Japan Visa for Indians For Indian Passport Holders
Short Summary: Japan Visa for Indians
- Visa Requirement: Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to enter Japan
- Visa Types:
- Tourist (up to 90 days)
- Business (up to 90 days, extendable)
- Transit (up to 72 hours)
- Work (variable, contract-dependent)
- Student (variable, course-dependent)
- Common Requirements:
- Valid Indian Passport
- Completed Application Form
- Recent Photographs
- Flight Itinerary
- Proof of Financial Means
- Additional Documents: Vary by visa type (e.g., hotel booking, invitation letter, employment contract)
- Application Process:
- Submission: Japanese Embassy/Consulate or VFS Japan
- Fee: Currently INR 490 (single-entry, subject to change)
- Processing Time: Typically 4-6 working days
- Resources:
- Japanese Embassy in India: www.in.emb-japan.go.jp
- VFS Japan: www.vfsglobal.com/japan/india/
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Do Indians Need a Visa to Enter Japan?
- Types of Japan Visas for Indians
- Japan Visa Requirements for Indians
- Common Documents
- Additional Documents by Visa Type
- Application Process
- Submission Locations
- Visa Fees
- Processing Time
- Detailed Visa Types and Requirements
- Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor Visa)
- Business Visa
- Transit Visa
- Work Visa
- Student Visa
- Special Cases and Additional Information
- Multiple Entry Visas
- Biometric Data Collection
- Simplified Visa Procedures
- Visa Exemptions
- Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Official Resources and Contact Information
1. What is Japan Visa?
Japan, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, attracts numerous Indian visitors each year. To facilitate travel, the Japanese government offers various visa types tailored to different purposes and durations of stay. This guide provides a detailed overview of the Japan visa application process for Indian citizens.
2. Do Indians Need a Visa to Enter Japan?
Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Japan. However, the Japanese government has introduced streamlined processes and various visa types to accommodate different travel purposes.
3. Types of Japan Visas for Indians
Visa Type | Stay Period | Purpose |
Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor Visa) | Up to 90 days | Sightseeing, visiting friends/relatives, short-term business meetings |
Business Visa | Up to 90 days (extendable) | Business meetings, conferences, establishing business relationships |
Transit Visa | Up to 72 hours | Transiting through Japan |
Work Visa | Varies (dependent on contract) | Employment in Japan |
Student Visa | Varies (dependent on course) | Studying in Japan |
4. Japan Visa Requirements for Indians
Common Documents for All Visa Types:
- Valid Indian Passport: At least six months' validity from the planned departure date from Japan.
- Completed Visa Application Form: Download and fill from the Japanese Embassy/Consulate website.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Specified number (usually 2) with a white background.
- Flight Itinerary or Travel Arrangements: Proof of onward/return travel.
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statement or proof of income (requirements vary by visa type).
Additional Documents by Visa Type:
Tourist/Business Visa:
- Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter from Japan
- Detailed Itinerary
- Proof of Financial Means (INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000 or more, depending on the duration)
Business Visa:
- Invitation Letter from Japanese Company
- Certificate of Employment
- Company Profile
Work/Student Visa:
- Sponsorship Certificate
- Admission Letter (for students)
- Employment Contract (for workers)
- Other documents as specified by the Japanese Embassy/Consulate
5. Japan Visa Photo Size: (Specification and Requirements):
In order to apply for a visa to enter Japan, you must provide two coloured copies of a photo that satisfies the requirements below:
Requirement | Specification |
Size | 45 mm x 45 mm (equal to 2 inches x 2 inches) |
Head Position | Centered and facing forward |
Facial Coverage | Fill a significant portion of the frame,with some space above the head for cropping |
Head and Frame Gap | Enough space to avoid a "cut-off" look(avoiding specific measurements like 2mm-6mm) |
Background | Plain white |
Expression | Neutral, with mouth closed |
Glasses | Generally not recommended. May be allowed if they don'tobscure the eyes |
Headwear | Not allowed, except for religious purposes |
Clothing | Should not blend in with the white background. |
