Visa and Travel Information

General Rules for Visas

The Embassy in Washington DC only accepts visa applications and visa inquiries from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia residents. For residents in other states, please refer to the List of Embassy/Consulates in the U.S.
We do not accept any applications from B-1 and B-2 U.S. visa holders.
Visa applicants should come to the Embassy in person with the exception of applications for diplomatic/official visas submitted by a representative of their organizations.
The Embassy will NOT accept any applications by mail.
Applicants (including minors) may authorize a proxy. To authorize a proxy for application drop off/pickup, the applicant MUST fill out this authorization form and have the proxy submit the original form to the Embassy along with his/her ID card (electronic signatures are invalid).
Please note that we will keep passports while processing visa applications.

Types of Visas & Application Documents

Foreign nationals who fall under the boxes below are eligible to enter Japan and can apply for a visa. Please click on the applicable box below to obtain further information on each visa. The information on each visa includes all of the documents that must be submitted for a visa application to be considered. Details on visa eligibility can be found here.

visiting relatives with a residence card

Transiting through Japan: Currently we are not issuing any transit visas, and travelers cannot go through the immigration & customs area at an airport in Japan without a valid visa. Please contact your airlines to confirm that you will NOT go through the immigration & customs area in Japan. If you need to go through the immigration & customs area at the airport in Japan, which is currently prohibited, then you must reschedule your flights. If you do not need to go through the immigration & customs area, which means that you are not entering Japan, then you do not need a visa and do not need to submit a COVID-19 test result.

Visa Validity

Visas are only valid for 3 months (single entry). We will not accept any visa applications more than 3 months before your departure date. We recommend that you contact us or apply for a visa approximately 1.5 months before your departure date.
We currently do NOT issue double entry and multi-entry visas.

Hours

Monday-Friday (Please check our holidays)

Visa Application drop-off (Morning ONLY): 9:15am to 12:00pm
Visa Pick-up (Afternoon ONLY): 13:30 pm to 4:00 pm

*No appointment required.
*We do not offer mailing services.
*No parking available.

Processing Time

In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. Please note that it may take up to one month due to COVID-related restrictions. We do NOT have expedited services.

*The Embassy recommends applying for a visa 1.5 months prior to your departure date.

processing time

Fees

Standard Fees: Single Entry: 28 USD
Indian Passport Holder Fees: Single Entry: 8 USD
Extension of Re-entry Permit: 28 USD

*US citizens are exempt from visa fees.
(Some countries are also exempted from visa fees. Please check the visa exempt countries list to find out if your visa fee is waived. )
* Payment is due at the time of PICKUP.
* We accept CASH only (Please prepare cash in the exact amount). We DO NOT accept personal checks and credit cards.

COVID-19 Related Requirements to Enter Japan

＞　COVID-19 Mitigation Requirements to Enter Japan (please click here)

Getting international travel medical insurance for your trip to Japan is strongly recommended.
COVID-19 Mask Use in Community Settings (for Adults / for Children)
Those who intend to enter Japan (including Japanese nationals) are required to follow COVID-19 mitigation requirements listed as follows:
- Border Control Measures Japan
- Frequently asked questions
Fast Track Pre-registration System
Visitors entering Japan from Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, Kansai International Airport, or Fukuoka Airport can submit the documents required in 1-3 below, download the required app, and submit proof of vaccination by using the “Fast Track” pre-registration system. Please check here for instructions on how to use the Fast Track pre-registration system. Visitors can also submit the necessary information for immigration and customs procedures to enter Japan through "Visit Japan Web."

1. PRE-DEPARTURE COVID-19 TESTING (Negative Test Result)
You are required to obtain an inspection certificate (a negative test result) before departing the U.S. for Japan (the test must be conducted within 72 hours of the intended departure). You will be denied entry into Japan if you fail to submit the certificate upon your arrival to Japan (Therefore, airlines will not give you permission to board an aircraft departing for Japan without the certificate).
2. SUBMISSION OF A WRITTEN PLEDGE
You will be asked to submit a written form pledging your compliance with several mitigation measures.

3. SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONNAIRE
You will need to provide the required information (your contact details, travel history, health condition, etc.) prior to entry into Japan.
- The Questionnaire can be found here.
4. CARRYING A SMARTPHONE AND INSTALLING THE NECESSARY APPs
- Regarding the use of apps following your arrival (Summary / Details)
For inquiries on COVID-19 Mitigation Requirements to Enter Japan and the Optional Relaxations of Activity Restrictions During Self-Quarantine, please contact The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan:
+81-3-3595-2176 (Services are available in the following languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. 9 am - 9 pm JST)

＞　Mandatory/Self Quarantine After Arrival in Japan (please click here)

Q&A on the New Measures for Border Enforcement (27)

1. SHORTENING SELF-QUARANTINE
- (On and after June 1st 2022)　Testing at a Japanese airport and a mandatory/self-quarantine will not be required for entrants from countries and regions classified as "Blue" regardless of their vaccination status. The U.S. is classified as "Blue": Measures for Resuming Cross-Border Travel
2. RELAXATION OF ACTIVITY RESTRICTION DURING SELF-QUARANTINE
- On and after June 1, 2022, entrants from countries and regions classified as "Blue," regardless of vaccination status, can use public transportation without any restrictions.

Visiting Japan

Staying in Japan

Contact

For Tourist/transit visa or other general questions: Japan Visa Information Hotline* (1-888-704-4459)
For Quarantine Measures questions: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan(81-3-3595-2176)
For Re-entry Permit/Special Re-entry Permit or COE questions: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (81-570-013904)
For Entry Visa or visa procedures (DC, MD, VA residents only): Embassy of Japan in the USA, Consular Section (202-238-6800)

*JAPAN VISA INFORMATION HOTLINE (1-888-704-4459)
English: 24 hours/7 days a week
Vietnamese: Mon-Fri 10:30 AM - 7:15 PM (JST)
Russian: Mon-Fri 3:00 PM - 11:45 PM (JST)

* This hotline is designated for visa applicants residing in the U.S. (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
* If you are calling from the U.S., you will be charged a domestic call fee for your call.
* This Hotline can only answer general questions regarding visas.
* The Hotline will not connect you to the Embassy Visa Office. If you need to contact the Embassy in regards to a pending visa application, please contact the Embassy directly at 202-238-6800 during office hours.