To-do list for first-time travelers to Japan

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It is not surprising that Japan is one of the dream holiday destinations of many. The Asian country’s allure is its uniqueness; Japan showcases the perfect fusion of ancient traditions and modern life. And this juxtaposition is seen all over the country – from its food (traditional vs. fusion) to its popular landmarks (ancient temples and shrines vs. museums and city towers) to the way its citizens dress up (kimono vs. Harajuku street fashion). Indeed, there is always something new to discover and experience in Japan.

If you plan to travel to Japan soon and you are a first-time visitor, here are some tips to help you plan your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun:

1. Fix your itinerary. There are many beautiful places to visit in Japan. First-time travelers can easily get overwhelmed by the country’s beauty. But before booking your flights and accommodations, it is essential to plan your journey. Although you can always come back to Japan (and many do return), it is best to maximize your stay and see and experience the best the country has to offer the first time around. Among the must-visit cities for first-time travelers are Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Roppongi), Kyoto (Fushimi-Inari-Taisha, Kyoto International Manga Museum, Gion), and Osaka (Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, Umeda Sky Building).

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2. Embrace technology. You need a little help from today’s gizmos and gadgets to make your visit to Japan a breeze. For instance, renting a wireless router (or pocket wi-fi as it is called in Asia) helps you stay online and enables you to make calls via online phone services, download apps such as Google Translate, Tokyo Metro app, and Hyperdia, or do a quick search anytime, anywhere.

3. Secure your visa. Nationals from countries like China, the Philippines, and India would need a visa to enter Japan. It is important for travelers from these countries to ensure that they have all the necessary documents needed when they submit their visa application. Processing of application and release of passport (if approved) may take time, so it is important to take note of this when planning your trip. 

Japan visa applicants residing in territories within the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi can submit their documents to the closest CKGS Japan Visa Information & Application Center. For more information, click here.

Say cheese: Tips on taking the best biometric passport photo

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Biometric passports rely on information unique to the person. This includes not only fingerprints and iris scans but also facial features. The passport holder’s facial features would be measured against that of the photograph used in the passport to confirm their identity.

Because of the sensitivity of the software used, passport photographs must be accomplished a certain way to ensure that the correct facial features are captured. Any defects in the photographs themselves, such as distortion, can become a significant cause for delay in processing a new passport.

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Thus, guidelines exist in countries that use facial recognition biometrics to ensure that the photographs taken of each passport holders portray the face correctly. Some countries, like the United Kingdom, provide a template for photographers as a guideline to take pictures ideal for biometrics. Often, these photos should be well-lit to prevent shadow distortion and on white backgrounds to maximize the contrast of the face.

Although it is sometimes possible for individuals to take their own passport photographs, it is generally recommended that they seek professional passport photo services.

And because facial recognition software cannot always account for changes caused by the movement of facial muscles, rules must be put in place to limit facial distortion through expressions. In the United States, this meant that facial expressions must be kept neutral in passport photographs. Smiles are discouraged, and only closed-jaw smiles are permitted.

Cox & Kings Global Services provides consular and diplomatic offices with a range of services covering all aspects of visas, passports, and consular application processing. Learn more about the company’s biometric services from this page.

Some tips on interacting with visa officers

Securing a visa is an activity that essentially requires an applicant to be at the top of their game. It is also a social interaction, one that will see an interesting exchange between two personas. This is a very human reality. Here are a few helpful tips on interacting with visa officers.

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1. Come earlier than schedule.

Of course, the real objective here is to be on time, but going earlier is a way to get around the unpredictable delays. This is a fair standard because tardiness can be grounds for visa disapproval.

2. Always be polite.

You simply cannot play the arrogance card here, and you would be wrong to act condescendingly. Diplomatic officers are educated people, and they are very likely smarter than you. Treat them accordingly.

3. Don’t make up stories.

Visa officers are very perceptive people. While they talk to you, their attention toward you is focused on a different number of areas on your person. These people are trained to read body language, and they can say whether or not you’re telling the truth.

4. Dress appropriately.

You can’t enter an embassy looking uncivilized. There is a certain message of respect that emanates from an applicant whenever they wear the right clothes as they speak with an officer in a formal venue. However, you can’t attend to your visa appointment in your prom clothes either. Be at the same level of fashion as the person you’ll be meeting.

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Take your meeting seriously and act with your best manners. Visa officers are professional, and if you qualify, they would even be the ones to welcome you in warmly.

Cox and Kings Global Services is a specialist business process outsource agency that serves consular sections of diplomatic missions. For visa application advice, visit this website.