Pharmacist · English Edition
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After graduating from the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences at a national university, she worked at a major dispensing pharmacy chain in Japan. She has reviewed beauty products on social media since her student days and is good at explaining complex ingredients in plain words. She is bilingual in Japanese and English. At Japan Medical Press she writes and reviews articles on medicines and beauty, looks after the English edition, and handles our work with medical institutions.
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- Visa-exempt nationals
- Up to 90 days without a visa for most; 15 days (Indonesia, Thailand) or 30 days (Brunei, Qatar) for some
- Validity
- Up to 3 years (multiple entry)
- Period of stay
- 90 days, 6 months or 1 year
Do you need a medical visa at all?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries and regions, including the United States, the EU, the United Kingdom, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore, can enter Japan for medical purposes without a visa for the period of stay granted on arrival, which is 90 days for most of them but 15 days for Indonesia and Thailand and 30 days for Brunei and Qatar, as long as the whole visit, including treatment, fits within that period. The Visa for Medical Stay is relevant to people who need a visa to enter Japan anyway, such as citizens of China, Vietnam or Russia, and for anyone whose treatment will last longer than their visa-free period. [1][2]
What the visa covers
The Visa for Medical Stay is issued to foreign patients who come to Japan for medical care at a Japanese hospital or clinic, and, where necessary, to a person who comes along to help the patient, for example with daily needs. This companion does not have to be a family member, but may not work for pay in Japan. Care includes surgery, hospitalization, outpatient treatment, comprehensive health checkups and, in some cases, convalescence. [1]
How long can you stay?
The visa can be single or multiple entry. A multiple-entry visa is valid for up to three years, requires a Medical Treatment Plan from a physician in Japan, and limits each visit to 90 days. The period of stay is set at 90 days, six months or one year according to your condition. Stays longer than 90 days are granted only to patients who will be hospitalized, and the hospital or a relative in Japan must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the immigration authorities. [1]
What the guarantor organization does
Every applicant needs a Letter of Guarantee issued by a registered guarantor organization in Japan. These are travel agencies and medical coordinators registered with the Japanese government; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the lists. The guarantor confirms your identity, arranges the hospital appointment, and takes responsibility for your stay. Many guarantors also provide interpreters and airport transfers as part of their service. [3]
Documents to submit
- Your passport and the visa application form with a photo. [1]
- The Letter of Guarantee from the guarantor organization. [1]
- A document from the Japanese hospital confirming your planned treatment, such as a certificate of scheduled consultation. [1]
- A Medical Treatment Plan if you will make multiple visits, and a Certificate of Eligibility if you will be hospitalized for more than 90 days. [1]
- Proof that you can pay for treatment and living costs, such as bank statements. [1]
Submit the application to the Japanese embassy or consulate that covers your place of residence. [1]
How long does the process take?
The hospital must accept you before a guarantor can issue the letter, so the practical sequence is: contact a guarantor, send your medical records, receive the hospital's acceptance, then apply for the visa. As a rough guide, allow six to eight weeks from first contact to arrival for a straightforward case; complex cases involving hospitalization take longer. The visa examination itself normally takes five business days from the day after the embassy or consulate accepts the application, and longer if additional documents or checks are needed. [4]
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for the medical visa directly at the embassy without a guarantor?
No. The Letter of Guarantee from a registered guarantor organization is required for this visa.
Can a family member come with me?
Yes. People who accompany you can receive the same visa. They do not need to be relatives, but the guarantor must cover them as well.
Does the visa give me access to Japanese health insurance?
No. Medical visa holders pay the full cost of treatment themselves, usually in advance or through a deposit agreed with the hospital.
Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — For those who would like to apply for the "Visa for Medical Stay" mofa.go.jp
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay) mofa.go.jp
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — List of Registered Guarantors (Medical Coordinators etc.) mofa.go.jp
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — VISA: Frequently Asked Questions (2. Application Examination, Q1) mofa.go.jp
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This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified physician.
