First determine whether a medical stay visa is needed
Visa type depends on nationality, purpose, treatment and length of stay. Confirm with a Japanese diplomatic mission rather than relying solely on online information.
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TSM INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL ALLIANCE
Medical stay visas and guarantors
Understand the respective roles and sequence of medical stay visa procedures involving registered guarantors, medical institutions and Japanese diplomatic missions.
Medical visas and guarantees have different roles
Institutions decide acceptance, registered guarantors assist arrangements and visa documents, and diplomatic missions assess visas. No single institution can guarantee approval.
Contact a registered guarantor
Medical stay visa applications generally require a registered medical coordinator or travel agency under the foreign ministry's scheme to provide a guarantee and assist contact with the institution.
Institutional review of acceptance
Submit a condition summary, tests and images. Documents outlining expected treatment, timing and costs follow confirmation of acceptance.
Prepare visa application documents
Typical documents include a passport, application, photograph, planned treatment and guarantee documents, and proof of funds. Requirements depend on the mission handling the application.
Long-term or repeated treatment
A multiple-entry medical stay visa requires a treatment plan, with each stay no longer than 90 days. A stay exceeding 90 days must be based on hospitalisation and requires a Certificate of Eligibility. Confirm documentation and procedures with the relevant Japanese mission.