Japan has implemented a visa-free policy for Indonesian tourists visiting the country for less than 15 days using an e-passport.

Obtaining the visa waiver is a simple one-day process that can be done by visiting the Japanese Embassy, Consulate General or consular offices in Indonesia either in person or through registered travel agents.

Here is a step-by-step guide, compiled by kompas.com, on how to apply for the free-of-charge visa waiver at the Japanese Embassy on Jl. Thamrin in Central Jakarta. 

Prepare documents

There is no need to bring any documents apart from your e-passport.

Embassy visitation times

The Japanese Embassy allows visitors to apply for their visa waivers between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Upon arriving at the embassy, security officers will thoroughly check your bag; you will need to hand over your national identification card (KTP) in exchange for a visitor pass. 

(Read also: What to prepare before traveling to Japan)

Do not take photographs

Afterwards, you will enter a room where two officers scan your bags before you proceed to another waiting room. Taking photographs anywhere within the grounds of the embassy is strictly prohibited. 

Fill in the forms

Next, you will enter the visa-processing room, where you will take a queue number from the machine for Indonesian citizens. Embassy officers are there to assist you in case you have any questions. 

The waiting time should be spent to fill in the form for the visa waiver, "Registration Form for Visa Waiver to Enter Japan". Details to be filled in are name, date of birth, gender, passport number, issuing date and expiration date, home address, phone number, email and signature. A form to pick up your passport should be filled in, too, which includes details like your name, passport number, company name and telephone number. 

(Read also: For train lovers, a bargain 760-km trip may be just the ticket)

Getting called up

After filling in the forms, you will have to wait until your queue number is called up. At the counter, embassy officials will check your passport thoroughly.

Next, you will be given a special number on the passport pick-up form, which should be brought along when picking up the passport, usually on the next day.

It should take only one hour from your arrival at the embassy until getting called up to a counter.

Picking up your passport

Picking up your passport with the visa waiver follows a similar process but should only take around 35 minutes. (mra/kes)

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