Indian citizens need a visa before travelling to Japan.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• Original PassportValid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Japan, with at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
• Visa Application FormDuly filled and signed. Available for download from the Embassy of Japan website.
• PhotographOne recent passport-sized photograph (4.5cm x 4.5cm) with a white background.
• Confirmed Flight TicketsRound-trip flight itinerary or confirmed tickets.
• Accommodation DetailsConfirmed hotel bookings for the entire duration of stay or a letter of invitation with accommodation details from a host in Japan.
• Daily ItineraryA detailed day-to-day plan of your activities and places you intend to visit in Japan.
• Proof of Financial CapabilityOriginal bank statements for the last 6 months and Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 3 years to demonstrate sufficient funds for your trip.
• Cover LetterA personal letter explaining the purpose of your visit, travel dates, and intention to return to India.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)If employed, a letter from your employer stating your leave approval. If a student, a letter from your educational institution.

1. 1
   Gather all required documents as per the specific visa category you are applying for. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
2. 2
   Fill out the visa application form accurately. The form can be downloaded from the official website of the Embassy of Japan in India.

   Visa Application Form
3. 3
   Submit your application along with all supporting documents to the nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate or an authorized visa application center in India.
4. 4
   Pay the applicable visa fee at the time of submission. Fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global.
5. 5
   Attend an interview if requested by the Embassy/Consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and intentions.
6. 6
   Collect your passport with the visa (if approved) after the processing period. Check the visa details immediately upon receipt.

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation.

  How to avoid: Double-check all required documents against the official checklist. Ensure all information provided across forms and supporting papers is consistent and accurate.

• Insufficient proof of financial means.

  How to avoid: Provide clear and sufficient bank statements, income tax returns, and other financial documents to demonstrate you can comfortably cover all your expenses during your stay in Japan.

• Unclear or unconvincing purpose of visit/itinerary.

  How to avoid: Submit a detailed, realistic daily itinerary, confirmed bookings, and a clear cover letter explaining your travel plans and intentions to return to India. Avoid vague or generic plans.

• Weak ties to your home country.

  How to avoid: Provide evidence of stable employment, family responsibilities, property ownership, or other significant commitments in India that demonstrate your strong intention to return after your trip.

• Previous visa violations or overstays in any country.

  How to avoid: Ensure you have a clean travel history. If there were any past issues, be transparent and provide clear explanations and supporting documents if applicable.

• Passport validity or condition issues.

  How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and has sufficient blank pages. Check for any damage or wear that might render it unacceptable.

• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, and keep the originals in a safe place.
• Familiarize yourself with Japanese customs and etiquette, such as bowing and removing shoes indoors.
• Japan's public transportation system is highly efficient; consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass if you plan extensive train travel.
• While credit cards are accepted in many places, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller establishments and for public transport.

• Can I extend my tourist visa while in Japan?

  Generally, temporary visitor visas for tourism are not extendable. You should plan your stay within the granted period. Any extension requests are subject to strict immigration rules and are rarely granted for tourism purposes.

• Can I work in Japan on a tourist visa?

  No, a temporary visitor visa does not permit any paid activities, employment, or long-term residency in Japan. Engaging in such activities is a violation of visa conditions.

• What should I do if my Japan visa application is rejected?

  The Embassy/Consulate will usually provide a reason for rejection. You may reapply after addressing the issues that led to the refusal, but there is no guarantee of approval. It is important to understand and rectify the reasons for the initial rejection.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for a Japan tourist visa?

  While not strictly mandatory for the visa application process itself, travel insurance is highly recommended. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances, which can be very costly in Japan.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for Japan?

  Japan generally requires your passport to be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay. While there isn't a strict 'six-month rule' for Indian citizens, it is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your planned departure date from Japan. Renewing your passport before applying can prevent potential issues or delays with your visa application.

• How much bank balance do I need to show for a Japan tourist visa?

  The Japanese Embassy or Consulate does not specify an exact minimum bank balance requirement for Indian tourist visa applicants. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover all your travel and living expenses during your stay in Japan. Provide recent bank statements, salary slips, and other financial proofs to clearly show your financial capability.

• I want to travel to Japan next month, is there enough time to get a visa?

  Visa processing times for Indian citizens applying for a Japan tourist visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the time of year. While some applications may be processed relatively quickly, it is generally advisable to apply at least 1-2 months before your intended travel date. Always check the current estimated processing times with the specific Japanese mission where you plan to submit your application.

• I am self-employed, what documents do I need for a Japan tourist visa?

  As a self-employed individual from India, you will need to provide specific documents to prove your occupation and financial stability for your Japan tourist visa application. This typically includes your business registration certificate, recent company bank statements, and income tax returns for the past few years. These documents help demonstrate your ties to India and your ability to fund your trip.

• I am travelling to Japan with my child, what extra documents do I need for their visa?

  When an Indian citizen travels to Japan with a minor child, additional documents are required for the child's visa application. You will typically need the child's birth certificate, consent letters from both parents (if only one parent is traveling or if the child is traveling with neither parent), and copies of the parents' passports. Ensure all parental consent and guardianship documents are properly attested if required.

• How much does a Japan visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for Tokyo, or does this cover all of Japan?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a Japan visa is valid for the whole country — including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Mount Fuji. Apply once for Japan and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.