Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Japan?
Contact your nearest embassy or consulate of Japan for more information. Citizens from the United States are required to obtain a visa to travel to Japan, regardless of the intended length of stay and the purpose of the visit.
How early to apply the visa to Japan?
How early can I apply for a Japan visa? As mentioned, the standard single-entry visa is valid for 90 days since issue date, so you can apply as early as 3 months before your travel date. But “3 months before” would be cutting it too close to expiry date.
How to get a self sponsor Visa in Japan?
You’ll need:
- Demonstrate an income of ¥3,000,000 annually (that’s ¥250k per month) to show that you can survive in Japan with your part-time incomes. ...
- A part-time employer or client to sponsor your visa renewal. ...
- Make sure you’ve filled out a 個人事業主 (kojin jigyō nushi – Sole Proprietorship) at the local tax office. ...
How to get a work permit and visa for Japan?
- Approach a Japanese company that can act as a visa sponsor and is willing to hire the applicant. ...
- Identify the right type of visa that matches the applicant’s skills and circumstances.
- Check the work visa requirements and obtain the necessary documentation. ...
- Visit the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to start the application in person. ...

Can US citizens travel to Japan without a visa?
You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
Which citizens can enter Japan without visa?
To visit Japan for a short term visit, citizens of these countries can travel without a visa:All European Union citizens.Australia.Argentina.Bahamas.Barbados.Brunei.Canada.Chile.More items...
Do I need a visa to visit Japan 2022?
Tourists from most countries can now enter Japan on package tours. Students, business travelers, and relatives of long-term/permanent residents can also enter. In all cases, you must apply for visa.
Which passport is the strongest in the world?
Japan has the world's most powerful passport - providing hassle-free entry to 193 countries. Just one country short, Singapore and South Korea are tied in second place, according to the latest Henley Passport Index from Henley & Partners, an immigration consultancy.
How long does it take to get a tourist visa for Japan?
five working daysThe processing time for a Japanese Tourist Visa is five working days, starting from the day that the Embassy or Consulate receives your completed application.
Is Japan issuing visas now?
Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit. Please note that due to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa approval procedure may take longer than usual.
What are the 4 types of visa?
Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
Which countries require visa for Japan?
Visa requirementsCountryVisa requirementAllowed stayCambodiaeVisa / Visa on arrival30 daysCameroonVisa requiredCanadaElectronic Travel Authority6 monthsCape VerdeVisa on arrival30 days121 more rows
Can Filipino go to Japan without visa?
Citizens of around 180 countries require a visa when traveling to Japan for tourist reasons. The Philippines is one of the countries included in that list. Any Filipino passport holders wishing to travel to Japan must meet the Japan electronic visa requirements.
Which countries are not visa free for Japan?
Where Can Japanese Citizens Travel Without a Visa?CountryAllowed StayTaiwan90 daysThailand30 daysTrinidad and Tobago90 daysTunisia90 days53 more rows
Does Japan allow dual citizenship?
The Japanese Nationality Law is based on the principle of single nationality, so if you have Japanese and foreign citizenship and became a dual (or more) citizen before age 18, you must choose a nationality by age 20 or if you became a dual citizen after age 18, you must choose a nationality within 2 years (Nationality ...
IMPORTANT NOTICE ON THE RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO COVID-19
In order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Consular Section has modified several operations and services. We are anticipating longer than usual wait times at the consular office. If your application is not urgent, then we ask you to please consider rescheduling your visit.
Who needs a visa?
The information listed below only applies to standard entry procedures and does NOT apply to the entry procedures under COVID-19 restrictions.
4. Visa Validity
In general, a visa is only valid for one entry. A visa is valid for 3 months from the day of issuance. Therefore, entry into Japan should occur within this time frame.
5. Application Form and Necessary Documents
The information listed below only applies to standard entry procedures and does NOT apply to the entry procedures under COVID-19 restrictions.
How long does it take to get an evisa in Japan?
Applying for a Japan eVisa is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. The application now takes place entirely online, and requires the applicant to have certain documents to fill in the form correctly.
Can Americans travel to Japan?
Americans wishing to visit Japan for periods of stay not permitted with an eVisa will still be required to organize a visit to a Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a consular visa, whether they are traveling for tourism, business, to study or work, or for another motive .
Can I travel to Japan 2020?
