Thank you for choosing ERFS Japan. This is a necessary procedure for foreign nationals who may want to enter Japan for the first time for a short-term stay (less than three months). The first part of this application is to be done by your guarantor. The ERFS is completely online, therefore any foreign nationals can complete it with the assistance of a sponsor within Japan (more on this later). Usually, this will be your Certificate of Eligibility (among other things) for short-term stays. We charge a booking fee of JPY 7,500 per hotel booking (per hotel, not per night, not per person). This post has been removed at the author's request. After filling in all the necessary information and clicking apply you will receive an email to confirm your application. They will email you the ERFS certificate, which you take to the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. This is not the same as your Certificate of Eligibility, which you will need regardless of the pandemic. Currently, e-visas and visas on arrival are not possible. please note a 3% surcharge for all credit card payments will be added to your invoice. Experience with developments and SIMS system would be advantageous. ERFS certificate hotel information change. While there are technically 7 visa types in Japan, most foreign nationals entered through one of the following 4 visa types - Professional visa, Working visa, General visa, and Specific visa. From professors to English teachers to engineers, they all fall under this category. However there are two great reasons to visit right Japan now: 1) the Japanese yen is really weak so money will go a long way, and 2) take your chance to visit Japan before the crowds of tourists return. The ERFS certificate is a crucial requirement for any new foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan. So please check whether the information on your ERFS certificate is correct before coming to Japan. For example, if you are planning to visit Japan in the near future under group tours, you will need to find a travel company that can sponsor your ERFS. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. That sounds amazing, it would certainly be the answer to our predicament but sounds too good to be true. In case of cancellation we will refund your hotel payment according to the hotel or OTA policy. Stay in Designated Country or Area. Evidently, you will have to find a different school / company that is willing to sponsor your ERFS certificate. Our goal is the same as yours - to provide you with only the minimum but necessary assistance and to let you enjoy your freedom of movement. Aside from visa requirements, there are some other travel requirements to consider before planning your Japan trip from the Philippines.. Luckily, the Philippines is in Japan's Blue category and no longer requires a pre-departure Covid-19 test if you have a valid vaccination certificate with all three doses of a Japan-approved Covid-19 . Regarding new entry of foreign nationals into Japan, based on the New Border Measures (34) dated on September 26, 2022, prescribed applications in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS) is no longer required from October 11. A passport-sized photograph: 2-inch x 1.4-inch photograph on glossy photo paper taken within the last six months with plain background. Its an important point to note since every company / school has different conditions and policies on their ERFS sponsorship. Now, foreign citizens traveling to Japan can stay for less than 90 days for tourism so long that they have. I hope they change their minds soon on this. Now youll have to log in to file for an ERFS certificate for the foreigner coming into Japan. Say you have forgotten to check whether the information you gave is correct and theres a small mistake on your ERFS certificate. You may change your reservation to the second night if you have already reserved your first night. Essential info if youre thinking of visiting Japan - check out these insider tips, Essential research for visiting Kyushu - complete list of best Kyushu travel spots. Japan Switch can sponsor your ERFS certificate! However, this is not without its own caveats all foreigners must complete the new ERFS in order to enter Japan. Those who wish to visit acquaintances but have not been permitted and those who need to enter Japan for transit purposes are permitted to enter Japan. Stay in quarantine accommodation; We will book the hotels either by contacting the hotel directly or with OTA (Expedia). We offer free Tokyo airport to Yokohama port transfer for all 2023, 2024, and 2025 cruise passengers! The visa application for entering Japan for sightseeing purposes under the ERFS usually goes as follows: Keep in mind that having the ERFS is not the complete visa application. There are two options for entry into Japan for a short-term stay. In addition, visa exemption under the APEC Business Travel Card Arrangement has been resumed. ERFS is issued for many reasons such as business trips, work, family visits and study. In both cases, to get an ERFS certificate, youll need a receiving organization. Instead travel agents or guests must apply either in person at a local Japanese consulate or embassy, or by mail. As required by the Japanese government, we need to prove we are the travel agent assisting your trip. It is a document, provided by the Travel Agent to the traveler, that the traveler must submit when applying for a Tourist Visa to Japan. Intensive Japanese Course in Tokyo, Yokohama, Part-time Japanese Classes in Tokyo and Yokohama, Private Japanese Lessons in Tokyo, Yokohama, official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan. Book a package tour including round-trip air travel to Japan and accommodation while in Japan from a travel agency in Japan (you don't have to be accompanied by a tour conductor on this type of tour; this option is new as of Sept. 7, 2022). The most important requirement is that the travel agency should book your flights and all hotels. For more information on