Visiting Japan ＆ Visa

2026/7/1

Visa fees will be revised effective July 1, 2026. View the new fees here.

The standard processing time is 5 Consulate business days from the next business day after all required documents have been received.
During peak application periods, processing times may be longer than usual.
Expedited processing is NOT available. Applicants must allow sufficient time for regular processing.
Applications will not be accepted earlier than 3 months prior to the intended date of entry into Japan. It is recommended that you apply 1-2 months prior to your planned travel date.
Please refrain from inquiring about individual application status by phone or email and await notification from this office.
For urgent cases requiring humanitarian consideration (e.g., serious illness or death of an immediate family member), please contact this office by phone as listed in Section 8 (Inquiries).

Overview

Foreign nationals seeking to enter Japan generally must obtain a Japanese visa, which is affixed to the applicant’s passport.
Certain travelers may be eligible to enter Japan without a visa under reciprocal visa exemption arrangements. See Visa-Exempt Countries and Regions.
There are two types of visas available depending on your purpose of visit: Sticker Visa (Traditional Visa) and eVISA (Electronic Visa)
Applications for the sticker visa can be submitted either in person (by appointment) or by mail.
Important: Eligibility for the eVISA is limited as follows:
The JAPAN eVISA (Online Visa Application System) is available exclusively to applicants
who:
• Hold an ordinary passport;
• Are traveling for tourism purposes; and
• Apply for a single-entry visa only.

Visa Requirements by Your Passport Type

Ordinary Passport Holders

U.S. Citizens
Purpose of Visit	Visa Requirement
Short-Term Stay (Less than 90 days) (e.g., tourism, business, conferences, visiting friends or relatives)	Not Required
Long-Term Stay (Certificate of Eligibility holders) (e.g., work, study)	Required

Non-U.S. Citizens
Purpose of Visit	Countries/Regions	Visa Requirement
Short-Term Stay (Less than 90 days)	Visa-Exempt Countries and Regions	Not Required

	Other Countries and Regions	Required
Long-Term Stay (COE holders)	All Countries and Regions	Required

Diplomatic / Official Passport Holders

U.S. Citizens
Purpose of Visit	Visa Requirement
Short-Term Stay (Non-official purpose, less than 90 days)	Not Required
Short- / Long-Term Stay (Official purpose)	Required

Non-U.S. Citizens
Purpose of Visit	Countries/Regions	Visa Requirement
Short- / Long-Term Stay (Official purpose)	Visa-Exempt Countries and Regions	Not Required

	Other Countries and Regions	Required
Other Purposes	All Countries and Regions	Required

Please also see: Reciprocal Visa-Exempt Entry as Temporary Visitor

UN Laissez-Passer Holders

U.S. Citizens
Purpose of Visit	Visa Requirement
Short-Term Stay (Non-official purpose, less than 90 days)	Not Required
Short- / Long-Term Stay (Official purpose)	Required

Non-U.S. Citizens
Purpose of Visit	Countries/Regions	Visa Requirement
Short- / Long-Term Stay (Official purpose)	Visa-Exempt Countries and Regions	Not Required

	Other Countries and Regions	Required
Other Purposes	All Countries and Regions	Required

Please also see: Reciprocal Visa-Exempt Entry as Temporary Visitor

Contents

Jurisdiction (Consulate General of Japan in New York)
Applicant Eligibility Requirements
Types of Visas & Application Documents
How to Apply and Receive a Passport with a Sticker Visa
Applying by JAPAN eVISA (Online Visa Application System)
- For tourism, single entry applications by holders of ordinary passports only
Visa Fees
Cancellation of Existing Japanese Visa
Inquiries
Other Resources

1. Jurisdiction (Consulate General of Japan in New York)

Applicants are eligible to apply at this Consulate only if they reside in one of the following areas:

States:
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and Connecticut (Fairfield County only)
Territories:
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

2. Applicant Eligibility Requirements

Residency Requirement
Applicants must reside within the consular jurisdiction listed in Section 1.
Note:
If an application is submitted online, by mail, or through a proxy, the applicant must be physically present in the United States. An in-person interview may be required.
Immigration Status Requirement
Applicants must hold a valid long-term U.S. immigration status or U.S. permanent residency.

