🇯🇵 Japan visa, Indian passport.
Japan's eVisa for Indian passport holders launched in September 2025. It is NOT free, ~INR 450 consular fee, applied through accredited travel agencies only (no direct individual portal yet). Processing is roughly 5 working days. The eVisa covers tourist visits up to 90 days. Business/family/work visits still need the traditional sticker visa via Embassy/VFS.
How to apply, 6 steps.
- 1
Confirm passport validity
6 months from planned departure from Japan + 2 blank pages.
Check today - 2
Gather documents
Passport bio-page scan, passport photo (4.5×4.5 cm, white background), itinerary in Japan, bank statement (last 3 months, ₹2L+ closing), confirmed flights, hotels.
Before applying - 3
Apply via VFS Global Japan portal or accredited eVisa agency
Sticker route: visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn. eVisa route (since Sept 2025): only via accredited travel agencies, ~₹450 consular fee + agency service charge.
10-15 days before travel - 4
Submit at VFS center
Walk-in at Mumbai/Delhi/Chennai/Bangalore/Hyderabad/Kolkata VFS centers. Biometrics taken on the spot. Submit original passport.
After applying online - 5
Wait for approval
3-5 working days. Passport returns by post or you pick up. Visa is stamped (not just emailed).
3-5 days - 6
Travel + immigration
Show passport with visa sticker at Narita/Haneda/Kansai. 90-day stamp. Biometrics + photo taken at counter.
At airport on arrival
Document checklist.
- Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Photo 4.5×4.5 cm white background
- Itinerary (day-by-day)
- Flight bookings (held, not paid)
- Hotel bookings (cancellable)
- Bank statement 3 months (₹2L+)
- ITR last 1-2 years
- Employer NOC / business proof
Why Indians get rejected.
- Bank statement showing sudden large deposit (looks like 'borrowed for visa')
- Incomplete itinerary (just 'Tokyo' is not enough, list cities, dates, hotels)
- Photo doesn't meet 4.5×4.5 cm spec (most rejections come from this)
- First-time international traveler with weak financials
FAQ
How long does Japan visa take for Indians?
Processing time is ~5 working days. Apply 2-4 weeks before travel for safe margin.
How much does Japan visa cost for Indians in 2026?
₹450 per person (Q2 2026 official rate).
How long can Indians stay in Japan?
90 days per entry on the e-visa visa. Extension possible from inside the country in most cases, check with local immigration.
Do Indians need a return ticket to enter Japan?
Yes, a confirmed return or onward ticket within the visa duration (90 days) is required at airline check-in and at Japan immigration. Open-jaw and circle-trip tickets qualify.
Japan visa vs other popular destinations
Side-by-side comparison for Indian passport holders, Q2 2026 official rates.
| Country | Visa type | Fee (INR) | Stay | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵 Japan (this page) | e visa | ₹450 | 90 days | ~5 working days |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | visa free | Free | 30 days | instant |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | e Visa | ₹2,100 | 90 days | 3 days |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | visa on arrival | ₹2,800 | 30 days | instant |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | e visa | ₹6,500 | 60 days | 3-5 days |
| 🇪🇺 Schengen (Europe) | embassy | ₹8,500 | 90 days | 15-30 days |
Source: official embassy + consular sites, last verified Q2 2026.