Travelers from a number of countries and regions (including Canada, India, Iran, Russia, the UAE, the UK, the US, and most of Europe) are currently prohibited from entering Japan. Travelers arriving from certain countries, such as Australia, Brunei, China (PRC), Hong Kong (SAR China), South Korea, Macao (SAR China), New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam are allowed to enter Japan. Nationals of Japan and their spouses and children are exempt from this restriction, as are residents of Japan with a re-entry permit, passengers with a Special Permanent Residence Permit, provided they also have a Re-entry Permit or an Embarkation and Disembarkation Card, certain visa holders, and a number of other exemptions. Arrivals must complete a Quarantine Questionnaire online and present a QR code on arrival. Passengers with an Olympic Identity and Accreditation Card (OIAC) or Paralympic Identity and Accreditation Card (PIAC) are also allowed to enter if they also have a Written Pledge. All travelers must have a printed medical certificate in English showing that they tested negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours prior to departure from the first point of embarkation. Accepted tests include LAMP, NEAR, Next Generation Sequence, quantitative antigen (CLEIA), RT-PCR, Smart Amp, TMA, and TRC tests with samples collected via nasopharyngeal swab or saliva. This does not apply to passengers under the age of 6, those with a diplomatic or an official visa issued by Japan, US military personnel, or civilian personnel of the US Armed Forces in Japan (and their dependents). Passengers with a consular letter specifying why the test could not be taken are also exempt. All passengers are also subject to testing for COVID-19 and must undergo a 14-day quarantine. Most visas and visa exemptions are currently suspended. Passengers with a single or multiple-entry visa issued on or before 2 April 2020 by Japanese Embassies or Consulates General in Australia, New Zealand and Taipei Kaohsiung offices of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association are also permitted entry. Travelers transiting through Tokyo (NRT) must leave on the same calendar day. All passengers arriving in Japan must install the MySOS app, except for military personnel and civilian components with SOFA status. Find out the travel requirements that you must meet to visit the country by checking the visa policy of Japan.
Do you need a visa to go to Japan?
Citizens from the United States are required to obtain a visa to travel to Japan, regardless of the intended length of stay and the purpose of the visit.
Do you have to double check the information on a visa application?
US travelers are also advised to take time to double-check the details on the form before submitting it for approval. This is to avoid delays caused by incorrect or missing information being uploaded as part of your application.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan from the United States?
All US passport holders visiting Japan require a visa, matter how long they plan to stay or the motive for the trip.
What about Japanese visas on arrival?
US citizens qualify for a tourist visa on arrival in Japan for up to 90 days . There is no fee. The only requirements are to provide a passport valid for the duration of your stay and proof of departure, but the latter is not always checked.
What can I do once I’m in Japan?
You name it. Anthony Bourdain declared Tokyo as his favorite city. Temples and shrines are abundant. Robots dance among the bright lights of Shinjuku. Hot springs provide relief after a long travel day. Don’t forget about the cherry blossoms – April is the busiest time to visit.
What if I want to stay in Tokyo longer than three months?
Assuming you’re doing so on a tourist visa, many visitors choose to make a visa run by spending a day or two in China or South Korea before returning to Japan. Both countries are accessible by land or sea, and allow US citizens to come to Japan on a “fresh” three-month visa.
Do you need a visa to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
However, the requirements for a tourist visa to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo or the temples of Kyoto are reasonable and affordable.
Do you need a passport to travel to Japan?
While it should come as no surprise you will need to present your passport as identification at hotels or while using the Japan Rail Pass, there are some local laws of which US citizens should be aware. Though not always enforced, everyone in Japan who is not a Japanese citizen is required to have identification on them at all times. This means a valid passport for tourists and a zairyu card for residents.
Do Americans need to scan their fingerprints to enter Japan?
Americans visiting Japan for the first or even the 27 th time may find a few surprises waiting for them at immigration. Like the US, Japan requires all foreign visitors to scan in their fingerprints and stand for a photograph.
Do foreigners have to have passports in Tokyo?
Police in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are fairly understanding when it comes to foreign tourists not having their passports at all times, but they do have the authority to detain and arrest them for doing so… runners in the Tokyo Marathon take note.
What age do you have to be to travel to Japan?
Some foreign nationals are except from these requirements, such as minors under the age of 16, diplomatic or official visa holders, permanent residents, and various others.
When did Japan's new immigration law come into effect?
Japan's new Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act has come into effect on July 9, 2012.
What is SOFA in Japan?
