UAE residents · Country guide
Japan visa for UAE residents
In brief
Yes, UAE residence changes the rule. JAPAN eVISA for UAE residents through an accredited agency, up to 90 days, single entry.
Indian passporteVisaVisa required. As UAE residents: JAPAN eVISA for tourism (single entry, up to 90 days) through an accredited agency; other visas through VFS Global for the Consulate-General in Dubai (northern emirates) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). UAE residence must still be valid on return from Japan.
Pakistani passporteVisaVisa required. As UAE residents: JAPAN eVISA for tourism (single entry, up to 90 days) through an accredited agency; other visas through VFS Global for the Consulate-General in Dubai (northern emirates) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). UAE residence must still be valid on return from Japan.
Filipino passporteVisaVisa required. As UAE residents: JAPAN eVISA for tourism (single entry, up to 90 days) through an accredited agency; other visas through VFS Global for the Consulate-General in Dubai (northern emirates) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). UAE residence must still be valid on return from Japan.
Checked 1 Nov 2026Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of JapanReport a change
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ContentsIn brief
Japan rules for UAE residents, by passport
| Passport | With UAE residence | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | eVisaUp to 90 days, single entry2 | Visa required. As UAE residents: JAPAN eVISA for tourism (single entry, up to 90 days) through an accredited agency; other visas through VFS Global for the Consulate-General in Dubai (northern emirates) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). UAE residence must still be valid on return from Japan. | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of JapanMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Pakistani | eVisaUp to 90 days, single entry2 | Visa required. As UAE residents: JAPAN eVISA for tourism (single entry, up to 90 days) through an accredited agency; other visas through VFS Global for the Consulate-General in Dubai (northern emirates) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). UAE residence must still be valid on return from Japan. | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of JapanMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
| Filipino | eVisaUp to 90 days, single entry2 | Visa required. As UAE residents: JAPAN eVISA for tourism (single entry, up to 90 days) through an accredited agency; other visas through VFS Global for the Consulate-General in Dubai (northern emirates) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). UAE residence must still be valid on return from Japan. | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of JapanMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |
Who qualifies through UAE residence
UAE residence opens a route into Japan for all three passports, under the conditions below.
India, Pakistan and the Philippines are not among the 74 countries and regions with visa exemption for Japan.
Japan has reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with 74 countries and regions listed in the table below.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan · checked · read from an archived copy of 27 Oct 2026All foreign residents of the UAE (except visa-exempt nationals) can apply for the JAPAN eVISA through an accredited agency.
Application should be made through an accredited agency in countries/regions below. … (4) Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and United Arab Emirates … All foreign nationals/people residing in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea (except jurisdiction over the Consulate General of Japan in Jeju), Singapore and United Arab Emirates, except those who are exempt from short-term visa
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan · checked · read from an archived copy of 27 Sep 2026The eVISA is a single-entry short-term tourist visa for up to 90 days, for ordinary passports only; an interview at the Japanese mission may be requested.
Single-entry short-term stay visa for the purpose of Tourism (for a period of up to 90 days) (Note). … (2) During the application process, the applicant may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the place of the applicant’s residence for an interview. … (3) Only ordinary passport holder is eligible to apply through JAPAN eVISA website.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan · checked · read from an archived copy of 27 Sep 2026The UAE residence visa must still be valid when the traveller returns from Japan.
(2) UAE residence visa must be valid upon returning from Japan.
Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai · checked · read from an archived copy of 3 Jun 2025
How to apply from the UAE
Since 1 August 2024 the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai uses VFS Global for visa applications and no longer accepts them directly.
Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai · checked · read from an archived copy of 7 Jun 2026Residents of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah apply under the Consulate-General in Dubai; residents of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain apply to the Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai · checked · read from an archived copy of 3 Jun 2025Indian passport: The Consulate-General has a separate multiple-entry visa route for Indian nationals.
Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai · checked · read from an archived copy of 3 Jun 2025Indian passport: In the UAE, the Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi takes all ordinary visa applications, including the eVISA, through VFS Global by appointment.
Embassy of Japan in the UAE · checked
Fees
Indian passport: At the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai the visa fee for Indian citizens is AED 20 for a single- or multiple-entry visa (other nationals pay AED 365 or 730 from 1 July 2026).
Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai · checkedPakistani and Filipino passports: In the consulate's fee table from 1 April 2025 (archived copy), Pakistani nationals and Filipino nationals (short stays of up to 90 days) were exempt from the visa fee.
Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai · checked · read from an archived copy of 8 Jul 2025
These are government fees as the official sources state them. Agencies add their own service fees; those are not visa fees.
Processing time
The Consulate-General gives a processing time of at least one week.
Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai · checked · read from an archived copy of 3 Jun 2025
Documents for UAE residents
Not stated by the official sources we read, beyond a valid passport and your UAE residence visa.
Indian, Pakistani and Filipino passports
Indian passport
eVisa Visa required. As UAE residents: JAPAN eVISA for tourism (single entry, up to 90 days) through an accredited agency; other visas through VFS Global for the Consulate-General in Dubai (northern emirates) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). UAE residence must still be valid on return from Japan.
Without UAE residence: Indian passport → Japan.
Pakistani passport
eVisa Visa required. As UAE residents: JAPAN eVISA for tourism (single entry, up to 90 days) through an accredited agency; other visas through VFS Global for the Consulate-General in Dubai (northern emirates) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). UAE residence must still be valid on return from Japan.
Every destination for this passport: Pakistan passport.
Filipino passport
eVisa Visa required. As UAE residents: JAPAN eVISA for tourism (single entry, up to 90 days) through an accredited agency; other visas through VFS Global for the Consulate-General in Dubai (northern emirates) or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). UAE residence must still be valid on return from Japan.
Every destination for this passport: Philippines passport.
FAQ
Can I go to Japan with an UAE residence visa?
Yes. JAPAN eVISA for UAE residents through an accredited agency, up to 90 days, single entry. Every foreign resident of the UAE who needs a visa can apply for the single-entry tourist eVISA (up to 90 days, ordinary passports) through an accredited agency. The UAE residence visa must still be valid when you return.
Can UAE residents get a visa on arrival?
Not on the official pages we read. Indian, Pakistani and Filipino passports: evisa.
How much is the Japan visa fee for UAE residents?
Indian passport: At the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai the visa fee for Indian citizens is AED 20 for a single- or multiple-entry visa (other nationals pay AED 365 or 730 from 1 July 2026). Pakistani and Filipino passports: In the consulate's fee table from 1 April 2025 (archived copy), Pakistani nationals and Filipino nationals (short stays of up to 90 days) were exempt from the visa fee.
Can I apply online?
Indian passport: In the UAE, the Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi takes all ordinary visa applications, including the eVISA, through VFS Global by appointment. All foreign residents of the UAE (except visa-exempt nationals) can apply for the JAPAN eVISA through an accredited agency.
How long is the waiting time from Dubai?
The Consulate-General gives a processing time of at least one week.
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: rules for UAE residents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: rules for UAE residents and length of stay
- Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai: applying from the UAE
- Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai: applying from the UAE, rules for UAE residents and processing time
- Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai: fees
- Embassy of Japan in the UAE: applying from the UAE
More destinations: visa-free countries for UAE residents · Japan entry rules by nationality · all guides for UAE residents.