Japan is well-known for its martial arts, weapons, cherry blossoms, and temples like Kiyomizu-dera. The rapidly growing country with its innovations in technology and, of course, its cuisine, especially Japanese sashimi and sushi.
Let's see some statistics to know how many Indians visit Japan.
According to the Japanese tourism database
< In Year 2019 (Before Covid) >
- There have been over 175,000 Indian visits to Japan.
- It was also noted that Indian tourists found Japan convenient and of primary interest.
< And see Japan Tourism's growth in 2023 >
- From January to June 2023, we witnessed close to 79,500 Indian visitors.
- In March 2024 alone, there were 27,200 Indian visitors, bringing the total count up to around 49,800 Indian visitors by March.
What are you waiting for? Make your bookings immediately. And yes to start with planning you need a Japan visa. How can you forget about a visa?
The visa approval rate for Indian tourist visa applications to Japan is quite high, around 95%, but the rejection rate can also be high. This is because "the Japanese embassy has strict rules for visas. If you miss any one of them then there is a high chance that your visa might get denied".
So it is advisable to take a consultation from a visa expert to avoid visa application refusal that might affect your future visa application and travel.
Ready to explore the Land of the Rising Sun?
Japan is a rule-following country. There are certain formalities that you need to take care of in case you are willing to visit Japan soon. The foremost thing that you do is applying a visa for Japan in India.
There are multiple assets associated with the issuance of this visa. As per the type, the visa will allow the holder to travel to the country for tourism, for business, visiting friends and family, and for pursuing higher education or employment in the country.
The validity of the visa will differ from type to type and so will the eligibility and document requirements. Issuing a visa to Japan from India is mandatory for all nationals of India.
Yes, to go to Japan, Indians have to get a visa. These can vary according to your goal and the type of visa you apply for.
The Japanese government introduced an eVisa program specifically for Indians on April 1, 2024. As a result, you no longer need a physical visa sticker on your passport.
No, Indian nationals are not currently eligible to get a Japan visa on arrival. Their only choice is to apply for an E visa which was started on April 1, 2024. Thus, you must apply for a Japan visa before preparations.
Japan have a different type of visas for Indians as we mentioned it all depends on you and why you are visiting. Let us check and see which is suitable for you:
This visa is suitable for for sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or attending cultural events.
This visa is especially for short-term business trips like attending conferences or meetings.
If you have a connecting flight in Japan and need to leave the airport.
This visa is for those who want to receive any kind of medical treatment in Japan.
For all those students who want to pursue their education in Japan.
For all those who want to work in a company in Japan. There are different types which are based on your profession.
This visa is for the children and spouses of long-term visa holders.
This is for volunteering for cultural initiatives such as traditional art studies or internships.
For you here is a summarized way to know all the types of Japan Visas:
Visa Type | Purpose of Stay | Entry Type | Duration |
Short-Term Stay | |||
Tourist Visa | Sightseeing, visiting family/friends, cultural events | Single or Multiple Entry | Up to 90 days |
Business Visa | Attending conferences, meetings | Single or Multiple Entry | Up to 90 days |
Transit Visa | Connecting flight with airport exit | Single Entry | Short duration (depends on flight connection) |
Medical Visa | Receiving medical treatment | Single Entry | Up to 90 days (extensions possible) |
Long-Term Stay | |||
Student Visa | Studying in Japan | Single Entry | Varies depending on program length |
Work Visa | Working in a Japanese company | Single Entry | Varies depending on job contract |
Dependent Visa | Spouse or child of long-term visa holder | Single Entry | Varies depending on the dependent's status and visa holder's visa duration |
Cultural Activities Visa | Volunteering in cultural initiatives (traditional arts, internships) | Single Entry | Varies depending on program length |
To find out the latest information regarding visa types and their specific requirements, visit the official Japanese government websites or contact your nearest Japanese embassy.
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. |
A specific set of documents is required for each type of visa. Depending on the applicant's visa history and passport type, they may even differ from person to person.
Indian passport holders must meet the following requirements in order to obtain a Japan visa:
the japan visa fees for Indians as per the type of visa you applied for. Please remember these are the visa application fees only. Fees can be changed.
