Mount Fuji | Image credit: THUAN NGUYEN/Pixabay
Japan, famously known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’, earned this title because of its location in East Asia, making it one of the first places to see the sunrise. With mouthwatering street food in Osaka, the traditional Buddhist temples of Kyoto, and the bustling metropolitan life in Tokyo, there are countless reasons to visit Japan. Before finalising your itinerary, however, it’s essential for Indian tourists to understand the Japan visa and e-visa process.
Plan your grand adventure with this 10-day Japan itinerary.
Types of tourist visas for Indian citizens to visit Japan
Japan has specific visa requirements that vary based on your nationality. While citizens from some countries can enter Japan without a visa, others need to apply for one. In total, 71 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Germany, are allowed visa-free access to Japan.
As of April 2024, Indian citizens primarily use e-visas for short-term tourism visits to Japan. While the sticker visa is still available, the application process for both types of visas remains the same.
Japan’s eVisa explained
Citizens from certain countries can skip the lengthy process of obtaining a physical visa and instead apply for an online electronic visa, or eVisa. This online visa allows for a single entry into Japan for short-term stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes.
There are two methods of acquiring Japan’s e-visa:
Indians residing in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States can get through Japan’s eVisa website.
Indian nationals and foreign residents can apply for an e-visa through VFS Global, Japan’s partner for visa processing in India.
Important: Travellers with tourist visas, including the e-visa, cannot engage in revenue-generating activities or receive remuneration in Japan.
Who is eligible for Japan’s eVisa/tourist visa?
Image credit: Alexander Gatsenko/Shutterstock
Hold a valid ordinary passport.
Plan to travel to Japan by air and stay for a maximum of 90 days.
Require a single entry for tourism purposes.
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Key documents required
Image credit: Mehaniq/Shutterstock
Valid passport with two blank pages
Photocopy of biodata page of passport
A completed and signed visa application form for Japan
A recent passport-sized photograph
Cover letter stating the purpose of your trip (tourism) and specifying that you are applying for an eVisa or sticker visa.
Flight tickets
Itinerary outlining your planned stay in Japan
Income tax returns
Proof of relationship for dependents travelling with you (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
Reservation confirmation document
Here’s the document checklist for the Delhi centre.
Important: All photocopies should be on A4 size only
How do Indians apply for Japan’s eVisa/tourist visa?
Visa Application Form | Image credit: VFS Global
Head to the VFS Global Japan eVisa website to start the process.
Download Japan’s visa application form according to the Indian centre you are applying through: Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
Fill in the printed form and gather all the documents.
Submit the application, documents, and your passport at the VFS Japan Visa Centre, along with the required fees. No appointment is required for any centres except Chennai and Bengaluru.
The processing time for Japan’s visa is at least five days, but applicants have also received the visa within a day or two.
If you opt for the eVisa, you’ll receive a “visa issuance notice”. This notification is proof of your visa and will be verified at the airport. Remember, screenshots or a PDF of the notice won’t be accepted.
If you choose the sticker visa, the visa will be printed in your passport.
After you receive the visa result, collect your passport from the relevant centre. You can also pre-book a courier service to drop it off at home.
Japan tourist visa fees for Indians
Mount Fuji | Image credit: oatawa/Shutterstock
Cost of the e-visa: INR 500
Additional fees: In addition to the visa fee, applicants must pay a VFS Global Service Fee of INR 800 per application.
Japan tourist visa: Validity and renewal
The visa is valid for three months from the date of issuance. Any tourist visa, including the e-visa, cannot be extended or renewed for travelling in Japan, for all visitors, including Indians.
(Feature image credit: THUAN NGUYEN/Pixabay)
Related | Tokyo Vs Kyoto: Which City Should You Include In Your Japan Itinerary?
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long does it take to process a visa for Indians?
It can take four to five days to process a Japanese visa for Indians.
Can I extend my stay in if my visa expires?
You can’t extend your stay in Japan if your visa expires.
Is there a visa-free transit facility for Indians in Japan?
No, there is no visa-free transit facility for Indians in Japan.
Do I need any travel insurance for Japan?
The application process doesn’t require travel insurance, but the official website advises travellers to purchase international travel medical insurance.
What should I do if my visa application is rejected?
If your Japanese visa application is rejected, then under special circumstances, a re-application is accepted within six months of rejection.
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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