Measure and may register at any Japanese overseas diplomatic establishment (Embassies, Consulates-General, or Consular offices) before their departure.

The ministry notice explained the details of the Visa Waiver Measure covering short-term stays (sightseeing, business, or visits to relatives/friends, etc.) for 30 days. Eligible Qatari nationals may make use of the measure for three years from the date of registration or until their passport expires, whichever comes first. There is no application fee for it, it said.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry said Qatari holders of the “Visa Waiver Registration” seal may enter Japan repeatedly without obtaining a new visa if they stay in Japan for a period not exceeding thirty (30) consecutive days during the three (3) year eligibility period.

Unless ordinary Qatari passport holders have completed passport registration before their departure to Japan, they will be denied entry into Japan upon arrival at the Japanese port of entry.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry has indicated that ordinary Qatari passport holders planning to stay in Japan for more than 30 consecutive days or for employment must still obtain an appropriate visa in advance.