Status of U.S. Forces Agreement (SOFA)

2023/3/17

Members of the U.S. armed forces

If you are a member of the U.S. armed forces to be stationed in a U.S. base in Japan (as defined by the SOFA), you do not need a visa to travel to Japan.

【Please make sure to take】
□Military Order
□Military ID
 

The civilian component of the U.S. armed forces and the dependents of members/civilian component of the U.S. armed forces (U.S. citizens)

If you are a member of the civilian component of the U.S. armed forces or the dependents of members/civilian component of the U.S. armed forces to be stationed in a U.S. military base in Japan (as defined by the SOFA), you will not need a visa to travel to Japan.


【Please make sure to take】
□ Military Order (with the traveling person(s) name(s) on it)
□ Military ID
□ Valid U.S. Passport

Dependents who are non-U.S. citizens

If you are a dependent accompanying military personnel mentioned above and are non-U.S. citizens, you do not need a visa if your name is on the Military Order. However, in some cases airlines may request that you have a visa to board a plane if you are NOT a national of a country with a visa exemption. In such cases, we can issue a SOFA visa to facilitate your entry into Japan. 

【If you choose to apply for this visa, please bring the following】  
□ Applicant's valid passport (signed by bearer)
□ Visa Application FormOpen a new window       (Sample Application FormOpen a new window)
□ 2x2 inch photograph must be taken within the last six months with a plain background. 
□ A clear photocopy of his/her Military Dependent ID
□ Military Order and □ Copy of the Military Order (please highlight applicant's name on the order) 

*For person(s) visiting/meeting person(s) who is stationed in a U.S. Military Base
 

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