Visa fees are determined according to reciprocal arrangements between Japan and the country of the applicant's nationality. To enter Japan under the ERFS on a short-term visa, both the receiving organization and the applicant must complete the whole process. Also note booking fees will be charged for each different airline if your itinerary uses more than one airline. We can support your trip with our ERFS assistance. Speaking of which: Keep in mind that the ERFS certificate is only a letter of guarantee to the government that you and your sponsor would follow any COVID restrictions and check-ups. You will need other required documents for visa application. *About the negative certificate required when returning to Japan from China*. That being said, that doesnt mean its a free pass into Japan. The typical requirements (excluding additional documents according to teach country or regions policy) are: You will need to apply for a visa yourself. In most cases, yes, you will need an ERFS certificate if you are entering Japan with a new visa. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114949403', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight booked and hotels, as well as a full itinerary that I have been building with a separate travel agency. To apply for visa, the certificate for completion of registration to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System ( ERFS) which receiving organization located in Japan is necessary. Download your free copy of 29 TIPS + TRICKS TO HACK THE JLPT today and start preparing for the JLPT the right way! An e-ticket or print-out from a travel agency, airline or travel website is acceptable. Although in addition to this system youll also need to complete the usual visa application process (Certificate of Eligibility, list other parts here) and have the respective documents ready as well. In most cases, this type of visa will need to be sponsored by an employer located within Japan. Typically, a clear photocopy of the Certificate for completion of registration to the ERFS system is compulsory. Under Japan's ERFS, the travel agency will be jointly responsible for the traveler's conduct during the initial entry/re-entry period, especially to COVID-19 health checks and quarantine requirements. However, because your Certificate of Eligibility usually lasts for only 3 months, youre still on a timer in terms of when you can enter Japan. If your visa is denied, we refund your fees. Japan is fully open for international travel Starting Oct 11: ERFS not required and we no longer offer ERFS service. We want to help you escape the tourist trail and find the real Japan. Alternatively, you can also learn some useful Japanese phrases with our Ultimate Guide to Useful Japanese Phrases to prepare for your journey across Japan! It's well known that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For example, if you are planning to visit Japan in the near future under group tours, you will need to find a travel company that can sponsor your ERFS. Furthermore, based on the visa types youre entering Japan with, your period of stay might also differ. The new border measures now require an additional document on top of the COE - a certificate for completion of registration to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS). There were cases where foreigners who had entered Japan with special permits broke certain COVID rules which resulted in small outbreaks. Kyushu Journeys aims to encourage travellers to visit our beloved island of Kyushu. Prime minister Kishida is said to announce a more relaxed border control very soon. If the contents of the application are false, the receiving agency may not be able to accept applications for new entry of foreigners. That agency, however, informed me that because of liabilities, they indeed must book all flights and hotels to sponsor an ERFS for me. Note that you'll need to supply the details of your flights to and from . U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries which have a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement with Japan may be eligible to visit Japan without a visa for a short-term stay for the activities allowed to Temporary Visitors. Thats the first part of the process. The most important requirement is that the travel agency should book your flights and all hotels. You need an ERFS certificate before you apply for a short-term visa . Getting international travel medical insurance for your trip to Japan during the pandemic is strongly recommended, according to the. Heres a quick summary of these visas: If you have certain outstanding abilities and credentials, (e.g. No, you do not. Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS) for new entry of foreign nationals entering Japan for a short-term stay . No. Do I not need any of the other supporting documents? Details: VISA Exemption [MOFA] . (See the full commitment here). If the flight is available please inform us flight numbers and dates for arrival and departure flights so we can check the price with our flight supply agency. Click here for the official guide on the ERFS system. This post has been removed at the author's request. In all cases, you will have some receiving organization in Japan so the ERFS should not present an issue. The "Certificate for Completion of Registration issued by the ERFS", or the "ERFS certificate" for short (J: , uketsuke zumisho)" is an official document needed to apply for a student, worker, business, or working holiday visa to Japan.The certificate shows that a Japanese organization will be jointly responsible for the traveler's conduct during their initial entry . Go to the JGA ERFS site, select the number of travelers, then checkout. However, I won't label the fee as a scam though. Travel agencies, companies or other receiving organizations must manage the foreigners health status. Temporary Visit to Japan for Tourism Purposes with ERFS. I am traveling to Japan on Dec 27th. We will request payment in JPY and the exchange rate will depend on your bank or credit card provider. After giving you a quotation we cannot lock the price so please be ready to make payment the same day. 34. This is not the same as your Certificate of Eligibility, which you will need regardless of the pandemic. Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes and should not be taken as official, legal advice. The company will apply through the ERFS system for you and issue a Certificate of Completion of Registration. Note for Nationals of India Thank you for choosing ERFS Japan. Click. ; or other similar activities during a short period of stay in Japan. So please check whether the information on your ERFS certificate is correct before coming to Japan. It's only one night that we need to reserve for you. So you book your own tickets, hotel, & transportation right? Those who have not been regarded as having special exceptional circumstances are permitted to enter Japan. Your visit needs to be arranged with a Japanese travel agency. We can issue ERFS only for purposes of tourism. No smiling. Speaking of which, we are able to sponsor your ERFS certificate soon! ERFS stands for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System ( / nykokusha kenk kakunin shisutemu). The agent helps you obtain an ERFS certificate for 5,500 yen per person. Is there anything that would disqualify you from getting the ERFS certificate? We can support your trip with our ERFS assistance. Upon your return to your home country, your travel agency will save your contact information for one week after the tour ends. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website uses JavaScript.Please turn on "JavaScript" and use it. 6 Sept 2022, 6:49 am. Please be aware that we will decline applications that have incomplete documents. An ERFS certificate is required to prove that you are eligible for the ERFS system. If going for TOURISM, or to VISIT FRIENDS or RELATIVES, proof is required that the applicant has financial resources to stay in Japan for the given period. After 00:00 JST on March 1st, 2023, all those who are entering Japan via a direct flight from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) required to obtain a certificate of Pre-departure Test. Its an important point to note since every company / school has different conditions and policies on their ERFS sponsorship. Now, foreigners from every country will need a visa to be granted entry into Japan. Notice. If your COE was issued between January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022, then it is valid until July 31, 2022. Entrants, Returnees Follow-Up System (ERFS) VISA . REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. Processing Time Though it is a little more difficult, anyone who is self-employed in Japan is also allowed to sponsor your ERFS certificate. Any changes or cancellation after booking will incur a fee of 5,000 per hotel. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Please fill out the information in the form below. No quarantine required! Read more: 10 Tips to Boost Your Solo Travel Experience. . Dont panic! Your name (the exact name on your passport), country code (you can find your 3 digit iso code with, your passport number (exactly the same as your passport), the address youll be staying at during your time in Japan, Submitting and finalizing your ERFS application, This section is mainly aimed at organizations who want a brief rundown on how to apply and fill in the ERFS system. You can expect the price to be similar to booking directly with the airline plus our booking fees. Once your ERFS certificate is issued, youll notice that it has no expiry date. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. In case of cancellation we will refund your airline payment according to the airline policy. This is because the Japanese government wants to make sure theyre not letting too many people into the country at once. Blank forms are available at Japanese consular offices. However, my trip is not until the end of December so I have a ways to go. Find a Japanese travel company and buy a package tour. I recommend waiting just a few days before buying ERFS. ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System) certificates are still required to get a visa for Japan. If clients feel like they are being forced to spend more for zero benefit, they will take it out on the agency in reviews and word of mouth. For all payments we collect from you (our fees, ERFS fees, airline ticket cost, accommodation charges, rental car charges etc) we will supply a secure credit card link. Please forward us the official document. In principle, all foreign nationals who are entering Japan would have to go through at least 3 days of self-quarantine if they have not taken a booster vaccine shot. This is because the ERFS certificate is only used to show you have registered on the ERFS system to the customs. If you will be entering a third country after leaving Japan, you must show a valid visa to enter that country (or a national passport of that country). Please inform us which hotel you want to stay for each night of your trip and any specific requests about type of room, twin or double, smoking or non-smoking, any meal request etc. Contact us today to find out more! This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thi Hong Tran, Osaka Metropolitan University The evidence could be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, a copy of a certified family register, etc. Here at Japan Switch, we provide affordable online Japanese lessons along with your ERFS certificate. Any changes or cancellation after booking will incur a fee of 5,000 per hotel. Your guarantor could be a company, a school or other related unions that have a legitimate 13-digit number designated by the National Tax Agency. Payment when checking-in is not available. *Only those who are deemed to have a relationship equivalent to relatives (betrothed or common-law marriage) or those who are deemed to have a need to visit Japan (to attend a wedding or funeral or to visit an acquaintance who is ill). Get ready for your dream trip to Japan! We offer free Tokyo airport to Yokohama port transfer for all 2023, 2024, and 2025 cruise passengers! Kindly refer to official sources and consult with a legal expert. The ERFS certificate (click for a sample) is not merely a ticket or pass. Note for Chinese nationals We have tickets booked. