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Last Updated 22 August 2026

Japan Tourist Visa from India: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply

The land of the rising sun offers many attractions to tourists, including world heritage sites, castles, and monuments. Japan has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as of 2024). Tourists can also visit gardens, temples, experience festivals, food, and theme parks. Japan welcomed over 36 million international visitors in 2024, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

If you want to visit the country, you will need a tourist visa.  The visa is valid for 90 days. Under the single-entry regulation, tourists can stay in the country for up to 30 days. Tourists can also apply for a double-entry visa for 2 short trips within a 6-month period. However, those on a tourist visa cannot do any paid work while they are in the country.

2026 Updates:

(1) Japan eVisa now available for Indians (since April 2024).

(2) VFS appointment mandatory at Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Puducherry & Mumbai centres (from March 2026).

(3) Embassy fee updates to INR 500 from April 2026.

Japan eVisa for Indians: How to Apply Online

Indian nationals can apply for a Japan tourist eVisa entirely online since 1 April 2024 — no consulate visit required — with single-entry stays of up to 90 days.

  • Available from 1 April 2024 for Indian nationals
  • Single-entry tourist stays of up to 90 days
  • Entirely online application — no consulate visit required
  • Must be displayed on a smartphone with active internet at the port of entry — printouts are NOT accepted
  • Apply via accredited agencies or VFS Global
  • See official details at in.emb-japan.go.jp

eVisa vs Sticker Visa: Which Should You Choose?

Feature eVisa Sticker Visa (via VFS)
Application Fully online VFS appointment required
Entry Type Single entry Single or double entry (subject to approval)
Max Stay Up to 90 days Up to 15 or 30 days per stay, consulate-determined
Display at Entry Smartphone with active internet — no printouts Physical passport with visa sticker
Best For Straightforward single trips, no consulate visit Multiple-entry needs, or where eVisa isn't suitable

Who Can Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa

Any Indian citizen holding a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond the travel dates, a clear travel purpose, and sufficient financial proof can apply for a Japan Temporary Visitor's Visa.

Documents Required for the Visa Application:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your travel dates
  • Two recent passport-size photos (4.5 × 4.5 cm, white background, matte finish)
  • A copy of your completed and signed visa application form
  • Details of your travel itinerary
  • Proof of hotel bookings and flight bookings
  • Copy of your return/onward ticket
  • Proof of sufficient finances to support your travel and stay — no fixed minimum is published; recommended practice is a consistent bank balance of ₹1.5–2 lakhs or more over 3–6 months, with regular salary credits
  • A cover letter detailing your itinerary
  • An employer letter confirming your position and approved leave, or a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if applying as a student
  • A sponsor letter, if someone else is funding your trip, along with their bank statements
  • Bank statements for the last six months
  • Income Tax Returns for the last 3 years
  • Salary slips for the last 6 months
  • Travel insurance (recommended — not mandatory, but advisable)

Before you apply for a tourist visa, ensure that you meet the visa requirements, fill the application form, attach the required documents, and pay the required fees.

How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa from India?

Step 1: Determine your visa type — sticker visa via VFS Global, or eVisa online

Step 2: Book a VFS appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/ (mandatory at select centres from March 2026)

Step 3: Complete the application form, available on the VFS/Embassy website

Step 4: Gather all required documents

Step 5: Submit your application at VFS on your appointment date

Step 6: Track your application status online

Step 7: Collect your passport at VFS, or opt for courier return

Japan Tourist Visa Fees:

The Japan tourist visa fee for Indian citizens is INR 450 (Embassy of Japan; valid until 31 March 2026; INR 500 from 1 April 2026) plus a VFS Global service fee of approximately INR 1,800 — total cost approximately INR 2,250–2,850 excluding optional courier.

Fee Component Amount (INR)
Embassy of Japan consular fee ₹450 (until 31 March 2026); ₹500 (from 1 April 2026)
VFS Global service fee ~₹1,800
Optional VFS courier return ₹550
Total realistic cost ~₹2,250–₹2,850

Japan Tourist Visa Processing Time from India

Embassy of Japan processing takes a minimum of 5 working days from the date of submission at VFS. Including VFS appointment availability and document preparation, applicants should allow 2–4 weeks total — especially during peak travel seasons (March–April for cherry blossom season; October–November for autumn foliage), when processing can extend beyond 2 weeks. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date; during peak seasons, allow 4–6 weeks.