Military/SOFA Travelers: SOFA enables all active-duty U.S. military to travel to Japan with documentation and order from the Department of Defense. SOFA family members, civilian employees and contractors need a passport and often a SOFA-specific visa to enter Japan. Active-duty military personal will need a civilian passport for off-duty travel ...
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Japan?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less for tourism or business in Japan. However, their passports must be valid for the duration of their stay . Visitors may not be employed in Japan while they are on a visa-free stay, and cannot change their visa status once they are in the country.
Do US citizens need a passport to enter Japan?
Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) personnel need not submit to biometric entry. U.S. citizens entering or transiting Japan should have valid passports and visas before leaving the United States.
How long can I travel to Japan without a visa?
Japan immigration laws state that visitors from 68 countries are able to travel in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa: Stays of up to 15 days: Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand. This is provided visitors have a valid passport for the duration of their stay and don't engage in any paid work or activities. Citizens of the 68 countries ...
What do you need to get a working visa in Japan?
Before a working visa can be issued, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your prospective employer, and approved by the Bureau of Immigration. This document is a preliminary screening process that says holders meet the conditions for landing in Japan and being considered for a visa.
How long can you stay in Japan with medical insurance?
Subscription to a private medical travel insurance policy which covers death, injury and illness during his/her stay. The period of stay is six months. However, it can be extended to one year with a Permission for Extension of Period of Stay (available only once). It is necessary to obtain a specified visa of Designated Activities in advance from Japanese embassies or consulates that exercise jurisdiction over the applicant's domicile to enter Japan under this program.
How long do I need a visa to study in Japan?
How do I get a student visa to study in Japan? If you are a citizen of one of the 68 countries with which Japan has a general visa waiver agreement and if you plan on studying at a Japanese language school for under 90 days, you only need a valid passport.
What is the law in Japan for short term visitors?
Japanese law requires that all short-term foreign visitors must have proof of onward travel (departure) from Japan.
Can a spouse accompany a Japanese traveler?
If the applicant's spouse does not apply as an accompanying traveler and wishes to stay separately under this program, the applicant and his/her spouse must own savings equivalent to more than 60 million Japanese yen in total. Children are not allowed to accompany, and other rules apply.
Do you need a visa to visit Japan?
Citizens of 68 countries coming to Japan for tourism purposes including Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, UK and almost all European nations don't require a visa ( rules and conditions apply ) and will be granted permission for short-term stay upon arrival. Visitors from outside these 68 countries must apply ...
How long do you have to have a passport to visit Japan?
You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
How is driving in Japan?
Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Japan is complicated and expensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be very high. City traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours. There is virtually no legal roadside or curbside parking; however, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by those illegally parked curbside. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States.
What is the phone number for Japan Automobile Federation?
Emergency Assistance: For roadside assistance, please contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) at 03-5730-0111 in Tokyo, 072-645-0111 in Osaka, 011-857-8139 in Sapporo, 092-841-5000 in Fukuoka, or 098-877-9163 in Okinawa.
How long does it take to get a pet in Japan?
CIB for details. Pets: The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets. At a minimum, the process will take seven to eight months, though the process can take up to a year before a pet may enter Japan.
What is the NPA in Japan?
See our Road Safety page for more information. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws in Japan. You can find further information in English on the NPA English website. Information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license is available in English from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) web site. See the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website for car rental and driving in Japan.
How much alcohol can you drink in Japan?
Driving under the influence of alcohol could also land you immediately in jail. The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%. Punishments can be up to 10,000 USD in fines and up to five years in prison.
What is the blood alcohol level in Japan?
Japan has a national 0.03 percent blood-alcohol-level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. If you’re found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding, or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury, you are subject to up to 15 years in prison.
How long can an immigrant stay in the US?
Remaining outside the United States for more than 12 months may result in a loss of lawful permanent resident status.
What is a Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’ s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship or nationality.
Who facilitates visa applications?
In the country you selected, visa applications and interview scheduling are primarily facilitated by a third-party company, Applicant Service Centers. Please visit their website at: https://ais.usvisa-info.com for additional information on determining what visa type is best for you and how to apply.
Who does visa interviewing?
In the country you selected, visa applications and interview scheduling are primarily facilitated by a third-party company, U.S. Travel Docs. Please visit their website at: https://www.ustraveldocs.com for additional information on determining what visa type is best for you and how to apply.
How long can you stay outside the US?
Remaining outside the United States for more than 12 months may result in a loss of lawful permanent resident status. SEE MORE. Conditional Residents.