Japan Visa for Indians
The two routes Indian passports have into Japan - the JAPAN eVisa for the four metro consulate regions, and the VFS paper application everywhere else - with fees, documents and timelines.
Indian passport holders need a visa before travelling to Japan - there is no visa on arrival. Two routes exist: the JAPAN eVisa at evisa.mofa.go.jp, currently available for single-entry tourist visas under the Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai consulate regions, and the paper application through VFS Global everywhere else and for multi-entry visas. The government fee for Indian nationals is a concessional INR 500, single or multiple entry, unchanged by Japan's worldwide fee increase on 1 July 2026; VFS centres add a service charge on the paper route. Processing runs about 5 to 7 working days - apply well ahead in peak seasons.
Japan is a visa most Indian travellers over-fear: the approval rate is high, the fee for Indians is a concessional INR 500, and an eVisa now exists - but the process is paperwork-precise, and knowing which of the two application routes applies to you saves the most time.
This page covers both routes, the documents Japan actually scrutinises, the timeline, and when to apply. The authoritative sources are the JAPAN eVisa portal at evisa.mofa.go.jp and the Japanese embassy's pages for India - check them close to travel.
Japan Visa Requirements, Fees & Processing Time
The essentials for Indian citizens:
- Visa required before travel - there is no visa on arrival for Indian passports
- eVisa route: the JAPAN eVisa system covers single-entry tourist visas, currently for applicants under the Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai consulate regions; wider India rollout has been indicated but not yet dated
- Paper route: applications through VFS Global serve the rest of India, and anyone needing a multiple-entry visa
- Fee: INR 500 for Indian nationals, single or multiple entry. Japan raised visa fees worldwide on 1 July 2026 (to JPY 15,000 single entry), but India is exempt under a long-standing bilateral arrangement, so the INR 500 rate stands. VFS centres add their own service charge on the paper route
- Stay: short-term tourist visas allow stays of up to 90 days as granted
- Processing: about 5 to 7 working days, stretching in peak seasons and when an application is referred onward
Which route are you on?
The eVisa suits single-entry tourism if you reside in the jurisdiction of the Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru or Chennai consulates. It is fully online at evisa.mofa.go.jp - no biometrics visit, and the approval links to your passport electronically.
The VFS paper route covers everyone else, and any multi-entry application. You submit physical documents at a VFS Japan visa application centre, and the passport travels with the application. Neither route involves an interview for ordinary tourism.
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm your route - eVisa if you are in a covered consulate region and need single entry; VFS otherwise.
- Prepare the Japan-specific documents - alongside the standard set, Japan asks for a day-by-day Schedule of Stay (their itinerary format) and evidence you can fund the trip: recent bank statements, and ITR documents if asked.
- Apply - create an account and upload documents on evisa.mofa.go.jp, or book a VFS appointment and submit in person with the printed form.
- Pay the applicable charges - INR 500 to the government either way, paid online on the eVisa route, plus the VFS service charge on top if you go the paper route.
- Wait about 5 to 7 working days - longer in cherry-blossom season and holiday peaks, so apply 4 to 8 weeks ahead for those windows.
- Carry the approval - the eVisa confirmation or the visa sticker in your passport, plus your return ticket.
Documents you need
- Passport with six months' validity and two blank pages
- Recent 45x45 mm photo against a white background - Japan is strict about photo spec
- Completed application form (or the eVisa online form)
- Day-by-day Schedule of Stay
- Confirmed return flight and hotel bookings
- Recent bank statements; ITR or Form 16 if requested
- Covering letter stating purpose and dates (paper route)
The short version
Japan for Indians in one line: visa before you fly, no interview, INR 500 in government fees, about a week of processing - eVisa online if you are under the four metro consulates, VFS paper otherwise. The two things that actually cause rejections are sloppy Schedules of Stay and thin funds evidence, so give those the care. Verify current rules at evisa.mofa.go.jp before booking, and plan the trip itself in Tripmojo.
Rules change - double-check your exact passport and travel dates with the visa checker, then plan the rest of the trip in Tripmojo.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Japan?
Yes, before travel - Japan has no visa on arrival for Indian passports. Apply via the JAPAN eVisa (single-entry, four metro consulate regions) or through VFS Global.
How much does the Japan visa cost for Indians?
INR 500, for single or multiple entry. Japan's worldwide fee increase on 1 July 2026 took most nationalities to JPY 15,000 for a single-entry visa, but Indian nationals are exempt under a bilateral arrangement and still pay INR 500. On the paper route you also pay the VFS service charge, and agents quote bundled prices - confirm the exact total where you apply.
How long does the Japan visa take for Indians?
About 5 to 7 working days in normal periods. Cherry-blossom season and year-end holidays stretch it - apply 4 to 8 weeks ahead for peak travel.
Can all Indians use the Japan eVisa?
Not yet - it currently serves single-entry tourist applications under the Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai consulate regions. Wider rollout has been indicated without a confirmed date; everyone else applies through VFS.
How long can Indians stay in Japan on a tourist visa?
Short-term stays of up to 90 days as granted on the visa. Multi-entry visas with longer validity exist via the paper route for eligible applicants.
Written and fact-checked by Tripmojo’s editorial team. Drafted with AI assistance, then reviewed by a human before publishing. Visa rules change - always confirm with the official source before you book.
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