Visa (Short-term Visit: Tourism/Business/Conference)

2023/4/3
  • This page is for person(s) visiting Japan for visiting relatives/friends, sightseeing, business trip (not involving paid activities), attending a conference or meeting, or studying within 90 days.
  • U.S. citizens or foreign nationals of Visa Exemption countries are not required to obtain a visa for short-term tourism/business/conference/study (See "the list of visa exemption countries and regions").

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

We will not accept any visa applications more than 3 months before your departure date. We recommend that you contact us or apply for a visa approximately 1.5 months before your departure date.
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
Use GLUE ONLY to attach the photo to the application, please do not staple or tape.
4 U.S. Visa (if applicble)
  • 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 Copy of 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 Confirmation
  • This must match with your schedule of the day
  • Must include the entire trip
9 Bank Statement (most recent, one month)

*If your company will cover your business trip expense, you do not need to submit your bank statement.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS FOR BUSINESS TRIP

1 Invitation Letter (any format) from the inviting company in Japan with signature.
*If the company will be covering your trip expenses, then your letter must explain it.
2 Official Letter (any format) from your company in the U.S. with signature.
*If the company will be covering your trip expenses, then your letter must explain it.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS FOR ATTENDING CONFERENCE

1 Invitation Letter (any format) from the inviting company in Japan with signature.
*If the company will be covering your trip expenses, then your letter must explain it.
2 Printed Document explaining the conference from the conference’s website or information pamphlet.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS FOR VISITING FAMILY/FRIENDS

1 Invitaion Letter from a relative/friend (Form )
2 Invitor's ID card e.g., Japanese resident card or U.S. Military order
3 ALL Documents listed below if your family/friends will cover your trip expense:
  • Letter of Guarantee (Form)
  • Guarantor’s Residence card (if the guarantor is a foreign national)
  • Guarantor’s Jumin-hyo
  • Guarantor’s bank statement or tax return document
 

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)

In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. Please note that it may take up to one month due to COVID-related restrictions. We do NOT have expedite services. 

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

In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. Please note that it may take up to one month due to COVID-related restrictions. We do NOT have expedite services. 
 

Visa Fee

  • Standard Fees: Single Entry: 22 USD
  • Double and Multiple Entry Visa : 44 USD
  • Indian Passport Holder Fees: Single Entry: 6 USD
  • Extension of Re-entry Permit: 22 USD
*US citizens are exempt from visa fees.
(Some countries are also exempted from visa fees. Please check the visa 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.
 

Back to Top