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.

Window Hours

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Monday - Friday (except holidays).
Visa applications may be submitted at the visa window during those hours.
No appointment is necessary for visa applications. However, please be in the 18th floor at least 15mins before closing time.

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

Group Visa Applications

Applications must be brought in mornings between the hours of 9:30 and 12:30 for those submitting 5 or more entertainer visa applications. Tour managers are encouraged to bring in one photocopy of the face page from each passport.

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 residing outside of the 5 boroughs of New York City are welcome to apply by mail. Please refer to the following link for instructions:

Temporary Visitor Visa: http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/d/03.html
Visas for Work and Long Term Stay: http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/d/04.html

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 (you must select the check box for "signature required") 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.

* Please note: As of January 1, 2015, the state of Maryland becomes under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Embassy in Washington, DC.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Visa Section at 212-888-0889 or visit Visa Window which open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may also click here to send a request for visa information by email.

E-mail: visainfo@ny.mofa.go.jp
Fax: (212)755-2851

IMPORTANT: We can only respond to questions regarding visas at this address. The information that will be needed from you is:
  • Your nationality / citizenship
  • Your visa status in the United States
  • Detailed purpose of your trip to Japan
  • Your intended length of stay in Japan
  • Your occupation
  • Your current place of residence & telephone number
ATTENTION
Due to the large volume of inquires by email, we are not able to respond to all of them. If you do not hear from us, please write to us or call us to obtain information. Thank you.

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.

JAPAN VISA INFORMATION HOTLINE (24 hours / 7 days a week, English only)
- 1-888-671-4583 (From U.S.A.)
- 1-833-732-8162 (From Puerto Rico)

* This hotline is designated for visa applicants residing in the U.S.A or Puerto Rico.
* If you are calling from the U.S.A or Puerto Rico, you will be charged a domestic call fee for your call.
* This Hotline will only provide general information regarding Japanese visas.
* The Hotline will not connect you to the Consulate-General's visa section. If you need to contact the Consulate-General in regards to a pending visa application, please contact the Consulate-General directly at (212)888-0889 during office hours.

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