Japan Visa Guide
for Indian Passport Holders
Everything you need to know — visa types, requirements, processing times, and the exact steps — so you can focus on planning the journey, not the paperwork.
Our visa specialists guide you through the entire application process
Japan Visa — Overview
Indian passport holders require a visa to visit Japan. Japan does not currently offer a visa on arrival for Indian nationals, however the process is straightforward and well-organised.
Good news for frequent travellers: If you have a valid US, UK, Schengen, Australian or Canadian visa/PR, Japan offers a simplified visa application process with reduced documentation requirements.
Visa Types for India
| Visa Type | Duration | Best For | Single/Multiple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single) | Up to 15 days | Short first visits | Single entry |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple) | Up to 90 days per visit | Frequent travellers | Multiple entry · 3 years |
| Tourism (30 Days) | Up to 30 days | Longer explorations | Single entry |
| Business Visa | Up to 90 days | Business purposes | Single/Multiple |
Live Traveller recommends: For most Indian travellers, the 30-day single-entry tourist visa is ideal for a 10–14 day Japan trip. If you plan to visit Japan regularly, apply for the multiple-entry visa.
Documents Required
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. At least 2 blank pages required.
Download from the Embassy of Japan website. Complete in English (or Japanese). No overwriting allowed.
2 recent colour photographs (45mm × 45mm), white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Confirmed return flight bookings showing entry and exit from Japan. Does not need to be a paid ticket — a booking confirmation is sufficient.
Confirmed accommodation for all nights in Japan. Must match your itinerary dates.
Last 3–6 months of bank statements showing sufficient funds. Minimum balance of ₹1.5 lakh per person recommended.
Salary slips (last 3 months) + Form 16, OR IT returns for self-employed individuals + business registration proof.
For salaried employees — letter from employer confirming approved leave dates.
Application Process
Japan visa applications for Indians are submitted through an authorised Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) operated by VFS Global. One jurisdiction has changed recently and it is worth checking your own: the Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai stopped accepting visa applications directly from applicants on 20 April 2026 and now routes them through VFS Global. That change applies to the Mumbai Consulate-General; other Japanese missions in India set their own arrangements, so confirm what the mission covering your city currently accepts rather than assuming.
Since 1 April 2024 there has also been a JAPAN eVISA available in India. It covers a single-entry, short-term tourism visa of up to 90 days, and it is open to Indian nationals and to foreign nationals resident in India. You still apply through a VFS Global centre — what changes is the output: the visa is issued electronically instead of as a sticker in your passport.
If you are issued an eVISA, note how it has to be presented. You must display the “visa issuance notice” on a mobile device at the airport, which means you need working internet access when you arrive. A PDF, a photograph, a screenshot or a printed copy will not be accepted.
| City | Centre | Appointment Needed |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Embassy of Japan + VFS JVAC | Yes — book online |
| Mumbai | Consulate General + VFS JVAC | Yes — book online |
| Bengaluru | Consulate General + VFS JVAC | Yes — book online |
| Chennai | Consulate General + VFS JVAC | Yes — book online |
Processing Time & Best Practices
Standard processing: 5–10 working days after submission. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
Japan's visa process is highly systematic — complete, well-organised applications are almost always approved without issues. Rejections typically occur due to incomplete documentation, insufficient bank balance, or inconsistent travel itinerary.
Live Traveller tip: We handle the complete visa documentation preparation for all Japan journeys we design. Our visa specialists help travellers prepare complete applications with careful document guidance. Final visa decisions always remain with the relevant authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us handle the visa. You plan the journey.
Our specialists prepare your complete Japan visa documentation — so you can focus on what matters.