# Japan visa for Indian citizens

> Indian citizens apply for a Japan visa through VFS Global. The published fee for Single entry (Indian nationals) is INR 500. Processing time (Embassy of Japan, New Delhi): Minimum 05 working days from submission at the Embassy (indicative) Application locations listed include New Delhi, Gurugram (drop-off), Chandigarh (drop-off), Lucknow (drop-off) and Mumbai (13 more listed below). Sources checked on October 15, 2026.

Canonical page: https://yatraforfun.com/visa/india/japan
Sources checked on: 2026-10-15
Applies via: VFS Global
VFS Global: https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/index.html
Embassy / official site: https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa.html

## Overview

Japan visa applications in India are submitted at VFS Japan Visa Application Centres, which pass them to the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi or the Consulates General in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru according to jurisdiction. VFS states it plays no role in the decision. Each consulate decides applications only from residents of its jurisdiction (e.g. Bengaluru: current residents of Karnataka; Chennai: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Puducherry; Kolkata: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha); applicants whose passport was issued elsewhere must show address proof. Documents should be arranged in checklist order, photocopies on A4 only. Indians living outside India apply to the Japanese embassy or consulate for their country of residence, not to a mission in India (MOFA).

## Visa on arrival, eVisa and visa-free entry

- **Visa on arrival:** Not available: Japan's Foreign Ministry says visas are issued only at Japanese embassies and consulates abroad and cannot be obtained on arrival in Japan, and India is not on Japan's visa-exemption list. Indian passport holders must get a visa (sticker or eVISA) through a VFS Japan Visa Application Centre before travel.
- **eVisa / online visa:** Available for short tourist trips: since 1 April 2024 Indian nationals and foreign residents of India can receive a single-entry tourism visa (stay up to 90 days) as an eVISA, but the application is still submitted at a VFS Japan Visa Application Centre and the 'visa issuance notice' must be shown on a mobile device with internet at the airport (PDF, screenshot, photo or printout not accepted). A fully online application on the JAPAN eVISA website is open only to residents of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the UK and the USA (MOFA).
- **Visa-free entry:** Not available: India is not among the 74 countries and regions with which Japan has visa-exemption arrangements (MOFA list dated 1 September 2025).

## Visa fees

- **Single entry (Indian nationals):** INR 500 — Embassy of Japan, New Delhi: single or multiple visa INR 500 for Indian nationals under the visa fees applying from 1 July 2026; the Mumbai Consulate lists INR 500 for 1 July 2026 - 31 March 2027. VFS service fee is charged in addition. Visa fee is refunded only if the visa is not approved (VFS).
- **Multiple entry (Indian nationals):** INR 500 — Same INR 500 as single entry for Indian nationals (Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, from 1 July 2026)
- **Transit (Indian nationals):** Transit visa abolished from 1 July 2026 — Previously INR 50 (Mumbai Consulate table for 1 April - 30 June 2026; VFS Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata pages)
- **Other nationals:** INR 8,650 single / INR 17,350 multiple or double — From 1 July 2026 (Embassy of Japan, New Delhi; Mumbai Consulate: 1 July 2026 - 31 March 2027); transit visa abolished; previously INR 1750 single / INR 3450 multiple / INR 400 transit
- **Optional courier return:** INR 550 (inclusive of taxes) per application — Delhi Blue Dart collection centres (Agra, Amritsar, Jaipur, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Guwahati): courier DD of INR 1050. Payments at New Delhi in cash and card in INR; Gurugram, Chandigarh and Lucknow drop-off offices require separate demand drafts in favour of 'VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.'
- **Student visa (long-term stay with Certificate of Eligibility), Indian nationals:** INR 500 — Japan's visa fee depends on nationality and type of entry, not purpose: the VFS 'Long Term Stay with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)' fee table (for students, researchers, engineers etc.) shows INR 500 for Indian nationals, and the Embassy of Japan lists INR 500 for a single or multiple visa for Indian nationals from 1 July 2026. VFS service charge of INR 800 per application is extra. The COE itself is applied for in Japan and carries no fee (Immigration Services Agency).
- **Work visa (long-term stay with Certificate of Eligibility, incl. J-Find), Indian nationals:** INR 500 — Same INR 500 visa fee for Indian nationals (Embassy of Japan, from 1 July 2026; VFS COE fee table) plus the INR 800 VFS service charge per application. No fee for the COE (Immigration Services Agency).

