Transit Visa

2025/4/1

This page is for person(s) who transits in Japan.

  • U.S. citizens or foreign nationals of Visa Exemption countries are not required to obtain a visa for transit purpose (See "the list of visa exemption countries and regions").
  • Please contact your airline(s) whether you go through the Customs and Immigration area at the transferring airport; If yes, you most likely need a transit visa, if not, you do not need a transit visa.
  • The Consulate General of Japan may require you to obtain a short-term visa instead of a transit visa depending on your purpose to visit Japan. Not including business, academic or visiting relatives/
    acquaintances purposes. It is not permitted to perform activities to undertake revenue generating business
    operation or activities to receive remuneration.(You MUST apply for a short-term visit visa if you visit your family or friends in Japan even if your stay is within 24 hours.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Single entry: 3 month from date of issued. Double entry: 4 month from date of issued.
※ You don’t need a visa if following ALL conditions are met: (1) You have confirmed onward tickets, (2) Your transit is
within same calendar day, (3) Your transit is within same airport (4) You have no intention to enter the Country.
※ If you are non-revenue passenger (aka: stand-by passenger) need a Visa.
Please note that in principle we do not accept an application from B-1 and B-2 U.S. visa status holders.
 
1 Visa Application Form

Signed by the applicant (Form / Sample)
2 Valid Passport

with at least 1.5 blank pages left
3 One 2”x 2” Photo
  • Must be taken in front of a plain background and within the past 6 months
  • Do NOT use filters
  • Passport type photo only (We do not accept photos on regular printer paper) 

Use GLUE ONLY to attach the photo to the application, please do not staple or tape.
4 U.S. Visa
  • F-1 visa holders must present an endorsed I-20 form
  • J-1 visa holders must present an endorsed DS-2019 form

Please note: The Consulate general of Japan does NOT accept any applications from B-1 and B-2 U.S. visa holders.
5 Proof of Residency

e.g., Driver’s license card, State ID card, or Utility Bill
6 Daily Schedule

Your plans during the trip that include dates, main activities, activity locations, and your accommodations. (Form)
7 Tentative Flight Itinerary
  • Must include the applicant’s name
  • The dates must match those on your schedule of the day
  • Must include the entire trip (both departing from the U.S. and returning to the U.S.)
*The Consulate is NOT responsible for tickets which may be unusable due to the delay or denial of a visa. 
8 Hotel Information
  • This must match with your schedule of the day
  • Must include the entire trip
The Consulate General of Japan reserves the right to request additional documents if deemed necessary. 

Processing Time

  • In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. (ex., If you apply on Monday, you can pick up a visa next Monday. Our holidays are not counted as "business days.")
  • It may take more than one month depending on the visa. We recommend that you apply for a visa approximately 1.5 months before your departure date. We do NOT have expedited services.

In-person Application

We are not accepting walk-in visits at this time.
If you need to apply for visa to enter Japan, you must call us to schedule an appointment.
 We DO NOT take appointments by email.
Please call us at the following number.
(615) 340-4300 (Mon- Fri 9:00am-12:30pm, 01:30-05:00pm (except holidays)

Apply by Mail

Your visa application may be processed through the mail. Please enclose a self-addressed envelope and prepaid FedEX, UPS, USPS Priority Express Mail label with tracking number for return. Please include a Release of Liability Form. The Consulate-General of Japan is not responsible for your passport in case of its loss, damage, delay when sending through the mailing service for return.

Applicants who wish to apply by mail should send their documents to:
Attn: Visa Section
Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville
1801 West End Avenue Suite 900 Nashville, TN 37203
 

Visa Fee

  • US citizens are exempt from visa fees. (Some countries are also exempt from visa fees. Please check the Visa Fee Exempt countries list to find out if your visa fee is waived. )
  • Payment is due at the time of PICK-UP. 
  • We accept CASH only (Please prepare cash in the exact amount). We DO NOT accept personal checks and credit cards.
Type of Visa      Fees
Single Entry Visa $20
Double and Multiple Entry Visa $40
Transit Visa (Including Double-Entry Transit)   $5
Indian Passport Holder Single, Double, and Multiple Entry Visa   $6
Transit Visa $1
Extension of Re-entry Permit*
 (Only available for “Re-entry Permit” not for “Special Re-entry Permit”)		 $20

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