From Tokyo’s neon-lit crossings to Kyoto’s serene temple lanes, Japan continues to attract a growing number of Indian travellers. With the rollout of Japan’s digital eVisa system, the application process has become more streamlined — but only for those who understand the eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and entry conditions clearly.
Indian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Japan. For short-term tourism, two options are currently available: the traditional sticker visa and the newer eVisa.
Japan Tourist Visa Options for Indians
Japan offers the following tourist visa categories for Indian passport holders:
Sticker Visa: Processed through VFS Global centres in India
eVisa (Digital Visa): Introduced in April 2024 for short-term tourism
The eVisa has quickly become the preferred option due to its online processing and quicker turnaround times.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Indian applicants must meet the following criteria:
Hold a valid ordinary Indian passport
Travel strictly for tourism purposes
Enter Japan by air
Maximum stay of up to 90 days
Eligible only for a single-entry visa
The tourist visa does not permit paid work or any revenue-generating activities in Japan.
eVisa vs VFS Route: Which One Applies to You?
Indian citizens residing in the US, UK, Singapore, Australia, or Saudi Arabia can apply directly through Japan’s official eVisa portal
Applicants residing in India must submit applications via VFS Global, which acts on behalf of the Japanese Embassy
Even when applying through VFS, eligible applicants may still receive a digital eVisa instead of a physical sticker.
Documents Required for a Japan Tourist Visa
Applicants must submit:
Valid passport with at least two blank pages
Photocopy of passport biodata page (A4 size)
Completed and signed visa application form
Recent passport-size photograph (2×2 inches)
Cover letter explaining travel purpose and visa category
Confirmed flight tickets and detailed travel itinerary
Proof of accommodation or hotel booking
Financial proof, such as:
Income Tax Returns for the last two years, or
Salary slips for the last six months
Employment proof, including:
Employer NOC, or
GST certificate (for self-employed applicants)
Valid travel insurance
Relationship proof (if applying with dependents)
How to Apply Through VFS in India
Applicants should follow these steps:
Visit the VFS Global Japan Visa portal
Select Tourism Visa and download the city-specific application form
Fill out and print the form accurately
Compile all required documents
Submit documents at the nearest VFS Japan Visa Application Centre
Pay visa and service fees at the time of submission
Appointments are not required, except at centres in Chennai and Bengaluru.
Processing Time
Standard processing time: Minimum five working days
Some applicants receive approvals within 48 hours, depending on documentation and embassy workload
What Happens After eVisa Approval
Approved applicants receive a Visa Issuance Notice.
Important points to remember:
The notice must be shown at airline check-in and immigration
Screenshots or printed PDFs are not accepted
The notice must be displayed from a verified digital source
It contains a 2D barcode and a countdown timer indicating validity
Visa Fees (Current)
Japan tourist visa fee: ₹450–₹500
VFS service fee: ₹800 (inclusive of taxes)
Visa Validity Rules
Visa validity: Three months from the date of issuance
Maximum stay: Up to 90 days
No extensions or renewals are permitted under any circumstances
Visa Fees May Increase Soon
Japan is preparing to revise its visa fees for the first time since 1978. According to Nikkei Asia, the government plans to benchmark fees against G7 and OECD nations.
Current fees stand at:
3,000 yen for single-entry visas
6,000 yen for multiple-entry visas
The revised fee structure is expected to take effect in 2026. Officials cite rising administrative costs driven by record tourism, noting that higher fees are unlikely to deter visitors.
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