Note:
Holders of B-1/B-2 visas are not considered residents and are therefore not eligible to apply for a visa in the United States.

3. Types of Visas & Application Documents

Applications with missing or incomplete documents will not be accepted.
Applications will not be accepted earlier than 3 months prior to the intended date of entry into Japan. It is recommended that you apply 1-2 months prior to your planned travel date.
The standard processing time is 5 Consulate business days from the next business day after all required documents have been received.
Expedited processing is NOT available. Applicants must allow sufficient time for regular processing.

Types of Visas

● Short-Term Stay (Less than 90 days)

Single / Double-entry
Purpose & Requirements	Description
Business	Attending meetings, conferences, internships, academic programs, workshops, or visiting partner or counterpart institutions.
Visiting Friends or Relatives/Family	Visiting and staying with friends or relatives/family, etc.
Tourism	Sightseeing, cultural or entertainment events, and recreational activities. (Japan eVISA is available for holders of ordinary passoprts applying for a single-entry visa.)

Multiple-entry
Purpose	Important Notes
Business/ Visiting Friends or Relatives/Family/ Tourism	Applicants for a multiple-entry visa must prepare: ●Applicants must submit all documents required for a single-entry visa plus additional documents specific to multiple-entry visas. ●Applications will not be accepted earlier than 3 months prior to the intended date of entry into Japan. ●The purpose of each visit must remain consistent with the original visa category.
	Addtional Requirements
	for Nationals of China for Nationals of India for Nationals of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam

● Long-Term Stay (COE Holders)

Purpose & Requirements	Description
Work, Study, Long-Term Stay and more	For applicants planning to work, study, or reside in Japan for an extended period and holding a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

● Transit Visa (Less than 24 hours) Single / Double-entry

Effective July 1, 2026, the Transit Visa category will be merged into the Single or Double-entry category. Please see the relevant visa categories.

4. How to Apply and Receive Your Passport with a Sticker Visa

Applications may be submitted either in person or by mail. Please review all requirements carefully for the applicable submission method before applying.

Important: For information on JAPAN eVISA (Online Visa Application System), please see Section 5. Please note that this system is available only for tourism, single-entry applications by holders of ordinary passports.

