Visa (SOFA: Status of U.S. Forces Agreement)
This page is for members of the U.S. armed forces, contractors, and their dependents.
VISA REQUIREMENT CHART
Applicant | Visa | Immigration requirements *Documents required to present at the airport |
|
---|---|---|---|
Members of the U.S. armed forces stationed/will be stationed at a U.S. base in Japan | NOT Required |
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Civilian component of the U.S. armed forces stationed/will be stationed at a U.S. base in Japan | NOT Required |
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Dependents of members/civilian components of the U.S. armed forces traveling to a U.S. base in Japan | U.S. citizens (spouse, child or parent) | NOT Required |
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Non-U.S. citizens (spouse, child or parent) | NOT Required, however, we can issue a SOFA visa.* | ||
Civilian Contractor traveling to a U.S. base in Japan | Less than 90 days | If your nationality is listed on the visa waiver countries and regions, then a visa is NOT Required. If not, a visa is Required. |
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Over 90 days | Required |
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In some cases, the airline company may require that you have a visa in order to board. To facilitate your entry into Japan, we can issue a SOFA visa.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Some contractors are granted SOFA status. If you qualify, you will not need a visa regardless of the duration of stay. To check your status, please contact 1) your company contracting with the U.S. armed forces, 2) the U.S. authority (DOD).
- If the name of dependent(s) of members/civilian components of the U.S. armed forces is NOT listed on the military orders, please contact the commanding office and/or the U.S. authority.
- Agreement regarding the Status of United States Armed Forces in Japan
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR DEPENDENT WHO ARE NON-U.S. CITIZENS
- 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.
- If you are a dependent accompanying military personnel mentioned above and are non-U.S. citizens, a visa is actually NOT necessary, but we can issue a SOFA visa to facilitate your entry into Japan. If you choose to apply for this visa, please bring all of the documents listed below.
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Visa Application Form
Signed by the applicant (Form / Sample)
|
Original |
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Valid Passport
with at least 1.5 blank pages left |
Original |
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One 2”x 2” Photo
Use GLUE ONLY to attach the photo to the application, please do not staple or tape. |
Original |
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U.S. Visa
Please note: The Embassy of Japan does NOT accept any applications from B-1 and B-2 U.S. visa holders. |
Original & 1 Copy |
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Proof of Residency
e.g., Driver’s license card, State ID card, or Utility Bill |
Original & 1 Copy |
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Flight Itinerary
|
1 Copy |
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Military Dependent ID | Present at the window |
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PCS orders explicitly stating the name of the applicant | 1 Copy |
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR A CONTRACTOR WHO NEEDS VISA
- 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.
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Visa Application Form
Signed by the applicant (Form / Sample)
|
Original |
![]() |
Valid Passport
with at least 1.5 blank pages left |
Original |
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One 2”x 2” Photo
Use GLUE ONLY to attach the photo to the application, please do not staple or tape. |
Original |
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U.S. Visa, if you are not a U.S. citizen
Please note: The Embassy of Japan does NOT accept any applications from B-1 and B-2 U.S. visa holders. |
Original & 1 Copy |
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Proof of Residency
e.g., Driver’s license card, State ID card, or Utility Bill |
Original & 1 Copy |
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Flight Itinerary
|
1 Copy |
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Letter of Authorization (Contract) explaining the details of your activity in Japan and proves that your activities in Japan are requested by the U.S. armed forces | Original & 1 Copy |
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Invitation Letter explicitly stating the name of the applicant | Original & 1 Copy |
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Daily Schedule (Form)
Plans such as dates, main activities, locations, and accommodations |
Original |