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ENTRY INTO JAPAN



23 SEP 2022 UPDATE:

Japan’s Prime Minister has announced that Visa Free travel into Japan is valid for certain countries including Singapore, starting 11 Oct 2022. 

After 11 Oct 2022, certain passport holders will still require ERFS + Single Entry Visa.

For a full list of details, please check with your individual country’s Japan embassy website for more information.

If you are travelling before 11 Oct 2022:

You will still require an ERFS + Single Entry Visa, regardless of your nationality (except Japanese of course).

Please click on the link below to apply for expedited ERFS & Visa Application

DEADLINE: 28 SEP 2022

GET EXPEDITED VISA APPLICATION

We know the rules to get into Japan can be confusing, so we are here to help

Based on the latest announcement on 7 Sep 2022, foreign tourists will now be allowed into Japan with a cap of 50,000 entries a day, with travel arrangements booked through a travel agent. The good news, is that you do not need a travel guide to follow you around. At The Ride Side, we specialise in hosted ski-snowboard trips and all arrangements are made for our guests only. However, due to the unique situation this season, we are offering travel services for people who wish to enter Japan without having to book a slot on our hosted trips.

It’s going to be a bit more paperwork to get into the land of glorious pow, ramen and sushi – but if you can get through it, it will be worth it.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO GET INTO JAPAN

You will require 2 documents to get into Japan this season: ERFS and Single Entry Visa

A.K.A Entry Certificate issued by a Japanese Travel Agency only

To be applied ASAP (bear in mind a 50,000 daily entry limit)

Travel dates cannot be changed once ERFS application begins. Any change will mean reapplication!

Can only be applied after receiving an ERFS

Only valid for 3 months from the date of issue

Can only be applied in person at the Embassy of Japan in Siingapore

Individual application – can be done directly with the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, pending appointment date

Application through The Ride Side: adhering to submission cut off dates to ensure entry into Japan

NOTE: The Ride Side will only be able to apply for Singaporeans/ people based in Singapore with a valid employment pass

IMPORTANT: Your passports will be handed over to the Embassy during application. Please ensure that you are in Singapore during the application period (10-14 days)

APPLICATION & PROCESSING TIME

Step 1: ERFS application with requested documents, softcopy submission

Step 2: ERFS processing (1-5 working days)

Step 3: ERFS Approved!

Step 4: Submit documents for Single Entry Visa application

Step 5: Single Entry Visa application in person, at the Embassy (5 working days)

Step 6: Single Entry Visa Approved!

 

NOTE: Due to the nature of the process set out by the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, we will need to hold on to the original copy of your passport for 14 days (est.) from date of visa application document submission. If you are unable to do so, we will not be able to process a visa application on your behalf.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR APPLICATION

Due to the nature of the application process, we are unable to apply for multi-entry visa applications.

  1. Copy of your passport details
  2. Trip itinerary (template will be provided upon payment)
  1. Printed copy of ERFS
  2. Valid passport (original)
  3. Visa application form (original)
  4. Photo (Original)
  5. Identity card issued by Singapore Government (photocopy)
  6. Employment Pass (EP, SP, WP, Dependent Pass or Long Term Visit Pass issued with QR code) – Photocopy, if applicable
  7. Letter of Authorisation (Original) – if applied through The Ride Side

Full list of required documents can be found here for Singaporeans: https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/files/visa_ryoji_sight-seeing_single90_ex_covid_rev20220610.pdf

All other Nationalities: https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/PDT_00001.html

APPLICATION SCHEDULE

IMPORTANT: An application does not guarantee an ERFS and/or Visa approval. Failure to submit requested documents in a timely manner may result in rejections.

WHY APPLY THROUGH THE RIDE SIDE?

For the uninitiated, The Ride Side has been planning, organising and conducting snowboarding and skiing trips since 2015 for over thousands of people keen to learn the sport! We have a strong network of partners over the years, and this has allowed us to bring you guys in this season.

The Ride Side is a licensed travel agent with Singapore Tourism Board (License No. 02939) and a local company registered with ACRA (UEN 201627652H)

We are also an approved travel agency with the Embassy of Japan in Singapore to carry out visa applications on behalf of our customers.

NOTE: For your own safety, please do not hand over your passports to travel groups or coordinators who do not have the necessary travel & business licenses to do what we do. It is best to check with your preferred partners about their licensing before making any payments or submissions!

*IMPORTANT* IF YOU ARE JOINING ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN (HOSTED & NON HOSTED), THIS ERFS + VISA APPLICATION IS INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE- DO NOT APPLY SEPARATELY!

CUSTOMISE YOUR TRIP WITH US!

Need help customising your trip? 

If you are looking to customise a trip that is outside of the package destinations we offer, feel free to contact us at [email protected] for assistance to create a customised trip package.