Age of Photo | Must be recent, within the last 6 months. |
6. Application Process
5.1 Submission Locations
Indian citizens can submit their Japan visa applications through the following locations:
a. Japanese Embassy (New Delhi)
- Address: 50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
Phone: +91-11-2687-6581
Fax: +91-11-2687-6582
Email: culture@nd.mofa.go.jp (for cultural inquiries) / visa@nd.mofa.go.jp (for visa inquiries)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Submission and Collection: By applicant or authorized representative (with a letter of authorization)
b. Consulate-General of Japan (Various Locations)
- Mumbai:
Address: No. 1, M.L. Dhanukar Marg, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai - 400026
Phone: +91-22-23517101
Fax: +91-22-23517102
Kolkata:
Address: No. 55, M.N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge, Kolkata - 700040
Phone: +91-33-24652001
Fax: +91-33-24652002
Bengaluru:
Address: No. 1, Sigma Avenue, 3rd Floor, No. 1, Infantry Road, Bengaluru - 560001
Phone: +91-80-40649000
Fax: +91-80-40649001
Chennai:
Address: No. 12/1, Cenotaph Road, 2nd Street, Teynampet, Chennai - 600018
Phone: +91-44-24323860
Fax: +91-44-24323861
Working Hours and Submission/Collection Process: Similar to the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi
c. Authorized Visa Application Centers (e.g., VFS Japan)
- VFS Japan:
Locations: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad (check the website for addresses)
Phone: As listed on the VFS Japan website for each location
Email: info.japanin@vfshelpline.com
Working Hours: Typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (check the website for specific location hours)
Submission and Collection: By applicant or authorized representative (with a letter of authorization)
5.2 Visa Fees
- Single-Entry Visa: Currently INR 490 (subject to change without notice)
Multiple Entry Visas and Other Types:
Fees Vary: Depending on the type and duration of the visa
Check with the Submission Location: For the most up-to-date fee information
5.3 Processing Time
Typical Processing Time:
Tourist/Business Visas: 4-6 working days
Other Visa Types: May vary; check with the submission location for more information
Express Service (Optional):
Availability: For an additional fee, at the discretion of the Japanese authorities
Reduced Processing Time: Typically 2 working days (for eligible applications)
Fee: Varies; check with the submission location for the current express service fee
Additional Tips for the Application Process:
- Verify the Latest Information: Before visiting the submission location, ensure you have the most current requirements and fees.
Submit Applications in Advance: Allow sufficient time for processing to avoid last-minute rushes.
Use Authorized Channels: Only submit applications through the Japanese Embassy, Consulate-General of Japan, or authorized visa application centers like VFS Japan.
Double-Check Your Application: Ensure all forms are accurately filled and all required documents are included to avoid delays.
6. Detailed Visa Types and Requirements
6.1 Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor Visa)
- Stay Period: Up to 90 days
- Purpose: Sightseeing, visiting friends/relatives, short-term business meetings
- Additional Requirements:
- Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter
- Detailed Itinerary
- Proof of Financial Means (INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000 or more)
6.2 Business Visa
- Stay Period: Up to 90 days (extendable)
- Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, establishing business relationships
- Additional Requirements:
- Invitation Letter from Japanese Company
- Certificate of Employment
- Company Profile
6.3 Transit Visa
- Stay Period: Up to 72 hours
- Purpose: Transiting through Japan
- Additional Requirements:
- Confirmed Onward Flight Ticket
- Proof of Financial Means (may be waived in some cases)
6.4 Work Visa
- Stay Period: Varies (dependent on work contract)
- Purpose: Employment in Japan
- Additional Requirements:
- Sponsorship Certificate
- Employment Contract
- Diploma and Transcript (for certain professions)
6.5 Student Visa
- Stay Period: Varies (dependent on course duration)
- Purpose: Studying in Japan
- Additional Requirements:
- Admission Letter from a Japanese Educational Institution
- Sponsorship Certificate
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates
7. Special Cases and Additional Information
7.1 Multiple Entry Visas
- Eligibility: Indian citizens who have previously visited Japan and have a proven track record of compliance with Japanese immigration laws.
