Visa (Diplomatic/Official)

This page is for applicants applying for diplomat or official visa.
Spouse/Dependent’s information follows this checklist.
Japan has taken measures on the Visa Exemption Arrangements for Diplomatic and Official passport holders as shown in the chart HERE on reciprocal basis.

GENERAL RULES

Please allow 2 business days to have your visa issued. (Please keep in mind that it may take up to 1 month depending on the visa)
Visa applicants should come to the Embassy in person with the exception of applications for diplomatic/official visas submitted by a representative of their organization.
The Embassy will NOT accept any applications by mail.
Please note that we will keep passports while processing visa applications.
Diplomatic or official visas are free of charge.

PROCESS

Prepare all the required documents
Visit the Consular Section during the application drop-off hours (no appointment required). Please check our holidays before visiting. The Embassy will NOT accept any applications by mail.
Application Drop-off location:
Embassy of Japan Consular Section
2520 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008（Map）
Drop-off hours:
Monday-Friday from 9:15am to 12:00pm
Pick-up your visa any day after the indicated pick-up day.
VISA pick-up hours:
Monday-Friday from 1:30pm to 4:00pm

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The Embassy of Japan reserves the right to request additional documents if deemed necessary.
The Embassy of Japan will NOT make copies.
Please do NOT hole punch, staple, paper clip, binder clip, or otherwise attach documents to one another.

	Visa Application Form Signed by the applicant (Form / Sample) a digital signature is invalid	Original
	Valid Passport (Diplomatic, Official or Laissez-Passer) with at least 1.5 blank pages left	Original
	One 2”x 2” Photo Must be taken in front of a plain background and within the past 6 months Do NOT use filters Passport type photo only (We do not accept photos on regular printer paper) Use GLUE ONLY to attach the photo to the application, please do not staple or tape.	Original
	Official Letter from the applicant's government, department, agency or organization that is sending the applicant on official travel/assignment. Please make sure the official letter includes the information listed below: FOR SHORT-TERM DIPLOMATIC/OFFICIAL TRIP Applicant’s Full name and passport number The applicant's current title and position The purpose of the travel/assignment The assigned place and duration (this must match the arrival date and location listed on the VISA Application Form) The name of the visa office at the applicant’s agency, contact person’s name, and telephone number Signature from applicant’s supervisor FOR LONG-TERM ASSIGNMENT Applicant’s Full name and passport number The applicant's diplomatic/official title: if you apply for a diplomat visa, please specify the diplomatic title/rank, not a functional or organizational title (e.g. First Secretary, Attaché). The name of the assigned organization and duration (this must match the arrival date and location listed on the VISA Application Form) Type of visa requested (Diplomatic/Official) The name of the visa office at the applicant’s agency, contact person’s name, and telephone number Signature from applicant’s supervisor FOR FAMILY MEMBERS APPLYING FOR A VISA TOGETHER WITH THE PRINCIPLE APPLICANT Please include the applicant’s name, passport numbers, and relationship to the principal applicant in the principle applicant's official letter. It must explicitly state the spouse/dependent is authorized to accompany an official travel/assignment.	Original

Spouse/Dependent of Diplomat/Official

This checklist and form are for Souse/Dependent of Diplomatic or Official personnel.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The Embassy of Japan reserves the right to request additional documents if deemed necessary.
The Embassy of Japan will NOT make copies.
Please do NOT hole punch, staple, paper clip, binder clip, or otherwise attach documents to one another.

Visa Application Form

Signed by the applicant (Form / Sample)

a digital signature is invalid

Original

Valid Passport (Diplomatic, Official or Laissez-Passer)

with at least 1.5 blank pages left

Original

One 2”x 2” Photo

Must be taken in front of a plain background and within the past 6 months
Do NOT use filters

Passport type photo only (We do not accept photos on regular printer paper)

Use GLUE ONLY to attach the photo to the application, please do not staple or tape.

Original

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS FOR SPOUSE/DEPENDENT APPLYING FOR A VISA SEPARATELY FROM THE PRINCIPLE APPLICANT

The Embassy of Japan reserves the right to request additional documents if deemed necessary.
The Embassy of Japan will not make copies.

	Official Letter Please include the applicant’s name, passport numbers, and relationship to the principal applicant in the letter. It must explicitly state the spouse/dependent is authorized to accompany an official travel/assignment.	Original
	The Principle's Japanese Visa	Copy
	The Principle's Passport (ID page)	Copy