Visiting Japan & Visa

U.S. citizen and foreign nationals of visa exemption countries* who meet the criteria below are exempted to obtain a visa when entering Japan.
 

• U.S. citizen
• Foreign nationals of Visa Exemption countries*

        See "the list of visa exemption countries and regions"

• Short-term stay (less than 90 days) only

 
*The visa waiver arrangement with the United States does NOT apply to COE: Certificate of Eligibility holders.
*The Visa Waiver Program applies based on your nationality, NOT on your U.S. residence status (including green card).
 
For more information about entering Japan

For those applying for a visa, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles will temporarily accept all applications by mail or drop-off until further notice.
 
*Please mail or drop off all the required documents listed within the checklists below. We can only accept the following categories from those who live in our jurisdiction:
 

1. TRANSIT
2. TOURISM
3. VISITING/ MEETING PERSON(S) WHO RESIDE IN JAPAN
4. VISITING/ MEETING PERSON(S) WHO IS STATIONED IN JAPAN
5. TEMPORARY VISIT AS BUSINESS CONFERENCE PURPOSES (SINGLE)
6. TEMPORARY VISIT AS BUSINESS CONFERENCE PURPOSES (MULTIPLE)
7. TEMPORARY VISIT FOR CHINESE CITIZENS (MULTIPLE ENTRY)
8. ATTENDING A DEPOSITION AT THE U.S. EMBASSY / CONSULATE IN JAPAN
9. WORK OR LONG TERM

 
 
CAUTION:

• You must provide both a phone number and email address on your application form.
• Visa processing time is about 5 business days from receipt of complete application.
• Prepaid self-addressed return envelope is required (USPS only).
• Signatures must be signed in ink pen, no digital signatures will be accepted.
• Paste your picture on your application.
• Do not staple your application.
• Please make sure you have at least one blank page left for visa.
• We do not accept any applications from U.S. B-1 and B-2 visa holders.
• Cases that need to be referred to the Japan Headquarters may take longer. In that case, we will call you once your visa has been processed.

 
Incomplete applications may be returned back to you.
 
MAILING:    WE ACCEPT USPS ONLY
Please mail all applicable documents listed in the above checklists to:
  DROP-OFF SERVICES:
Those who wish to drop-off their application package in-person may use the drop-off box inside the Los Angeles office business days only, between the hours of 9:30am-11:30am, no weekend or holiday service. Please submit materials in an envelope. Appointments are unnecessary. Do not forget a prepaid self-addressed return envelope with tracking. There will be no picking up of documents at the window.

Only Short-Term Visitor Visa (less than 90 days)(Single entry) may be applied online through Evisa
*Until further notice, visa fees must be paid in person at the Consulate General Office Window (Mon.-Fri. 1:30pm-3:30pm only)
*You will be instructed to print and bring your Registration Information Form (it will appear on your application page after submission) along with your payment. 
*Appointments are unnecessary, however, we can only accept applicants with the Registration Information Form.

Please upload all the required documents listed within the checklist.
For inquiries, please call the Evisa Help Desk: ☎ 1-888-704-4459 
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In general, we do NOT have any expedited services. However, if you have a family emergency or special circumstance, please call 213.617.6700 and navigate to the visa section. Please call again later if we are unable to respond to your call as the office is experiencing high call volume.

To download application related forms: Click here.
 

- For general information about visas: Click here.

- For general visa inquiries:  Japan Visa Information Hotline (☎　1-888-704-4459)
* This hotline is available for visa applicants residing in the U.S. (excluding Hawaii and Alaska).
* If you are calling from the U.S., you will be charged a domestic call fee for your call.
* This Hotline will only provide general information regarding visas to enter Japan.

- Re-entry Permit/Special Re-entry Permit or COE inquiries: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (☎　81-570-013904　)