Japan is one of most popular destination to visit in far east Asia - especially if you want to experience a culture that is truly unique! But as always, it is very important to check the visa regulations before planning a visit to this amazing country.
This Japan Tourist Visa for Indians thread is specifically to share latest and accurate information about the Japan tourist visa as applicable to an Indian passport holder.
This is the current visa rule (as of July 2024):
- Indian passport holders are eligible to apply for a standard tourist eVisa through the sole authorised agent in India: VFS (it is NOT possible to apply directly to the Japanese embassy or consulates)
- The visa is typically issued for 30 days of travel within Japan with a visa validity period of upto 5 years (multiple entry)
- Once the visa is issued, changes cannot be made and it is best to immediately notify errors to the authorised agent to avoid deportation or prevent entry-related issues at the border / airport upon arrival
- At immigration, upon being stamped in, it is best to verify the visa date and stay duration allowed as per the visa stamping in the passport to avoid exit-related issues while departing from the country
Official Japan Tourist Visa Government website/portal: https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Visa.html
Link to official VFS-Japan application portal: Visa Information (please change location of consulate depending on your resident status / home state in India)
Important: Japan visa on arrival is NOT available for Indian passport holders. It is also NOT possible to apply for a Japan tourist visa in a third country where you are not a legal resident.
Documents typically required to apply for the visa:
- Original Passport and copies of its front and back page
- Day wise itinerary / travel plan for entire duration of stay
- Proof of entry and exit (flight, land transport or sea transport bookings)
- Proof of stay (hotel reservation or details of host with invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsorship documents)
- Proof of employement (business registration documents or employment letter and leave letter)
- Photo as specified in the visa portal
(since documentation requirements change depending on the background of the application, make sure to check the official link above, for the latest requirements)
Processing time for the visa:
Usually minimum six working days as per the official note on the VFS agent portal. Sometimes longer as reported by applicants. Best to apply atleast one month before date of travel.
Cost of the visa:
INR 500 for 30 days eVisa fees (pay to the Japanese consulate) and a service charge of INR 800 (pay to the compulsory agent VFS)
Immigration requirements:
At the airport or seaport, present the passport and eVisa to the officer along with any additional documents sought (such as accommodation details, exit flight details, etc.) to obtain a visa entry stamp for 30 days
Share your latest experiences of obtaining the JapanTourist Visa or passing through immigration, as replies/comments in this thread. This will be very helpful to fellow travellers and members of this travel community who are planning a trip to Japan.
