Looking forward to a trip to bustling Tokyo, iconic Mount Fuji or the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto? An important first step of planning your holiday is finding out if you need a visa to Japan from Malaysia.
Fortunately, in most cases, Malaysian tourists do not need to obtain a travel visa to visit this country. This article explains exactly what the requirements are so you can determine if you can travel visa-free.
In some cases, you may need to obtain authorisation before your trip. To assist you in these cases, here you will find instructions on how to apply for your travel pass and where to submit your documentation.
For all travellers, you will also find useful information including travel tips and things to know before visiting the Land of the Rising Sun.
Let’s get started!
Contents
- 1 Japan Visa Requirements for Malaysian Citizens
- 2 How to Apply for a Visa to Japan from Malaysia
- 3 Where to Apply for a Visa to Japan from Malaysia
- 4 How Much Does the Visa Cost?
- 5 Travelling to Japan as a Malaysian
- 6 Malaysia Embassy and Consulate in Japan
- 7 Japan Visa FAQs for Malaysian Visitors
- 8 Information About the Japan e-Visa
Japan Visa Requirements for Malaysian Citizens
The first thing to know is if travellers from Malaysia to Japan need a visa.
The answer depends mainly on what you plan to do in the country. Malaysians do not need a visa if you are visiting for one of the following reasons:
- Tourism.
- Visiting friends or family.
- Transit.
- Business meeting.
However, you must also comply with these requirements to travel without a visa to Japan from Malaysia:
- You must have a valid Malaysian ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards.
- To check if your passport is an ePassport, make sure that on the cover it has a symbol that looks like a circle in between two rectangles.
- You must stay in the country for no longer than 90 days.
- You can visit multiple times, with each visit lasting a maximum of 90 days. However, you may be denied entry if you attempt to visit the country for more than 180 days in 1 year.
If you are travelling for a reason not listed above, such as for work or study, or if you do not have an ePassport, you must apply for a visa. Find instructions on how to do so below.
How to Apply for a Visa to Japan from Malaysia
At this time, Byevisa is not able to assist you with the application process online. However, we tell you the steps to follow to make it easier for you.
You must apply in person. Here are the documents to take with you:
- Your original passport.
- A visa application form, which you can find on the website of the Japanese embassy in Malaysia here.
- A passport-style photo, taken in colour on a white background.
- Photo size: 4.5 x 4.5 cm.
- Use glue to paste the photo to the application form.
- The original and 1 photocopy of the Certificate of Eligibility, if you are applying for a visa to work or study.
- This document is issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justice. You must have a sponsor in the country, for example, a school or an employer. Your sponsor must contact the local Immigration Office to apply for the Certificate.
- Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of your visit. Check the embassy website for details.
Where to Apply for a Visa to Japan from Malaysia
You must submit your application to the office assigned to the residential area where you live.
If you live in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Pahang or Johor, you must apply at the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia:
Embassy of Japan, Consular Section
No. 11, Persiaran Stonor
Off Jalan Tun Razak
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact the embassy to make an appointment before you go:
- Tel. 03-2177 2600
- Email visa@kl.mofa.go.jp
If you live in Penang, Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Kelantan or Terengganu, you will apply through the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang.
Level 28, Menara BHL
No. 51 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah
10050 Penang, Malaysia
Call before you go:
- Tel. (604) 226-3030
If you live in Sabah, Sarawak or Labuan, apply through the Consular Office of Japan in Kota Kinabalu:
No. 18, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru
88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Call before you go:
- Tel. +60-88-254-169
If you have any questions, here is the phone number for the 24-hour information hotline for Japan visa applicants who live in Malaysia: 1800 81 88 59. You can also find more information about the visa offices here.
How Much Does the Visa Cost?
There is no visa fee for Malaysian citizens who apply for a general entry visa or transit visa. If you are applying for work or study, contact the office assigned to your region for information on the fees to pay.
Travelling to Japan as a Malaysian
As you now know, most Malaysians can visit this country without needing to get a travel visa. However, there are still some things that are good to be aware of before you go.
How Many Hours is the Flight from Malaysia to Japan?
The Malaysia to Japan flight time is usually around 7 hours for a non-stop flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo. However, you may find that a flight with a stop is more affordable.
What’s the Distance from Malaysia to Japan?
The distance is 5,131 km (3188 mi) if you measure between centroids. The shortest distance between the 2 countries if you count major islands is 3,019 km (1876 mi).
How to Call Japan from Malaysia
If you need to contact a person or company ahead of your trip, here’s how:
- Dial 00, the exit code for Malaysia.
- Dial 81, the phone country code for Japan.
- Dial the number, complete with area code. There are over 500 different area codes, depending on where you’re calling and if it’s a mobile or landline. The number listed will include the area code.
What is the Time Difference Between Malaysia and Japan?
This destination is 1 hour ahead of Malaysia. So that means that if it is 3 pm in Kuala Lumpur, it is 4 pm in Osaka.
What About Japan to Malaysia Currency?
The exchange rate from Japanese yen to Malaysian ringgit fluctuates from day to day, so make sure to check close to your travel dates. At the time of writing, 1 ringgit is equal to about 25 yen.
Malaysia Embassy and Consulate in Japan
The Malaysia embassy in Japan is located at the following address:
20-16 Nanpeidai-cho Shibuya-ku
150-0036 Tokyo
You can contact the embassy by phone at +81-3-3476-3840 or email mwtokyo@kln.gov.my
Their working hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 5 pm.
If you lose your Malaysian passport, ID card, driving license or another identification document during your time abroad, you should file a report at the embassy. Here are the steps to follow:
- Report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain a copy of the report.
- File a report at the embassy’s Consular Office with the following required documents:
- A copy of the police report.
- A valid passport or another document that proves your citizenship.
- A letter written by you that explains the loss.
Japan Visa FAQs for Malaysian Visitors
Have you still got some questions about the documentation you need to travel? Please find the answers to commonly asked questions below for more details.
Can All Malaysians Travel to Japan?
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements. If you have a valid ePassport, that’s all you need to visit as a tourist. If you have a passport that is not an ePassport, you must also get a visa.
Is It Safe for Malaysian Visitors to Go to This Country?
Yes, this is a very safe destination. However, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance in case of emergencies. Medical expenses can be quite high, so make sure to get a policy with sufficient coverage.
Information About the Japan e-Visa
The country is planning to launch an electronic visa ahead of the Olympic Games. See details about the Japanese evisa here.
You can find more helpful articles about visiting this country here.
