Applying for a Japan visa can be a relatively simple process, but there are important details that travellers should keep in mind to avoid complications.
Priyesh Sharma, the founder of a leading visa processing platform, recently shared his insights on the Japan visa application process via the social media platform X. With over two years of research and personal experience, Sharma provided a detailed breakdown to help prospective travellers navigate the system more effectively.
Japan Visa Requirements
Document Checklist:
Bank Statements: While not mandatory, it’s advisable to provide them as a precautionary measure.
NOC from Employer: Not required.
Flight Tickets: Dummy tickets are accepted.
Form 26AS: Including this document is an extra step that can streamline the process.
Cover Letter: Optional, but may be useful in certain cases.
Photograph:
A recent passport photo is required. However, a photograph from a previous visa application may be accepted in some cases.
Jurisdiction Rules:
Adhering to jurisdiction guidelines is critical. For example, applicants from Gurgaon are recommended to apply in Delhi for quicker processing. Delhi also accepts cash payments, unlike Gurgaon, which requires demand drafts and has slower processing times.
Key Insights on the Visa Process
Processing Time and Fees:
Visas are generally processed within three working days.
The fee, which includes the passport self-pickup service, is around ₹1,200.
Longer Validity Visas:
Japan occasionally issues five-year visas, but this is highly discretionary. Factors like travel history, financial standing, and professional credentials do not necessarily guarantee a longer validity visa. Many applicants, regardless of their background, are typically issued a single-entry, 15-day visa.
Emphasis on Travel History:
Japan places significant importance on an applicant’s travel history, particularly to G7 countries. However, even applicants with robust travel histories and strong profiles may still receive the standard short-term visa.
Tips for Applicants
Plan Shorter Trips: Priyesh advises applicants to avoid planning trips longer than 15 days, as Japan often issues single-entry, 15-day visas as a standard. While applicants may request a longer duration, it remains at the discretion of the visa officer, and many applicants have experienced financial losses when assuming they would receive longer-term visas.
Apply Through Delhi VFS Centers: For faster processing and the convenience of cash payments, applicants should opt for Delhi VFS Centers over the Gurgaon centers.
Ultimately, applicants should remain prepared for the possibility of receiving a short-term visa, despite a strong profile or travel history. Planning trips based on the expectation of a longer validity visa can lead to unnecessary expenses.
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