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.
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