Japan Tourist Visa for Indians

Types of Tourist Visas for Japan

Japan is widely visited by travellers and business people from across the world, including India. You must have a good understanding of Japan tourist visa requirements for Indians if you are planning a trip to this country in the near future. You must know about the types of Japanese visas available to Indians in order to apply for the right one.

You should apply for a Japan tourist visa from India, which allows you to enter the country for short-term tourism or sightseeing. This can be a single- or multiple-entry visa, based on the travel history and purpose of the applicant, which is valid for 90 days. Keep reading to know more about Japan tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens.

Short-Term Stay

A short-term visa would allow you to stay in Japan for around 90 days. This visa is intended for several purposes, including tourism, cultural events, and business, as well as visiting friends or relatives. When checking Japan visa requirements for Indians, you will find that a short-term visa can be categorised into the following types:

• Single-Entry Visa: This visa allows you to enter Japan once and stay as per the visa terms. You cannot return to Japan on the same visa once you leave the country.
• Multiple-Entry Visa: This visa allows you to enter and re-enter Japan several times over a specific period.

Transit Visa

This visa is necessary for travellers who need to make a short stopover in Japan and travel to another country. A transit visa is only issued if the traveller has to board a connecting flight to another country. If they do not have a connecting flight on the same day, travellers would need a transit visa to stay within the airport premises or book a room for resting. A Japanese transit visa is generally valid for 15 days from the date of issue for a single entry.

As of now, it is not possible to obtain a Japan on-arrival visa for Indian citizens. As Japan does not offer visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens, you must obtain a valid visa before arriving in the country. 

Visa Application Process

Applying for a Japan tourist visa for Indian citizens involves a few simple steps. 

• Step 1: Identify The Right Visa Type 

Your first step would be to identify exactly what visa you need based on your specific requirements and travel plans. A Japan tourist visa for Indians would allow you to visit Japan for a holiday or recreation for a stay of up to 90 days.

• Step 2: Visit The Official VFS Global Website.

Indian nationals have to apply for their Japanese visa through VFS Global, which is the authorised consular service provider for Japanese visas. On their website, you will find detailed insight into Japan tourist visa requirements for Indians. 

• Step 3: Complete The Application Form

Download the visa application form from the website, print and complete it. You must make sure that all your information is correct and legible.

• Step 4: Compile Required Documents

You must carefully gather all the documents necessary, like: 

• Passport
• Passport size photographs 
• Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements for the last six months.
• A detailed travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation details).
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• Step 5: Book an Appointment with VFS Global.

You must book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global visa application centre. 

• Step 6: Attend The Scheduled Appointment 

You have to visit the Visa application centre and submit your application along with the supporting documents. You also have to pay the visa application fee at the time of your appointment.

• Step 7: Track Your Application 

You can track your visa application with the Reference Number present on the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre. The visa application processing time would largely depend on the workload at the Japanese embassy or consulate. Usually, it takes between 4 to 10 business days to get a Japanese visa.

Overall, applying for a Japan e visa for Indian citizens is a hassle-free process as long as all the steps are being appropriately followed. 

Japan Visa Charges for Indians

The application fee for a Japan visa for Indians varies as per the type of visa applied for. The fee for Japan tourist visa for Indians is INR 450. This fee may change at any time. Therefore, you must check the up-to-date visa costs before planning your trip to Japan.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Not Applying at the Right Time: The ideal window to apply for a Japan tourist visa is 1-3 months before your intended travel date. Applying too early may result in your visa validity expiring before your trip. On the other hand, last-minute submissions can increase the odds of missing your departure due to processing delays.
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• Incomplete Application Form: One of the most common reasons for Japan visa rejection is submitting an incomplete or incorrectly filled application form. Incorrect details and missing fields can lead to immediate denial. Therefore, you must always cross-check your visa application before submitting it. 
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• Insufficient Funds: To obtain a Japan tourist visa, you have to provide proof that you can cover your expenses during your stay. Bank statements with a low balance may lead to your Japan visa rejection. You should ideally provide at least 6 months of bank statements that show steady income or sufficient savings.
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• Tips for Travellers
• Always provide a detailed travel itinerary, which includes flight bookings, hotel reservations, and day-to-day plans. Be honest and consistent in all your information.
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• Make sure that all documents are valid and properly arranged.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: All the information mentioned above is accurate at the time of writing. For real-time visa information, pls visit https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa.html