How to Apply for a Visa to Travel to Japan
Japan allows U.S. citizens planning on visiting for a period of less than 90 days to do so without a visa. However, those who intend on staying longer, or, who fall into a few other categories, will need to apply and be approved for a visa. There are seven categories of visas: diplomatic, official, working, temporary visitor, transit, general and specified. In addition, each is marked as single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry. In general, if travel is for the purpose of studying, working, certain cultural/artistic activities or for longer than 90 days, then a visa is needed.
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Things You'll Need
- Visa application
- Passport size photo
- Passport
- Appropriate fees
- Supporting documentation
- Return/onward ticket
- Evidence of sufficient funds for stay
Instructions
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Ensure that your passport is valid and will remain so through the anticipated length of your visit. It should also have at least one blank page.
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Obtain the visa application by downloading it from the Japanese Embassy or visiting your local embassy or consulate.
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Gather supporting documents to justify the length of your visit, if applicable. Documents will depend on your plans. Students should be able to produce an admissions letter, evidence of employment or a letter offering employment.
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Use the Japanese Embassy website to find the nearest consulate. There are 18 locations in the U.S. and its territories.
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Check for the appropriate fees. Fees will vary based on the type of visa and the applicant's country of residency.
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Submit the application in person with the appropriate fees, supporting documentation and passport size photo affixed (not stapled) to the application. Turnaround time is a minimum of four days, but it can be much longer.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility beforehand. A Certificate of Eligibility is issued by a regional immigration authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice and serves as evidence that the applicant should be eligible for a visa. It has the advantage of reducing the time required to get a visa.
Visas can be denied for any number of reasons, including if the applicant does not possess a valid passport, if there is a criminal record including more than one year's imprisonment, if the applicant was recently deported from Japan as an illegal immigrant or if it is believed that the applicant will disturb public order.
