Temporary Visitor Visa
2023/5/10
For visitors staying in Japan 90 days or less for such purposes as commercial/professional business meetings, conferences, presentations, etc. (not involving paid activities); sightseeing; visiting relatives or acquaintances; participating in amateur athletic tournaments; academic surveys or research presentations; goodwill visits to sister cities, sister schools etc.; or other similar activities of limited duration. A single-entry Temporary Visitor Visa is valid for 3 months.
Visa Exemption
Citizens/nationals of the United States, and other countries which have reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with Japan, may be eligible for short-term visits to Japan without a visa for activities allowed to Temporary Visitors. Read more information about reciprocal visa exemption arrangements by clicking here.
General Visa Information
Please visit the General Visa Information page for information regarding the Detroit office’s window hours, mailing address and processing time.
Visa Exemption
Citizens/nationals of the United States, and other countries which have reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with Japan, may be eligible for short-term visits to Japan without a visa for activities allowed to Temporary Visitors. Read more information about reciprocal visa exemption arrangements by clicking here.
General Visa Information
Please visit the General Visa Information page for information regarding the Detroit office’s window hours, mailing address and processing time.
Required Documentation
The following documents are required from each applicant:
1. Valid Passport: Original and one photocopy of the identification page
2. Visa Application Form
Downloadable forms: Visa Application Form to Enter Japan
a. Fully completed in type or legible print. For non-applicable fields or questions, write “N/A,” “None” or “Unknown”
● Chinese nationals: include names in Chinese characters in addition to alphabet.
b. Personally signed. Digital or ‘typed’ signatures on page 2 are not accepted.
c. Copies of any arrest or criminal records (including acquitted or pardoned) and associated court documents must be submitted, together
with English translations, if not in English or Japanese. Complete details, in writing, required for any untried cases, e.g. the charges, time
served, fines, probation, etc.
3. One Passport-sized Photo to be attached to Application Form
a. Taken within the last six months
b. Securely glued to the application. Stapled or taped photo will not be accepted. If glue is not available, simply submit a loose photo with
the application form.
4. Proof of Current Address in the State of Michigan or Ohio
** Consulate General of Japan in Detroit accepts visa applications from residents of Michigan and Ohio ONLY. **
a. Copy of one official document showing your name and current address for example, your driver’s license, state ID, bank statement,
lease agreement, recent utility bill, recent pay stub, or latest school transcript (if currently a student)
b. Personal and private information not needed to validate your address (bank account number, bank balance, etc.) may be crossed out
for your privacy
5. Proof of Legal Residency Status in the US (except US citizens)
** In principle, applications are NOT accepted from those visiting the US with B1/B2 visa. **
A. US visa holders (except B1/B2 visa):
a. From CBP's website, a printout of the “most recent I-94”. When printing, click the PRINT box located in the lower right corner of
the page, instead of your computer’s print command, to ensure proper formatting. “Travel History” is not needed.
b. A copy of I-20 (pages 1 and 2 both) for F visa holders and DS2019 for J visa holders
c. A copy of I-797 (Notice of Action), if applicable
B. US permanent residents:
a. A copy of valid green card
b. A copy of I-797 (Notice of Action) or I-512, if applicable
6. Documentation Necessary to Enter the Country after Japan
a. If departing for U.S.: A copy of valid US visa or Green Card to be re-admitted in to the US (F or J visa holders must show an I-20 or
DS2019 with the valid signature of an appropriate official for re-entry to the US).
b. If departing for a third country: Valid visa or national passport of the country you enter after Japan. If visa-free entry or visa-on-
arrival are the case, include such information printed from the country’s official web page (government’s, Embassy’s or Consulate’s).
7. Flight Itinerary
Round-trip flight itinerary, to/from Japan, required. E-ticket or printout from travel agency, airline or travel websites also accepted.
Printout must include:
a. Flight numbers, all departure and destination cities, dates and times
b. Complete flight itinerary, starting from and returning to the US, including any stops in other countries
** Note: This is not a ticket purchase requirement. The Consulate is not liable for voided, expired, or unusable tickets due to denial or
delay of visa issuance. **
8. Applicant's U.S. Bank Statement (not required if a third party such as your employer guarantees, in writing, to cover your travel expenses)
a. A copy/printout of most recent monthly bank statement (PDF) from a bank in the US. A printout of bank website’s
activity/transaction page is not sufficient.
b. Sufficient balance to cover all trip expenses
9. Details of Planned Activities while in Japan (Contact the Consulate if your intended activities are not listed below.)