**Service fee:** INR 800 (inclusive of all taxes) per application, over and above the visa fee; also levied on applicants exempted from visa fees; non-refundable

## Documents required

### All applicants

- A valid Passport (with more than two blank pages); submit old passports also, if any
- Photocopy of the Bio Data Page of the current passport (first and last page)
- A completely filled and signed Visa Application Form
- One photograph taken within the last 6 months (passport size, white background, good quality paper)
- All photocopies on A4 size only; documents submitted are not returned (except the passport)
- Embassy may request an interview / additional documentation

### Temporary Visitor Visa for Tourism without Guarantor (Delhi checklist)

- Covering letter (if any special explanation is needed)
- Document to show the flight/cruise schedule to/from Japan
- Itinerary in Japan (including hotel information, contact information while in Japan)
- Latest Income Tax Return (if not available, bank statement of last 6 months)
- If Student/Dependent: consent from parents/spouse and their latest ITR (or 6-month bank statement)
- Proof of relationship if accompanied by a dependent (passport copy, marriage certificate, birth certificate)

### Tourist (Bengaluru checklist 2025)

- Original passport (valid for 3 months)
- Photos with 80% face coverage (45mm x 35mm, white background)
- Original covering letter signed by applicant (accompanying persons, travel dates, expenses clause)
- Original NOC / leave approval letter from company
- Self-employed: GST certificate; doctors: KMC certificate; lawyers: Bar Council card; landlords/agriculturists: property document; students: bonafide letter
- Accommodation blocked under applicant's name
- Day-to-day schedule
- Accompanying person's passport copy, tickets and visa copy
- Third-country visa copy if travelling onward
- Employees: latest 3-month salary bank statement, ITR acknowledgements for latest 2 years, latest 3 pay slips
- If sponsored: sponsor letter, sponsor's 3-month bank statement, 2 years ITR acknowledgement, sponsor ID copy
- Flight/cruise schedule to/from Japan
- If divorced: divorce decree
- Family/friends travelling together must apply together
- Passport copy front and last page
- Passport issued outside Karnataka: residence proof (rental/lease agreement, sale deed, gas/electricity bill, Aadhaar)

### Short Term Business Visa (Delhi checklist)

- Travel order from the employer
- Certificate of employment
- Flight/cruise schedule to/from Japan
- Latest ITR (optional; submit when requesting multiple entry)
- From inviter in Japan: invitation letter, itinerary in Japan, list of applicants (if multiple)
- From guarantor paying expenses: letter of guarantee, certified copy of incorporation register or overview of company/organization

### Visiting Relatives, Friends, Acquaintances (Delhi checklist)

- Covering letter (if needed)
- Flight/cruise schedule
- Latest ITR (or 6-month bank statement)
- From inviter: invitation letter, document proving kinship (birth/marriage certificate, Kosekitohon; for friends: photos, mails, chat), itinerary in Japan, list of applicants
- From guarantor: letter of guarantee; income/taxation certificate or tax return counterfoil or bank deposit balance certificate; Certificate of Residence 'Jyuminhyo'; if guarantor is a foreign national: passport copy and residence card copy

### Transit Visa (Delhi checklist)

- Confirmed travel booking (itinerary incl. flight and hotel)
- Copy of visa of the main destination country

### Long Term Visa with COE (Delhi checklist)

- Certificate of Eligibility (original, copy or e-COE printout accepted)
- Work visa: experience certificate, educational certificate
- Language-school student visa: language certificate, educational certificate, parent/sponsor financial documents

### Medical Stay Visa (Delhi checklist)

- Covering letter (if needed)
- Latest ITR (or 6-month bank statement)
- Certificate from a medical institution about planned medical services and references from a registered guarantor
- Certificate of Eligibility (if hospitalised longer than 90 days)
- Medical treatment plan (for multiple visits)

