United States Visa RequirementsFor Japan passport holders
Japanese passport holders traveling to the United States must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding. The ESTA costs USD 21 and allows multiple trips of up to 90 days each under the Visa Waiver Program, valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
Japan passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply for the ESTA on the official US Customs and Border Protection website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). The fee is USD 21 per application. Most applications are approved within minutes, but approval can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before departure. Do not use third-party websites that charge inflated fees.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Japan to United States: What You Need to Know
Japan has been a member of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) since 1988. Japanese nationals are among the most frequent visitors to the United States. The ESTA is not a visa but a pre-travel screening authorization required for all VWP travelers. It must be obtained before boarding a US-bound carrier.
Practical Tips
The ESTA allows stays up to 90 days but does not guarantee entry; a Customs and Border Protection officer makes the final decision on arrival. The US uses the US dollar (USD). Major entry airports include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), and Chicago (ORD), all with direct flights from Japan. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as US healthcare costs are extremely high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Japanese passport holders need a visa for the United States?
No standard visa is required. Japanese nationals travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) but must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding. The ESTA costs USD 21.
How do I apply for the ESTA as a Japanese citizen?
Apply only through the official US Customs and Border Protection website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The fee is USD 21. Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours. Avoid third-party sites that charge higher fees.
How long can Japanese nationals stay in the United States under ESTA?
Each visit can be up to 90 days. The ESTA itself is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, allowing multiple trips. The 90-day stay cannot be extended; you must leave and re-enter for a new 90-day period.
What happens if a Japanese ESTA application is denied?
If the ESTA is denied, you must apply for a US nonimmigrant visa at the US Embassy in Tokyo or the Consulate in Osaka. An ESTA denial does not mean a visa will also be denied; the consular officer makes an independent assessment.