A. Commercial/Professional Business
● A support letter from applicant’s employer, signed by an authorized executive, on the organization’s letterhead, stating:
a) Applicant’s name, position and length of employment at the organization
b) Detailed description of purpose of visit
c) Dates of entering and leaving Japan
d) Point of contact in Japan:
- Individual’s name
- Organization’s name
- Address, email and phone number
e) Guarantee of financial support during applicant’s stay in Japan and return transportation from Japan
● For multiple-entry visa to be considered for business-related travels, the following information must be included in the letter:
** Note: Not every applicant is eligible for multiple-entry visa considerations. **
f) Background for requiring multiple travels to Japan, including number of years such visa is needed
g) Projected frequency of visits to Japan
h) Approximate lengths of stay in Japan per visit
i) Applicant’s annual salary (or submission of a copy of most recent pay stub from the employer)
B. Sightseeing/Tourism
● Itinerary in Japan : Fill this out to the best of your knowledge at the time of application
C. Attending Academic Conference
● A copy of the invitation to the conference or materials listing applicant as a presenter
● A letter from the party who covers your travel expenses. Follow the guidelines described above (9. A. Commercial/Professional
Business)
D. Participating in an educational program including unpaid internship
● “Invitation Letter” (招へい理由書) from the receiving party in Japan: If English is preferable, click Invitation Letter - English.
● “Letter of Guarantee” (身元保証書) written either in Japanese or English along with a certified copy of corporate registration
(履歴事項全部証明書), business license certificate, or the underwriter’s employment verification letter (在職証明書) may be
requested.
E. Visiting friends or family residing in Japan
● “Invitation Letter” (招へい理由書) from the receiving party in Japan: If English is preferable, click Invitation Letter - English.
● If the underwriter of “Invitation Letter” (招へい理由書) is a Japanese national, a certified copy of certificate of residency
(住民票 jumin-hyo) issued within 3 months is required.
● If the underwriter of “Invitation Letter” (招へい理由書) is non-Japanese, a copy of the inviter’s Residence Card (both front and
back, enlarged) and passport are required.
● “Letter of Guarantee” (身元保証書) written either in Japanese or English along with a certified copy of employment verification
letter (在職証明書), proof of income (所得証明書 shotoku shomeisho), and/or proof of tax payment (納税証明書 nozei
shomeisho) may be requested.
F. Note for Chinese nationals:
Chinese nationals with substantial financial resources or substantially high income can request a multiple-entry temporary visitor visa
by providing a copy of your most recent pay stub along with either an employment verification letter stating your name, position, length
of employment and annual salary or a copy of last 6 months’ bank statement. If you are a dependent of such applicant and applying for
a temporary visitor visa together, include proof of relationship to the primary applicant such as a copy of your marriage or birth
certificates. For Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ announcement regarding this topic, click here.
10. Visa Fees
Visa fees are determined by reciprocal arrangements between Japan and the country of applicant's nationality. The fees change on April 1st
each year.
● List of fees
** Payable in cash, by money order or cashier’s check payable to “Consulate General of Japan” **
11. Release of Liability if applicable (See “10. Retrieval of Passport” in General Visa Information)
Downloadable form: Release of Liability
12. Prepaid and self-addressed envelope with tracking system if applicable (See “10. Retrieval of Passport” in General Visa Information for
details.)
** The Consulate General of Japan in Detroit reserves the right to request additional documentation during the course of examination. **
1. Valid Passport: Original and one photocopy of the identification page
a. Signed, and with at least two blank visa pages
b. For passports containing any previous Japanese visa that is still valid, a signed consent form must be included.
c. Passport cover and any loose items in between passport pages need to be removed prior to its submission. The Consulate is not
responsible for any loss or damage to them.
2. Visa Application Form
Downloadable forms: Visa Application Form to Enter Japan
a. Fully completed in type or legible print. For non-applicable fields or questions, write “N/A,” “None” or “Unknown”
● Chinese nationals: include names in Chinese characters in addition to alphabet.
b. Personally signed. Digital or ‘typed’ signatures on page 2 are not accepted.
c. Copies of any arrest or criminal records (including acquitted or pardoned) and associated court documents must be submitted, together
with English translations, if not in English or Japanese. Complete details, in writing, required for any untried cases, e.g. the charges, time
served, fines, probation, etc.
3. One Passport-sized Photo to be attached to Application Form
a. Taken within the last six months
b. Securely glued to the application. Stapled or taped photo will not be accepted. If glue is not available, simply submit a loose photo with
the application form.
4. Proof of Current Address in the State of Michigan or Ohio
** Consulate General of Japan in Detroit accepts visa applications from residents of Michigan and Ohio ONLY. **
a. Copy of one official document showing your name and current address for example, your driver’s license, state ID, bank statement,
lease agreement, recent utility bill, recent pay stub, or latest school transcript (if currently a student)
b. Personal and private information not needed to validate your address (bank account number, bank balance, etc.) may be crossed out
for your privacy
5. Proof of Legal Residency Status in the US (except US citizens)
** In principle, applications are NOT accepted from those visiting the US with B1/B2 visa. **
A. US visa holders (except B1/B2 visa):
a. From CBP's website, a printout of the “most recent I-94”. When printing, click the PRINT box located in the lower right corner of
the page, instead of your computer’s print command, to ensure proper formatting. “Travel History” is not needed.
b. A copy of I-20 (pages 1 and 2 both) for F visa holders and DS2019 for J visa holders
c. A copy of I-797 (Notice of Action), if applicable
B. US permanent residents:
a. A copy of valid green card
b. A copy of I-797 (Notice of Action) or I-512, if applicable
6. Documentation Necessary to Enter the Country after Japan
a. If departing for U.S.: A copy of valid US visa or Green Card to be re-admitted in to the US (F or J visa holders must show an I-20 or
DS2019 with the valid signature of an appropriate official for re-entry to the US).
b. If departing for a third country: Valid visa or national passport of the country you enter after Japan. If visa-free entry or visa-on-
arrival are the case, include such information printed from the country’s official web page (government’s, Embassy’s or Consulate’s).