### MULTIPLE 4 — Applicant with sufficient financial capacity (Delhi checklist)

- Covering letter (if needed)
- Latest Income Tax Return
- Spouse/child: documents proving kinship; latest ITR of the spouse or parent when applying separately; copy of the spouse's or parent's multiple entry visa if they already have this multiple visa
- Embassy may issue a single entry visa after assessment

### Temporary Visitor Visa for Sightseeing without Guarantor (Mumbai checklist CL-01, November 2025)

- Passport (valid passport and old passports, if any) and copy of first and last page
- Completely filled and signed visa application form with photograph
- Cover letter stating the purpose of visit
- Detailed itinerary
- Confirmed travel booking (hotel and flight booking)
- Latest Income Tax Return and personal bank statement for the last three months
- Leave sanctioned from employer / NOC
- Student or dependant: consent from parents or spouse and their bank statement; student ID card copy
- Company owner: proof of ownership
- Proof of relationship if accompanied by dependants
- Travel history in the last 2 years to Australia, Canada, Europe, USA and Japan

### Temporary Visitor Visa for Sightseeing without Guarantor (Chennai checklist)

- Covering letter stating the purpose of visit and schedule of stay (day-to-day details)
- Photo 2 x 2 inches, colour, white background
- Travel booking and proof of accommodation: it is highly recommended not to buy a confirmed flight ticket and hotel before the visa is granted; a reservation/booking is acceptable
- Last 3 years Income Tax Returns and latest 3-month bank statement
- Schedule of stay (typed format)
- Certificate of employment and NOC / leave sanction
- Student or dependent child: sponsor letter from parents with photo ID, parents' last 3 years ITR (or 6-month bank statement), proof of relationship, bonafide or leave letter
- Dependent spouse: sponsor letter, spouse's last 3 years ITR (or 6-month bank statement), proof of relationship
- Company owner: proof of ownership and company's last 3 years ITR

### Tourist visa (Kolkata checklist)

- Passports issued in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar or Odisha, or residence proof in those states (Aadhaar, voter card, driving licence or rent agreement)
- Application form signed as in the passport; original passport and photocopy; photo 45mm x 35mm
- Covering letter; NOC / leave approval; company incorporation certificate for businesspersons
- Work-from-home or distance-study letter if working or studying outside the four states
- Personal ITR for 3 years (or an explanation letter); personal 6-month bank statement or deposit balance certificate with original stamp and signature
- Complete hotel reservation - booking only, not confirmed
- Day-to-day itinerary and an itinerary with flight/ship number and dates of arrival and departure
- Third-country visa copy if travelling to another country before or after Japan
- Authorisation letter if an agent, relative or representative submits or collects
- Can apply 89 days before travel; minimum processing 5 working days

### MULTIPLE 3 - travel records to Japan and G7 countries (Delhi checklist)

- Common documents (passport with old passports, bio-page copy, signed form, one photo)
- Covering letter if any special explanation is needed
- Copy of the passport pages showing a Japanese temporary visitor visa and entry stamp, and temporary visitor visas and entry stamps to G7 countries (more than twice) in the last three years
- Embassy may issue a single entry visa after assessment

### Multiple entry - applicant with travel records to Japan and G7 (Mumbai checklist, November 2025)

- Current or old passport showing Japanese and G7 (except Japan) temporary visitor visas and entry stamps in the last three years
- Covering letter stating the reason for applying for a multiple entry visa; reason or invitation letter showing the need for multiple entry
- Confirmed travel booking (hotel and flight bookings)
- Original bank statement for the last three months and 3 years Income Tax Return
- Leave sanction / NOC; proof of ownership if company owner; student ID if student

### Multiple entry - financially sufficient applicant (Mumbai checklist CL-11, November 2025)

- Covering letter stating the reason for applying for a multiple entry visa
- Confirmed return travel booking for the first travel and hotel booking
- Machine-readable / ICAO-standard passport
- Bank statement for the last three months and last 3 years Income Tax Return
- Leave sanction letter; proof of ownership if company owner

### Long Term Visa with COE (Mumbai checklist CL-07, November 2025)

- Passport (and old passports), copy of first and last page, signed form with photo (2 x 2 inches)
- Covering letter stating the purpose of visit
- Original Certificate of Eligibility and one copy
- Experience certificate, CV and copy of the contract with the Japanese employer
- COE for study: copy of the admission confirmation

