2025-09-15

Japanese citizens generally require a “visa” to travel abroad. However, exemptions may apply depending on the country, purpose of travel, and length of stay. Here, we explain the “visa” requirements for traveling to the United States.

What is a Visa?

A visa is an “entry permit” that Japanese citizens apply for before traveling abroad, which is issued after undergoing a screening process. In Japan, it is also commonly referred to as a “visa” for convenience.

The purpose of this “visa” is for the destination country to screen the identity of prospective travelers in advance, aiming to protect its own security and other interests. If issues are found during this screening, entry may be denied.

Whether a visa is required, and if so, which type is needed, depends on the destination country, purpose of travel, duration of stay, and other factors. Therefore, thorough advance confirmation is essential when traveling abroad.

Visas come in various types based on the purpose of travel, such as a “tourist visa” or “work visa.” The names and types also differ depending on the destination country.

For example, for foreigners coming to Japan, visas issued by Japan include eight types: “Diplomatic Visa,” “Official Visa,” “Work Visa,” “General Visa,” “Short-Term Stay Visa,” “Transit Visa,” “Specific Visa,” and “Medical Stay Visa.”

In the case of the United States, visas are broadly divided into “nonimmigrant visas” for temporary stays and “immigrant visas” for permanent residents. Nonimmigrant visas are intended for tourists, students, businesspeople, etc., and are further subdivided into specific types based on the purpose of travel, such as business/tourist visas, work visas, student visas, media visas, religious worker visas, trade/investment visas, and fiancé(e) visas.

Visa Exemptions

When Japanese citizens travel abroad, many countries exempt them from requiring a visa based on the purpose and duration of their stay. However, even with visa exemptions, conditions vary by country, so caution is necessary.

Some countries require no visa only for tourism stays, while others require no visa for short-term business trips. The maximum allowable stay also varies greatly—within 180 days, within 90 days, within 30 days, etc. Visa waiver conditions also differ, such as requiring a passport valid for at least 6 months, at least 3 months, or valid until the return date.

Furthermore, even if a visa is waived due to bilateral agreements, some countries require mandatory online travel authorization before departure. Conversely, some countries that require visas allow short-term visitors to obtain them upon arrival.

Whether a “visa” is required depends on the country, travel purpose, permitted length of stay, passport conditions, etc. Therefore, it is essential to check the website of the destination country’s embassy or consulate to obtain the latest information.

Important Notes on U.S. Visas

Japanese citizens traveling to the United States for short-term business or tourism purposes can utilize the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they meet the conditions, such as registering for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days.

However, if you enter the U.S. using the Visa Waiver Program and then depart to a neighboring country, this is not considered leaving the U.S. Therefore, if you obtain ESTA and enter the U.S., then travel to a neighboring country like Canada or Mexico, your stay period will not reset.

Note that if you travel to a neighboring country and then re-enter the United States, the total allowable stay will be 90 days (the initial period of stay in the U.S. plus the period of stay in the neighboring country).

Summary

When Japanese nationals travel to the United States for stays of 90 days or less, they can utilize the Visa Waiver Program to be exempt from a visa. However, it is important to note that if you depart for a neighboring country after entering the United States, your stay period will not reset and will continue uninterrupted.