❓ How to Record Past Visits to Japan and CoE Application History? (1)

Question:

I have visited Japan twice before as a tourist. Should I include these visits in the "Application for Certificate of Eligibility in the past" section?

Answer:

When detailing your travel history to Japan, it's important to distinguish between types of visits based on the duration and purpose.

Where to Record Your Tourist Visits:

• History of Visits to Japan: Enter your tourist visits to Japan in the "History of visits to Japan" section. This is where you should record any short stays such as those under a "Temporary Visitor" visa.

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) Considerations:

• Past CoE Applications: You do not need to include entries in the "Application for Certificate of Eligibility in the past" for tourist visits. Typically, a Certificate of Eligibility is required for longer stays in Japan (over three months) associated with specific purposes like study, work, or long-term residency.
• Tourist Visas: Since tourists usually enter Japan with a "Temporary Visitor" visa, which does not require a CoE, you should not have any CoE applications to report if your previous visits were strictly for tourism.

This clarification ensures that you provide accurate information about your travel and visa history, helping to streamline your application process for future stays in Japan.