IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO AVOID DELAYS

PASSPORT
You must enclose your passport.  Please check that it is valid for at least six (6) months from date of application.  Make sure that there are at least two adjacent empty pages available.

VISA APPLICATION
Type or complete the application in CAPITALS
Must be FULLY completed – if a question does not apply to you, answer “Not applicable”
If you are a tourist or visiting family, enter your hotel, or family address, as guarantor or reference in Japan.
If you are traveling for business purposes, enter the name and address of the Japanese company that has invited you, as guarantor or reference in Japan.
If you are traveling for both business and sightseeing always apply for business visa.

PHOTOGRAPHS
Should be 45X45mm, face front, against a white or off-white background.
Homemade digital photos are NOT acceptable.
Please do not staple your photograph to the application form.

ITINERARY
Should be on Travel Agency or Airline stationery.  E-Tickets are usually accepted.
One itinerary is required for each applicant.
Must show departure from SA and entry/departure to and from the destination country(s)
Copies of faxes or emails are usually accepted
Tour brochures are usually not accepted
Do not write notes on the itinerary before submitting.

BUSINESS LETTER
If traveling on business an original business letter of financial responsibility is required.
The letter should be addressed: Embassy of Japan, Visa Section, Pretoria, South Africa
The letter should contain four brief paragraphs:
5	The purpose of the visit (business negotiations)
6	The name and address of the host company in Japan
7	A guarantee of the applicant’s financial support while visiting Japan.
8	A guarantee of the applicant’s return transportation or repatriation if required.
9	The letter should be signed by a company manager other than the applicant.

BANK LETTER
Should be ORIGINAL bank letter NOT BANK statements.