Visiting Japan
Visa Information
Who needs a visa?
From October 11, 2022 at 0:00 AM (JST), foreign nationals who meet ALL of the criteria below are no longer required to obtain a visa.
- U.S. citizen or foreign nationals of Visa Exemption countries (See "the list of visa exemption countries and regions")
- Short-term stay (less than 90 days)
- Purpose of the visit is either tourism or business/conference/study
From October 11, 2022 at 0:00 AM (JST), the temporary suspension of validity of single entry visas and multiple entry visas (including APEC Business Travel Cards) issued before December 1, 2021 will be lifted.
- Your visa or APEC card must not be expired when you enter Japan.
*Please note that every entrant including people from visa waiver countries are still required to upload either a pre-departure COVID-19 testing result or a valid vaccine certificate through Visit Japan Web: See "Information on Border Measures"
NOTICE: Due to the large volume of inquiries we receive by email and phone call, the response from us may take longer than usual.
General Rules for Visas
- The Consulate General of Japan only accepts visa applications and visa inquiries from residents of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina.
Please click here if you do not live in one of the above US states.
- In principle, visa applicants should apply for a visa in person. However, applicants within our jurisdiction can apply for a visa by mail. Please see "Applying By Mail" under "Applying for a Visa" below for more details.
- Applicants may designate a proxy. To authorize a proxy for application drop off/pickup, the applicant MUST fill out this authorization form and have the proxy submit the original form to the Consulate along with their ID card (electronic signatures are invalid).
- We do not accept any applications from U.S. B-1 and B-2 visa holders.
- Applicant's passport must have at least 1.5 blank visa pages left.
- Please note that we will keep passports while processing visa applications.
Type of Visas and Visa Application Documents
Please click on the applicable box below to see application documents on each visa.
Visa Validity
Type of Visa | Validity | Note |
---|---|---|
Single Entry | 3 months | You must enter Japan within this time frame. We will not accept any visa applications more than 3 months before your departure date. |
Double-Entry Transit | 4 months | It can be used twice (once on the way to your destination and once on the return trip) to complete a round trip. |
Double-Entry | 6 months | It can be used twice. |
Multiple Entry | 1 to 5 years depending on the visa | Multiple entry visas can be issued to citizens of countries that Japan has bilateral agreements with. Maximum stay at a time is decided as either 30 days or 90 days depending on the visa. |
Applying for a Visa
Applying In-Person
In order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Consular Section has modified several operations and services.
- Visitors will be subject to a thermal imaging check at the entry of the consulate. Those with a fever will not be allowed to enter the Consulate.
- Visa Application drop-off & Passport Pick-up: 9:00am to 12:30pm / 1:30pm to 4:00pm (No appointment required.)
- All other Consular Services: Appointment required. Please contact the Consular Department at (404) 240 4300 or at ryoji@aa.mofa.go.jp to schedule an appointment.
- Extension for Japanese Passport services: 3033
- Extension for Japanese Citizenship services: 3032
- Extension for Other Documentation services: 3029 / 3032
We are anticipating longer than usual wait times at the consular office. Longer wait times are also expected when contacting us by phone or email, therefore, please also consider contacting the Japan Visa Information Hotline (available 24/7) if your visa-related matter is urgent.
Our window is open Monday thru Friday except during office holidays. Please click here for directions to our location.
Applying by Mail
In addition to your visa application documents, if applying by mail, please also include the following:
- Release of Liability Form
- Proof of Residence (such as copy of Applicant's Driver's License/ID card or utility bill etc. showing current address)
- A pre-paid self-addressed for Certified, Priority, and Express Mail (USPS) or a prepaid mailing label with an envelope for UPS Express must be submitted for return.
(*Your name and address must be both sender and recipient on the return envelope.)
Mailing Address
ATTN: Visa Section
Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta
Phipps Tower, Suite 850
3438 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
NOTE: We only ship to addresses within our jurisdiction (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina). The Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta is not responsible for your passport in case of its loss when sending through the mailing service for return.
Processing Time
In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. We do NOT have expedited services.
*The Consulate recommends applying for a visa 1.5 months prior to your departure date, but no earlier than 3 months prior to your departure.

Visa Fees
*US citizens are exempt from visa fees. |
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Information on Border Measures
COVID-19 Mitigation Requirements to Enter Japan
Additional Information:
- Border Control Measures Japan
- Frequently asked questions
- COVID-19 Negative Test Result Certificate before departure
- Valid vaccination certificate
- FAQ for the Certificate of testing for COVID-19 and vaccination certificate
- List of Local Travel Clinics/Medical Clinics that can issue a Negative Certificate (AL, GA, NC, SC)
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
Prevention Measures |
General Etiquette | Accommodation Dining |
Transportation | Sightseeing Shopping |
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Mask Use | Insurance Before Travel |
Insurance After Entrance |
If you feel ill | If infected with COVID-19 |
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Customs and Immigration Information
Recommended Information
- Mailing Address
ATTN: Visa Section
Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta
Phipps Tower Suite 850
3438 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
Contact Information
(404) 240-4300 ext. 3031
ryoji@aa.mofa.go.jp
M-F 9:00am- 5:00pm - Japan Visa Information Hotline[24 hour/7 days]
(English available)
+1 888-671-4583
1-888-704-4459 Domestic call
Fees apply