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114990980', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Japan has been restricting entry of individual foreign tourists for over 2 years. The ERFS system was created, in part, to remedy this situation. Here at Japan Switch, we provide affordable online Japanese lessons along with your ERFS certificate. For more information about reciprocal visa exemption arrangements, please click here. If your COE was issued between February 1, 2022 to July 31, 2022, then it is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Book a package tour including round-trip air travel to Japan and accommodation while in Japan from a travel agency in Japan (you don't have to be accompanied by a tour conductor on this type of tour; this option is new as of Sept. 7, 2022). Alternatively, you may use, https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294232-i525-k14097491-Erfs-Japan.html. Tune into the Japanese With Friends Podcast to hear from real professionals, CEOs, consultants, and experts on honing . * Consulate General of Japan will not make copies. (ERFS)" for "Certificate for Completion of Registration to the ERFS system" prior to the visa application being made. There are certain requirements you must meet in order to get an ERFS certificate. Although it is possible for you to fill in and issue the certificate yourself if your sponsor is willing to divulge its ERFS login credentials with you. This only applies to those who already have a status of residence in Japan. Starting from June 10, 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has loosened the border restrictions on entry for foreign nationals. ; academic surveys or research presentations; religious pilgrimages or visits; friendship visits to sister cities, sister schools etc. Lifting of the ban on individual travel. We all have those days where studying seems like a grueling task, and wed rather do just about anything else than sit down and focus on our Japanese. to book a free consultation and level check with us! They must apply for a guarantor login ID under the ERFS. This is a necessary procedure for foreign nationals who may want to enter Japan for the first time for a short-term stay (less than three months). You will have to make an appointment first, so do not show up unannounced. In both cases, to get an ERFS certificate, youll need a receiving organization. Inviting person is no longer required to agree to the pledge which has been required to apply for a short-term stay visa for the purpose of visiting families/ acquaintances. However, some third parties may take over the application procedure for a fee. Japan Switch can sponsor your ERFS certificate! This section is mainly aimed at organizations who want a brief rundown on how to apply and fill in the ERFS system. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114943282', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flights and accommodations that are non-refundable? Applicants should submit the following documents. Now you can visit Japan without needing a guide and without joining a tour group. Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit. There are already tourists in Japan who have received an ERFS certificate from JGA, gotten a Japanese Visa, and been able to enter Japan. Am I willing to cancel them so an agency can rebook them for me to make a buck? To help you comply with ERFS regulations, please find our option below. We charge a booking fee of JPY 10,000 per person for flight booking (15,000 if just one person). Any foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and all visitors must comply with the conditions of their visas. What is ERFS? ERFS CERTIFICATE SAMPLE. The ERFS was a system that foreign travelers needed to get into to obtain an ERFS certificate to get a visa to visit Japan. Please note we cannot book AirBNB. ERFS won't be required after 11th October, 2022. It helps if you tell us where you live. Once an ERFS certificate is obtained, travelers can apply for their visas, said Aw. You can print out the sample forms by clicking below: Visa Fees ERFS certificate hotel information change. To hear more about how Japan Switch can help you with your ERFS Certificate and make your move to Japan a little easier, click here to book a free consultation and level check with us! There's only an issue date of sept 10 on the ERFS. No. The suspension of visas issued prior to December 2, 2021 has been lifted from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022. Say you have changed your mind or the sponsor of the ERFS certificate is no longer willing to give you your documents. From the time a tour is booked to the time a visa is issued, please allow at least one . Important: please note a 3% surcharge for all credit card payments will be added to your invoice. After 1 to 2 business days you will receive another email with your ERFS ID and password if the application is successful. This article is a part of our extensive series on Japanese Culture and, Add a header to begin generating the table of contents, ERFS stands for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System ( /, Depending on whether you have the booster vaccine shot or not. It'll cost 2-30,000yen per person, but it'll be cheaper than changing flights, I suppose. Has anyone used (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This means companies would naturally like to keep you from peeking into other peoples applications. However, if there is a change in your accommodation in Japan, then you will have to contact your sponsor to issue a new ERFS certificate. We will check whether the rooms are available and if they meet current government requirements. The ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-Up System) is now available for applicants going to Japan for business for 90 days or less (see the link for more information). The visa application for entering Japan for sightseeing purposes under the ERFS usually goes as follows: Keep in mind that having the ERFS is not the complete visa application. 