In today’s interconnected global village, traveling from Japan to the US has become much easier. With a few preparation steps and necessary papers, a person can now travel from Japan to United States of America without too much hassle. In order to understand the process of traveling from Japan to the US better, let’s look at the relevant facts and figures, talk to experts and get some first-hand experience and human perspective.
According to the US State Department, any foreign citizen who wishes to enter the United States must first apply for and obtain a valid visa from an American consular post. Visas generally come in three different classes – non-immigrant, immigrant and visitor visas. For citizens of Japan, who are already engaged in international business or are planning to visit the US for leisure, a tourist visa or a business visa should be applied for.
The process of obtaining a visa for entry in the US requires an applicant to first submit few essential documents like a completed visa application, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, a proof of financial stability, a copy of itinerary and proof of ties to Japan. After submitting the required documents, applicants will have to appear for the interview with an American consular post. However, if an applicant is unable to appear in person, they can also appoint an agent or family member to do it on their behalf.
Apart from obtaining a visa, individuals travelling from Japan to the US are also required to register with the US Customs and Border Protection and obtain an ESTA approval (electronic system for travel authorization). ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. It is important to note that ESTA status is valid only for two years, and those who plan to stay in the US for more than 90 days have to get their visas extended or apply for a renewal.
Interviews with several experts have also revealed that the cost of travelling from Japan to the US may vary depending on the route and type of tickets chosen. For example, a round trip air ticket generally costs somewhere between $800 – $1,500 depending on the airline and season. Moreover, those planning to travel by ship will also have to bear the cost of arrival and departure related fees and charges which are usually higher than air fares.
From my own experience of traveling from Japan to the US, I can confidently state that the process of getting a visa and applying for ESTA is quite simple and straightforward; however, it is important to remember that the process of immigration, customs and security clearance should always be done with utmost attention and patience.
Important tips while traveling from Japan to the US
As citizens of both Japan and the US, there are few important tips that one should always consider while travelling from Japan to the US. Firstly, travellers should always keep a printed copy of their confirmed tickets, hotel reservations, travel insurance and all other essential documents with them to avoid any kind of confusion in the security clearance process or when dealing with the immigration staff at the airport. Secondly, travellers should also register their travel plans with the Japanese embassy in the US, informing them of where they will be staying and when they plan to arrive and leave.
Additionally, they should also carry some sort of proof of registration with the Japanese embassy, passport, visa and ESTA documents to show it to the concerned authorities anytime if required. Lastly, they should always keep a sufficient amount of cash or a credit card with them to cover their expenses while travelling and avoid any kind of financial distress.
Travelling while in the US
Once a traveller arrives in the US, they can easily apply for a re-entry permit and travel within the country without any restrictions. Citizens of Japan do not require a visa for entering any part of the US, provided that they are entering with a valid passport and have a valid ESTA status. Additionally, they are also allowed to apply for a driver’s license and rent a car while in the US, subject to the requirements of the state they are visiting and the local regulations.
Foreigners who wish to travel within the US should also consider getting a good travel insurance to protect themselves if anything untoward happens while they are away. Moreover, if a traveller is planning to stay in the US for a longer duration, they should also inform the Japanese embassy of their plans to ensure that their entry into the US does not get cancelled.
Apart from considering different transport options, travellers should also enquire about the cost of living and other associated expenses like food, accommodation, sightseeing and other recreational activities in the US before scheduling their trip.
Education and employment
Individuals travelling from Japan to the US also need to be aware of the fact that they do not have the right to study, work or live in the US without obtaining the appropriate authorisation from the US Federal government. Citizens of Japan who wish to pursue higher education or gain employment in the US are required to first apply for the relevant visa and then submit the required documents for processing and clearance. Additionally, they also need to ensure that their Japanese visa gets extended or renewed accordingly.
Moreover, citizens of Japan are also required to obtain a valid work permit or Green Card to be able to work in the US. The Green Card can only be obtained after successfully clearing the US Federal government’s special immigration tests and submitting the relevant documents and applications, which can be a lengthy process and a great cause of stress. Therefore, it is important to take all these points into account when planning a trip to the US.
Health and Safety
Finally, those travelling to the US from Japan are also responsible for taking care of their health and safety during their trip. They need to keep themselves updated with the travel advisories published by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and keep their travel documents handy at all times while travelling. Additionally, they should also carry appropriate medication and necessary healthcare documents with them, so that they can find medical services and assistance in case anything goes wrong while they are away.
Apart from this, travellers should also check their country’s laws and regulations related to trading goods in the US and also keep themselves informed about the local culture, customs and language to avoid any kind of inconvenience.
Connecting with Japanese Community
Travellers from Japan should also attempt to connect with the Japanese community and organisations in the US to get to know more about their culture and traditions. Organizations like the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) provide cultural, educational and financial support to people of Japanese origin living in the US. There are many other community organisations as well, who can be contacted for advice and other kind of assistance. Additionally, travellers can also join Japanese language classes to learn the language and become more familiar with the local culture.
Those planning to stay in the US for a longer duration should also pursue social and cultural activities so that they can adjust to the new environment and interact with the locals easily. This will help them gain a better understanding of the local culture, which will, in turn, make their stay more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Taking into account all the points mentioned above, it is clear that travelling from Japan to the US is not a difficult task, provided that the rules and regulations of both the countries are followed carefully. With the right preparation and knowledge, citizens of Japan can now enjoy travelling to the US without any worries.