	In-Person	By Mail
Application Timing	• No application will be accepted earlier than 3 months prior to the intended date of entry into Japan. • It is recommended that you apply 1-2 months prior to your planned travel date.
Jurisdiction	New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Connecticut (Fairfield County only), Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Please see Section 1
Jurisdiction	-	Mail-in applications from residents within our consular jurisdiction.
Standard Processing Time	The standard processing time is 5 Consulate business days from the next business day after all required documents have been received, excluding Consulate holidays. Processing times may vary depending on the completeness and quality of each applicant's submitted documents.
	-	Please allow extra time for mailing and delivery.
	NOTE: Applications are processed only on Consulate business days. NOTE: Expedited service is not available. Processing may be delayed if additional documents are required.
Incomplete Applications	If any required documents are missing or incomplete:
Incomplete Applications	We may not be able to accept your application, and you may be required to visit our office again with a new appointment.	The entire application will be returned without being processed. We strongly recommend reviewing all requirements thoroughly before submission.
Additional Requirements and In-Person Interview	During the review process, additional documents may be requested by email from visainfo@ny.mofa.go.jp. ・Please check your spam/junk folder as well as your inbox. ・An in-person interview may be requested at any time. Please remain within our consular jurisdiction during the review period.
Submission	Office Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Mon-Fri, Closed on Consulate holidays)
Submission	Schedule an appointment online. We do not accept any drop-off applications without an appointment. Online Appointment Booking	Send all requirements and signed Release of Liability Form using a mail service that offers online tracking service, such as USPS Priority Mail or Express Mail. We cannot recieve any application packages on weekends or on our holidays. Please make arrangements to arrive during the window hours.
Parental Consent	This requirement applies to applicants under 18 years old who submit an application separately from their parent(s). • A birth certificate of the applicant; • A duly signed Parental Consent Form; and • A valid government-issued photo ID of the parent or legal guardian (e.g., a driver’s license or state ID)
Proxy Applications	A proxy may submit an application on behalf of the applicant. Proxy submission is permitted only if: • The application is submitted by a travel agent registered with this Consulate; OR • An individual authorized in a duly signed Letter of Authorization who present a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID (e.g., a driver’s license or state ID; foreign-issued identification is not accepted) • An official document verifying the relationship is required if the proxy is an immediate family member. (e.g., a driver’s license or state ID; foreign-issued documents require an English translation) NOTE: The signature on the Letter of Authorization must match the signature in the applicant’s passport.
Requirements	All required documents listed in Section 3 NOTE: We do not offer printing services for documents prepared in electronic format. All required documents must be printed prior to submission.
How to Receive	In-Person Pickup
	-	Please enclose with your application package: • Signed Pick-up Option Request Form After your application is approved, an email with your pick-up date will be sent from visainfo@ny.mofa.co.jp. Please check your inbox and spam/junk folder.
	No appointment is required to pick up your passport with a visa during our window hours. Please bring: • A valid photo ID • The visa fee in cash (if applicable)
	• The original pick-up receipt Please present your pick-up receipt to our security staff in the lobby and again at the office window.
	Proxy Pickup
	Allowed only if the proxy represents: • The original pick-up receipt • A valid photo ID • The visa fee in cash (if applicable)	Not allowed
	Return by Mail
	NOTE: If the passport is to be returned by mail, the return mailing address must be within our consular jurisdiction.
	Please submit at your appointment:	Please enclose with your application package:
	• Self-addressed, stamped, and postage-paid envelope (US Postal Service Express or Priority Mail only). • Signed Release of Liability Form • The visa fee in cash (if applicable) • Purchase an exact-value stamp at the post office or create a return label on the USPS Click-N-Ship website. • On the Click-N-Ship, select the latest available shipping date. • "From" address must be the Consulate's address. • "To" address must be the applicant’s address within the consular jurisdiction. Mailing Address: *Please use the same address for the "From" address on your return label. 299 Park Ave., 18th floor New York, NY 10171 Consulate General of Japan in New York (Visa Dept.)

5. Applying by JAPAN eVISA (Online Visa Application System)

The online application is available only for tourism, single entry applications by holders of ordinary passports. Please ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.

