Visa Overview (STEP1)

March 13, 2025
Be aware of fraudulent website, social media, emails in an attempt to extract payments from visa applicants
 
 
+ VISA INQUIRIES
Monday through Friday (except for holidays)  Please note: we are only accepting walk-ins. 
Please make sure to come to our office at least 30 minutes before closing to allow adequate processing time.
 
  • In-Person Visits: 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM, then 1:15 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Phone: 617-973-9772 from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM, then 1:15 PM to 5:00 PM
  • JAPAN VISA INFORMATION HOTLINE: 1-202-499-1468 (24/7 365 a Year, English)​
    • This hotline is designated for visa applicants residing in the U.S. to answer general questions regarding visas. Domestic call fees will be charged.
    • The Hotline will not connect you to the Consulate-General of Japan in Boston Visa Section. If you need to directly contact the Visa Section, please call 1-617-973-9772 during office hours.

 

 
+ GENERAL INFORMATION

 

General Information

Generally, a national of a foreign country who wishes to enter Japan must possess a valid passport and a visa obtained from an embassy or consulate.

Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into Japan. The Ministry of Justice (the Immigration Office) has the authority to deny admission. A visa is used solely to make application for "Landing Permission", which defines the period for which a foreign national is authorized to remain in Japan, and the "Status of Residence", which determines the activities a foreign national is authorized to engage in in Japan. Landing Permissions are determined by the immigration official at the port of entry, not the consular official.

Criteria of Visa Issuance

A Japanese visa will be issued to an applicant when he/she meets all of the following requirements and if the issuance is considered to be appropriate.
(1) The applicant possesses a valid passport and is entitled to the re-entry to a country of his/her nationality or a country of his/her residence.
(2) All submitted documents are authentic, completed and satisfactory.
(3) The activities to be engaged in in Japan/ the civil status or the position of the applicant/ the period of stay meet the requirements for the status of residence and the period of stay stipulated in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Cabinet Order No.319 of 1951. Hereinafter referred to as the "Immigration Control Act").
(4) The applicant does not fall under any of the items of Article 5, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act.

 

 
+ VISA FEE, PROCESSING TIME

Processing Time

* It takes 5 business days to receive a visa in-person. Receiving it by mail takes more.

VISA Fees

Please Click Here to see visa fees.

*US citizens are exempt from visa fees.

(Some countries are also exempted from visa fees. Please check the visa fees 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.

 
 
 
+ DO YOU NEED A VISA TO GO TO JAPAN?

Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)

U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries which have a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement with Japan may be eligible to visit Japan without a visa for a short-term stay. (This visa category excludes profit-making operations and paid activities). For more information please check the visa exemption arrangements 

 

Do you need a visa to visit Japan?

Your circumstances Answer
If you will remain in the airport to catch the flight leaving Japan →→→ →→→ You don't need a visa.
If you have to move from Narita to Haneda and vice versa
or if you have to stay overnight to catch the flight leaving Japan		 and if you are a U.S. citizen or citizen of the countries and regions exempted a visa for Short-Term Stay, →→→ You don't need a visa.
and if you are not a citizen of the above mentioned countries or regions and if you will not stay overnight, You need a Transit Visa.
and if your hotel is located around the airport,
and if you are planning activities other than transit You need a Visa for Short-Term Stay.
If you will stay in Japan for 90 days or less for purposes not for paid activities or profit making operations and if you are a U.S. citizen or citizens of the countries and regions exempted Temporary Visitor visa, →→→ You don't need a Visa.
and if you are not a citizen of the above mentioned countries or regions, →→→ You need a Visa for Short-Term Stay.
If you will stay in Japan longer than 90 days →→→ →→→ You need a Visa for Long-term Stay.
If you will work in Japan (for paid activities or profit making operations) →→→ →→→ You need a Work Visa.
If you are not sure if your activities in Japan are considered as paid activities or profit making operations, Please check "Who can use a Visa for Short-Term Stay?" before you ask our Visa Office.
If you are a spouse or child of Japanese national
or if you are a spouse or child of permanent resident		 →→→ →→→ You need a Specified Visa.
 

 

 
 
 
+ CAN YOU APPLY FOR A VISA AT THE CONSULATE-GENERAL OF JAPAN IN BOSTON?

 

Jurisdiction

○ Visa applications should be made at the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over applicant's place of residency.
○ The Consulate-General of Japan in Boston serves Connecticut (except for Fairfield County, which is under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in New York), Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Residency

○ We do NOT accept the following:
----- visa applications from B-1 or B-2 visa holders,
----- visa applications from those who reside areas outside our jurisdiction,
----- visa applications by mail from areas outside our jurisdiction.

○ Those who need to renew your U.S. visa should be aware that the Consulate considers that the a petition / I797B / I20 / DS2019 does NOT guarantee issuance of a U.S. visa. Accordingly, we do not accept visa applications of those who arrange a U.S. visa interview at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country before the visit to Japan.
［Examples］（◎：eligible for application×：not eligible for application）   


 

 
+ OTHER INFORMATION FOR TRAVELING TO JAPAN

 

Be aware of traffic rules in Japan

Dear travelers to Japan:It is recommended to take out an overseas travel insurance

  • An overseas travel insurance makes you feel secure, even in emergencies, and you can enjoy your trip. 
  • Medical expenses can be very high in Japan. If the travel insurance you purchased offers sufficient coverage of treatment costs, you can receive treatment without concern. 
  • It is recommended to have an overseas travel insurance with travel support for hospital referrals, medical interpretation, and cashless medical service.

Heat Illness Related Information

  • Useful links to the relevant information provided by the Japanese Government.
The next steps

STEP 2: How to apply    Fees
STEP 3: Visa for Short-Term Stay    Transit Visa    Visa for Work and Long Term Stay    Multiple Visa

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