Medical Stay Visa and Guarantor Requirements
When arranging travel to Japan for patients requiring medical treatment, coordinators should carefully review visa requirements at the earliest stage of the referral process.
Visa requirements vary depending on the patient’s nationality, planned treatment, anticipated length of stay, and individual circumstances. Coordinators are responsible for confirming the applicable visa category and requirements with the relevant Japanese Embassy or Consulate.
Important: Guarantor Requirements
Japan’s Medical Stay Visa system generally requires support from a registered guarantor organization in Japan.
Before initiating travel arrangements, coordinators should determine whether they are able to support a Medical Stay Visa application under the Japanese framework.
If your organization is not registered or cannot provide the documentation required for Medical Stay Visa applications, collaboration with a registered Japanese medical coordinator may be necessary.
We recommend consulting the Japan International Medical Coordination Association (JIMCA) or another registered medical coordinator at an early stage if you are uncertain whether your organization can fulfill these requirements.
Early consultation may help avoid delays in patient travel planning and visa processing.
Role of Kobe University Hospital
Kobe University Hospital is a medical institution and is not a guarantor organization under Japan’s Medical Stay Visa system.
The hospital does not issue Letters of Guarantee or provide guarantor services for visa applications.
However, following medical review and acceptance assessment, the hospital may provide medical documentation necessary for treatment planning and visa-related procedures, including treatment schedules, certificates related to planned medical services, and other supporting medical documents as appropriate.
The availability of such documents depends on the patient’s medical condition, the proposed treatment plan, and departmental review.
Patients Eligible for a Medical Stay Visa
A Medical Stay Visa may be appropriate for patients traveling to Japan for:
- Medical treatment
- Surgical procedures
- Hospitalization
- Specialized diagnostic examinations
- Advanced therapies
- Health screening programs
- Medical check-ups
- Dental treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Follow-up care
Accompanying family members or caregivers may also be eligible when medically appropriate.
Period of Stay
The permitted period of stay is determined based on the treatment plan and may include:
- Up to 90 days
- 6 months
- 1 year
For patients who require multiple visits over an extended period, multiple-entry visas may be available, subject to approval by the Japanese authorities.
Stays Exceeding 90 Days
Patients expected to remain in Japan for more than 90 days may require additional immigration procedures.
Such cases generally involve:
- Long-term hospitalization
- Extended treatment plans
- A Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Additional immigration review
Coordinators should allow sufficient time for these procedures before making travel arrangements.
Typical Application Process
Step 1: Initial Medical Review
The coordinator submits relevant medical information to Kobe University Hospital, including medical records, referral letters, diagnostic reports, imaging studies, and pathology reports where applicable.
Step 2: Acceptance Assessment
The relevant clinical department evaluates the case and determines whether treatment can be provided at Kobe University Hospital.
Additional information may be requested during the review process.
Step 3: Treatment Planning
If the patient is accepted, the hospital prepares information regarding the proposed treatment plan, anticipated treatment period, hospitalization requirements, and follow-up arrangements.
Step 4: Visa Documentation Preparation
The coordinator arranges visa-support documentation as required.
Depending on the case, this may include medical documents issued by the hospital, documentation from a registered guarantor organization, treatment schedules, financial documentation, and immigration-related forms.
Step 5: Visa Application
The patient submits the visa application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate responsible for their country or region.
Requirements may vary by jurisdiction.
Step 6: Travel Preparation
Following visa issuance, the coordinator arranges travel, accommodation, transportation, interpretation services, and any necessary caregiver support.
Typical Documentation Required
Requirements vary by country and individual circumstances.
Typical documents may include:
From the Patient
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Passport photograph
- Financial documentation
- Evidence of ability to cover medical expenses
- Additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate
From Kobe University Hospital
- Medical acceptance documentation
- Treatment schedule
- Certificate of planned medical services
- Other supporting medical documents as appropriate
From a Registered Guarantor Organization
- Letter of Guarantee
- Additional visa-support documentation as required
For Long-Term Stays
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Additional immigration documentation
Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on nationality, local embassy procedures, the complexity of the medical case, and whether immigration procedures such as a Certificate of Eligibility are required.
Coordinators are encouraged to begin preparations as early as possible. For complex cases, several weeks or longer may be required before travel can be arranged.
Disclaimer
Visa issuance is solely at the discretion of the Government of Japan.
Neither Kobe University Hospital nor the International Medical Communication Center (IMCC) can guarantee visa approval.
Coordinators remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable visa, immigration, travel, and regulatory requirements.