	JAPAN eVISA website (Website for online visa application to visit Japan)
Application Timing	• No application will be accepted earlier than 3 months prior to the intended date of entry into Japan. • It is recommended that you apply 1-2 months prior to your planned travel date.
Jurisdiction	New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Connecticut (Fairfield County only), Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Please see Section 1
Standard Processing Time	The standard processing time is 5 Consulate business days from the next business day after all required documents have been received, excluding Consulate holidays. Processing times may vary depending on the completeness and quality of each applicant's submitted documents. NOTE: Applications are processed only on Consulate business days. NOTE: Expedited service is not available. Processing may be delayed if additional documents are required.
In-Person Interview	Applicants must remain within the consular jurisdiction during the review period, as an in person interview may be requested at any time.
Who can apply for JAPAN eVISA	JAPAN eVISA is available exclusively to travelers who hold an ordinary passport and whose purpose of travel is tourism, and it is limited to single-entry visas only. Please make sure to check the “Who can apply for JAPAN eVISA” chart before applying.
Parental Consent	For applicants under 18 years old who submit an application separately from their parent(s), parental consent is required, provided that all documents listed below are uploaded as part of the online application. • A birth certificate of the applicant; • A duly signed Parental Consent Form; and • A valid government-issued photo ID of the parent or legal guardian (e.g., a driver’s license or state ID) NOTE: Parental consent is required only when applicants under 18 years old submit an application separately from their parent(s).
Proxy Applications	A proxy may submit an application on behalf of the applicant, provided that all documents listed below are uploaded as part of the online application. • A duly signed Letter of Authorization; and • A valid U.S. government-issued photo ID of the proxy (e.g., a driver’s license or state ID; foreign-issued identification is not accepted) NOTE: The signature on the Letter of Authorization must match the signature in the applicant’s passport. NOTE: An official document verifying the relationship, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, is required if the proxy is an immediate family member.
Requirements	Please click👉 here to review the required application documents
Application Procedure	Submission ● Applicants submit application and upload the required documents. Review ● Consulate reviews application and the required documents. Additional Documents (If Required) ● Designated officer emails from visainfo@ny.mofa.go.jp. ● Applicant must respond promptly. Return/ Cancellation (If Not Eligible) ● System sends return/cancellation notice. ● Officer emails reason from visainfo@ny.mofa.go.jp. ● Do not reply: the decision is FINAL. Approval ● After review, automated 'Payment/Issuance Notice' email is sent. Payment (If Fee Applies) ● Check if a visa fee is required; if so, ● Register Credit card immediately. ● Payment is typically processed on our next business day after you register your credit card. Issuance ● Automated ‘Issuance notice’ email is sent from the eVisa system. ● Applicant logs in to view the digital eVisa. ⚠ Important Notice: ・Emails requesting additional documents may come from visainfo@ny.mofa.co.jp (Please check your spam/junk folder as well as your inbox.) ・Payment is typically processed on our next business day after your credit card is registered. (Please note that visa issuance is not immediate and may take a few business days after the payment is completed.) e.g., if you register on Friday, payment will be processed on Monday or later (except on Consular holidays). ・Do not reply to any email titled ‘Return/Cancellation of your application'.
Inquiries & Technical Support	・Before contacting us by phone or email, please review JAPAN eVISA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. ・Many inquiries can be resolved immediately by consulting the information provided there. JAPAN eVISA - Frequently Asked Questions - Application Video Guide (including Online Payment) - JAPAN eVISA Visa Issuance Notice Display Guide ・General Inquiries JAPAN eVISA Hotline Phone: 1 202 499 1468 (24/7, English) ・Technical Issues Japan eVISA system administrator by email: japan-visa@bridge-ms.com

6. Visa Fees

Visa fees are payable upon collection unless exempt: Countries/Regions Exempt from Visa Fees.
In-person / By mail applications: Cash only
Online applications: Credit card only

7. Cancellation of the Existing Japanese Visa

Applicants may not hold more than one valid Japanese visa at the same time.
A signed Consent Form is required to cancel an existing visa.

8. Inquiries

Before contacting us by phone or email, please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visafaq.html
*Many inquiries can be resolved immediately by consulting the information provided there.
JAPAN VISA INFORMATION HOTLINE (24/7, English)
•From the U.S.: 1-202-499-1468
•From Puerto Rico: 1-939-201-3133
Email Inquiries:
•Email: visainfo@ny.mofa.go.jp
•Subject Line: 【INQ】Full Name of Applicant
•Please include the following information:
o Nationality / Citizenship
o U.S. visa status
o Purpose of travel to Japan
o Scheduled departure date and length of stay
o Accommodation in Japan
o Occupation
o Current residential address (city & street)
o Telephone/Cellphone number

9. Other Resources

For more detailed information on arrival procedures and visiting Japan, please visit the following official websites:

Visit Japan Web: An online service that allows visitors to perform the necessary procedures for Quarantine, Immigration, and Customs declaration prior to entering Japan.
Note:
Visit Japan Web is for entry procedures and does not replace the visa application process.
Travel Japan – The Official Japan Guide: The official tourism website of Japan, offering travel inspiration, destination guides, the latest travel tips.
Tax-free Shopping System: The official guide to Japan's tax exemption system, including eligible items and procedures for international visitors.