A person in Pakistan who thinks about going to Tokyo for sushi, Kyoto for cherry blossoms, or Osaka for a business deal first obtains a Japan visit visa. This guide explains the process simply. People travel for fun, to see family, or to do business.
Table of Contents
Types of Japan Visit Visas for Pakistanis
Japan provides various short-term visas, which depend on the reason for your visit. The main ones Pakistanis usually obtain include the following.
- The Tourist Visa is for sightseeing, vacations, or attending festivals.
- For a Family or Relative Visit Visa, a person visits close family or acquaintances who live in Japan.
- A Business Visa serves those who attend meetings, trade shows, or complete any short-term work travel.
- A transit visa serves people who travel through Japan to get to another country. This visa requires specific papers. We will look at them one by one.
Who Can Apply from Pakistan?
Anyone with a valid Pakistani passport can apply, as long as:
- You have a real reason to go
- You can cover your travel costs
- You give all the required documents
That said, the documents change depending on your case. A student visiting Tokyo for tourism will need different papers than a mother visiting her son or a businessman going to a Tokyo tech event.
Japan Visit Visa Requirements from Pakistan
Most Pakistanis need to collect several items when they apply; they must fill out and sign the visa form. An applicant also needs a recent photo that measures 4.5cm by 4.5cm and has a plain white background. The original passport is necessary, which must be valid for at least six months. A copy of the CNIC also goes with the application.
A NADRA family registration certificate must be provided. People include a bank statement for the last six months, plus the balance should be between PKR 300,000 and PKR 1,000,000. For work, people add proof of a job or a business, which means a letter from an employer, salary slips, or business papers.
A return flight reservation is another requirement. This does not have to be a confirmed booking, just a reservation. A hotel booking or an invitation from Japan is also necessary. A cover letter explains the reason for the visit.
Documents Needed from Japan (If Someone is Inviting You)
If you’re being invited, that person has to send some papers from Japan, too:
- Invitation letter
- Letter of guarantee (if they’re paying for your trip)
- Daily travel plan
- Juminhyo (residence certificate)
- Tax certificate or income slip
- Job certificate or business registration
Could you make sure these are original and signed?
How to Apply for a Japan Visa from Pakistan in 2025
Japan does not issue visas straight to people. An applicant must use VFS Global in Karachi or Gerry’s/VFS in Lahore, in addition to Islamabad.
People apply by following these steps.
They download a form; they print it and then fill it in.
Applicants gather their documents. They arrange all the papers – they can label files if that helps.
They set up an appointment if the location requires it. People can walk in Karachi. For Lahore, besides Islamabad, a person books a time online.
After that, applicants hand in their documents. The office takes documents from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
A person then pays the visa fee. Details about that appear later.
Applicants pick up their passports. People can get their passports from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM when it is ready.
Visa Fees (Updated for 2025)
- Single Entry – JPY 3,000 (around PKR 5,600)
- Multiple Entry – JPY 6,000 (around PKR 11,200)
- Transit Visa – JPY 700 (around PKR 1,300)
- Service Charges – PKR 3,000 to 4,000 depending on the city
Tip: Carry cash and a copy of your passport’s first page.
Processing Time for Japan Visa in Pakistan
Normal time: 6 working days. During peak season, the processing time can reach three weeks. March, in addition to December, is a busy month. If you plan a trip during cherry blossoms or year-end holidays, you can apply early.
Sample Travel Plan for Visa (Without Invitation)
If you do not get an invitation, you can still send a travel plan. A basic one shows here – it looks true.
- On the first day, you reach Tokyo. You stay in a hotel that sits in Shinjuku.
- The next day, you go to Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Harajuku.
- On the third day, you travel to Mount Fuji.
- On the fourth day, you travel to Kyoto by bullet train.
- The next day, you see the Gion district in addition to Kinkaku-ji Temple.
- On Day 6, you go back to Tokyo.
- On Day 7, you depart.
You do not book hotels or tours. You just showed you planned the trip well.
How Much Bank Balance Do You Need?
From what people use and what travel agents suggest, the amounts below are enough, but no official rule that sets them.
A tourist visa costs between 500,000 and 1,000,000 Pakistani Rupees. For a family visit, 300,000 to 700,000 Pakistani Rupees covers the expense. A business trip requires enough money for a plane ticket, a place to stay, and local transportation. You also furnish papers that show your income – these papers contain pay stubs, tax forms, or business account records.
Why Japan Visas Get Rejected (And How to Avoid It)
Visa rejections do happen—Japan’s embassy checks every file carefully. Here are some common problems:
- Low or fake bank balance
- Missing documents (especially invite letters or employment proof)
- Unrealistic travel plans
- No travel history (first-timers are checked more)
- Mismatch in paperwork (dates or spelling differences)
Tip: Be honest. Japan cross-checks info with NADRA and embassy records.
Cover Letter Tips (With Example)
A good cover letter shows the purpose of your visit clearly.
Include:
- Your travel reason
- Dates and cities you’ll visit
- Where you’ll stay
- Who’s paying
Sample:
To: The Visa Officer,
Embassy of Japan
Islamabad, Pakistan
Subject: Application for Japan Tourist Visa
Dear Sir/Madam,
I want to apply for a tourist visa. My visit to Japan takes place from March 10 to March 17, 2025. I plan to see Tokyo in addition to Kyoto while I am there. I work as a software engineer at ABC Pvt. Ltd. and will cover all expenses. I have attached my bank statements, job letter, and travel plan.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sommaiya
Passport: AB123456
CNIC: 35201-XXXXXXX
Real Applicant Stories
Alia – The Solo Traveller
Applied with a strong travel plan, stable job, and good bank history. Visa granted.
Mrs. Nasreen – Visiting Family
Her daughter sent all the required invitation papers. Visa approved for 90 days.
azad – Business Visitor
He provided an invitation, tax records, and company documents. Got a multiple-entry visa.
Japan Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Use Google Maps and local transport apps
- Carry Japanese Yen; cards aren’t accepted everywhere
- Find halal food using apps like Halal Navi
- Buy a SIM card or a pocket WiFi for the internet
- Learn an important Japanese sentence
FAQs
Is there an online visa for Japan in 2025?
An online visa for Japan is not available in 2025 for people from Pakistan. Individuals must apply at VFS or Gerry’s directly.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not a requirement, but people suggest it – it helps if a person gets sick while they are abroad.
Can I reapply after a rejection?
A person can reapply for the visa after a rejection. This is allowed once the applicant corrects the problem. There is no waiting period, but do not hurry.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a Japan visit visa from Pakistan in 2025 is not difficult if a person plans correctly. A person should remain honest and not falsify bank statements. A person should also not omit documents. There is no need to overthink the process. Japan applies strict rules, but it also treats people fairly.
If a person plans to visit Tokyo Tower, spend time with family in Osaka, or complete business deals in Yokohama, this guide helps get the visa. A person should begin the process early. The information provided should be clear. Travel safely.