Visa Overview

The Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage processes visa applications for Alaska residents who require a visa to enter Japan for short-term visits and/or extended stays.

Generally, foreign nationals who wish to visit Japan must hold a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to travel. The type of visa an applicant needs is dependent on the applicant’s nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay, among other factors.

A visa is NOT necessary for U.S. passport holders visiting Japan for a short-term visit of less than 90 days with the purpose of tourism or business. See“Visa Exemption” for more details.

Visits involving other purposes such as business or for long-term stays all require non-Japanese citizens to obtain a visa prior to entering Japan.

If you are unsure whether or not you need a visa and/or what type of visa you need based on your nationality and/or the purpose of your trip, please contact the consular office for details.

eVISA

 All foreign nationals/people residing in U.S.A., except those who are exempt from short-term visa, can apply for an eVISA through the JAPAN eVISA website.

 (NEW) From July 23, 2024, at 16:00 (0:00PDT) online visa application from residents with the jurisdiction of Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, Denver, Houston, Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage and Portland will be submitted to the Consulate- General of Japan in Los Angeles.  Online Visa Application (JAPAN eVISA)
 

 Notes

 1. JAPAN eVISA is available only to those who travel to Japan by plane.

 2. During the application process, the applicant may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the place of the applicant's residence for an interview.

 3. Only ordinary passport holder is eligible to apply through JAPAN eVISA website. 

Types and Categories of Visas

Before applying, visa applicants must determine which type of visa is appropriate for the purpose of the visit to Japan. Visas are generally categorized as:

• Short-term Visa (staying less than 90 days)
• Long-term Visa (statying more than 90 days)
• Transit Visa (passing through Japan on the way to another destination)

The documentation required for the visa application varies according to the kind of visa the applicant needs. Additional documentation may be requested depending on the applicant’s status and circumstances.

For more information, please see the Visa/Residing in Japan page on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Visa Exemption

Citizens of the United States and other countries which have a reciprocal visa arrangement with Japan may be eligible to visit Japan without a visa. The visit must be short-term (less than 90 days) and the purpose of the visit (tourism, visiting friends and/or relatives, etc.) must be permitted. Profit-making operations and paid activities are excluded from this visa category.

List of Countries and Regions with Visa Exemptions 

At the Port of Entry

The issuance of a visa does not guarantee entry into Japan, but is required for Landing Permission at the port of entry. Admission may be denied by the Immigration Office, under Japan’s Ministry of Justice. Landing Permissions define the duration of stay and authorized activities in Japan, and are only granted by the immigration official at the port of entry, not the consulate office.

Jurisdiction

The Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage only issues visas to Alaska residents. Visa applicants located outside the state of Alaska should contact the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence.

List of Japanese Embassies and Consulates 

Criteria of Visa Issuance

A Japanese visa will be issued to an applicant upon fulfillment of the following requirements and if issuance is regarded as reasonable.

1. The applicant possesses a valid passport and is entitled to re-entry to a country of his/her nationality or country of his/her residence.

    

2. All submitted documents are authentic, completed, and satisfactory.

    

3. The activities to be engaged in Japan/the civil status or the position of the applicant/the period of stay meet the requirements for the status of residence and period of stay stipulated in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. (Cabinet Order No.319 of 1951. hereinafter referred to as the "Immigration Control Act")

    

4. The applicant does not fall under Article 5, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act.

How to Apply for a Visa

In person: You may apply for a visa during office hours. An appointment is not necessary. Please bring all required documentation and make photocopies of your application for your records.

If you are dropping off a visa application, please arrive no later than 4:30 to allow adequate time for reviewing your application.

By mail: You may submit a visa application by mail if you are an Alaska resident outside the Anchorage area.

If you would like your passport mailed back to you after your visa application is processed, please include a pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope (FedEx, UPS, or USPS) when mailing your application. We recommend keeping record of your tracking numbers for your reference.

Please note that the Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage is not responsible for any mail that is lost, damaged, delayed, etc. If you would like to avoid any mailing incidents, please pick up your passport in person.

When mailing your application, please include a signed copy of the release of liability form.

Mailing Address:

Consular Office of Japan
3601 C St. Suite 1300
Anchorage, AK 99503

Visa Fees

Visa fees are determined according to reciprocal arrangements between Japan and the country of the applicant's nationality.

Visa fees are revised at the beginning of each fiscal year on April 1st. Citizens of the U.S. and other specified countries are exempt from visa fees.

Visa fees must be paid in the exact amount in cash. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

For more information, please check the page of visa fees .

Window Hours and Location

Hours: 9:00am – 12:00pm
1:00pm-4:30pm
Monday through Friday
(except for holidays)

Location: 3601 C Street, Suite 1300
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Telephone: (907) 562-8424
Fax: (907) 562 8434

Visa applications may be dropped off and visas may be picked up during office hours.

Processing Time

If all requirements are met, most visas can be issued within 5 business days after the application is submitted.

Please not that we cannot issue a visa within the same day the application is submitted due to the processing procedure.

There are certain cases that require referral to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. These cases may take 1-2 months to complete.

Inquiry and Contact

If you are an Alaska resident and you have any questions regarding visas, please contact the office at (907) 562-8424 or stop by during window hours. You may also email ryouji-ak@se.mofa.go.jp

In order for the office to best assist you, please provide the following information for each visa applicant:

1. Full name
2. Nationality/citizenship
3. Current visa status in the United States (for non-U.S. citizens)
4. Detailed purpose of trip to Japan
5. Intended length of stay in Japan
6. Current address and telephone number

Japan Visa Information Hotline

 * TEL: 1-907-290-8844 (Domestic call fees will be charged)
 * webRTC (Toll Free Call) 
      Available in English (24hours/7days a week), Vitnamese, Russian, Ukranian, and Chinese

Downloadable Forms

• Visa application form
• Sample of completed visa application
• Release of Liability form