7. Flight Itinerary
Round-trip flight itinerary, to/from Japan, required. E-ticket or printout from travel agency, airline or travel websites also accepted.
Printout must include:
a. Flight numbers, all departure and destination cities, dates and times
b. Complete flight itinerary, starting from and returning to the US, including any stops in other countries
** Note: This is not a ticket purchase requirement. The Consulate is not liable for voided, expired, or unusable tickets due to denial or
delay of visa issuance. **
8. Applicant's U.S. Bank Statement (not required if a third party such as your employer guarantees, in writing, to cover your travel expenses)
a. A copy/printout of most recent monthly bank statement (PDF) from a bank in the US. A printout of bank website’s
activity/transaction page is not sufficient.
b. Sufficient balance to cover all trip expenses
9. Details of Planned Activities while in Japan (Contact the Consulate if your intended activities are not listed below.)
A. Commercial/Professional Business
● A support letter from applicant’s employer, signed by an authorized executive, on the organization’s letterhead, stating:
a) Applicant’s name, position and length of employment at the organization
b) Detailed description of purpose of visit
c) Dates of entering and leaving Japan
d) Point of contact in Japan:
- Individual’s name
- Organization’s name
- Address, email and phone number
e) Guarantee of financial support during applicant’s stay in Japan and return transportation from Japan
● For multiple-entry visa to be considered for business-related travels, the following information must be included in the letter:
** Note: Not every applicant is eligible for multiple-entry visa considerations. **
f) Background for requiring multiple travels to Japan, including number of years such visa is needed
g) Projected frequency of visits to Japan
h) Approximate lengths of stay in Japan per visit
i) Applicant’s annual salary (or submission of a copy of most recent pay stub from the employer)
B. Sightseeing/Tourism
● Itinerary in Japan : Fill this out to the best of your knowledge at the time of application
C. Attending Academic Conference
● A copy of the invitation to the conference or materials listing applicant as a presenter
● A letter from the party who covers your travel expenses. Follow the guidelines described above (9. A. Commercial/Professional
Business)
D. Participating in an educational program including unpaid internship
● “Invitation Letter” (招へい理由書) from the receiving party in Japan: If English is preferable, click Invitation Letter - English.
● “Letter of Guarantee” (身元保証書) written either in Japanese or English along with a certified copy of corporate registration
(履歴事項全部証明書), business license certificate, or the underwriter’s employment verification letter (在職証明書) may be
requested.
E. Visiting friends or family residing in Japan
● “Invitation Letter” (招へい理由書) from the receiving party in Japan: If English is preferable, click Invitation Letter - English.
● If the underwriter of “Invitation Letter” (招へい理由書) is a Japanese national, a certified copy of certificate of residency
(住民票 jumin-hyo) issued within 3 months is required.
● If the underwriter of “Invitation Letter” (招へい理由書) is non-Japanese, a copy of the inviter’s Residence Card (both front and
back, enlarged) and passport are required.
● “Letter of Guarantee” (身元保証書) written either in Japanese or English along with a certified copy of employment verification
letter (在職証明書), proof of income (所得証明書 shotoku shomeisho), and/or proof of tax payment (納税証明書 nozei
shomeisho) may be requested.
F. Note for Chinese nationals:
Chinese nationals with substantial financial resources or substantially high income can request a multiple-entry temporary visitor visa
by providing a copy of your most recent pay stub along with either an employment verification letter stating your name, position, length
of employment and annual salary or a copy of last 6 months’ bank statement. If you are a dependent of such applicant and applying for
a temporary visitor visa together, include proof of relationship to the primary applicant such as a copy of your marriage or birth
certificates. For Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ announcement regarding this topic, click here.
10. Visa Fees
Visa fees are determined by reciprocal arrangements between Japan and the country of applicant's nationality. The fees change on April 1st
each year.
● List of fees
** Payable in cash, by money order or cashier’s check payable to “Consulate General of Japan” **
11. Release of Liability if applicable (See “10. Retrieval of Passport” in General Visa Information)
Downloadable form: Release of Liability
12. Prepaid and self-addressed envelope with tracking system if applicable (See “10. Retrieval of Passport” in General Visa Information for
details.)
** The Consulate General of Japan in Detroit reserves the right to request additional documentation during the course of examination. **