United States Visa & Travel Authorization

ESTA for short stays, visa for long-term

Overview

Japanese passport holders are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA is required for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business.

Authorization	ESTA
System	ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Validity	2 years (or until passport expiry)
Official site	https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure.
Activities other than tourism/business (work, study, journalism) require a separate visa.
Prior visa denials or travel to certain countries may make you ineligible for ESTA.
Official fee is USD 21 (revised in 2025).

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* Information current as of May 2026. Always verify with official government sources before travel.