- Stay Period: Up to 90 days per entry, within a specified period (e.g., 1, 3, or 5 years).
7.2 Biometric Data Collection
- Applicability: May be required for certain visa types or at the discretion of the Japanese authorities.
- Process: Fingerprint scanning at the submission location.
7.3 Simplified Visa Procedures
- Introduction: To facilitate tourism and business travel, the Japanese government has streamlined the visa application process for Indian citizens.
- Benefits: Reduced documentation and faster processing times for eligible applicants.
7.4 Visa Exemptions
- Not Applicable: Currently, there are no visa exemptions for Indian citizens traveling to Japan.
8. Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Check the Latest Requirements: Verify all documents and regulations before applying.
- Submit Applications in Advance: Allow sufficient time for processing.
- Ensure Accurate Application Forms: Double-check filled forms for errors.
- Provide Complete Documentation: Avoid delays by submitting all required documents.
9. Official Resources and Contact Information
- Japanese Embassy in India: https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/
- Address: 50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
- Phone: +91-11-2687-6581
- Consulate-General of Japan in India (various locations): Check the embassy website for details.
- VFS Japan (Authorized Visa Application Center):
https://www.vfsglobal.com/japan/india/ - Contact Information: Available on the VFS Japan website.
Need more clarity on the Japan visa? Check out helpful resources below
Japan Tourist Visa Requirement
Japan Business Visa Requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Extend My Japan Visa?
Before going ahead with the extension of your visa for Japan, you must first have a legitimate reason to extend the same.
You must apply about 90 days before the expiration of the visa. The application can be addressed to the Japan Immigration Bureau.
Your application will be processed once you pay the required fee and provide a credible reason to stay in the country.
What is the medical test for Japan Visa?
A medical test is carried out to make sure that the candidate is fit for the journey. However, this medical test is not necessarily carried out for short-term visas and the process is mainly mandated for long-term visas like a resident permit or work visa.
How Much Bank Balance Required to Get Japan visa?
The amount that is required in your savings bank account is not specified clearly by the Japan Consulate/ Embassy.
There may be requirements as per the type of your visa and whether the visa is a long-term or a short-term visa.
You may need to confirm this information once you know what kind of visa you require. The requirements may change based on several other factors.
Will my application for a Japan visa be rejected if I am unemployed?
No, you do not have to worry about your visa getting rejected because of your unemployment. To get accepted, you will need credible and genuine proof of sufficient funds.
If you have enough money to travel to Japan being unemployed, there is no problem in getting the visa for Japan accepted.
How long does Japan visa approval take?
Typically, it takes about five working days to process a Japan visa application, starting from the day after you submit it. But sometimes, if there are lots of applications at once, it might take longer.
I do not have English or Japanese travel documents. Can this lead to Visa rejection?
Yes. A certified translation by an experienced translator is typically required for documents other than English or Japanese. Correctly format and ensure the accuracy of all translations.
In Japan, I need to visit restricted areas for business purposes. Does this have any effect on my application for a visa?
There is a possibility. There might be a need for special permits in restricted areas. If there are any restrictions in the area you plan to visit, check with the visa office to ensure your visa application reflects a valid reason to visit.
Is it possible to extend a tourist visa in Japan so I can work there?
No, of course not. The visa regulations are being violated in this situation. You may be rejected entry to Japan, fined, and blacklisted if you enter with the wrong visa type and attempt to switch.
It would be great if I could get a work visa, even though I don't currently have a job. Is it still possible to apply?
It's challenging. Companies typically sponsor work visas. Applying for a work visa for Japan is quite difficult if you don't have a firm job offer there. If staying in Japan for an extended length of time is your main objective, consider other options such as student visas.
I plan to return from Japan within two months of my passport expiring. How much time is enough?
No, it is probably not. A valid passport is required for most countries, including Japan, for at least six months beyond your planned stay. It is recommended that you renew your passport before applying for a visa in order to avoid delays.
