Translation guide
A visa is an official document or stamp in a passport that allows entry, stay, or transit in a foreign country. In Japanese, the most common word is ビザ, but there are also official terms and related phrases for different contexts.
Referring to a visa in everyday conversation, such as for travel, work, or study.
The most common and versatile word for 'visa' in Japanese. Used in casual and formal contexts.
I will apply for a Japanese visa next month.
ビザが切れそうなので、更新しなければなりません。
My visa is about to expire, so I need to renew it.
Formal or official term for 'visa', often used in legal documents or by immigration authorities.
査証の発給を受けるには、必要書類を提出してください。
To obtain a visa, please submit the required documents.
Talking about the type or status of a visa, such as a student visa or work visa.
Literally 'residence status', this is the official term for the type of visa that allows a foreigner to stay in Japan. Often used when discussing visa categories.
私の在留資格は「留学」です。
My visa status is 'student'.
在留資格を変更したいのですが、どうすればいいですか。
I want to change my visa status; what should I do?
Means 'type of visa'. Used in everyday conversation when asking about or explaining visa categories.
どんなビザの種類がありますか。
What types of visas are there?
Discussing the process of applying for or obtaining a visa.
The standard way to say 'apply for a visa'.
ビザを申請するには、パスポートと写真が必要です。
To apply for a visa, you need a passport and a photo.
Casual way to say 'get a visa'. Commonly used in spoken Japanese.
やっとビザが取れた！
I finally got my visa!
Means 'the visa is granted/approved'. Often used when waiting for visa approval.
ビザが下りるまで、どれくらいかかりますか。
How long does it take for the visa to be approved?
Referring to situations where a visa is not required, such as visa-free travel.
Means 'visa exemption'. Used in official contexts and travel information.
日本は多くの国にビザ免除を認めています。
Japan grants visa exemptions to many countries.
Literally 'without visa', a common way to say 'visa-free' in everyday language.
日本人はビザなしでアメリカに行けますか。
Can Japanese people go to the US without a visa?
ビザ is the everyday word for visa, while 査証 is the formal, official term. In most situations, ビザ is appropriate. Use 査証 when dealing with legal documents or immigration offices.
ビザの更新に行ってきます。
I'm going to renew my visa.
査証申請書に記入してください。
Please fill out the visa application form.
When discussing your visa type in Japan, the term 在留資格 is more precise than ビザ. For example, a student visa is formally called 「留学」の在留資格.
ビザが来週切れます。
My visa expires next week.
彼女は就労ビザを取りました。
She got a working visa.