Tourist visa to Japan in Greece: procedure, documents and reasons for refusal

Obtaining a tourist visa to Japan in Greece requires strict compliance with the requirements of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and competent preparation of the document package. The submission process is relatively simplified compared to many other EU countries; however, mistakes in the application form, itinerary or supporting documents often lead to delays or refusals. Below is detailed information on the visa application procedure, document requirements and the specific features of submission at the Embassy of Japan in Athens.

For what purposes is a tourist visa to Japan intended?

A tourist visa to Japan is intended for short-term trips without the right to engage in employment. It is suitable for:

• independent tourism and travel;

• attending cultural events;

• holidays in major tourist regions of Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido);

• trips for sightseeing and participation in organized tours.

This visa category does not grant the right to work, undergo long-term studies or conduct commercial activities.

Who can obtain a tourist visa to Japan in Greece?

A tourist visa to Japan in Greece is available to:

• citizens of countries that do not have a visa-free regime with the “Land of the Rising Sun”;

• residents of Greece who have a valid residence permit, long-term visa or proof of legal stay;

• foreigners who are temporarily in the country and can justify submitting their application specifically here (for example, a long-term business trip, studies, residence on the basis of a Greek type D visa).

Important: in the absence of legal grounds for applying in this country, a representative of the Japanese consulate may recommend submitting documents at the place of permanent residence.

Where can you obtain a tourist visa to Japan in Greece?

You can submit documents for a Japanese tourist visa only at the Embassy of Japan in Athens. This is the only institution in Greece authorized to accept and process applications for tourist visas.

Embassy address: 46 Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, 15231 Halandri, Athens, Greece
Official website: https://www.gr.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_el/index.html

Submission of documents is carried out by prior appointment and only through a personal visit. Visa centers in Greece do not accept applications for Japanese tourist visas, so all requests are processed directly through the consular section of the embassy.

What documents are needed to apply for a tourist visa to Japan through Greece?

The standard package of documents for applying for a tourist visa to Japan in Athens includes:

• a foreign passport valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the trip;

• a visa application form completed in English or Japanese;

• a photograph of the established format;

• proof of legal status in Greece (residence permit, type D visa, registration of stay);

• a detailed travel itinerary (itinerary) indicating cities, dates and planned activities;

• proof of accommodation (hotels, rented apartments, invitation from the receiving party);

• flight tickets or bookings with fixed dates;

• financial documents (account statements for 3–6 months, certificate from the employer, income data);

• insurance covering the entire period of stay in Japan.

If necessary, the consulate may request additional papers: a guarantee letter, an extended financial package or an explanatory letter regarding the itinerary.

Submission procedure and consideration

The process of obtaining a tourist visa to Japan through Athens includes several key stages, namely:

1. Preparation of documents. At this stage, it is important to correctly prepare the itinerary, financial confirmations and application forms.

2. Booking an appointment. Submission is carried out strictly by prior appointment.

3. Personal visit to the consulate. Submission of original documents, verification of data and, if necessary, clarifying questions from the consul.

4. Consideration. The standard period is from 5 to 10 working days, but delays are possible during peak seasons.

5. Receiving the passport. The visa is affixed to the passport, and in most cases a repeated personal visit is also a mandatory requirement.

The consulate reserves the right to request additional documents and extend the processing period.

Cost and validity period of a tourist visa

The cost of a tourist visa to Japan in Greece is set annually on the basis of Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs tariffs. Usually, the consular fee is about 20–30 euros, but the current amount at the time of submission should be checked on the Embassy website.

Other important parameters:

• the standard validity period of the visa is 90 days, with the possibility of staying for up to 15 or 30 days per trip;

• in some cases, it is possible to obtain a multiple-entry visa for frequent trips, but only if there is sufficient justification;

• the paid fee is not refunded in case of refusal.

Main reasons for refusal

Refusals for tourist visas to Japan in Greece are most often associated with:

• an incomplete document package;

• contradictions in the itinerary and dates;

• insufficient financial proof;

• an unfavorable travel history or violations of the visa regime of other countries;

• suspicion of immigration intentions;

• lack of a logical explanation for applying in Greece if the applicant is not a resident.

A competent preliminary check of documents significantly reduces the risk of refusal.

Why should you contact us?

By contacting the specialists of our visa agency, you receive:

• a detailed review of documents taking into account the requirements of the Embassy of Japan in Athens;

• correct preparation of the itinerary, financial certificates and explanatory letters;

• reduced likelihood of refusal thanks to professional risk analysis;

• support at all stages — from booking an appointment to obtaining the issued visa;

• an individual approach for non-residents of Greece who need justification for applying.

We work in full compliance with the requirements of the Japanese consulate and help you obtain a tourist visa to Japan in Greece without mistakes and significant time delays.

Japan visa without personal attendance

The process of obtaining a Japanese visa can be confusing, especially if you are doing it for the first time. To save you unnecessary hassle, we offer a service for submission without presence. This means you can obtain a visa without visiting the consulate personally — our specialist handles all the steps.

We provide consultations, check documents, and prepare a complete submission package. After preparation, you send us your passport, and we take full responsibility. The submission is fast and accurate, reducing the risk of refusals.

After receiving the visa, we return your passport via any convenient method. The service is available for Ukrainian citizens worldwide, foreigners in Poland, and Ukrainians residing in Ukraine who need to submit via Poland due to the war.