πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈUnited States Visa for Japanese Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

eTA / e-permit90 days max stay

Japanese passport holders need an approved eTA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to United States, but not a full visa.

Must obtain ESTA prior to travel. Admitted for 90 days or less for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program. VWP nationals who have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen (since March 1, 2011) or Cuba (since January 12, 2021) must obtain a visa instead. Dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria are ineligible for VWP.

travel.state.gov β†—

How Japanese citizens apply for a United States visa

  • β†’ Apply online for the eTA before you travel; approval is usually quick. Apply here β†—

United States visa cost for Japanese citizens

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) - Visa Waiver Program

USD 40.27

2 years or until passport expiry, multiple entries, stays up to 90 daysofficial source
esta.cbp.dhs.gov β†—

Fees checked 2 Jul 2026 Β· sourced from official government fee schedules

United States visa types

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

Tourism, business visits, transit, medical treatment

180 days
Apply here β†—

F-1 Student Visa

Full-time academic study at SEVP-approved institutions

Apply here β†—

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

Working in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree

1095 days
Apply here β†—

L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa

Transferring to a US office in a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge role

1825 days
Apply here β†—

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

Au pairs, camp counsellors, interns, teachers, research scholars, professors

Apply here β†—

EB-5 Investor Visa

Immigrant visa through investment of at least USD 1.05M (or USD 800K in rural/high-unemployment areas) creating 10 US jobs

Apply here β†—

M-1 Vocational Student Visa

Full-time study at vocational or other recognised nonacademic institutions (other than language training)

Apply here β†—

C-1 Transit Visa

Immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country

29 days
Apply here β†—

D Crewmember Visa

Crew serving aboard sea vessels or aircraft operating in the United States

29 days
Apply here β†—

K-1 FiancΓ©(e) Visa

Foreign-citizen fiancΓ©(e) of a US citizen, to enter and marry the sponsor within 90 days

90 days
Apply here β†—

O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa

Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in film/TV

1095 days
Apply here β†—

P-1 Athlete and Entertainer Visa

Internationally recognised athletes and members of internationally recognised entertainment groups

1825 days
Apply here β†—

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

Nationals of treaty countries carrying on substantial trade principally between the US and their home country

730 days
Apply here β†—

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

Nationals of treaty countries investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business they direct

730 days
Apply here β†—

E-3 Australian Professional Specialty Visa

Australian nationals coming to perform services in a specialty occupation

730 days
Apply here β†—

TN USMCA Professional Visa

Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA)

1095 days
Apply here β†—

H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visa

Temporary or seasonal agricultural work for employers facing a shortage of domestic workers

1095 days
Apply here β†—

H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa

Temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work (e.g. hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing)

1095 days
Apply here β†—

R-1 Religious Worker Visa

Ministers and other religious workers employed by a bona fide non-profit religious organisation in the US

1825 days
Apply here β†—

I Media (Journalist) Visa

Representatives of foreign media (press, radio, film, print) on assignment in the US

Apply here β†—

Family-Based Immigrant Visa (IR/CR/F)

Spouses, children, parents and other qualifying relatives of US citizens and lawful permanent residents to immigrate permanently

Apply here β†—

United States visa for Japanese citizens β€” FAQ

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for United States?

Japanese passport holders need an approved eTA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to United States, but not a full visa.

What documents do Japanese citizens need for United States?

A passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific United States visa category.

How much does the United States visa cost for Japanese citizens?

The United States esta (electronic system for travel authorization) - visa waiver program fee is USD 40.27.

Related visa requirements