Visiting Japan (Visa and Travel information)

2026/4/1
 
  • All foreign nationals requiring a Short-term Sightseeing and Single Entry visa may apply for an eVisa.
  • Apply eVisa online, pay visa fee online.
  • No need to send/drop off your original passport.





*How to apply eVisa(Youtube).  For full eVisa details, click here.

Visa and Travel information

  • Visa information
    • If you have general questions about Visa The Japanese Visa Information Hotline for United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii): +1- 202-499-1468 (24 hours/7 days a week, English only) TOLL FREE CALL
    • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Travel information
    • Please click here, if you already have a visa or do not need a visa but would like information about travel to Japan.

Visa

Visa exemption countries/regions

 Please click here to find out if you need a Japanese visa or not.
  • For US passport holders, a visa is NOT necessary to visit Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days for the purpose of tourism and/or business.
       *The visa waiver arrangement with the United States does NOT apply to U.S. / American Nationality wishing to travel to Japan for paid activities, news/media related activities, or attending depositions taken by U.S. Consul for U.S. Federal Government employees on official business or transiting to/from their official mission.
       *Japan does not require a 6 month remaining validity, as long as your ORDINARY passport (no travel document) is valid at the time of travel.
​       *An applicant with an arrest or criminal record may need a visa. Please contact any further inquiries directly to Japanese Immigration. 
 

Who can apply

  • You must be U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or U.S. visa holder residing in TX and OK.
       *B1/B2 U.S. visa holders are NOT accepted. Please click here if you are Travel Documents holder. 
 

Visa  examination process

  • It usually takes 5-7 business days (Monday - Friday, excluding holidays ) after all required documents are in order.
  • We shall notify you by phone or e-mail when your visa is approved and issued. Please provide your contact information.
       *You may be requested to submit additional documents.
       *You must visit the consulate office in Houston if consultation is required.
       *We do NOT have expedited services.
       *We do NOT provide any updates during the application process. 

 

When to apply

  • The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your date of arrival in Japan
 

How to apply

  • Apply in-person
Visa application drop off time is Monday - Friday (excluding Holidays) from 9:30am-12:30pm.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before we close.
No appointment is required.
A proxy (including Visa Agents) may apply on the applicant's behalf with Power of Attorney, the applicant's inked signature, and a copy of their photo ID.
The Consulate will not make copies.
We may request that only the visa applicant enter the consulate office. Power of Attoney is required if the applicant needs someone to accompany them, such as a translator, guardian, or caregiver. 
  • Apply via mail.
【ATTENTION】
FROM JUNE 1ST, 2026 
IF YOU NEED TO PAY THE FEE, YOU MUST  DROP OFF YOUR VISA APPLICATION  AT OUR OFFICE. DO NOT SEND THE FEE BY MAIL.
 
Please submit all required documents to

Consulate-General of Japan
ATTN: Visa Section
909 Fannin Street, Suite 3000
Houston, TX 77010
 
  • You may include multiple applications in one envelope but make sure each application is separated and organized
  • Please include a note with your package if you plan pick up your passport in-person after the visa process is complete.
  • A proxy (including Visa Agents) may apply on the applicant's behalf with Power of Attorney, the applicant's inked signature, and a copy of their photo ID.
Citizens of visa fee–exempt countries are not required to pay any fees and may apply for a visa by mail (USPS, UPS, or FedEx).

How to pick up or receive your passport

In-person 

Monday to Friday (excluding Holidays) from 9:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:00pm.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before we close.
 
  • No appointment is required.
  • Visa application receipt (Must be the original), Photo ID, and Visa fee are required for passport pickup.
  • If you pick up a passport for an applicant, please bring an Authorization letter with the applicant's signature in ink and your ID.
  • Visa fee must be paid in CASH ONLY. Please bring the Exact amount. NO credit card, debit card, check, or money order will be accepted. 
  • Please contact us if you submitted your visa application via MAIL.
How to receive your passport via Mail

You must submit the following along with your visa application. (The Consulate does not provide envelopes or stamps.)

  • A self-addressed pre-paid return envelope (USPS, UPS or FedEx).
  • Copy of the payment receipt (Applicable to those whom will use FedEx )
  • Disclaimer form with the applicant's signature (in ink).

Where to send

  • We only ship to addresses within TX or OK.

⇨ Please click here to find information about which type of visa is appropriate for your needs.

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