ESTA Visa Application For Citizens of Japan

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Country:

Japan

Capital: Tokyo
ESTA Required: YES

Japan joined the United States of America’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP) on December 16, 1988. The introduction of the Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA) helped streamline travel between the two countries. All Japanese tourists could apply for the ESTA travel authorization, which allows them to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism purposes. It also permits them to take part in non-credit study programs.

The ESTA is different from a visa, so many Japanese tourists may still require visa. Before you travel to the U.S., it is important to understand the purpose of your visit. A tourist visa (B1/2), must be requested if the purpose of traveling is not listed above.

U.S. Immigration statistics for Japanese visitors

  • The total amount of visitors from Japan: 3 975 012
  • Approved ESTA applications: 3 672 493
  • Students and exchange visitors: 66 006
  • Temporary workers and family-related applications: 189 707
  • Diplomats and other official representatives: 15 578
  • Other types of visitor categories: 5 545
ESTA Application

Traveling to the U.S. From Tokyo, Japan

Three of the busiest Japanese airports with strong connections to the U.S.A are Haneda Airport, (HND), Tokyo, Narita International Airport, (NRT), Tokyo, and Kansai International Airport, (KIX), Osaka.

Nonstop flights from Haneda Airport the United States

HND – Honolulu

Flight time: 7h 20m Popular Carriers: Hawaiian, Ana

HND – Los Angeles

Flight time: 10h Popular Carriers: Delta, American, and ANA

HND – New York

Flight time: 12h 55m Popular Carriers: Ana and JAL

HND – Chicago

Flight time: 11h 50m Popular Carriers: Ana

Nonstop flights from Narita International Airport the United States

NRT – Honolulu

Flight time: 7h 10m Popular Carriers: Korean Air, United, and Hawaiian

NRT – Atlanta

Flight time: 12h 20m Popular Carriers: Delta

NRT – Los Angles

Flight time: 10h Popular Carriers: United, American, and JAL

NRT – Chicago

Flight time: 11h 45m Popular Carriers: JAL, ANA, and United

NRT – Denver

Flight time: 10h 35m Popular Carriers: United

NRT – New York

Flight time: 12h 55m Popular Carriers: ANA, United, and Jal

NRT – Dallas

Flight time: 11h 40m Popular Carriers: American and JAL

Nonstop flights from Kansai International Airport the United States

KIX – Honolulu

Flight time: 8h 30m Popular Carriers: Scoot, Hawaiian, and Delta

KIX – San Francisco

Flight time: 9h 50m Popular Carriers: United

KIX – Seattle

Flight time: 9h 40m Popular Carriers: Delta

KIX – Los Angeles

Flight time: 10h 20m Popular Carriers: JAL

*We did not add flights to Guam in this overview, but you can reach the Island of Guam in less than 4 hours from many airports in Japan.

What is the best time for Japanese citizens to apply for ESTA?

All ESTA-travelers must apply for their ESTA within 72 hours of boarding an aircraft. Japanese citizens should apply early to ensure that their travel authorization (ESTA), is approved. If a visa application is denied, applicants will need to apply for a tourist visa at their nearest U.S. Embassy. This can be time-consuming. Apply as soon as possible if you plan to visit the United States. Learn more about the ESTA Application here.

Japanese travelers who have an approved ESTA may check their status or make changes. For more information, visit this page verify/update ESTA.

Below is an example of a travel authorization if the ESTA application is approved:

Quick facts

  • Japanese travelers can apply for ESTA online
  • The ESTA is valid for 2 years for visitors from Japan
  • Japanese citizens can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA
  • Japan’s overstay rate is only: 0.16%