Traveling | Exemption of Visa for Malaysian Nationals Visiting Japan
© 2012 Wazari Wazir | Imperial Palace Tokyo Japan
© 2012 Wazari Wazir | Imperial Palace | Tokyo Japan
© 2012 Wazari Wazir | Akasaka Palace | Tokyo Japan
I’ve been to Japan for an official assignment covering Malaysia’s King King Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and Queen Haminah Hamidun for a five-day state visit to Japan in October 2012. During that time I just have a glimpse of Tokyo because I’m just doing an assignment in Tokyo only. I hope I’ve a little bit free time to explore other part of the cities, maybe going to Mount Fuji or taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto or Takayama and visit World Heritage site of Shirakawa-Go but unfortunately my schedule was so tight.
But deep in my heart I really wish to visit Japan again, a personal visit but was stopping me to make a quick visit is that, there is a lot of a hassle to get Japan Visa, even though Japan Visa for Malaysian is free for tourism purpose, but it is not that easy to get one, there are a bunch of document that you need to prepare in order to get your visa approved and this kind of a hassle makes people chose other destination.
Japan is a great country and offers a lot of photographic opportunity, Tokyo is very clean and safe, the public transport also very effective, I’ve no problem going to Hard Rock Cafe in Roppongi (just to buy T-Shirt for friends ) by taking the Hibiya Line Subway, even though I just being in Tokyo for a few days. If I’ve a week or more in Japan maybe I can visit Hokkaido also. I’ve few other places within Tokyo that I want to visit but since this is an official visit, I’ve to make do with the limited time that I have and among the places that I manage to visit personally during my short stay is just Akihabara and Asakusa.
Anyway, now there is a great news, Malaysians no longer need visa to visit Japan for a short-term stay of up to 90 days beginning July 1st 2013. You can read full informations about that from Embassy of Japan in Malaysia Website
Official Press Release From Japanese Embassy
Exemption of Visa for Malaysian Nationals holding biometric passport with an
embedded microchip that is compliant with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation standards starting from 1 July 2013
1. From 1st July 2013, the Government of Japan has decided to abolish the requirement of short-term visa for Malaysian Nationals who hold ordinary biometric passports with embedded microchip that is compliant with ICAO standards(issued since February 2010) who wish to enter Japan for short-term stay.
However, this visa exemption only apply to Malaysian Nationals holding ordinary biometric passport with embedded microchip that is compliant with ICAO standards. Malaysian Nationals who do not hold ordinary biometric passport with embedded microchip that is compliant with ICAO standards are remain advised to obtain a visa to enter into Japan.
When you plan to visit Japan, please kindly check if your passport is a biometric passport with embedded microchip that is compliant with ICAO standards.
© 2013 Wazari Wazir | (LEFT) biometric passport with embedded microchip that is compliant with ICAO standards.
2. In accordance with the above visa exemption, the duration of stay in Japan to be given to Malaysian Nationals at that time of entry inspection will be for maximum 90 days. (Those who plan to stay for more than 90 days or work in Japan, remain requested to obtain a visa as before.)
3. When you enter into Japan, your entry permit will be issued at the entry point by the Japan immigration (This is the same for those who enter into Japan with a valid travel visa). Please take note that you might be asked about your purpose of visiting Japan or requested to submit necessary documents (For example: Return flight tickets & etc.).
Please be aware that you might be denied entry if you are entering Japan for short-term stay but the total duration of your stay in Japan in a year exceeds 180 days.
4. If you have any enquiry, please contact the consular section of Embassy of Japan in Malaysia at the phone number below.
Consular Section, Embassy of Japan in Malaysia Tel: 03-2177-2600
*Malaysian Immigration Department has started issuing ICAO compliant e-Passport since February 2010. So if you guys has made a passport in February 2010 and above, Japan is waiting for you. Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun.
