Japan is a pearl in the orient - yet applying for a Japan visa can get complicated. You will find there are several types of Japan visas for which you can apply. Here is some information meant to make the process of obtaining one easier for anyone.
Who Needs a Visa: A Japanese tourist visa or business visa is not required for any American citizen wishing to remain in the country for less than 90 days. If you are intending to stay longer than that, you need to hold a visa before you enter the country.
Stays Shorter than 90 Days: You do not need a visa to Japan for stays shorter than 90 days, but you do need to be aware of a few rules. You must carry a passport that would be valid for at least 90 days following your departure from Japan, and possess a return or onward ticket. Remember thought that extensions of the period of stays for more than 90 days are not usually permitted – so be sure to ascertain the length of your stay and make the necessary arrangements before you enter the country.
Stays Longer than 90 Days: Any US citizen intending to stay in Japan for more than 90 days would need to apply for a Japan visa and an Alien Registration Card. You can apply for a visa at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate, and the application must include two passport photographs and documents certifying the purpose of your visit to Japan. Application forms are available at the embassy or consulate itself, and you must present your original, valid passport at the time of application.
Alien Registration Card: Unlike the visa, you can only obtain this card after you enter Japan. To get the card, simply take two passport-sized photographs and your valid passport to the municipal office of the city or ward you are residing, and register with them. Each time you move your residence from one area to another, you will need to re-register with your local municipal office.
Re-entering the Country: If you already have a Japanese visa and wish to re-enter the country, be sure to apply for your re-entry permit before you leave the country. There is a fee for this permit, but not applying for it would mean that you would have to go through the process of applying for your visa again.
Validity and Processing Times: A visa will generally be valid for 3 months on a single-entry visa, and 6 months on a double-entry one. Then it will take up to a week to process the visa, barring any problems with your application, record or passport.
Get a Japan visa the quick and easy way.
Things to Remember: There is a strict no employment policy for anyone entering the country without a visa, or holding a visa that does not allow employment - there are separate procedures for applying for a work permit in Japan. Anyone carrying an Alien Registration Card must also remember to carry it around at all times, since the police can stop and request to see the card. Not having it with you would be a violation of local laws, so be sure to keep with you. These visa requirements apply for passengers in transit as well - any stays longer than 90 days would require you to apply for a visa.
Remember the different types of visas that you can use to enter Japan depends on the length of your stay. Once you have your Japan visa then you can concentrate on getting ready for the adventure in this land of the rising sun!
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Japan Visa.
