The Embassy of Japan in Kampala, says many Ugandans have lost large sums of money to fraudulent visa application agents. The embassy has, therefore, warned the public to take care while applying for visas to Japan.

The embassy in a statement advises Ugandans not to give their money to fraudsters.

“It has come to our notice that there is a fraudster claiming to be an agent of a big company (Kawasho Foods) based in Japan and has promised employment of a large number of Ugandans under favourable conditions where many have been scammed large advance payment as registration fee and others have been given fake visas, this has resulted into multiple inquiries to confirm the authenticity of this information”.

“However this comes as a warning to the general public to please beware that this is a scam and that you should disregard it,” reads the statement on the embassy’s website.

According to the embassy, with regards to visa inquiries, you can contact “Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information” or “the Japan Visa Information Hotline” listed on the website of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan.

There are four ways to apply for a visa: 

(1) the visa applicant him/herself goes directly to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General. 

(2) the visa applicant writes a Letter of Proxy and get a proxy to go to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General in his / her place.

(3) the visa applicant uses an accredited travel agent approved by the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General.

(4) the visa applicant uses the JAPAN eVISA website and apply for visa online.

However, depending on the circumstances in your country or region, there are cases that the documents should only be submitted by the applicant him/herself going to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General, or through an accredited travel agent. 

Visa fees must be paid in cash using the local currency. In case you apply for eVISA through the JAPAN eVISA website, online payment by credit card is available for certain countries and regions.

You will not be required to pay visa issuance fees if the visa is not issued.

From March 17, 2023, it will be possible to receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by email and to apply for landing by presenting the email. When applying for a visa, the application can be accepted by presenting the email or submitting the printed copy. For those who have a paper Certificate of Eligibility, they can also apply for landing and a visa by submitting its printed copy after March 17.