Birmingham, the second largest city in Alabama and center of the state’s most populous metropolitan area, continues to boost its economic growth through foreign investment. While some 196,000 people live in the city, more than 1.3 million live in the 10-county Greater Birmingham region (or Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan statistical area). Major industries include automotive; finance and insurance; information technology and analytical instruments; and metals and machinery manufacturing. Alabama’s two Fortune 500 companies are based in Birmingham: Regions Financial and Vulcan Materials, the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates. Other top area employers include Honda, Mercedes-Benz, BBVA Compass (digital banking), and EBSCO Industries. Interstates 20, 59, and 65 intersect in Birmingham, providing access to ports on the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as East Coast and Midwestern markets.
In Birmingham as well as the state of Alabama, Japan is the second largest source of foreign investment, pouring more $10 billion into the state since 1999. Automotive manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Topre invested $95 million in 2023 alone, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce. Almost 90 Japanese companies have a presence in Alabama, with the Birmingham Business Alliance stating 22 of those are located are located in “The Magic City.” In 2014, Dai-ichi Life of Japan acquired Birmingham’s Protective Life for $5.7 billion, marking the largest acquisition by a Japanese insurer. Other Japanese companies in Greater Birmingham include Hayashi Telempu (HTNA), Unipres, and Yorozu Automotive. Overall, the Birmingham area is a major contributor to Alabama’s $1 billion in annual exports, with aircraft parts, gas engine turbines, computer systems, and firearms leading the city’s exports.
The Japanese cultural community has also grown in Birmingham alongside stronger economic ties. Japanese people make up less than one percent of Birmingham residents and accounted for 6,534 of Alabama’s 2022 population. Groups such as the Japan-America Association of Alabama and the Birmingham Japan Society coordinate social, educational, and cultural exchanges that benefit both the business and residential communities. There are also citizens of Japan who work at the local offices of Japanese corporations or attend Birmingham educational institutions. The University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) campus and Samford University offer a variety of Japanese studies program and study abroad opportunities.
Japan, known as the “Land of the Rising Sun,” is one of the most advanced nations in the world. The country – which consists of four main islands in the northwest Pacific Ocean east of China – was founded more than 2,600 years ago, although it did not become a world power until the early Twentieth Century. Japan’s 125 million people enjoy the world’s longest life expectancy and the third-largest economy globally. More than two million Americans visited Japan in 2023 – the largest number of any non-Asian country. Popular attractions include ancient castles, historic monuments, picturesque Mount Fuji, hot springs resorts, ski slopes, stunning big city lights, and unique cultural traditions. Overall, Japan remains an important travel, business, and academic destination for many Alabama residents.
Requirements for Obtaining a Japan Visa
Citizens of the United States are not required to obtain a visa for most short-term visits to Japan. No visa is necessary for those who plan to stay less than 90 days and are traveling for the purposes of tourism, study, conferences, or business without paid activities. U.S. citizens who want to stay more than 90 days must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before applying for a visa. Others who are required to obtain a visa include those whose travel involves news media activities, diplomatic/official missions, or attending dispositions.
The visa eligibility rules are based on nationality, not country of residence. Non-U.S. citizens who reside in the United States but are citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need a visa for short-term stays for tourism, business, study, and conferences. However, those from non-visa exempt countries and regions must obtain one. The list of visa-exempt countries and details on stay periods can be found on athttps://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html.
Greenville residents who need to obtain a visa must apply through the Japanese consulate in Atlanta, which serves Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas. (Residents of other states should check for the appropriate embassy or consulate here:https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jurisdiction.pdf). You can submit an application in person, through the mail, online, or by using a third-party agent such as Visa Supply, whose office is located near the consulate in Atlanta.
