Visa, Immunization & Medication

VISA

It is your responsibility to visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, to check whether you need to obtain a short-term stay visa to enter Japan or not.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

For Those Who Need a Visa to Enter Japan

Please contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate with the jurisdiction to ask what kind of documents you need to submit to apply for a visa.

List of Embassies and Consulates:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html

Procedure Chart for Short-Term Stay Visa:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/process/short.html

Please contact HIF after completing A and B below, so that HIF can mail out your visa supporting documents accordingly.

Book your international flight to ENTER and LEAVE Japan (tentative booking is fine), and submit "Itinerary to Hakodate" and "Itinerary from Hakodate" to HIF through your online portal.
Remit your program fee to the HIF bank account by wire transfer.

Documents HIF will send to you by e-mail and physical mail:

Letter of reason for invitation
Letter of guarantee
Schedule of stay (including your flight information)
Receipt of your program fee payment
Overview of the Hokkaido International Foundation and the Japanese Language and Japanese Culture Program
Your acceptance letter

After you receive the above documents from HIF, please submit them to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate along with other documents you prepare by yourself.

We strongly suggest that you begin this procedure as early as possible. The process may take 3-4 weeks or longer.

NOTE:
If you are planning to continue studying at another institution or university in Japan after the HIF program, please ask a foreign student advisor of the program you will join about a student visa before you leave your country. HIF cannot issue a Certificate of Eligibility.

IMMUNIZATION

Vaccinations are not required when traveling to Japan. There are some recommended vaccinations such as Japanese encephalitis, but they are not necessary. Please visit the following websites for more information.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan

World Health Organization:
http://www.who.int/ith/vaccines/en/

Also, your doctor would be a good source of information on vaccinations.

BRINGING MEDICATION INTO JAPAN

If you need to bring or mail any medication to Japan, please consult your doctor and/or refer to the following websites:

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare:
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan:
https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/importing-medication/

Name:

John Geitner

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University of
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The HIF program was super fun and a great learning opportunity! Getting to meet so many new people who all share the same goal of ...
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Marcella Houston

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University of
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There are lots of different ways to enjoy your study abroad and they're all valid! Lots of students choose to travel lots or visit lots of attractions ...
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University of
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HIF is extremely rewarding and truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I think it's easier to be integrated into a host family as a younger college student ...
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Nicole Lu

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Emory University

I loved the HIF program! I was able to learn so much - not only the Japanese language but also the culture and background of people ...
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Kaitlyn Milleret

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University of
Notre Dame

I'm very grateful I got the opportunity to stay in Hakodate since it's such an underrated part of Japan. My favorite part was visiting landmarks like ...
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Sofia Pan Xian

University:

University of
Michigan

If you feel you are struggling to speak, this program will make sure you go back feeling confident. You'll be only speaking Japanese - during class ...
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Julian Schempf

University:

University of
Kansas

It might be difficult, but you will have the experience of a lifetime, something you will cherish for years to come.