Notice

• Latest list of visa exemption countries / regions
• Online visa application (Please beware of fraud websites looking alike the JAPAN eVISA website.)
  Important Notes on eVISA:
  1. Only visas for short-term TOURISM can be applied for through the eVISA system. For other purposes than tourism including visiting relatives/acquaintances living in Japan, apply at the Consulate in person or by mail.
     ✔Tourism Transit Visiting relatives/acquaintances Business trip Work Study Live
  2. You cannot apply for a multiple-entry visa through the eVISA system.
  3. An automatic email will be sent to you notifying you of the fee once the review is complete. After receiving the email, follow the instructions in the email to register the credit card information to be used for payment. After a few days, you will receive an automated email notifying you that your eVISA has been issued.
  4. You may be requested to appear for an in-person interview during the course of the review.
  5. The processing time for an eVISA is the same as that for a traditional sticker visa. We do NOT offer expedited service. In the eVISA system, you can only select scheduled dates of entry into Japan after 7 days from the submission date. Currently, due to a high volume of eVISA applications, it is taking longer to process them.
     *The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has set up FAQ about JAPAN eVISA and hotline. It is strongly recommended that you first call this hotline at 1-202-499-1468 (24/7, English) or email at japan-visa@bricks-corp.com if you have any inquires about eVISA. Please mention your nationality/citizenship and your place of residence in your email.

Contents

1. Jurisdiction
2. Processing Time
3. Window Hours
4. Applying by Mail
5. Qualified Applicants
6. Visa Fees
7. Types of Visas & Application Documents
8. Cancellation of the Existing Japanese Visa
9. Inquires

1. Jurisdiction

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 are currently residing 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, West Virginia and Connecticut (Fairfield County only). If you are not residing within the above area, please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate that handles visas for your area. We can only accept applications from those residing within our jurisdiction.

2. Processing Time

If all requirements are met, most visas can normally be issued within 4-7 business days (When you apply by mail, please allow additional time for mailing in addition to the time for review).  However, there are certain cases that require referral to the Ministry in Japan. These cases may take 1-2 months. In addition, it may take longer than usual if a large number of visa applications converge at a short-time period.
Most visas are valid for three months from issuance. It is recommended that you apply 1-2 months prior to your planned travel date.
We do NOT offer expedited service.

3. Window Hours

Currently, Visa Window will be open between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM (closed on holidays).

*Appointments Required for Visa applications
You need to make an appointment online to apply for a visa in person at the Consulate. Please click here for more information.
You do not need to make an appointment for picking up your visa and payment.
 

4. Applying by Mail

Instead of applying in person at the Consulate, you can apply by mail. Please note that we can only accept applications from those residing within our jurisdiction.
Those applying by mail should include:

• A self-addressed, stamped, and postage-paid envelope (US Postal Service only)
• Release of Liability Form
• Visa fee (if applicable)

In addition to the time for review (4-7 business days), please allow additional time for mailing.
If any of the application documents sent by mail are missing or incomplete, we will return these documents without accepting the application. Please go over the required application documents before you apply.
Those applying by mail also have the option of picking up and paying in person when the visa is ready. Please include a note stating that you would like to do so and your contact information (email address and phone number).
You need to present your photo ID when picking up at the Consulate.
Additional documents and/or an interview in person may be requested during the course of review.
 

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

 
Note:
Applying by mail involves some risks. We strongly urge applicants to use mail service that offers online tracking such as EXPRESS or PRIORITY service. The Consulate is NOT responsible for loss or damage of any mailed items or documents.

5. Qualified Applicants

1) The visa applicant may apply in person or by mail.
2) A proxy may apply on the applicant's behalf with a Letter of Authorization.
3) A travel agent who has registered with this Consulate may apply on behalf of the applicant.

When a visa application is filed by mail or by a proxy, the applicant must be physically in the U.S. In some cases, the applicant may be requested to appear in person for an interview.

6. Visa Fees

Visa fees should be paid when picking up, except for nationals of the visa fee exempt countries/regions.

7. Types of Visas & Application Documents

Applications will not be accepted if the documents are missing or incomplete. Please go over the required application documents before you apply.

8. Cancellation of the Existing Japanese Visa

You cannot hold more than one valid Japanese visa at the same time. If you already have a valid Japanese visa and will apply for a new visa, you must submit a signed Consent Form to cancel the existing visa.

9. Inquires

JAPAN VISA INFORMATION HOTLINE (24 hours / 7 days a week, English)
- 1-202-499-1468 (From U.S.)
- 1-939-201-3133 (From Puerto Rico)
* This hotline is designated for visa applicants residing in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
* If you are calling from the U.S. or Puerto Rico, you will be charged a domestic call fee for your call.

We can only respond to questions regarding visas at the following address. Please check FAQ before contacting us.
Email: visainfo@ny.mofa.go.jp
Please include the following information in your email:

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

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Visa)
Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information
+81-3-5369-6577 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (JST))

- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
For information on Japanese immigration procedures including re-entry permit and COE, please contact the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.