### Long Term Stay with COE - work and student (Bengaluru checklist)

- Work: visa application form with photo, original passport, covering letter, COE (original and a copy), employment certificate or relieving/resignation letter, or degree certificate if recently completed studies
- Student: visa application form with photo, original passport, covering letter, COE (original and a copy), admission confirmation letter from the Japanese university, higher qualification certificate
- Dependants: COE, invitation letter, spouse's residence card and passport copy, marriage or birth certificate
- Passport issued outside Karnataka: residence proof

## Photo specifications

- **Size:** 45mm x 35mm (Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata pages); Mumbai and Chennai pages state 2 x 2 inch
- **Background:** Plain white, coloured photo
- Not more than 6 months old
- Face visibility 70%-80%
- Looking straight forward, face seen clearly
- Good quality paper
- Kolkata: photo not used in any previous visa; hair tied, no spectacles

## Travel medical insurance

**Required:** No

Travel insurance is not listed as a required document on the VFS or Embassy checklists; MOFA says it is highly recommended to buy international travel medical insurance for a trip to Japan, and the Embassy and the Mumbai Consulate advise preparing travel insurance.

## Processing time

- **Embassy of Japan, New Delhi:** Minimum 05 working days from submission at the Embassy (indicative)
- **Consulate General, Mumbai:** Mumbai 10, Pune 12, Ahmedabad 12, Goa 12 processing days (indicative)
- **Consulate General, Chennai:** Minimum 03 working days (indicative)
- **Consulate General, Kolkata:** Minimum 05 working days (indicative)
- **Consulate General, Bengaluru:** Minimum 06 working days (indicative)
- **Standard examination period (MOFA):** Five working days from the day after the application is accepted when there is no problem; a couple of weeks to several months if extra documents, an interview or inquiries are needed, or for a long-term visa applied for without a COE
- **Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for a student or work visa - obtained in Japan before the visa application:** Standard processing period 1 to 3 months (Immigration Services Agency of Japan)
- **Student visa with COE (visa stage at VFS):** Same indicative times as other Japanese visas, after the COE has been issued: Embassy New Delhi minimum 5 working days; Mumbai 10 processing days (Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa 12); Chennai minimum 3 working days; Kolkata minimum 5 working days; Bengaluru minimum 6 working days (VFS long-term COE sections, indicative)
- **Work visa with COE (visa stage at VFS):** Same indicative times as other Japanese visas, after the COE has been issued: Embassy New Delhi minimum 5 working days; Mumbai 10 processing days (Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa 12); Chennai minimum 3 working days; Kolkata minimum 5 working days; Bengaluru minimum 6 working days (VFS long-term COE sections, indicative)
- **Earliest submission (short-term visas):** Applications accepted from 3 months before the travel date (Embassy of Japan); the Chennai and Kolkata VFS pages say not earlier than 89 days before travel
- **Validity of an issued single-entry visa:** Basically three months: enter Japan within three months of issue, or apply again (MOFA)
- **Reapplying after a refusal:** A new application for the same purpose is not accepted within six months of the refusal, except where circumstances have changed significantly and travel is needed on humanitarian grounds; MOFA does not give the specific reason for a refusal

## Visa categories

### Delhi (Embassy of Japan) — VFS visa types

- Tourism (without guarantor)
- Tourist Visa for Indian University Students and Alumni
- Short Term Business
- Visiting Relatives/Friends/Acquaintances
- Transit
- Long Term Visa with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Medical Stay
- J-Find Visa
- MULTIPLE 1 (Indian Nationals with travel records to Japan twice or more in the last three years)
- MULTIPLE 2 (Indian Nationals with travel record to Japan in the last three years)
- MULTIPLE 3 (Indian Nationals with travel records to Japan and G7 countries in the last three years)
- MULTIPLE 4 (Indian Nationals with sufficient financial capacity)
- MULTIPLE 5 (Short Term Business Visa for Indian nationals)
- MULTIPLE 6 (Intellectual Figure (Indian nationals))
- MULTIPLE 7 (Spouse or Children of Individual who has Employment Visa in Japan)