4-9-4, Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0072. A Temporary Visitor Visa is for those who intend to stay in Japan for 90 days or less for such purposes as follows: It is a document, provided by the Travel Agent to the traveler, that the traveler must submit when applying for a Tourist Visa to Japan. I am optimistic that the situation will continue to evolve and improve! There are two options for entry into Japan for a short-term stay. Check out everything you need to know about it here. The most important requirement is that the travel agency should book your flights and all hotels. Because a company / sponsor can only have one account at a time under the ERFS system. Dont worry we can do that for you then issue your ERFS. If you're a Canada/USA citizen, getting an e-visa is quick and simple. What if we tell you that theres a way to make studying more fun and (literally) immersive? The ISM-8 Organizing Committee will apply for a "certificate for completion of Registration to the ERFS" with above information. Go ahead and message us right now to get started or read below for complete information. You may change your reservation to the second night if you have already reserved your first night. The documents required for a transit visa are the same as those listed below: 1 to 5. Purpose of going to Japan to attend business meetings, conference, trainings etc. In addition, visa exemption under the APEC Business Travel Card Arrangement has been resumed. Your email address will not be published. If you would like to get the certificate to enter into Japan, please contact Conference Service Inc., after you register as an on-site conference participant. Once a tour is booked, we will generate an ERFS certificate used to apply for a visa. Following- I am also considering them, but just worry that my visa would be rejected. No, after going through Japans customs then theres no need to keep your ERFS certificate. A confirmed flight reservation record for accompanying family members (if applicable). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Unfortunately our flight supply agency does not offer low cost (LCC) or budget airlines. No. We can book the hotel based on your preferences and the type of room you need. We will request payment in JPY and the exchange rate will depend on your bank or credit card provider. You take this ERFS certificate to your local Japanese Consulate to receive your tourist visa. Sightseeing; sports; visiting relatives, friends, or acquaintances; visiting a sick person; attending a wedding or funeral ceremony; participating in athletic tournaments; contests etc. Those who wish to visit acquaintances but have not been permitted and those who need to enter Japan for transit purposes are permitted to enter Japan. Passport issued by an eligible country with at least 6 months of validity as well as a minimum of two blank pages. Registered local TAs are legally responsible for the tourists and to the local authorities as stipulated. Break free from the teaching trap! Any input would be greatly appreciated. We can book the hotel based on your preferences and the type of room you need. There are two parts to complete for the ERFS for your short-term stay in Japan. In addition, the measure to limit the entry of foreign tourists to those on package tours has been lifted at the same time. Re: Erfs. An application for a visa is made by the applicant him/herself at the Japanese overseas establishments with jurisdiction over the area in which . The receiving organization located in Japan is no longer required to complete the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS) for new entry of foreign nationals entering Japan for a short-term stay(less than 90 days) for the purpose of business, employment, or tourism, and for a long-term stay. To be clear, I don't want or need a tour, I just know I have to book one to get an ERFS. An ERFS filing fee of USD199/person is also required. If you travel date is before October 2, we will not be able to assist you because you'll have to spend 5 business days to apply for a visa. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Please do not request an ERFS if you intend to work (paid or unpaid) or attend business meetings, take an internship or engage in study or training of any kind. For details, please refer to "Restrictions on New Entries of Foreign Nationals (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) ". Finally, this procedure is required for both short-term (less than three months) and long-term stays. If youre struggling to find some interesting activities after finishing your quarantine in Tokyo, why not check our Guide to Visiting Shrines in Tokyo? Your quarantine period may vary from none at all to around 7 days of self-quarantine. Unless there are changes to any of the information youve declared on the ERFS certification then no changes are needed even if your visa situation has changed. Experience with developments and SIMS system would be advantageous. Here at Japan Switch, we are currently creating enrollment plans for students who are in need of an ERFS certificate. 