Student and tourist visas for Japan (2024–2026)

How it works

Citizens of Kyrgyzstan must obtain a visa for Japan before travelling. There is no visa-free entry, so even a short holiday requires a tourist visa.

For study, a separate student visa is issued on the basis of an invitation from a Japanese educational institution.

Types of visa

1. Tourist visa (Temporary Visitor Visa)

Best for:

• tourism

• visiting friends and family

• short trips

Key points:

• arranged in advance through the consulate

• usually granted for a stay of up to 90 days

• does not allow you to work

• may be single- or multiple-entry, at the consulate’s discretion

2. Student visa

Best for:

• study at universities, colleges and language schools

• long-term study programmes

Key points:

• issued on the basis of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• the COE is arranged by your host institution in Japan

• the visa is granted once the COE is approved

• allows a long stay in the country

• resident status is arranged after you arrive

How to apply for a student visa

The process involves:

• gaining admission to a Japanese educational institution

• arranging the Certificate of Eligibility through that institution

• receiving the COE

• submitting your documents to the Japanese consulate

• receiving your visa and entering the country

• arranging your resident status in Japan

Documents you will need

• international passport

• completed application form

• a photograph in the required format

• Certificate of Eligibility (for students)

• letter of admission

• proof of financial means

• documents confirming your employment or studies

• proof of accommodation

• further documents on request

Processing times

• tourist visa: usually 5 to 10 business days

• student visa: depends on when the COE is issued, on average several weeks to a few months

• we recommend starting the process well in advance

Submitting your documents

• documents are submitted through the Japanese consulate

• in some cases, through accredited agencies

• you must attend in person or submit through a representative

• an appointment may be required

Good to know

• the COE is the key document for a student visa

• a long-term student visa cannot be arranged without a COE

• a tourist visa does not allow long-term study

• the consulate checks financial means and the purpose of the trip carefully

• additional documents may be requested

In short

• Tourism → tourist visa (Temporary Visitor Visa)

• Study → student visa based on a COE

• Where to apply → Japanese consulate

• What matters most → holding a COE and proof of finances