San Francisco

No visa is usually required for tourism or business trips within ninety days. However, entry to the US is often denied for those entering and exiting frequently, or those staying in the US for a long time. Those traveling with a visa waiver must obtain electronic travel authorization from ESTA (excluding entry by land).

It is preferable to have a passport that is valid for at least 90 days from the date of entry.

When using the visa waiver program to travel to or through (via) the U.S. without a visa by air or sea, you must obtain travel authorization from ESTA online (not possible on your phone). Do not forget this, as you may be refused boarding onto the plane or denied entry into the U.S. if you fail to obtain travel authorization from ESTA before your trip. When you obtain ESTA authorization, it is valid for two years and you can travel to the U.S. multiple times (you do not need to renew it every time you change your schedule or visit somewhere). The final permission for entry is given by the immigration inspector at the first port of entry.
Apply for and obtain travel authorization from ESTA soon after your plans to travel to the U.S. have been fixed. (It is strongly recommended that you complete the procedure at least more than 72 hours before leaving your country). You can no longer receive instant authorization after application, so it is best to complete the process early. The application can be made by a relative, travel agency (for a fee), or other third party. You can now use the mobile app of ESTA.

Generally 2 years. However, if your passport expires before the authorization term ends, your ESTA authorization also expires. You will need to re-apply if there has been any change in your name, gender, or nationality.

Fee: $21

According to 2015 changes in the visa waiver program and the enactment of the Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, individuals who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, cannot travel to the U.S. using the visa waiver program. Relevant travelers must apply for a visa using the regular method at the American Embassy. For more information, see the American Embassy visa waiver programpage.

When visiting from Japan, it is prohibited to bring the following items into the United States.

The scope for tax exemption is 200 cigarettes, same as for regular cigarettes.

Children entering the country without both parents may be asked to present a consent form for the trip (in English) from their parents or the non-accompanying parent. For more information, inquire with the American Embassy.

You must declare cash amounts US$10,000 or more. For travelers who are 21 or older, tax is exempt for 1 L of alcohol for personal consumption or gifts up to $100 in value. Tax is exempt for up to 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars. All food products containing vegetables, fruit, meat, or meat extracts are not allowed to be brought into the country.

There are 4 time zones in the United States. San Francisco is in the Pacific Time Zone (PST) and is 17 hours behind Japan. (It is 7PM the previous day in San Francisco when it is noon in Japan.) In summer, almost all states use Daylight Saving Time (summertime) and the clocks move forward an hour. The time difference between Japan and San Francisco becomes an hour shorter. Daylight Saving Time is from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. When traveling, be careful of the changes in the time difference.

San Francisco is cool in summer (cold at night) and warm in winter. San Francisco is also well-known for its fog in the morning and evening. Thanks to this fog, San Francisco is cooler than the other cities in California and is pleasant to visit any time of the year. The rainy season is from November to March. Rainfall is generally small, but it is best to bring rain gear if staying in the winter. It rarely rains in the summer. However, there has been some abnormal weather lately.