the APEC Business Travel Card, please refer to the link below. Speaking of which, we are able to sponsor your ERFS certificate soon! Full Rundown of Application Procedure for the ERFS, Information You Need to Apply for a Login ID (Online), COVID border measures for international travel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website. *Special COVID measures have extended the expiry date of some Certificates of Eligibility (COE), heres the TL;DR version of the measure: Let our newsletter for beginner to low intermediate learners guide your way. Now, foreigners from every country will need a visa to be granted entry into Japan. Here at Japan Switch, we provide affordable online Japanese lessons along with your ERFS certificate. With the certificate, please apply for your VISA to Japan by yourself. Please check availability of your preferred flight on the airline website before contacting us. Persons planning to travel to Japan for a different purpose, such as students, workers, journalists, entertainers, attorneys (taking depositions), etc., must apply for a different visa in the appropriate category. We can issue your ERFS in less than 48 hours however many consulates have long backlogs in visa processing. ERFS stands for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System ( / nykokusha kenk kakunin shisutemu). Say you have changed your mind or the sponsor of the ERFS certificate is no longer willing to give you your documents. Upon your return to your home country, your travel agency will save your contact information for one week after the tour ends. We will request payment in JPY and the exchange rate will depend on your bank or credit card provider. The new border measures now require an additional document on top of the COE - a certificate for completion of registration to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS). It helps if you tell us where you live. The changes regarding entry under the new measures are as follows. / Corporate number for the sponsoring organization (find it, mizugiwa taisaku sochi daitai hjin bang, ) / Border measures alternative corporate number (find it, ) / Name of person in charge of sponsorship (E.g Personnel Department Manager its a company and your name if you're self-employed), ) / Email address of the person in charge of the sponsorship, ) / Email address of the person in charge of the sponsorship (for confirmation), ) / Authorization letter if youve hired a lawyer to apply the ERFS ID for you, ) / Any necessary documents to upload if youre self-employed (usually proof of your employment status), Now youll have to log in to file for an ERFS certificate for the foreigner coming into Japan. But really, why would I want to pay more for the exact same room? What a scam for the agencies. However, because the organization that sponsors your ERFS certificate is also the one that is responsible for sponsoring your visa, you will ultimately need to find a new visa sponsor. No visa is required if you are from a list of 68 countriesincluding Singapore, Malaysia, US, Canada, UK, HK, Australia & NZ. Sign up for our email list for updates, promotions, and more. I am optimistic that the situation will continue to evolve and improve! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Although you can show the digital version of the certificate to customs when you arrive, wed advise you to have a physical copy printed out as well. Once a tour is booked, we will generate an ERFS certificate used to apply for a visa. This is the most crucial document for your entrance to Japan as youll need it to obtain your first. article on how to fill in the ERFS certificate application (the site is Japanese but Google Translate works quite well, any new English guide will be updated here). Please forward us the official document. The typical requirements (excluding additional documents according to teach country or regions policy) are: You will need to apply for a visa yourself. Image credit: Xiu Ting Wong. The Japanese government is really making it difficult to visit Japan now with all these needless rules. * Consulate General of Japan will not make copies. For example, the need to have a certificate showing a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72-hours prior to departure is no longer required as long as the condition is met that the traveller has received a valid three doses of vaccine and holds a . If that's the case, You don't have much to lose by getting the ERFS from this company. This process is a smooth one, and ERFS certificates are usually issued to . Lastly, the chaperone In addition to working with an agency, international travelers must also travel with a . We can support your trip with our ERFS assistance. Border measures for new entry of foreign nationals have been lifted. However, because your Certificate of Eligibility usually lasts for only 3 months, youre still on a timer in terms of when you can enter Japan. US passports use the rear pages for amendments, and are not acceptable as blank. Important note about flight bookings:with the Japanese yen dropping like a stone now, the airline prices often increase daily. No. Click. The official name of the ERFS Certificate is "Certificate for completion of registration to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS)" or "UketsukeZumisho " in Japanese. to prepare for your journey across Japan. Your quarantine period may vary from none at all to around 7 days of self-quarantine. However, there are some countries in which the visa applications should be submitted through travel agencies accredited by Japanese overseas establishments. Based on the information you filled in on your application, the only thing youll have to be careful about is your passport number after renewing it (which might or might not change based on where youre from). ; attending lectures, explanatory meetings etc. Important Notice Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Two copies of documents showing the relationship between the applicant and his/her relatives or