How Indian passport holders get a visa for Japan: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: eVisa or paper visa — apply via VFS before travel
- Government fee: From 1 April 2026: ₹500 for a single or multiple-entry visa (₹50 for a transit visa). A separate VFS Global service charge applies.
- Processing time: Officially around 5 working days; in practice often 12–15 working days. Appointment booking is required at Indian VFS centres
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per stay
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 54/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages
- Visa application form
- Recent photograph
- Day-by-day travel itinerary
- Confirmed round-trip flight booking
- Confirmed hotel / accommodation bookings
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, Income Tax Returns)
How & where to apply
Indian residents apply through VFS Global (Japan Visa Application Centres in India) — you cannot apply directly on Japan's MOFA portal from India. An eVisa or a paper visa is issued. Embassy of Japan in India — visa info (official)
Transit & connections
Japan has no broad airside-transit exemption. Staying airside on the same airport with a confirmed onward ticket is usually fine, but a transit visa (₹50) is needed if you change airports or pass immigration — confirm with your airline.
How Japan compares in East Asia
With an ease score of 54/100 this is a moderate-effort application for Indians — start early and follow the document checklist exactly. Japan requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
| Country | Visa type | Government fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇯🇵 Japan | eVisa or paper visa — apply via VFS before travel | From 1 April 2026: ₹500 for a single or multiple-entry visa (₹50 for a transit visa). A separate VFS Global service charge applies. | Officially around 5 working days; in practice often 12–15 working days. Appointment booking is required at Indian VFS centres |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | Sticker visa — apply at VFS / embassy before travel | Approx ₹3,400 single-entry / ₹7,650 multiple-entry, plus a VFS service charge (approx ₹1,380). Confirm current fees on the Korea VFS portal. | Around 5–10 working days from a complete submission |
| 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | Free Pre-Arrival Registration — 14 days | Free of charge | PAR approval is usually instant to a few minutes online; valid for 6 months and allows multiple 14-day visits during validity |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan | Travel Authorization Certificate (free) OR sticker visa | Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC): free. Standard visitor visa (sticker) from Taipei Economic & Cultural Centre: roughly ₹4,200 single-entry to ₹8,400 multiple-entry, plus express premium. | TAC approval is instant online (printable within minutes). Sticker visa via TECC Chennai / Delhi typically takes a few working days. |
| 🇨🇳 China | L tourist visa — apply via Chinese Visa Centre in India | Reduced fees effective through 31 December 2026: single entry ₹2,900; double entry ₹4,400; 6-month multiple ₹5,900; 12-month+ multiple ₹8,800. CVASC service fee ₹1,973 (regular) or ₹2,908 (express), plus optional ₹1,800 for express processing. | Standard: 4–6 working days. Express: 2–3 working days (extra fee). Apply in person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata. |
| 🇲🇳 Mongolia | eVisa (K2 tourist) — apply online before travel | USD 53 (~₹4,400) for the standard single-entry K2 tourist e-visa. Card payment on the official portal. | Usually 72 hours (3 business days). Apply at least 1 week before travel to allow for queries. |
| 🇲🇴 Macao SAR | Visa-free — 30 days | No government visa fee. | Granted on arrival at Macau International Airport (MFM) or via the Hong Kong → Macau ferry — no advance application needed. |
Fees and processing times are indicative and change with exchange rates and season — always confirm on each country's official source before applying.
Good to know
Interviews are not routine but the consulate may request one. Apply well ahead — processing is slow at peak times. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Visa.html
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Japan?
eVisa or paper visa — apply via VFS before travel. Interviews are not routine but the consulate may request one. Apply well ahead — processing is slow at peak times.
What documents do Indians need for a Japan visa?
Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages; Visa application form; Recent photograph; Day-by-day travel itinerary; Confirmed round-trip flight booking; Confirmed hotel / accommodation bookings; Proof of financial means (bank statements, Income Tax Returns)
How long does a Japan visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Officially around 5 working days; in practice often 12–15 working days. Appointment booking is required at Indian VFS centres. Government fee: From 1 April 2026: ₹500 for a single or multiple-entry visa (₹50 for a transit visa). A separate VFS Global service charge applies.. Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per stay.
How do Indians apply for a Japan visa?
Indian residents apply through VFS Global (Japan Visa Application Centres in India) — you cannot apply directly on Japan's MOFA portal from India. An eVisa or a paper visa is issued. Official source: https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Visa.html
Is a Japan visa hard to get for Indian citizens?
With an ease score of 54/100 this is a moderate-effort application for Indians — start early and follow the document checklist exactly. No interview is normally required.
Can Indians get a Japan visa online or on arrival?
Japan requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
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