SIGN UP FOR FIRST DIBS

APPLICATION LINKS:

ERFS ONLY
ERFS + VISA APPLICATION
VIEW OUR TRIPS

APPLICATION FEES

Singapore Dollars $150/- per person, per application

Re-submission: $150/- per person, per application

Singapore Dollars $200/- per person, per application

Re-submission: $200/- per person, per application

Resubmission for Visa application only: $50 per person per application

For requests submitted within 1 month of travel dates or application window, whichever is shorter:

An Expediting Fee of Singapore Dollars $100/- per person, per application will be charged on top of application fees

APPLICATION TERMS & CONDITIONS

  1. A valid copy of your passport needs to be submitted
  2. Itinerary with the prescribed format needs to be submitted
  3. You do not need your confirmed flight details for the submission, but you will require fixed travel dates
  4. Any changes to your itinerary or travel dates will result in voiding of tour ERFS, and will require a resubmission (subjected to availability and timeline)
  5. Please only submit your itinerary once your details are firm
  6. An application is not a guarantee of approval. If your application is rejected, you will be required to do a re-submission based on the errors highlighted, at an additional application fee
  7. ERFS certificate is non transferrable
  8. Applicants without a valid passport will not be accepted
  1. Your passport needs to have a 6 month validity period AFTER your departure date from Japan
  2. You will need at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the affixing of your Visa details by the Embassy
  3. Please ensure that you are present in Singapore during the Visa application and submission period
  4. Please ensure that your passport is ready for submission by the cut off dates stipulated in the Application Schedule
  5. If application is through The Ride Side, we are only able to apply for Singaporeans, PR and/ or employment pass holders (EP, SP, WP, Dependent Pass, Long Term Visit Pass)
  6. All other nationalities will have to apply directly to the Embassy on an individual basis
  7. An application is not a guarantee of approval. If your application is rejected, you will be required to do a re-submission based on the errors highlighted, at an additional application fee
  8. Visa is non transferrable

NO REFUND POLICY

Once ERFS application process begins, NO refunds will be given even with the following situations:

  1. No refunds will be given if traveler’s trip is cancelled under any circumstances
  2. Error in documents submitted by the traveller
  3. Late submission resulting in missing the cut off dead in each window for your travel period
  4. Change in travel period, dates, traveler details and itinerary
  5. no approval given by ERFS processing department

Once ERFS application process begins, NO refunds will be given even with the following situations:

  1. No refunds will be given if traveler’s trip is cancelled under any circumstances
  2. Error in ERFS documents submitted by the traveller
  3. Late submission resulting in missing the cut off dead in each window for your travel period
  4. Error in documents submitted by traveler for Single Entry Visa application
  5. Omission in documents requested for relevant submissions
  6. Traveler is not present in Singapore during application period for the specified travel period
  7. Any change in travel period, itinerary or traveler details
  8. no approval given by ERFS processing department
  9. no approval given by visa processing team at the Embassy

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Step 1: Book your required entry travel services for the preferred application window on The Ride Side and make the required payments

Step 2: you will receive an email confirmation with a password protected link for document submissions

Step 1: Once your ERFS is approved, you are required to submit your visa application documents to The Ride Side by the cut off dates in the Application Schedule for your travel period:

  • In person or via proxy at The Ride Side’s office, located at 1 Ubi View #03-14 Focus One Building S408555

Fridays & Saturdays: 3-6PM only

NOTE: submission via proxy will require a written letter of authorisation

  • Via registered courier, addressed to The Ride Side Private Limited (1 Ubi View #03-14 Focus One Building S408555)

Mondays – Fridays 12-6PM only

 Step 2: receive a confirmation email from The Ride Side when your Single Entry Visa is approved

Step 3: Collect your documents and passports at The Ride Side:

  • In person or via proxy at The Ride Side’s office, located at 1 Ubi View #03-14 Focus One Building S408555

Fridays & Saturdays: 3-6PM only

NOTE: collections via proxy will require a written letter of authorisation

IMPORTANT: due to the sensitive nature of the documents, collections via courier will NOT be allowed

 

SIGN UP FOR FIRST DIBS

CONTACT US

Questions about ERFS & Visa application process can be submitted to [email protected]

WhatsApp: +65 8908 2535

Office hours: 10AM-6PM (Monday- Friday only)

We’re holding in person sessions for those who have special requirements, questions, or prefer some handholding with your application:

Fridays: 3-6PM

Saturdays: 3-6PM

In person sessions are only available from 16 Sep- 17 Dec 2022, no appointment needed

NOTE: we are unable to accommodate special meetings outside this schedule!

USEFUL LINKS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html

Embassy of Japan in Singapore: https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/about_enquiry.html

Visa Application details: https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/phased_measures_for_resuming_cross-border_travel.html

Visa appointment (direct with the Embassy): https://coubic.com/Embassy-of-Japan/948169/book

Visa requirements for Singaporeans: https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/files/visa_ryoji_sight-seeing_single90_ex_covid_rev20220610.pdf

ERFS + Visa booking with The Ride Side: Book Now

SIGN UP FOR FIRST DIBS ON 11 SEP

DETAILS OUT ON 6 SEP 2022

FIRST COME FIRST SERVED, LIMITED SLOTS AVAILABLE

FIRST DIBS BEGIN ON 11 SEP 2022
PUBLIC LAUNCH ON 13 SEP 2022

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