All international participants travelling to attend the AOGS2026 Annual Meeting in Fukuoka should review the following key guidelines to ensure a smooth entry process.
- Do I need a visa?
- Some nationalities are granted visa-exemption for short-term visits (typically up to 90 days) for tourism business and conference participation.
- Some nationalities are granted visa-exemption for short-term visits (typically up to 90 days) for tourism business and conference participation.
- The official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) website provides the definitive visa-requirement list for each nationality.
- Which visa type for conference attendance?
- Attending the meeting falls under “short-term stay for business / meeting / conference”. There is no distinct “conference visa” category.
- If you are only attending sessions (not engaging in paid work or long-term activities), a standard short-term stay visa or visa-exempt entry is appropriate.
- Application procedure and documents
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Visit the MOFA visa page for full application procedures
- Prepare the required documents: valid passport (with blank pages), completed visa application form, recent photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, bank statement or proof of funds, and the conference invitation letter if required.
- For conference attendance, additional documents may include an official invitation letter from the organizer and a detailed description of the event.
- Where applicable, you may apply online via the JAPAN eVISA system for eligible single-entry short stay visa.
- Invitation letter from the conference
- If you require a visa, the conference organizer can issue an invitation letter or support letter upon successful registration and payment.
- Ensure you request your invitation letter in good time to include it in your visa application.
- Timeline & processing tips
- Submit your visa application well in advance of travel dates; processing may take approximately one week or longer depending on the country.
- Carefully check your documents – common reasons for rejection include incomplete itinerary, low-resolution uploads, missing proof of funds.
- Keep copies of all submitted requirements and your registration/invitation information
- Entry upon arrival
- Holding a visa (or being visa-exempt) does not guarantee landing permission. Final entry is determined by an immigration officer at the port of entry.