You must always refer to the official Japanese government websites or contact the nearest Japanese embassy/consulate for the latest information on visa fees.
Visa Type | Entry Type | Visa Application Fee (INR) |
Short-Term Stay | ||
Tourist Visa | Single or Multiple | 500 |
Business Visa | Single or Multiple | 500 |
Transit Visa | Single | 50 |
Medical Visa | Single | 500 |
Long-Term Stay | ||
Student Visa | Single | 500 |
Work Visa | Single | 500 |
Dependent Visa | Single | 500 |
Cultural Activities Visa | Single | 500 |
Processing an Indian citizen's visa for Japan typically takes approximately 5 to 7 working days for short-term visas. Visas for long-term stay may vary in duration based on circumstances and requirements.
Processing time can also be affected by factors such as the completeness of the application, the volume of applications received, and additional processing requirements.
Travelers should plan their visa application well in advance to account for any potential delays and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Visa Type | Estimated Processing Time |
Short-Term Stay (Up to 90 Days) | |
Tourist Visa (Single or Multiple Entry) | 4 to 7 working days (minimum) |
Business Visa (Single or Multiple Entry) | 4 to 7 working days (minimum) |
Transit Visa | Same day (possible, depends on complexity) |
Medical Visa | 4 to 7 working days (minimum) |
Long-Term Stay (Over 90 Days) | |
Student Visa | 4 to 8 weeks |
Work Visa | Several weeks to a few months |
Dependent Visa | 4 to 8 weeks (linked to primary visa holder's status) |
Cultural Activities Visa | 4 to 8 weeks |
Japan Visa Application Tracking Centres which will help you to consult your application details if you face any difficulties.
City | Tracking Center | Address | Open Timings |
New Delhi | VFS Global Center | Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 110001 | Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Embassy of Japan | 50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021 | Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM | |
Mumbai | VFS Global Center | Urmi Estate, 95 Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013 | Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Consulate-General of Japan | No. 1 M.L. Dahanukar Marg, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai - 400026 | Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM | |
Chennai | VFS Global Center | Fagun Towers, 3rd Floor, No 74, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai - 600008 | Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Consulate-General of Japan | 12/1 Cenetoph Road, 1st Street, Teynampet, Chennai - 600018 | Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM | |
Bangalore | VFS Global Center | Prestige Atrium, Ground Floor, Unit No. 2, 1 Central Street, Bengaluru - 560001 | Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Consulate-General of Japan | 1st Floor, Prestige Nebula, 8-12, Cubbon Road, Bengaluru - 560001 | Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM | |
Kolkata | VFS Global Center | Rene Tower, Building No. 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Rajdanga, Kolkata - 700107 | Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Consulate-General of Japan | 55, M.N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge, Kolkata - 700040 | Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM | |
Hyderabad | VFS Global Center | 1-8-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P. Road, Begumpet, Secunderabad - 500003 | Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
The following steps has to be followed after you submit your Japan visa application from India:
There may be online tracking systems available on the official websites of Japanese embassies and consulates in India. See if this option is available on their website.
Contact or Helpline Number: 091 22 6786601
Extending your stay in Japan requires applying for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Here’s a breakdown of the process for Indian citizens:
The following people are eligible to apply:
Visa holders who are in control of a valid Japan visa and are in a status that allows extensions of their stay (e.g., students, workers, dependents).
The best time to apply is:
Your application will generally be accepted 3 months before your current visa expires.
Avoid waiting until the last minute to prevent complications.
The following places accept applications:
Depending on where you live in Japan, you should contact the Immigration Bureau.
Important Notes:
If you require specific information about your situation, you should consult the official website of the Immigration Bureau of Japan or contact your nearest office.
There is no guarantee that an extension of a visa will be approved. According to the requirements and your residency status, the immigration authorities will review your application.
A person who overstays their visa can be punished with fines and deportation if he or she does so.
It is possible to increase your chances of successfully extending your Japan visa by following these steps and using the provided resources.
Common Reasons for Japan Visa Rejection for Indian Citizens are as follow:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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.