How to Apply for a Japan Visa in Miami

UPDATED September 21, 2022 (Please see message below regarding COVID-19 Restrictions)

The Greater Miami Area is the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the United States and has a population of 6.2 million people.  The metro area is composed of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County.  Its main cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Homestead, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, and Boca Raton.  Miami is considered the unofficial “Capital of Latin America” because it is a hub for transportation, culture, international trade, and finance for the Latin American and Caribbean region.  It plays this role as a center of transportation and distribution not only for American companies, but also for Asia-based firms.  The Japanese have a strong economic presence in Miami and the state of Florida, having over 140 companies operating here.  Famous brands like Hitachi, Honda, Mitsubishi, Sony, Sumitomo, and Konica Minolta operate in Florida and export their products throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.  Likewise, Miami area companies like Office Depot, Kaplan, Citrix Systems, ADT Corporation, Hard Rock Cafe, and others do business in Japan.  Miami residents interested in learning about the culture of Japan can visit The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. 

Japan is a country in East Asia composed of nearly 7,000 islands located in the northwest Pacific Ocean east of China, the Korean Peninsula and Russia’s Far East.  Japan, known as the Land of the Rising Sun, is one of the most advanced nations in the world and its citizens enjoy the longest life expectancy on the planet due to their healthy diet, pristine natural environment, and low crime rates.  Despite the high quality of life and social harmony found throughout this island nation, Japan is also known for its high-intensity work environment and fast-paced economy, which is the third largest in the world.  First-time visitors to Tokyo who take the train ride from the airport to Shinjuku station will feel the rush of humanity when the train doors open and they set foot into the streets of the city’s lively business, entertainment, and shopping district.  Tokyo is a feast for the eyes and tourists from Miami will love the bright lights and energy of this city.  Japanese cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Sapporo are also must-visit destinations.  Recent college graduates from University of Miami or Florida International University may want to consider the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, a government sponsored program providing young Americans an opportunity to teach and work in Japan.

Obtaining a Japan Visa from Miami 

Visas for Japan are issued by the Japanese government in the United States.  The government of Japan is represented by their embassy located in Washington, D.C. along with sixteen consulates located throughout the United States.  To apply for a visa from Miami, you will fill out the visa application and bring your original passport and supporting documents to their office in Brickell Bay View Centre on 8th Street in the Brickell financial district of Miami.  You can also send your application by US Mail or courier service using FedEx or UPS (this option is only available for those living outside of Miami-Dade or Broward County; those living within these two counties are expected to apply in person for their visa).  Please be aware that the Consulate General of Japan in Miami only accepts visa applications from those individuals residing permanently in the state of Florida (you will be required to show proof of residence using either a driver’s license, state issued ID card, or utility bill).

When mailing in your documents to the consulate, you should include a self-addressed USPS (US Postal Service Express Mail or Priority Mail), FedEx, or UPS prepaid envelope so the consulate can return your passport and visa to your home or office.  Please also be sure to include a signed Release of Liability Form that is found on the consulate's website.

Here is their address:

Consulate General of Japan in Miami
80 SW 8th Street, Suite 3200
Miami, Florida 33130

It is important to review the requirements for visas on the Japan consulate website and ensure your application and all supporting documents are accurate.  Here is the link to the consulate website with detailed information: https://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/vjv.html

The government’s visa fees vary based on your country of origin (click on the following link to see the different fees: https://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa_fees.html and the processing time takes about 2 weeks.  If you need the visa faster, please contact our company to inquire about expedited services.

** COVID-19 Restrictions **

Please be aware that ALL U.S. citizens now require a visa to enter Japan and visa-free travel for Americans has been suspended since April 8, 2022.  No transit or tourist visas are being issued; please review this link to know which type of visitors are permitted to enter Japan: https://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/vjv.html

Visitors are required to obtain an "ERFS Certificate" from their host in Japan.

Please email Michael at michael@visasupply.com if you cannot make a personal appearance at the consulate and require a proxy to submit your visa application.  

Visas for citizens of the United States can now apply for the visa online using the JAPAN eVisa System.  Please review this link for more details: https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index

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Other things to consider: 

  • Travel to Japan for purposes of tourism and most other short-term purposes in still not permitted (this includes U.S. citizens). Visitors that are allowed to enter Japan must self-quarantine for 14 days.  Please visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Japan for more information: COVID-19 Information - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan (usembassy.gov)
  • U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days if they are traveling for tourism, pleasure, short-term business meetings, or visiting family (visitors to Japan cannot perform work on a 90-day visa free entry and must obtain an appropriate visa if they plan to earn money in Japan).
  • U.S. citizens should have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket that shows they are leaving Japan within 90 days (if traveling to Japan without a visa).
  • It is recommended to purchase travel insurance before any international trip in case of medical emergencies.  We advise getting the Geo Blue Voyager Single Trip Plan.

Emergency Assistance for Japanese Citizens in Miami   

If you are a citizen of Japan living in the Miami area with an emergency or require urgent assistance, you can reach the Japanese consulate in Miami by calling 305-530-9090.  You can also contact the consulate by email at this address:  info@mi.mofa.go.jp

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in Miami or anywhere in the state of Florida and have difficulty applying for a Japan visa or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Japan visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the Japanese government.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

We provide the following Japan visa services for our customers in Miami:

  • Japan Tourist Visa
  • Japan Visitor Visa
  • Japan Business Visa
  • Japan Conference Visa
  • Japan Student Visa
  • Japan Work Visa
  • Japan Working Holiday Visa
  • Japan Journalist Visa
  • Japan Hotel Accommodations
  • Japan Organized Tours