### Mumbai / Kolkata (Consulates General) — VFS visa types

- Temporary Visitor Visa for Sightseeing without Guarantor
- Temporary Visitor Visa for Sightseeing with Guarantor
- Business Affairs/ Market Research/ Conference Visa
- Multiple Entry Business Visa
- Transit Visa
- Medical Stay Visa
- Long Term Stay with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Family Members of the Indians with Japanese Employment Visa
- Internship / Interview / Conference Visa For Student
- Multiple Entry Visa up to 30 days (Temporary Stay) for Indian ordinary passport holder: Applicant With Travel Record To Japan In The Last Three Years; Applicant With Sufficient Financial Capacity; Spouse Or Children Of The Individuals With Sufficient Financial Capacity; Applicant With Travel Records To Japan And G7 In The Last Three Years
- Multiple Entry Visa for Indian National for Business Purpose, and Cultural or Intellectual Figures
- Single entry Visa for Short Stay with the purpose of Tourism for Indian Students

### Chennai (Consulate General) — additional VFS visa types

- Group Tour Package With Guarantor
- Short Term Relative Visit Single Entry Visa (15 days, 30 days & 90 days)

### Bengaluru (Consulate General) — VFS visa types

- Business
- Long Term Stay with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Visiting Relatives/Acquaintances
- Tourist Visa
- Transit Visa

## Study, work and long-stay routes

### J-Find visa (Designated Activities: Future Creation Individual) (Work)

For recent graduates of top-ranked universities who want to job-hunt or prepare a business in Japan for up to 2 years. Indians apply at a VFS Japan Visa Application Centre ('J-Find Visa' is a Delhi VFS visa type) with a Certificate of Eligibility or the documents MOFA lists.

- Aged 18 or older
- Degree at bachelor's, master's or PhD (doctorate) level from an eligible university on the Immigration Services Agency list
- Degree awarded within the last 5 years
- Personal savings of approximately 200,000 yen to support yourself in Japan
- The eligible-university list (as of January 2026) includes no university in India; it is based on three world university rankings and applicants are told to also check the latest rankings when applying
- Period of stay: 1 year, 6 months or a term designated by the Minister of Justice (up to 1 year); a maximum of 2 years if an extension is applied for before the permitted stay expires
- Documents: passport, visa application form with photo, Certificate of Eligibility (original or copy; e-COE accepted) - or, without a COE, proof of the degree, proof of savings, description of intended activities, CV and a pledge to join the health insurance
- A dependent spouse or child can apply with passport, application form, COE (or proof of kinship and a copy of the main applicant's residence card or passport)

Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_001037.html

### Student visa (university, college or Japanese-language school) (Study)

For Indians admitted to a Japanese university, college or language school. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued by a regional immigration authority in Japan (a proxy in Japan can apply), then the student applies at a VFS Japan Visa Application Centre in India.

- Passport, one visa application form and one photograph
- Certificate of Eligibility - original or one copy (an electronic COE can be shown or printed)
- A COE does not guarantee that the visa will be issued
- Applying without a COE is possible, but a large amount of verification documents is required and processing can take several months
- Language-school students (Delhi VFS COE checklist): language certificate, educational certificate, and parent's or sponsor's financial documents
- Period of stay: as designated by the Minister of Justice, up to 4 years and 3 months
- Certificate of Eligibility standard processing in Japan: 1 to 3 months, no fee (Immigration Services Agency)
- Bengaluru checklist: admission confirmation letter from the Japanese university and higher qualification certificate; Mumbai checklist: copy of the admission confirmation

Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/visa6.html

### Working visa (e.g. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) (Work)

For Indians hired by a Japanese company. The employer (or another proxy in Japan) obtains a Certificate of Eligibility from a regional immigration office in Japan, then the applicant applies for the visa at a VFS Japan centre in India.

