Introduction

Welcome to the Visa Information page. The Visa Section of the Consulate General of Japan in New York takes care of the issuance of visas to foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan. Whether you need to obtain a visa in order to enter Japan differs according to the purpose of visit, length of your stay, your nationality, etc. So please read the following instructions carefully to determine if you need a visa.

* Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit.
As emergency precautionary measure from a preventive perspective, there are cases for entry of foreign nationals with special exceptional circumstance. Please see "Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel (5. Entry of foreign nationals with other special exceptional circumstances)" and "Regarding denial of landing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus)" for details.
* Please be aware, if you receive a valid visa via a special exceptional circumstance, you may be asked to present proof of said special exceptional circumstance to immigration officers upon landing in Japan.

Window Hours

*Temporary change of Visa Application window hours:
Visa Window will be open as follows:
09:30 AM - 3:00 PM
However, visa applications are currently only being accepted 11:00 AM - 15:00 PM.
(Visa window will be closed holidays).

*Services available by appointment only
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we accept visitors only by appointment at this time.
Please see the link below for the detailed information.
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/

Visa Fees

Visa fees will be required for pick up time only, except for those citizens of the countries are exempt from visa fees.
http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/d/06.html

Copies of documents

The Consulate General of Japan will not make copies. A good rule of thumb: If you want the document back, bring the original AND a photocopy.

Processing Time

If all requirements are met, most visas can normally be issued within 4-7 business days.
However, there are certain cases that require referral to the Ministry in Japan. These cases may take 1-2 months.

Applying by Mail

Those applying by mail also have the option of picking up the passport when it is ready. Those applying in person at the window can prepare a USPS self-addressed stamped envelope with completed express mailing label and the postage stamps and Release of Liability Form. We can mail visas only within our jurisdiction and outside of the 5 boroughs of New York City. For security reasons, this must be done by the owner of the passport, and cannot be done by proxy. At the discretion of the Consul, some cases may require an interview in person.

Mailing address:

Attn: Visa Department
Consulate General of Japan in New York
299 Park Ave., 18th floor
New York, NY 10171

Please note:
- Attn: Visa Department' and your return address must be written on the envelope.
- Applying by mail involves some risks. We urge applicants to use Express Mail or Priority Mail service available from the US Postal Services. The Consulate General of Japan is not responsible for loss or damage of any mailed items or documents.

Who can apply for a visa?

1) The visa applicant may apply in person.
2) A proxy may apply on the applicant's behalf with a letter of proxy/power of attorney.
3) A travel agent who has registered with this consulate may apply on behalf of the applicant.

When a visa application is filed by proxy, the applicant must be physically in the United States, even if the visa applicant holds a certificate of eligibility. In some cases, the applicant may be requested to appear in person for an interview. Please note that applications will not be accepted if the documents are inadequate.

Visa applications should be made at the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over applicant's place of permanent residence. You may apply for a visa at this Consulate if you live, work, and are currently within the area covered by this Consulate. That area consists of New York State, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, The U.S. Virgin Islands, and West Virginia. If you live and work in Connecticut, you may apply for a visa here, but only if you live and work in Fairfield County. If you are not located within the area covered by this Consulate, please contact the Japanese Consulate or Embassy that handles visas for your area. We may decline visa applications from areas outside our jurisdiction.

IMPORTANT: We can only respond to questions regarding visas at the following address.

E-mail: visainfo@ny.mofa.go.jp

The information that will be needed from you is:

• Nationality / Citizenship
• Visa status in the United States
• Detailed purpose of your trip to Japan
• Intended length of stay in Japan
• Accommodations in Japan(ie. Hotel, someone's home)
• Occupation
• Current place of residence(city & street), telephone number

ATTENTION
Inquiries by phone
We have been receiving many inquiries about visa applications, and it is sometimes more difficult than usual to reach us by phone. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your understanding.
If no one picks up, do not wait or try to leave a voice mail message. Please simply hang up and try again.

For general information on Japanese Visas, click here to access the Japanese Foreign Ministry's website. You may also inquire by calling the JAPAN VISA INFORMATION HOTLINE.

The downloadable Visa Application Form ( Sample ) available on the Website may be used for Visa applications at this Consulate.