acquaintances. If you need original documents, please bring the original plus one copy. This has more or less forbade any new entry into Japan for over a year. Important: please note a 3% surcharge for all credit card payments will be added to your invoice. A Certificate for Completion of Registration to the ERFS system is a documentary proof issued by ERFS of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare after the receiving organization has applied and registered the entrant's information online. If you have taken the booster shot and displayed the relevant valid vaccination certificate, then you can walk right out of the airport! Please fill out the information in the form below. STEP ONE: The first part of this application is to be done by your guarantor. Contact us today to find out more! We will then proceed to register passengers' information into the system, after which we can get the ERFS certificate that is necessary for your VISA application. The ERFS certificate (click for a sample) is not merely a ticket or pass. However, after completion (before applying for visa), you cannot modify the data. We have helped more than 40 people obtain their ERFS certificates and their visa to visit Japan. After that, you should receive a PDF version of your ERFS certificate from your sponsor. We have tickets booked. You need an ERFS certificate before you apply for a short-term visa . We recommend you keep a copy for your records but you will not need to present it again. It is possible for the receiving organization to do it individually or collectively. The most common visa type foreign nationals use to enter Japan. That being said, that doesnt mean its a free pass into Japan. What if we tell you that theres a way to make studying more fun and (literally) immersive? Travel Restrictions Entering Japan from the Philippines. This article is a part of our extensive series on Japanese Culture and, Add a header to begin generating the table of contents, ERFS stands for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System ( /, Depending on whether you have the booster vaccine shot or not. A remarkable Japanese vacation awaits you with breathtaking discoveries, incredible thrills, and epic entertainment. You can print out the sample forms by clicking below: Visa Fees Click. We can book the hotel based on your preferences and the type of room you need. To enter Japan under the ERFS on a short-term visa, both the receiving organization and the applicant must complete the whole process. A confirmed reservation record of your round-trip flight to/from Japan. to check the latest update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the latest border measures. This is a new COVID tracking / follow-up system developed by Emergency Assistance Japan for foreigners entering Japan. The travel agency will issue your visa sponsorship certificate (called ERFS). Are you able to get the visa with this ERFS? Consult this article on how to fill in the ERFS certificate application (the site is Japanese but Google Translate works quite well, any new English guide will be updated here). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114984705', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight and hotel booked already, is there any travel agency able to issie erfs at a resonable price? Please be aware that the visa application can take 5 business days. This means companies would naturally like to keep you from peeking into other peoples applications. This will be the proof that you (and your guarantor) have completed the ERFS. A digital copy of a recent passport-style photograph. Before requesting ERFS from us please contact the Japanese consulate you will use to apply for your tourist visa. We understand why you may prefer to wait until the regulations are relaxed. From the time a tour is booked to the time a visa is issued, please allow at least one . To be clear, I don't want or need a tour, I just know I have to book one to get an ERFS. We are not able to answe r this question. No. As required by the Japanese government, we need to prove we are the travel agent assisting your trip. The travel agency I used for my tours issued a certificate on Sept 10. A confirmed flight reservation record of round-trip flight to/from Japan. So, please contact our official travel agency ([email protected]) for ERFS and visa applications. Also, travel agencies survive or fail on reputation. No. Please check the homepge of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General in your area of residence to figure out which type of the procedure applies to you. Sept 19, 2022, 7:25 p.m. Save. Please check availability of your preferred flight on the airline website before contacting us. Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. at mother or sister . Answer 31 of 64: What's the absolute minimum tour to book to get an ERFS? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114941436', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Japan expo tours to get their ERFS to gain entry to Japan? Unfortunately our flight supply agency does not offer low cost (LCC) or budget airlines. Heres a quick summary of these visas: If you have certain outstanding abilities and credentials, (e.g. Because a company / sponsor can only have one account at a time under the ERFS system. If you have any further questions, please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Alternatively, you may use, https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294232-i525-k14097491-Erfs-Japan.html. It'll cost 2-30,000yen per person, but it'll be cheaper than changing flights, I suppose. From 10 June, travelers from overseas will not be required to self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status. Please inform us which hotel you want to stay for each night of your trip and any specific requests about type of room, twin or double, smoking or non-smoking, any meal request etc. Unless there are changes to any of the information youve declared on the ERFS certification then no changes are needed even if your visa situation has changed. STEP TWO: After your sponsor has registered on the ERFS, the next step is for you to provide the necessary information such that your guarantor can fill in your information in the system. Green Card or valid I-94 and U.S. resident visa to re-enter the United States (F or J visa holder must show an I-20 or DS-2019 with the valid signature of an appropriate official in order for re-entry). The current pandemic had caused the Japanese government to put heavy restrictions on traveling and staying in Japan. 