- Working statuses covered by MOFA's working visa: Professor, Artist, Religious activities, Journalist, Business manager, Legal/Accounting services, Medical services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Nursing care
- Certificate of Eligibility applied for in Japan by the employer or another proxy (standard processing 1 to 3 months, no fee); a COE does not guarantee the visa, and applying without one needs many documents and can take several months
- Visa documents: passport, one application form, one photograph, COE (original or copy; e-COE accepted); VFS checklists add experience certificate and educational certificate (Delhi), or experience certificate, CV and employment contract (Mumbai)
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services landing criteria: a university degree (or equivalent education) in a related subject, a related course at a Japanese vocational school, or 10 years' practical experience; IT workers with a designated IT qualification are exempt from this
- Jobs based on foreign culture (translation, interpretation, language teaching, PR, overseas trade, design, product development): at least 3 years' related experience, except university graduates doing translation, interpretation or language teaching
- Pay at least equal to what a Japanese national would receive for the same work
- The landing criteria set education, experience and pay conditions; they contain no age requirement
- From 15 April 2026, where the employer is Category 3 or 4: a declaration about the employer's representative and, for work mainly using language skills (e.g. translation, hotel front desk), proof of CEFR B2-level ability in the working language (JLPT N2 or above counts for Japanese)
- Period of stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/visa1.html

### Permanent residence (Immigration Services Agency guidelines, revised 24 February 2026) (Residence)

Permanent residence is granted in Japan by the Immigration Services Agency to long-term residents; it is not a visa applied for from India. Indians usually reach it after years on a working status.

- In principle 10 years or more of continuous residence in Japan, including at least 5 years on a working status (excluding Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i)) or a residence-based status
- Good conduct and enough assets or skills to support yourself independently
- No fines or imprisonment; taxes, public pension and public health insurance premiums and immigration notifications paid and filed properly (late payment is in principle viewed negatively)
- Currently holding the longest period of stay for the present status (a 3-year period of stay is treated as the longest until 31 March 2027)
- Shorter routes: highly skilled professionals with 70 points for 3 years or 80 points for 1 year; Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) after 1 year; spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents after 3 years of marriage and 1 year in Japan

Source: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyukan_nyukan50.html

## Where to apply in India

- New Delhi
- Gurugram (drop-off)
- Chandigarh (drop-off)
- Lucknow (drop-off)
- Mumbai
- Pune
- Ahmedabad
- Goa
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Puducherry
- Cochin
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Blue Dart collection centres: Agra, Amritsar, Jaipur, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Guwahati
- Bhubaneswar
- Mysuru
- Jalandhar (temporarily closed)

### Which office covers your state

- **Embassy of Japan, New Delhi:** Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh. Apply through VFS (the Embassy and VFS say no prior appointment is needed at New Delhi and the other Delhi-jurisdiction centres); the Embassy itself accepts only diplomatic/official visas and humanitarian cases. Chancery and Consular Section: Plot No. 4&5, 50-G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021; tel +91-11-4610-4610; consular e-mail jpemb-cons@nd.mofa.go.jp; Japan Visa Information Hotline +91-11-7181-6614 (24x7, English only).
- **Consulate-General of Japan, Mumbai:** Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra. Since 20 April 2026 all visa applications go through VFS Global (Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa). Consulate: No. 1, M. L. Dahanukar Marg, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai 400026; tel +91-22-2351-7101; visa e-mail visa@by.mofa.go.jp. VFS says that from 19 October 2026 all applications at Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa must be submitted by prior appointment (no walk-ins).
- **Consulate-General of Japan, Chennai:** Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Puducherry. Applications are accepted at VFS (Chennai, Hyderabad, Puducherry, Cochin). Consulate: No. 12/1, Cenetoph Road, 1st Street, Teynampet, Chennai 600018; tel +91-44-2432-3860 to 3863; visa e-mail consularcgj@ms.mofa.go.jp. VFS requires a prior appointment at the Chennai, Hyderabad, Puducherry and Cochin centres.
- **Consulate-General of Japan, Kolkata:** West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha. Apply at VFS Kolkata or Bhubaneswar (prior appointment required at both). Consulate: 55, M.N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge, Kolkata 700040; tel +91-33-3507-6830; visa section 9:00-12:30 (submission) and 14:00-16:30 (delivery).
- **Consulate-General of Japan, Bengaluru:** Karnataka. Apply at VFS Bengaluru (prior appointment required); VFS also lists a Mysuru centre, where no prior appointment is needed. Consulate: 1st Floor, Prestige Nebula, No. 8-14, Cubbon Road, Bengaluru 560001; tel +91-80-6530-9910; consular e-mail cgjblr@ig.mofa.go.jp (visa queries answered by phone only).

