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  • Applicants are required to use the online appointment system for appointments at application centres in both Tokyo and Osaka.

    Please obtain an appointment using our website before visiting a Visa Application Centre.

    An appointment must be made at least two days prior to visiting the Application Centre. Applications submitted without prior appointment cannot be accepted.
    Please ensure that an appointment is made for each applicant. For example, a family of four will need four separate appointments, one for each family member.

    No appointment is needed for passport collection.


  • Who needs to submit the application?

    You must submit your visa application in person. You cannot submit it through an agent, friend or family member.

    Every applicant aged five or over will need to have his or her fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken. This will be done at the Visa Application Centre. Applicants under 16 years of age giving their biometrics must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

    Government Officials and Diplomats

    Government officials and Foreign Diplomats travelling to the UK on official business should submit their applications to the Visa Section of the British Embassy in Tokyo. Government officials and diplomats travelling to the UK on private business or for pleasure will need to provide their biometrics and must therefore apply at the Visa Application Centre.

    Passport Collection

    When your application has been processed, your passport and other documents can be collected from the Visa Application Centre where it was submitted. You can track the progress of your application through our online tracking facility (Option available on the home page). Applicants may collect the passport in person or may authorise a travel agent, tour operator, family member or friend to collect it on their behalf. Applicants collecting their passport in person must present at the collection counter the photocopy of their passport stamped and given to them by the Visa Application Centre. Agents collecting passports on behalf of an applicant must present the stamped photocopy and a letter of authorisation signed by the applicant. Alternatively, you may choose to have your passport and original documents delivered via a courier service. To use the courier return service, please speak to our staff when you make your application.


  • How Do I Apply?

    Visa application can be made up to 3 months before your expected departure date.

    For both options applications will only be accepted if applicants:
    1 You may complete an application on-line using the Visas4UK link here
      -Ensure that you complete all the sections correctly.
    -Sections 1 and 2 are vital to considering your application. The information in these must be completed accurately.
    -Please print all the pages of the visa application form and bring it to the Visa Application Centre.
    -Please make sure the Bar Code appears on the final page of your copy you have printed out.
    2. When you come to the Application Centre, please bring the following documents
    3. Completed visa application form, signed and dated
    4. Your signed passport or travel document valid for at least six months from the date of application with at least two blank pages
    5. A photocopy of the biodata page of your passport (the page which carries your photograph and personal details)
    6. The correct visa fee.(JPY in cash only)
    7. Supporting documents and a photocopy of all the documents, click here for suggested documents.
    8. If you are a foreign resident in Japan, please bring a photocopy of your Japanese alien registration card (both sides)
    9. If you a foreign resident, please make sure you have a valid re-entry permit endorsed in your current valid passport valid for a minimum of two months from your planned date of departure from the UK.

    IMPORTANT: Original documents submitted without accompanying copies will be retained by the Embassy.


  • If you are applying under Tier One General of the Points Based System (Highly Skilled Migrants) full details, including Administrative Review, are available on the UK Border Agency website.

    Please click on the links below for information on the below categories:

    INF 21 PBS General Migrant

    INF 22 PBS Investor

    INF 23 PBS Entrepreneur
    INF 24 PBS Post Study Work


  • Suggested Documents:

    There is a list of suggested documents for you to provide depending on which Visa Application Form you have used. The checklists can be found on the UK Border Agency website.

  • PBS Post Study Checklist

    Domestic Worker FORM
  • Addresses of UK Visa Application Centre

    UK Visa Application Centre, Tokyo
    Edificio Toko Building
    4th Floor, 2-3-14,
    Higashi Shinbashi
    Minato-ku
    Tokyo

    UK Visa Application Centre, Osaka
    Miki Building, 6th Floor C Block
    2-4-1, Minamisenba, Chuoh-ku
    Osaka-shi

    Opening hours

    Application Centre in Tokyo:
    0800 Hours - 1500 Hours (Monday - Friday) for submission and passport collection

    The Visa Application Centre Osaka:
    0800 Hours - 1400 Hours (Monday - Friday) for submission and passport collection.

    Visa Application Centre E-mail
    E-mail: info@vfs-uk-jp.com

    In case you have any enquiries/suggestion/complaints you can contact us in the following ways: info@vfs-uk-jp.com.


  • Customers with disabilities

    Access for wheelchair-bound applicants is available at both Visa Application Centres.

    If you have a visual impairment, staff at the Visa Application Centre can assist you to make your application.

    If you have a disability that you believe prevents your visiting a Visa Application Centre, please contact the Entry Clearance Manager of the British Embassy.


  • Holiday Closures 2008

    The following local and public holidays will be observed by the British Embassy, the British Consulate-General and UK Visa Application Centres in Japan during 2008.

    S. NO. HOLIDAYS DATE DAY
    1 New Year's Day (UK/J) 1 January Tuesday
    2 New Year's Holiday (J) 2 January Wednesday
    3 National Foundation Day (J) 11 February Monday
    4 Good Friday (UK) 21 March Friday
    5 Easter Monday (UK) 24 March Monday
    6 Children's Day (J) 5 May Monday
    7 Substitute Holiday (J) 6 May Tuesday
    8 Marine Day (J) 21 July Monday
    9 Respect-for-the-Aged Day (J) 15 September Monday
    10 Health-Sports Day (J) 13 October * Monday
    11 Culture Day (J) 3 November Monday
    12 Labour Thanksgiving Day (J) 24 November Monday
    13 Christmas Day (UK) 25 December Thursday
    14 Boxing Day (UK) 26 December Friday
    *Actual date decided nearer the time and is based on sighting of the moon.


  • Enquiries

    If you have a visa enquiry our staff at the Visa Application Centre would help you out. You could also call our helpline or send us an e-mail inquiry E -mail: info@vfs-uk-jp.com

    Callers from Tokyo: 03-5623-3669
    Callers from overseas
    : 0081-3-5623-3669
    Monday-Friday, 0900hrs-1500 hrs


  • The UK Border Agency produce a series of Information leaflets. We recommend that you read the leaflet that is relevant to your application.


  • Required Documentation:

    The following documentation is required:
    A signed and valid passport having a minimum of six months validity. (A completed and signed application form
    A clear passport sized (45mm x 35mm) colour photograph
    Relevant documents for the category of application you are making.


  • Processing Time

    Most applications are processed within 4 to 15 working days depending on the category of application during the peak season. This means that if you submit your application on Monday morning your passport will normally be ready for collection by Thursday afternoon. If an interview or further documents are required, the processing time will vary according to the next available interview slot and/or how long it takes to carry out additional checks or receive additional documentation. We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before your intended date of travel. Please do not purchase your travel tickets until you have received your visa.

  • Interview with an Entry Clearance Officer

    Issue or refusal of a visa is decided on an assessment of your application by an Entry Clearance Officer at the British Embassy. The Entry Clearance Officer may decide to interview you if more information is needed before making a decision. In such cases, you will be asked to attend the British Embassy in Tokyo. The Embassy may also request you to provide additional documents.

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