How to Apply for a Japan Visa in Orlando

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

The city of Orlando, located in the Central Florida region of the United States and known as “the City Beautiful”, is ranked as America’s 23rd most-populous city.  The Orlando metropolitan area includes towns such as Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and Apopka.  The metro area has a population of 2.6 million people and is home to several theme parks including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios.  Orlando’s theme parks, natural attractions, and year-round warm weather make it one of the most-visited cities in the world.  The Orlando economy is expanding thanks to corporate relocations of American companies leaving high-tax states to Florida’s more favorable business environment.  Orlando has also attracted international companies, including firms from Japan.  There are an estimated 2,000 people living in the Orlando area who have Japanese heritage, and the city is home to the Japan Association of Orlando.  This organization celebrates Japanese culture through its annual Orlando Japan Festival, the largest Asian cultural event in the area.  Local people can also learn about Japanese culture by studying the Japanese language through online courses offered through University of Central Florida or Valencia College.

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 Orlando will love its energy, bright lights, and peculiarities.  Other cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Sapporo are also must-visit destinations.  Due to the strong business and political ties between the United States and Japan, the country offers a good return on investment for college students and other young people from the Orlando area interested in gaining international experience and learning a new culture.

Obtaining a Japan Visa from Orlando 

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 Orlando, you will fill out the visa application and bring your original passport and supporting documents to their office in Miami (Miami is about a 4-hour drive from Orlando).  You can also send your application by US Mail or courier service using FedEx or UPS.  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

****

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 Orlando   

If you are a citizen of Japan living in the Orlando 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 Orlando or anywhere in the Central Florida region 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 Orlando:

  • 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