Japan Tightens Visa Rules for Russian Travelers, Slowing Approvals

Russia’s tour operators are sounding the alarm over stricter document checks at Japan’s visa application centers, which have led to longer processing times and repeated resubmissions. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reported Wednesday that the new requirements are creating headaches for both travelers and agencies.

According to ITM group, a major tour operator, Japan’s once-friendly visa policy had been a key reason Russians flocked to the country. But since the centers opened in Moscow and St. Petersburg on February 12, 2026, the process has become overly bureaucratic. “In the first weeks, things went smoothly. Now it’s a different story,” an ATOR spokesperson said.

Family applicants face the toughest scrutiny. The center now demands that each family member submit full copies of every other traveler’s financial and personal documents, plus proof of relationships. Correcting mistakes has also turned into a drawn-out back-and-forth. Previously, the consulate would list all issues at once, allowing quick fixes. Now, applicants report a slow, step-by-step “ping-pong” of corrections.

Most rejections involve visa application forms, travel itineraries, and photos. Officials are especially focused on weeding out fake employment or nominal applicant status—where someone’s official role doesn’t match their actual situation.

Despite the hurdles, demand remains high. In 2025, a record 194,900 Russians visited Japan, nearly double the 2024 figure, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Whether the new rules will cool that enthusiasm remains to be seen.