Visa and Travel Information
2023/3/30
The Embassy in Washington DC only accepts visa applications and visa inquiries from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia residents. For residents of other states, please refer to the List of Embassy/Consulates in the U.S.


- If you need a visa, check how and when you can apply for a visa: General Rules & Processing Time
- If you do NOT need a visa, skip to STEP #6.
Visa Information
Who needs a visa?
- Please note that ALL entrants (including people from visa waiver countries and regions) are required to upload either a pre-departure COVID-19 test result or a valid vaccine certificate through Visit Japan Web: See: "Information on Border Measures."
- The Visa Waiver Program applies based on your nationality, NOT on your U.S. residence status (including green card).
Types of Travel | Visa Requirements | ||
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U.S. Citizens |
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NOT Required | |
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Required | ||
Non-U.S. Citizens | Visa Exemption Countries and Regions (List) |
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NOT Required |
Non-Visa Exemption Countries and Regions | Required |
General Rules for Visa Application
DMV residents only |
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5 business days |
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No mail application |
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No B-1/B-2 visa holder |
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Visa validity |
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Proxy/Authorization Form |
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Your passport |
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Application Procedure & Processing Time
- In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. (ex., If you apply on Monday, you can pick up a visa next Monday. Our holidays are not counted as business days.)
- It may take more than one month depending on the visa. We recommend that you apply for a visa approximately 1.5 months before your departure date. We do NOT have expedited services.

Types of Visas & Application Documents
- Please click on the applicable box below to see application documents on each visa.
- If you intend to stay in Japan more than 90 days, please click on the "COE Holders" box.
- The online application for a short-term tourism visa (single entry only, and only for the purpose of tourism) is available. For further information, please click on the “Short-term Tourism/Business/Study” box below.
Application drop-off/pick-up Hours
- No appointment required.
- No parking available.
- Please check our holidays before visiting.
- In case of adverse weather conditions, Embassy of Japan follows the guideline of U.S. Federal Government. When the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announces federal agencies in the Washington, D.C. area are "closed" or "delayed", Embassy of Japan along with VISA section will be closed/delayed accordingly.
- The Embassy will NOT accept any applications by mail.

Location | Embassy of Japan Consular Section: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008 |
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Application Drop-off Hours | Monday-Friday 9:15am - 12:00pm |
VISA Pick-up Hours | Monday-Friday 1:30pm - 4:00pm |
Fees

- US citizens are exempt from visa fees. (Some countries and regions are also exempt from visa fees. Please check the Visa Fee Exempt list to find out if your visa fee is waived. )
- Payment is due at the time of PICK-UP.
- Applicants who have applied for a visa online are required to bring a printed copy of “Notice of examination result and visa fees” to the Embassy for your payment.
- We accept CASH only. We DO NOT accept personal checks and credit cards.
Type of Visa | Fees | |
---|---|---|
Single Entry Visa | $28 | |
Double and Multiple Entry Visa | $56 | |
Transit Visa (Including Double-Entry Transit) | $6 | |
Indian Passport Holder | Single, Double, or Multiple Entry Visa | $8 |
Transit Visa | $1 | |
Extension of Re-entry Permit* (Only available for "Re-entry Permit" not for "Special Re-entry Permit") |
$28 |
Information on Border Measures
COVID-19 Mitigation Requirements to Enter Japan
- ALL entrants (including people from visa waiver countries and regions) are required to upload either a pre-departure COVID-19 test result or a valid vaccine certificate through Visit Japan Web (Fast Track/My SOS system has been integrated into Visit Japan Web).
- There are no quarantine requirements after entering Japan.
- From 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2023, all travelers and returnees coming from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) by direct flight are required to submit a certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure, regardless of their vaccination status. In addition, up to approximately 20% of the all travelers and returnees arriving from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) by direct flight will be subjected to an on-arrival COVID-19 test at the quarantine station. For further information, please read here.

Additional Information:
- Border Control Measures Japan
- COVID-19 Negative Test Result Certificate before departure
- Valid vaccination certificate
- List of Local Travel Clinics/Medical Clinics that can issue a Negative Certificate (DC, MD, VA)
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
General Etiquette | Mask Use | Insurance Before Travel |
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Insurance After Entrance |
If you feel ill | If infected COVID-19 |
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Visiting Japan












Staying in Japan
Contact

JAPAN VISA INFORMATION HOTLINE | 1-888-704-4459
* If you are calling from the U.S., you will be charged a domestic call fee for your call. |
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The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan | 81-3-3595-2176
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The Embassy of Japan in USA | (202) 238-6800
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Recommended Information
- Consular Section: Embassy of Japan, 2520 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Office Hours:Application Drop-off/ M-F 9:15am-12:00pm Visa Pick-up/ M-F 1:30pm-4:00pm
- Contact Us:202-238-6800/ M-F 9:00am-5:00pm
- Japan Visa Information Hotline (English available)1-888-704-4459 Domestic call fee applies, 24hours, 7days/week