For Participants

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 complete 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

Please see the website of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the current Japanese boarder measures.

COVID19: Current Japanese Boarder Measures
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html

Besides COVID-19, 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/

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Comments from Alumni

  • Name:
    Emily Branam
    University:
    Swarthmore
    College

    This program for me was about self discovery more than anything. I was given the opportunity to ... more

  • Name:
    Ismail Can
    University:
    Swarthmore
    College

    Throughout my time at HIF, I feel that I made many wonderful memories, whether that be with my ... more

  • Name:
    Dabbour, Jawad
    University:
    Franklin & Marshall
    College

    HIF was one of the most incredible experiences ever. Being immersed in a homestay in Japan, ... more

  • Name:
    Ernestina Hsieh
    University:
    Yale
    University

    I feel so lucky to be here. From the fluidity of transportation from home to school or culture classes to ... more

  • Name:
    Plearn Janvatanavit
    University:
    Wesleyan
    University

    At HIF, I was able to not only improve my Japanese, but gain a better understanding of the culture. more

  • Name:
    Keanna Lundy
    University:
    University of
    Denver

    The HIF program has exceeded all my expectations and has become one of my most valued experiences. more

  • Name:
    Randy Tran
    University:
    University of
    Washington

    HIF gives you the tools, resources, and support to help you not just succeed, but to exceed! more

  • Name:
    Michelle Wan
    University:
    Emory
    University

    HIF has been a great experience for me. The program provides you with lots of opportunities to get involved with ... more

  • Name:
    Yiyang Zhong
    University:
    University of
    Washington

    TThe HIF program is wonderful in respect of not only improving your Japanese language skills, but also on ... more

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