UAE residents hoping to fulfill their dreams of a holiday in Japan are facing significant obstacles due to recent changes in the visa application process.
Japan Travel Challenges for UAE Residents
Japan's e-visa system, introduced in 2023 to streamline the application process for UAE residents, has been suspended. While Emiratis can visit Japan without a visa, many expatriates must secure a permit before traveling. This new hurdle has complicated travel plans, leaving many frustrated.
Struggles to Secure Appointments
With the suspension of the e-visa system, those wishing to visit Japan must now email the Japanese consulate in Dubai to secure an appointment. However, travelers and travel agencies report that obtaining an appointment slot has become "almost impossible," with numerous requests being "rejected."
Rafeez Ahmed, a Dubai-based travel vlogger, shared his struggles. As He plans to explore Japan for two weeks in September but has faced considerable difficulty in securing a visa appointment. Despite working with an agency for two weeks, four appointment requests sent to the consulate were either rejected or denied. Undeterred, Rafeez turned to another agency, which promised an appointment for July 1. However, uncertainty remains, and he continues to anxiously compile his documents in preparation.
Before the suspension, the e-visa system allowed applicants to log into a website, submit the required documents, and pay the fees (Dh80 for most nationalities and Dh20 for Indians). This convenient online process was halted in Dubai on April 27, as confirmed by a call center executive at the Japanese Consulate-General.
The new process requires applicants to email the consulate between 8 a.m.a.m. and 10 a.m.a.m. on weekdays. The consulate's website provides a detailed guide toto the necessary information to include in the email. If an appointment is confirmed, applicants receive a response by 4 PM with a slot for the next day. If there is no response, the request is considered unsuccessful, and applicants must try again the next day.
The consulate's guide also specifies that applications will not be accepted if the travel date is "more than three months or less than two weeks from the time of application." This tight timeframe adds to the challenge, forcing applicants to navigate the already complex process within a narrow window.
The suspension of Japan's e-visa system has created significant challenges for UAE residents planning to visit the popular East Asian destination. The new email-based appointment system is proving difficult to navigate, with many facing repeated rejections. Travelers like Rafeez Ahmed remain hopeful but are experiencing considerable anxiety and frustration as they attempt to secure the necessary visas for their trips. The situation underscores the importance of staying informed about changes in travel requirements and being prepared to adapt to new processes.
