Vietnamese passport holders require a visa to visit Japan. Japan is a major travel destination for Vietnamese travellers, with a straightforward application process through the Embassy of Japan in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam and Japan have strong bilateral ties in business, education, and culture. Vietnamese tourism to Japan has grown significantly in recent years, particularly during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, for Japanese food culture, and for shopping. The Japan tourist visa application from Vietnam has specific requirements around financial documentation.
Where to Apply in Vietnam
- Embassy of Japan in Hanoi: The main office, covering northern Vietnam.
- Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City: Covers southern Vietnam.
- Japan Visa Application Centers (JVAC): Available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for standard individual applications. More convenient than visiting the embassy directly for most applicants.
Documents Required
- Valid Vietnamese passport: At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay. Minimum 2 blank pages.
- Completed the visa application form from the Embassy of Japan, Hanoi website, all fields in English or Japanese.
- Passport photo: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months, no glasses.
- Bank statements: 3 to 6 months of personal bank statements. Must show consistent balance and regular income deposits—original or certified bank-stamped copies.
- Employment certificate: On company letterhead with company seal, stating your name, position, monthly salary, and approved leave dates for the trip.
- Income tax documentation: Most recent personal income tax return or certificate of tax payment, as applicable.
- For business owners: Business registration certificate plus income documentation.
- Round-trip flight itinerary: Booking reference.
- Hotel bookings: Covering the transition. of the trip
- Travel itinerary: Detailed day-by-day plan.
Financial Requirements
Japan does not publish specific minimums for Vietnamese applicants. The practical standard: bank statements showing a consistent balance that covers trip costs (flights, accommodation, and daily expenses in Japan), with a meaningful surplus, along with regular monthly salary deposits confirming stable income. For a 7- to 10-day trip to Japan costing approximately VND 25,000,000 to 50,000,000, including flights and accommodation, a consistent bank balance of VND 50,000,000 or more,e with regular salary deposits,s is a reasonable benchmark.
The consistency of the balance over 3 to 6 months matters more than the current figure. A sudden large deposit before the application is a red flag. See the Japan visa bank statement guide for detailed guidance on what works.
Processing Time and Fees
Standard processing: 5 to 7 business days. Cherry blossom season (March to April) and Golden Week (late April to early May) are peak periods,s with 10 to 14 business-day processing times. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel, 6 to 8 weeks during the peak period. Fee: approximately VND 400,000 to 600,000 depending on visa type. VJA service charges are additional.
Practical Notes for Vietnam
Multiple-entry visas: Available to Vietnamese applicants with a strong history of prior travel to Japan. Worth requesting explicitly if you have visited Japan twice or more previously.
Group tour applications: Organized group tours through Japanese Embassy-accredited Vietnamese travel agencies sometimes have simplified processing for members.
What to Do in Japan for Vietnamese Travellers
Japan is a top destination for Vietnamese travellers, especially during cherry blossom season from late March to early April and autumn foliage season in November. The classic Golden Route, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, is the best first-time itinerary.
In Tokyo, highlights include teamLab, Shibuya Crossing, and Akihabara. In Kyoto, don’t miss Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Food is a major draw: ramen, sushi, kaiten-zushi, tempura, and excellent convenience store meals from 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. Japan does not require travel insurance, but it is strongly recommended due to high medical costs. Buy coverage before leaving Vietnam.
