Citizenship: USA
- For U.S. citizens only. If you are not a U.S. citizen, call (914) 592-2760.
- Your U.S. passport must be signed, valid for 6+ months, and have 2–3 blank visa pages (not "Amendment" pages).
- The fee for reformatting uploaded documents is $35.00..
Entry Requirements
Updated April 2023
- U.S. citizens are visa exempt for stays up to 90 days for tourism/business.
- You must have:
- Passport valid 6+ months on entry with two blank visa pages
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Onward/return ticket
- Documents supporting your travel purpose (e.g., business support letter, conference registration, tour itinerary)
- All documents needed for your next destination
- Check with your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa.
Official resources
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Border Control
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Entry Requirements
- Visit Japan Web (pre-arrival submission): https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/
- WHO EUL Vaccines List (for triple-vaccinated travelers): WHO EUL
China (excl. Hong Kong/Macao): From 4 Apr 2023, direct arrivals must show a negative test ≤72h before departure or proof of triple vaccination; random on-arrival testing may apply. See MHLW notice (PDF).
- Air itinerary (reservation/confirmation) showing U.S. departure and Japan arrival/return (record locator included). Purchase not required.
- Hotel confirmations.
- Complete the Schedule of Stay (PDF).
Visa Application
- Use this application form (PDF). New York Jurisdiction only.
- New York Consulate coverage: CT (Fairfield County only), DE, NJ, NY, PA, WV, PR, USVI.
JIDS can handle other jurisdictions—tell your rep your state of residence.
Arrival E-card: Download
Photo Requirements
- Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
- Neutral facial expression or natural smile, with both eyes open.
- Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.
- Taken in the last 6 months.
- Plain white or off-white background.
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
- Head between 1–1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head.
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, in color.
- No glasses.
- No hat or head covering (exceptions for documented religious or medical reasons).
- Full face visible; no shadows on face.
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
If Traveling for Business
ERFS no longer required (as of Oct 11). Package-tour requirement lifted.
- Invitation from host in Japan (see sample: INVITATION LETTER (PDF)).
- Once JIDS receives required documents, we schedule a consulate appointment for submission. Appointments may be up to ~2 months out. After approval, passport visa issuance typically takes 5–7 days (rush).
Call JIDS for your specific document list: 914-592-2760.
Business cover letter must include:
- On company letterhead, signed by an authorized officer (not applicant)
- a) Applicant’s title, employment duration, salary
- b) Detailed purpose of visit
- c) Dates/duration of stay
- d) Japan contact person/company + full address/phone
- e) Financial guarantee for all expenses and return travel
Multiple entry may require extra documents (e.g., Indian nationals: see guidance). Conference travel: include brochure, paid registration, and invitation. Self-employed: attach recent bank statement.
Health Requirements
- PCR test ≤72h before departure may be required; use the official certificate format when applicable.
- Questionnaire (MySOS): Fast Track (MySOS Web/App) | Questionnaire info
- Written Pledge (if required): Download pledge
- Vaccinations are not required unless coming from/through an infected area.
- CDC traveler health: cdc.gov/travel
Japanese Border Measures
Requirements depend on country/region category (Blue/Yellow/Red) and vaccination status. See: Category list, Pre-departure tests, Vaccination certificates, and Written pledge.
Pre-registration via MySOS Web/App is required. Details: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/en/
Register Your Trip (STEP)
Give yourself peace of mind.
JIDS can enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate for $25.00 via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Accompanying Minors
- Application form signed by both parents/legal guardians
- Notarized consent letter signed by both parents/legal guardians
- Original and copy of the minor’s birth certificate
Non-U.S. Citizens
- Submit original or notarized copies of U.S. immigration documents (e.g., Green Card, I-94 + U.S. visa). F/J holders: include signed I-20 or DS-2019.
- If transiting to a third country, include that country’s visa (if required).
- B-1/B-2 U.S. visa holders: applications generally not accepted.
- Special notes:
- Chinese nationals: write name in Chinese characters and Roman letters.
- Korean nationals: generally include name in Chinese characters and Roman letters.
- Different purposes (students, workers, journalists, entertainers, attorneys taking depositions, etc.) require the appropriate visa.
- Transit Visa: obtain the third-country visa first (if required) before applying for Japanese transit visa.
Japan Visa Info Hotline (24/7, English): 1-888-704-4459 (from U.S.A.)
Return Shipping & JIDS Fees
Return Shipping
- FedEx charge according to ZIP code.
- Saturday/8AM delivery available.
- Include a printed airbill to avoid extra charges. (No UPS accounts can be processed through us.)
Service Fees
- See JIDS pricing or call (914) 592-2760.
- If JIDS pays government fees on your behalf, a 5.9% processing fee applies.