2 Under the new entry measure, the Japanese embassy/consulate does not accept a visa application without a copy of the . No visa is required if you are from a list of 68 countriesincluding Singapore, Malaysia, US, Canada, UK, HK, Australia & NZ. Any company or registered business within Japan is allowed to sponsor the ERFS certificate for foreigners. With effect from 1st March 2022, restrictions on new foreign entries have been revised. Day 1-3. If youd like to know more about anything, you can visit the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website. Your email address will not be published. A) A certificate for completion of Registration to the ERFS system obtained by a receiving organization through online application. Plus, for non-Japanese friends or relatives, a copy of his/her Resident Card(or Alien Registration Certificate) and a copy of his/her passport are required. No. iVisa is a legitimate company, accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). If you have not received your booster shot, then youll be required to self-quarantine at home / designated accommodation for 7 days. If you have any further questions, please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. When a "certificate for completion of Registration to the ERFS" has been issued, the Organizing Committee will send you it by email. A passport-sized photograph: 2-inch x 1.4-inch photograph on glossy photo paper taken within the last six months with plain background. You can see further information on the registration site . However, after completion (before applying for visa), you cannot modify the data. If I have to cancel and pay cash because of this, I will cancel and just not go. If the purpose of your visit is tourism only a travel agency can . First, youll need a guarantor that will sponsor your stay throughout the time youre in Japan. (4) A certificate of completion of registration for the ERFS. Staying at friends or relatives houses is not permitted under the government regulations. Keep in mind that the ERFS certificate is only a letter of guarantee to the government that you and your sponsor would follow any COVID restrictions and check-ups. What a scam for the agencies. Here are the details: 1 Go the JGA ERFS Site to Apply and Pay. Required documents for the "VISA" application. Heres the ERFS page and the Visa page. at mother or sister . Finally you can visit Japan on a private trip with family or friends with no requirement to be accompanied by a guide. It will be just you, your family and friends. As of June 10, the Japanese government has listed a few foreign nationals categories that can apply for a new entry into Japan. http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/d/Consent.pdf, Letter of Invitation with Written Pledge(English), Letter of Invitation with Written Pledge(Japanese), https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000262546.pdf. However most of working holiday makers take a Japanese language course for 3 months to increase the chances of finding a Job in Japan. This includes business travelers on short stays, students in study abroad programs, participants in technical internships, and those who would provide a public benefit to Japan. With the ERFS certificate, please apply for your VISA to Japan by yourself. We can book the hotel based on your preferences and the type of room you need. Blissful Yoga Retreat: relaxation, yoga, meditation and healthy eating. The print-out should include: If traveling for BUSINESS, original letter from applicants company signed by an authorized executive officer, on company letterhead, stating: If going to attend a CONFERENCE, conference brochures plus a paid registration form and invitation will be required. In principle, their receiving organization, located in Japan, needs to complete prescribed applications in the ERFS. The Certificate of Eligibility is a document that basically describes you have met the conditions for landing in Japan and the activities you're engaged in are approved by the Japanese government. Finally, while the relaxed measures have allowed more foreign nationals to enter Japan compared to the past two years, it is still way below the number of people Japan used to receive. If youre struggling to find some interesting activities after finishing your quarantine in Tokyo, why not check our, ? Embassy more concerned that your sponsoring agent will explain the Covid rules to you and be contactable throughout your tour of Japan in case you have a Covid issue, The erfs came back in about 5 minutes once the sponsor hits the submit button, (computer generated) you will only need one ERFS per person but if your nightly . Before requesting ERFS from us please contact the Japanese consulate you will use to apply for your tourist visa. A digital copy of a recent passport-style photograph. We will check whether the rooms are available and if they meet current government requirements. Four tour participants, you need to report any changes to your health, which will be put on record. Day 4-7. Thus it is crucial for foreign nationals to check with their respective sponsors to see what other additional steps they might need to take to get the ERFS certificate. Although with the current regulation you will still need an ERFS certificate sponsor if you wish to enter Japan with this type of visa. Regular one: A certificate of ERFS and other VISA-related documents are required. STEP TWO: After your sponsor has registered on the ERFS, the next step is for you to provide the necessary information such that your guarantor can fill in your information in the system. This will grant them access to the ERFS system. The most common visa type foreign nationals use to enter Japan. Click here to check the latest update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the latest border measures. If the flight is available please inform us flight numbers and dates for arrival and departure flights so we can check the price with our flight supply agency.