4. We will have to reserve the hotel for your first night in Japan. This is the most crucial document for your entrance to Japan as youll need it to obtain your first residence card. Although it is possible for you to fill in and issue the certificate yourself if your sponsor is willing to divulge its ERFS login credentials with you. While it is common that your ERFS certificate sponsor is also your visa sponsor, there are also cases where they can be different organizations. Tune into the Japanese With Friends Podcast to hear from real professionals, CEOs, consultants, and experts on honing . Please note that your sponsor will still have to manually send the digital certificate to you. The first is the application aimed at the guarantor. 4-9-4, Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0072. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEW CHANNEL! She also told me that the reason the government is making that a requirement is to support the agencies that have been struggling the past 2 years, as they make a lot of profit this way. Although in addition to this system youll also need to complete the usual visa application process (Certificate of Eligibility, list other parts here) and have the respective documents ready as well. as an amateur; business purposes (such as market research, business liaison, business consultation, signing a contract, or providing after-sale service for imported machinery); inspecting or visiting plants, trade fairs etc. Important: For all non-Japanese on-site participants in GEC 2022 / ICRP-11, a VISA is required to enter Japan at present. 34. Finally you can visit Japan on a private trip with family or friends with no requirement to be accompanied by a guide. Japan Tourism Japan Hotels Bed and Breakfast Japan Japan Holiday Rentals Japan Holiday Packages Flights to Japan Japan Restaurants Japan Attractions Wed also thought it helpful to put in a brief summary of the current COVID restrictions for your reference (as of March 1st, 2022): Here at Japan Switch, we are currently creating enrollment plans for students who are in need of an ERFS certificate. Yes. Required fields are marked *, Notify me of followup comments via e-mail (you can opt-out later). Those who have not been regarded as having special exceptional circumstances are permitted to enter Japan. Reasonable Price : Typical room rates for this program are between 80 to 95 USD per night . Go ahead and message us right now to get started or read below for complete information. The most important requirement is that the travel agency should book your flights and all hotels. To help you comply with ERFS regulations, please find our option below. If you are okay with the above service, let's start immediately!". In the country of departure, if you do not obtain a certificate of Pre-departure Test before boarding, you will be denied boarding the aircraft. Please fill out the information in the form below. For all payments we collect from you (our fees, ERFS fees, airline ticket cost, accommodation charges, rental car charges etc) we will supply a secure credit card link. We will book the hotels either by contacting the hotel directly or with OTA (Expedia). Otherwise, why don't you wait a few months to see if the current restrictions would be lifted? The agent helps you obtain an ERFS certificate for 5,500 yen per person. I have applied and received a short term visitor visa for tourism. Head to theERFS entry pagefor the full reference. The Japanese government officials announced recently that they had eliminated the tour guide requirement for package tours. ERFS won't be required after 11th October, 2022. We will check whether the rooms are available and if they meet current government requirements. what i see online is mostly 20~30k yen pp, its such a scammed, An extensive post/thread asking the same question = https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294232-i525-k14097491-Erfs-Japan.html, >>what i see online is mostly 20~30k yen pp, its such a scammed. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114949403', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight booked and hotels, as well as a full itinerary that I have been building with a separate travel agency. Purpose of going to Japan to attend business meetings, conference, trainings etc. You will still need to meet entry requirements as they relate to COVID vaccination status or testing. http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/d/Consent.pdf, Letter of Invitation with Written Pledge(English), Letter of Invitation with Written Pledge(Japanese), https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000262546.pdf. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. No. Please note we cannot book AirBNB. Now I decided to change the hotel that I am staying at from the one submitted to the tour company on the ERFS certificate. The ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-Up System) is now available for applicants going to Japan for business for 90 days or less (see the link for more information). In addition to the documents listed in 8.a - 8.c, if the applicant intends to visit or stay with friends or relatives, materials such as an invitation letter and a guarantee letter, the guarantor's employment certificate (for a business owner, we need the business license certificate and corporate registration), tax report (shotoku shomeisho) and certificate of residency (juminhyo) may be required for many cases.