The main requirement to obtain a Japan visa is holding a valid passport that contains at least 2 blank pages. Also, Japan does not require that your passport be valid for at least six months before your trip. “As long as your passport is valid during the time of your stay in Japan, it should not be a problem,” the Atlanta consulate stated on its website (https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visitingjapan.html). Your visa application cannot be submitted more than 90 days before your planned departure date. You can also review the entry requirements for Japan on the U.S. Department of State website:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Japan.html
Japan offers four types of visas for those who are not citizens of visa-exempt countries. The links below include detailed information and electronic application forms:
- Short-term visa (single entry):https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa-short-term.html
- Transit:https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa-transit.html
- Certificate of Eligibility holders:https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa-COE-holders.html
- Others (such as medical stays):https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa-other.html
There are also several options for durations and number of entries into Japan:
- Single-entry: valid for three months
- Double-entry/transit (two transits through Japanese airports): valid for six months
- Double-entry: two entries over a six-month period
- Multiple-entry: good for stays up to 90 days for entries over a one- to five-year period, depending on your nationality.
Processing time for visa applications is generally five business days. The consulate recommends applying for a visa within three months prior to your arrival date in Japan, but no earlier than three months beforehand.
Fees also vary by your country of nationality. U.S. citizens and those of many other countries are exempt from visa fees. Those fee exemptions are listed athttps://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100401920.pdf. Fees must be paid in cash when your visa is picked up at the consulate (or shipped to their office by mail). Electronic visa applications can be paid by credit card. The fees include:
- Single Entry Visa: $22
- Double and Multiple Entry Visa: $43
- Transit Visa (Including Double Entry Transit): $5
- Indian Passport Holder Fees: $6 (for Single, Double, Multiple Entry); $1 (for Single and Double Transit)
- Extension of Re-entry Permit: $22
OPTION 1: Obtaining a Japan Visa at the Consulate
Visa applicants who wish to apply in person must visit the consulate in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. You can make an appointment at this link:https://coubic.com/consulatejpatl/462933. The consulate is open for visa application drop-offs and visa pickups from 9:15 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:15 pm daily, except for these holidays:https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/holidays.html.
Follow the links above to access the application for the type of visa you want. Fill out and print the application, and bring all the necessary documentation with you to your appointment, along with cash to pay the visa fee. (Documentation requirements vary by nationality.) Directions to the building are available athttps://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/Directions.htm.
OPTION 2: Obtaining a Japan Visa by Mail
While the consulate prefers that you visit the consulate in person, it is also possible to mail your application documents to their office if you do not live close to Atlanta (however, you must reside within the consulate’s jurisdiction of Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina or Georgia). In addition to your passport and other documents required for an in-person visit, you will need to submit:
- A release of liability form (https://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/release_of_liability.pdf)
- Proof of residence (such as a copy of the applicant's driver's license, ID card, utility bill, or similar document showing your current address)
- Pre-paid self-addressed envelope for Certified, Priority, and Express Mail (USPS) or a prepaid mailing label with an envelope for UPS Express for returning your passport and visa. (Your name and address must be both sender and recipient on the return envelope.)
The mailing address is:
ATTN: Visa Section
Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta
Phipps Tower, Suite 850
3438 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
OPTION 3: Obtaining a Japan eVisa
The Japan electronic visa (eVisa) program is also available for those who need a visa for a short-term visit (less than 90 days). It is currently available to residents of the United States, Canada, and nine other countries. You can fill out the application online; submit it plus copies of any required documentation; and register a credit card to pay your visa fees. Upon approval, your eVisa will be issued electronically and your credit card will be charged. Additional information and applications are available athttps://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index.
OPTION 4: Using a Third-Party Agent
Visa Supply can submit your visa application to the Japanese consulate in Atlanta and pick it up for you. We can also help to review your application documents and answer your questions about visiting Japan. Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Japan. Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans.
If you live in Birmingham or elsewhere in Alabama and have difficulty applying for a Japan travel 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 through our website. We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Japan visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.
We provide the following Japan visa services for our customers in the Birmingham area:
- 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
- Health Insurance for travel to Japan:https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/product_overview.cfm?link_id=230353&personalized=y&header=y
