FAQ

A. 1 Nationals of visa-exempt countries/regions visiting Japan for a short period of time for tourism, business, visiting relatives/acquaintances, etc. without being engaged in remunerated activities do not need a visa. Others need to apply for a visa before visiting Japan. Visa exemption is based on nationality, not on residency status in the United States.

A. 2 Nationals of visa-exempt countries/regions do not need a transit visa. For others, basically, those who pass through immigration on their way to a third country need a transit visa. Those who do not pass through immigration do not need a visa. Since this depends on the flights and the airport, applicants should check with their airlines to 2 make sure. Activities in Japan are limited to sightseeing, recreation, rest, etc., and do not include visits to relatives/acquaintances.

A. 3 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. In addition, it may take longer than usual if a large number of visa applications converge at a short-time period. We do NOT offer expedited service.
When you apply by mail, please allow additional time for mailing in addition to the time for review. If any of the application documents sent by mail are missing or incomplete, we will return these documents without accepting the application. Please check the list of application documents before you apply.

A. 4 We cannot answer questions regarding the status of receipt of individual applications by mail. If you would like to keep track, please send your application using mail service that offers online tracking.

A. 5 We cannot answer questions regarding the progress of individual applications. The processing period for visas is as shown in A. 3.

A. 6 Please make appointments online. If you need to make an urgent appointment for a humanitarian reason, please call us for a consultation. In addition, you may apply by mail using USPS. Please click here for instructions on how to apply by mail. We do not take appointments via email. You do not need to make an appointment for picking up your visa and payment.

A. 7 For nationals of countries/regions other than visa-exempt countries/regions, please click here.

A. 8 For nationals of countries/regions other than visa-exempt countries/regions, please click here.

A. 9 For nationals of countries/regions other than visa-exempt countries/regions, please click here.

A.10 For nationals of countries/regions other than visa-exempt countries/regions, please click here.

A.11 It depends on your nationality. Please check here to see what applies to you. For nationals of other countries/regions, please contact us individually. Please note that a multiple-entry visa cannot be applied for through the eVISA system.

A.12 The photo size is specified as 2in x 1.4in. However, a 2in x 2in standard US passport-sized photo is acceptable.

A.13 Please click here.

A.14 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. Please note that a multiple-entry visa cannot be applied for through the eVISA system.
        ✔Tourism Transit Visiting relatives/acquaintances Business trip Work Study Live

A.15 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. Please note that you may be requested to appear for an in-person interview during the course of the review. For visa fees, please click here.

A.16 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. Please note that you may be requested to appear for an in-person interview during the course of the review.