Do I need a Japan Visa?

[sophannasun]

Hi, my husband is station in Okinawa and it's an accompanied tour, I was wondering if I need to have a Japan Visa in order to enter the country with a travel document once the command sponsorship gets approved.

We called the Japanese Consulate in Okinawa, he told us that I only need to have a military ID, the travel document, and my husband's order with my name listed as dependent. No visa is required.....but when we called the Japanese Consulate in San Francisco, he said that a visa is required to enter the country. I'm very confused, if you know anything pleeeeease help. All answers are appreciated, Thank you!

[amplify]

You just need your dependant ID card and his orders stating he will be here on an accompanied tour with you.

A passport isn't necessary to enter the country, but if you wish to do some traveling while here it would be good to have.

[amplify]

...And welcome to Okinawa. :thumbup:

[socalheart]

A passport isn't necessary to enter the country, but if you wish to do some traveling while here it would be good to have.
A tourist passport for all dependent family members is also recommended in case of a family emergency that requires you return stateside unexpectedly, but can take the military flight out or missed it.

[abonifi1]

You get a visa when you enter Japan, so the consulate is technically correct.

The little sticker they put in your passport, or if they still use the sofa stamp, is your Visa.

[socalheart]

Although not required, we recommend military members purchase their own tourist passport before arriving in Okinawa. However, all family members must have a valid passport. The fee for the first-time tourist passport is $82 for children under 16 and $97 for adults [check the state department Web site for current costs at http://travel.state.gov/passport].

When you receive notification of your assignment to Okinawa, you should report to the base relocations office and obtain a no-fee passport application and photo request for all dependents who will accompany or join you.

Other documents you may want to keep in your possession in addition to a passport include:

· Naturalization paperwork

· Driver's license or permits

· Immunization records

· Deeds and titles to real estate or other property owned

· College transcripts, high school report cards and any other pertinent educational records

· Shipping and storage documents for your property

· Insurance policies

· State and federal income tax returns

· Adoption papers

· Military discharge paperwork

· Financial records

· Marriage certificates

· Divorce decree
Source: Kadena Air Base factsheet (http://www.kadena.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=7272)