Common Reasons for Japan Visa Rejection

  • Insufficient financial proof
  • Vague or inconsistent travel itinerary
  • Incomplete documents
  • Prior overstay history, in Japan or elsewhere
  • Applying too close to the travel date
  • Inconsistent itinerary versus hotel booking dates
  • Missing employer letter or approved leave sanction

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

  • Advise you on the required documentation
  • Advise you on the funds that need to be shown
  • Fill out the application forms
  • Review your documents for the visa application

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Japan tourist visa fee for Indian citizens?
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The Embassy of Japan fee is INR 450 (valid until 31 March 2026) and INR 500 from 1 April 2026. VFS Global charges a separate service fee of approximately INR 1,800. An optional courier return costs INR 550. The total realistic cost is approximately INR 2,250–2,850. Source: in.emb-japan.go.jp.
How long does Japan tourist visa processing take from India?
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Processing takes a minimum of 5 working days from the date of submission at VFS. Including VFS appointment wait time and document preparation, allow 2–4 weeks total, especially during peak seasons (March–April, October–November). Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel. Source: Embassy of Japan in India.
Can Indians apply for a Japan eVisa?
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Yes. The Japan eVisa for Indian nationals launched on 1 April 2024. It allows single-entry tourist stays of up to 90 days and requires no consulate visit. It must be displayed on a smartphone with active internet at the port of entry — printouts are not accepted. Source: in.emb-japan.go.jp.
Do I need a VFS appointment for a Japan visa in India?
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Yes. Since March 2026, prior appointment is mandatory at VFS centres in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Puducherry, and Mumbai. Walk-in submissions are no longer accepted at these centres. Book your appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/ before visiting.
What documents are required for a Japan tourist visa?
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You'll need a valid passport, passport photos, a completed application form, travel itinerary, hotel and flight bookings, proof of finances, a cover letter, an employer letter, six months of bank statements, income tax returns, salary slips, and old passports if available. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
Can I work in Japan on a tourist visa?
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No. Paid employment is strictly prohibited on a Japan tourist (Temporary Visitor's) visa. Violations may result in deportation and future visa bans. If you intend to work in Japan, you need a separate work visa suited to your role.
Is travel insurance required for a Japan tourist visa from India?
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Travel insurance is recommended by the Embassy of Japan but is not listed as a mandatory document for Indian applicants. It is advisable, particularly given Japan's high medical costs, but not compulsory for visa approval. Source: in.emb-japan.go.jp.
What is the difference between a Japan eVisa and a sticker visa?
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The eVisa is fully online, permits single entry with stays up to 90 days, and must be shown on a smartphone at entry. The sticker visa, applied through VFS, supports single or double entry (subject to approval) with stays of up to 15 or 30 days and requires a physical passport with the visa affixed.
What is the maximum stay allowed on a Japan tourist visa?
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A single-entry Temporary Visitor's Visa is typically issued with 3-month validity from the date of issue — the window within which you must enter Japan. On arrival, the immigration officer stamps your permitted stay, generally 15 or 30 days, determined by the consulate.
Can I get a double-entry visa for Japan?
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Yes, a double-entry visa is available for two short trips within a 6-month period, but this is subject to consulate approval and is not granted automatically on request.
What financial documents do I need for a Japan tourist visa from India?
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There is no fixed minimum balance published by the Embassy. Recommended practice includes consistent bank statements over 3–6 months showing regular salary credits, a balance of ₹1.5–2 lakhs or more for a short trip, income tax returns for the last 3 years, and 6 months of salary slips.
Which VFS centres handle Japan visa applications in India?
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VFS Global operates Japan visa centres in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Puducherry, and Mumbai, where appointments are now mandatory (from March 2026). Additional centres exist in New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Chandigarh — verify current appointment requirements at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/.
Do I need a sponsor letter for a Japan tourist visa?
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If someone else is funding your trip, you'll need a sponsor letter explaining the relationship and purpose of the visit, along with the sponsor's bank statements and financial documents, in place of or alongside your own financial proof.
What are common reasons Japan visa applications get rejected?
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Common reasons include insufficient financial proof, a vague or inconsistent travel itinerary, incomplete documents, prior overstay history, applying too close to the travel date, and itinerary details that don't match hotel booking dates.
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Japan have?
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Japan has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2024, spanning temples, castles, historic districts, and natural landscapes across the country.
How many international visitors does Japan receive each year?
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Japan welcomed over 36 million international visitors in 2024, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (jnto.go.jp), reflecting its continued popularity as a global travel destination.
When is the best time to apply for a Japan visa to avoid delays?
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Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date under normal conditions. During peak seasons — March–April for cherry blossom season and October–November for autumn foliage — VFS application volumes rise significantly, so allow 4–6 weeks during these periods.
Can I extend my Japan tourist visa once I'm in the country?
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No. Extensions are not available on a tourist visa. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa in advance rather than expecting an extension while in Japan.
What photo specifications does Japan require for the visa application?
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Photos must be 4.5 × 4.5 cm, taken recently, with a white background and matte finish. Photos that don't meet these specifications are a common cause of processing delays.
Is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) required for a Japan tourist visa?
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No, a COE is not required for a standard tourist visa — it applies mainly to students and other long-term visa categories. Tourist visa applicants only need the standard document checklist, including passport, photos, itinerary, and financial proof.