Do Japanese citizens need a U.S. Visa or US ESTA?

If you have a Japanese passport, you’ll be happy to know that you can easily enter the United States by applying for a U.S. ESTA (electronic travel authorization).

That's right. As a Japanese citizen, you won't need a U.S. Visa to travel to the United States. Find out more below.

Do Japanese citizens need a United States visa?

No, Japanese citizens don't need a visa for the United States.

However, they must obtain the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before they go. It can be completed entirely online in just a few minutes.

You can apply with us for a hassle-free journey or directly with the U.S. government. We will review your application fully, minimizing the risk of rejection.

What is a United States ESTA?

The ESTA is a digital system that helps to determine eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

With this program, the authorities check the details entered by travelers and decide whether the person can enter the US or not based on their travel history, background checks, and other factors.

Key details:

• Validity: 2 years or until passport expiry
• Stay duration: 90 days per visit
• Entries: Multiple-entry
• Processing time: As fast as 4 hours

"ESTA eligibility depends on various factors, such as recent travel to specific countries (e.g., Iran, Iraq, Cuba). If ineligible, you’ll need to apply for a visa instead," says Ra'eesah Manack, iVisa travel expert.

Read more about the ESTA and apply instantly.

How long can I stay in the United States with an ESTA?

Japanese travelers can stay in the U.S. up to 90 days per entry, and the ESTA is valid for 2 years after issuance. It is a multiple-entry document, so you can enter the United States as often as you like during its validity period.

What requirements do I need to apply for the ESTA?

The list is short and straightforward:

• A valid Japanese passport with a digital chip
• The passport must have at least six months of validity from the planned entry date
• A valid email address to receive the ESTA
• A valid payment method for the service (credit/debit card or PayPal)

"Always ensure your passport has a digital chip to avoid unnecessary delays. This contains biometric information about the passport owner and makes border crossing much smoother," advises Ra'eesah.

How can I apply for a US ESTA?

Just follow these simple steps on our website or mobile app:

1. Complete the application steps by entering your personal information and travel details, such as your name, address, and passport info. Then, select your preferred processing time.
2. Make the payment securely online,
3. Upload any required documents. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked for additional information.

Once approved, your ESTA will be sent via email. Be sure to save a copy on your mobile device.

“The process was so smooth and quick! I received my ESTA approval within a few hours,” says Takahiro Tanaka, a businessman from Osaka.

Need more information about applying for the U.S. ESTA?

For more information about traveling to the United States or applying for your ESTA, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or iVisa chat. We're happy to assist.