Visa Application Process

August/13/2026

This webpage provides an overview of the visa application process in Wellington and Christchurch.

Auckland applicants, please refer to the webpage by the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Quick links

Step 0: Check whether you need a visa
Step 1: Preparing your application
Step 2: Submitting your application
Step 3: Assessing your application
Step 4: Collecting your passport
Step 5: Travelling to Japan

Application Process Overview

STEP 0: Check whether you need a visa (click to expand/collapse this section)

Do I need to apply for a visa to travel to Japan?
If you are planning to travel to Japan with a NZ passport or any other passport under the visa exemption agreement, you do not need to apply for a visa if your stay is less than 90 days. Click the link below to find out more about specific conditions based on your passport.

STEP 1: Preparing your application (click to expand/collapse this section)

	Where to submit your application There are three consular offices in NZ. First, find out where to submit your application. This will depend on where you reside. Refer to the jurisdictional map - https://www.nz.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/other_offices_in_nz.html
	Required documents Prepare all required documents based on what type of visa you are applying for. Click the link below depending on your purpose of travel. Visa types: (Short term) (Long term) Multiple Entry Visa: Some nationalities may apply for a multiple entry visa if eligible. Please refer to the following link based on nationality. China / Indonesia / Philippines / Vietnam / India / Pacific Islands / Ukraine / Mongolia Note: Issuance of a multiple entry visa is not guaranteed and may revert to a single entry after assessment. Therefore, please submit documents required for multiple entry in addition to all documents required for a single-entry visa application.
	Check your application Crosscheck your application using the online checklist below. Failure to do so may result in a delay in processing your application. - Wellington applicants must submit the online checklist. Optional for Christchurch applicants if you wish to do so.
	Applying as a group or with family There is no need to duplicate identical documents, so prepare documents that belong to each applicant (e.g. application form, recent photo, passport and NZ visa) and then anything in common (e.g. accommodation booking, joint account bank statements, marriage certificate) separately. Example: Applicant 1, 2, 3... Shared (common) documents
	No staples, paper clips, Post-it, folders or files No need to use any stationeries to group documents together, as they will be scanned. - Applications that are stapled with not be accepted nor processed.
	Making false declarations Most common mistake to get your visa application declined is to make a false declaration at any point during the application process. Be honest with your application unless you want your application to be declined. - Do not submit an old photo pretending that it is a recent one.

STEP 2: Submitting your application (click to expand/collapse this section)

	There are two ways to submit your application Apply in person at the counter Send by post using courier - All Working Holiday Visa applicants must apply at the counter.
	Applying at the counter There is no need to make a booking to submit your application at the counter. Make sure you have done the checklist and bring all documents including your passport during our office hours. Check office closures (NZ public holidays and some Japanese holidays) here.
	Sending by courier Send your application to the consular office using courier with tracking. We will let you know by E-mail when it arrives at our office. Postal address: Wellington Consular Office, Embassy of Japan, PO Box 6340, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Christchurch Consular Office of Japan, PO Box 13478, Christchurch 8140

STEP 3: Assessing your application (click to expand/collapse this section)

Processing time
There are several factors that will affect the processing time of your application. The main factor is how complete your application is. The second being how prompt your response is when being asked to submit additional documents. Other factors include how busy the office is when you submit your application.
The overall turnaround time may range from one to three weeks, or for poorly prepared applications could take more than a month.

Additional documents
Once a visa officer is assigned and assessment begins, the visa officer may ask for additional information or documents.
These can be E-mailed unless it is the application form, photo, or passport.

STEP 4: Collecting your passport (click to expand/collapse this section)

	There are two ways to collect your passport Collect the passport yourself Nominating someone to collect on your behalf - Passports cannot be returned by courier.
	Collect the passport yourself Bring a photo ID to collect your passport. Visa fee (if applicable) is payable in cash only. We appreciate if you bring the exact amount as there is limited amount of change available. Check visa fees here
	Nominate someone to collect on your behalf You can nominate someone else (family member, friend, colleague, etc.) to collect your passport on your behalf. E-mail us an authorisation form in advance (preferred) or hand it to the person collecting your passport. They must bring a photo ID, visa fee (if applicable) in cash, and your signature on the authorisation form must match that on your passport. Use the authorisation form template below
	Booking not required Booking is not required, however you can register a date and timeframe when you or someone else is planning to come using the online form included in the E-mail we will send you.

STEP 5: Travelling to Japan (click to expand/collapse this section)

	Passport validity You can travel to Japan as long as your passport is valid beyond the date you are planning to leave. Your passport does not need to be valid for a certain period (e.g. 6 months, etc.)
	Health & Travel Insurance If you are planning to engage in high risk activities (including ski/snowboarding) it is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive health & travel insurance to cover any large medical expense should you get injured.
	Register your travel online Prior to your departure, go to the Visit Japan Web (VJW) site to register your travel.
	Beware of similar third party websites that are not official which may charge a processing fee VJW is a free service. However, there are third party websites that offers services to register on your behalf. These may incur a fee or sometime could be a scam. Use these sites with caution and only at your discretion.
	Taking personal medication If you are planning to take any personal medication on your trip to Japan, please refer to the following webpage. https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/bringing-medication-into-japan/ The Embassy/Consulate does not have the expertise to advise whether particular medications are allowed or not.
	Bringing animal products into Japan from overseas. (Animal Quarantine Service) Regulations when bringing plans into Japan from another country. (Plant Protection Station) Multilingual guide - Fruits, vegetables, meat and meat products that cannot be brought into Japan
	If you have a criminal history NZ passport holders do not need to apply for a visa to travel to Japan for a holiday for stays of up to 90 days. If you are unsure whether your criminal background may affect entry to Japan, please refer to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act 1951 Cabiner Order No.319 (Refer to Chapter II, Section 2, Article 5) The Embassy/Consulate does not have access to your criminal history, and entry to Japan will be subject to obtaining immigration and customs clearance and at the discretion of the border officer on the day of travel. If you would like to discuss your individual case with Immigration, please get in touch with ISA (Immigration Services Agency) in Japan - https://www.moj.go.jp//isa/consultation/center/index.html