Mount Fuji, Japan | Image credit: David Edelstein/Unsplash
Japan is a beloved travel destination, known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and delicious cuisine. While there are countless reasons to visit Japan, one standout aspect for Indian travellers is the benefits of the Japanese visa. This visa not only allows entry into Japan but also facilitates visa-free travel to seven additional countries, including the Philippines, Georgia, Taiwan, and Singapore. Here’s how you can leverage the diplomatic power of the Japanese visa for broader travel opportunities.
This guide on the Japan visa process for Indian tourists decodes fees, required documents, eligibility, and more.
Types of tourist visa for Japan: Which visa allows for visa-free travel?
Image credit: Paul Davidson from Prince George, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Japan offers two types of visas for Indian tourists: an eVisa and a sticker visa. The sticker visa can be issued for either single-entry or multiple-entry, whereas the eVisa is limited to single-entry only. Indian travellers can only access certain visa-free countries with a Japanese sticker visa. The eVisa does not provide the same privileges, as it is represented solely by the ‘Visa Issuance Notice’, which lacks detailed information that only Japanese immigration officers can verify. To maximise the benefits of your visa for Japan, it is advisable to apply for a sticker visa instead of an eVisa.
Countries Indians can visit visa-free with a Japanese visa
Singapore
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | Image credit: Hu Chen/Unsplash
Singapore offers a Visa-Free Transit Facility, which allows Indians holding a valid single-entry or multiple-entry visa from Japan to visit the country for a limited period. The policy requires travellers to explore Singapore for up to 96 hours (4 days) and then catch a flight to their final destination.
More details here.
Philippines
El Nido, Philippines | Image credit: Eibner Saliba/Unsplash
Indian nationals with a valid used or unused multiple-entry Japanese visa are eligible for visa-free access to the Philippines. They must have a valid passport for six months before departure from the country and a return or onward ticket to another destination. Japanese visa grants a visa-free stay of 14 days, which can be extended to an additional seven days at the discretion of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, giving 21 visa-free days.
More details here.
Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan | Image credit: Timo Volz/Unsplash
Indian citizens can travel to Taiwan without a visa if they obtain a Republic of China (R.O.C.) Travel Authorisation Certificate. To qualify for this certificate, travellers must have a valid Japanese visa, which can be either single-entry or multiple-entry, and it may be expired or unused. However, the expired visa must have expired within the last ten years. This authorisation allows travellers to stay in Taiwan for up to 14 days and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
More details here.
Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia | Image credit: Jaanus Jagomägi/Unsplash
Georgia welcomes all nationalities, including Indians, under its visa-free policy, provided they hold a valid, unused or used multiple-entry visa from Japan. They grant a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
More details here.
Montenegro
Kotor, Montenegro | Image credit: olga brajnovic/Unsplash
The valid, used or unused multiple-entry Japanese visa grants visa-free entry to Montenegro for up to 30 days.
More details here.
Mexico
Guanajuato, Mexico | Image credit: Dennis Schrader/Unsplash
Indians and all other nationalities can enter Mexico visa-free if they have a valid, unused or used multiple-entry visa from Japan. It grants a stay of less than 180 days.
More details here.
Panama
Panama City, Panama | Image credit: Luis Aleman/Unsplash
Panama welcomes all nationalities, including Indians, without a visa as long as travellers have a used multiple-entry Japanese visa. This policy grants entry for 30 days and requires proof of economic solvency of a minimum of USD 500 (approximately INR 42,376) along with a round-trip ticket.
More details here.
(Feature image credit: David Edelstein/Unsplash)
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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Japan’s tourist visa enough to enter other countries visa-free?
Yes, the Japanese tourist visa can help enter Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines, Georgia, Montenegro, Panama and Mexico visa-free.
Do I need to enter Japan first to use the visa for other countries?
Each country has separate rule, you will need to check that from this guide to know whether their policy requires travellers to visit Japan first.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read Moreat Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi! Read Less
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