## How to apply from India

1. **Prepare your documents** — Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.
2. **Submit your application** — Submit at a VFS Global centre or other listed location: New Delhi, Gurugram (drop-off), Chandigarh (drop-off), Lucknow (drop-off), Mumbai, Pune and others listed below.
3. **Pay the fees** — Pay the visa fee shown in the "Visa fees" section, plus the service fee.

## Visa statistics

- **Japanese visas issued to Indian nationals (all visa types, all Japanese missions worldwide) (Calendar year 2025):** 265,882 (4th-highest nationality; about 3% of the 7,862,060 visas Japan issued) — https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/101048483.pdf

## Recent rule changes

- **2026-10-19:** VFS: all Japan visa applications at Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa must be submitted by prior appointment, on the instructions of the Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai; walk-in submissions are no longer accepted. — https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/news/walk-in-submissions
- **2026-07-01:** New visa fee table: Indian nationals still pay INR 500 for a single or multiple visa, but the transit visa (previously INR 50) is abolished; other nationals now pay INR 8,650 single and INR 17,350 multiple/double. The VFS service fee is charged on top. — https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Visa.html
- **2026-04-20:** The Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai stopped accepting visa applications directly from applicants; all applications in its jurisdiction now go through VFS Global. — https://www.mumbai.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa_information.html
- **2026-04-15:** Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: applications from 15 April 2026 with a Category 3 or 4 employer must include a declaration about the employer's representative and, for work mainly using language skills, proof of CEFR B2-level ability in the working language (JLPT N2 or above counts for Japanese). — https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/gijinkoku.html

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is the Japan visa fee for Indian citizens?

Single entry (Indian nationals): INR 500; Multiple entry (Indian nationals): INR 500; Transit (Indian nationals): Transit visa abolished from 1 July 2026. 4 more fee rows are listed on this page. Service fee: INR 800 (inclusive of all taxes) per application, over and above the visa fee; also levied on applicants exempted from visa fees; non-refundable.

### What documents are required for a Japan visa from India?

A valid Passport (with more than two blank pages); submit old passports also, if any; Photocopy of the Bio Data Page of the current passport (first and last page); A completely filled and signed Visa Application Form; One photograph taken within the last 6 months (passport size, white background, good quality paper); All photocopies on A4 size only; documents submitted are not returned (except the passport); Embassy may request an interview / additional documentation. Category-specific checklists are listed for 16 visa categories.

### How long does Japan visa processing take for Indians?

Embassy of Japan, New Delhi: Minimum 05 working days from submission at the Embassy (indicative); Consulate General, Mumbai: Mumbai 10, Pune 12, Ahmedabad 12, Goa 12 processing days (indicative); Consulate General, Chennai: Minimum 03 working days (indicative).

### Where do Indian citizens apply for a Japan visa?

Applications go via VFS Global. Locations listed: New Delhi, Gurugram (drop-off), Chandigarh (drop-off), Lucknow (drop-off), Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, Puducherry, Cochin, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Blue Dart collection centres: Agra, Amritsar, Jaipur, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, Jalandhar (temporarily closed). Jurisdiction by state: Embassy of Japan, New Delhi — Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh. Apply through VFS (the Embassy and VFS say no prior appointment is needed at New Delhi and the other Delhi-jurisdiction centres); the Embassy itself accepts only diplomatic/official visas and humanitarian cases. Chancery and Consular Section: Plot No. 4&5, 50-G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021; tel +91-11-4610-4610; consular e-mail jpemb-cons@nd.mofa.go.jp; Japan Visa Information Hotline +91-11-7181-6614 (24x7, English only).; Consulate-General of Japan, Mumbai — Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra. Since 20 April 2026 all visa applications go through VFS Global (Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa). Consulate: No. 1, M. L. Dahanukar Marg, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai 400026; tel +91-22-2351-7101; visa e-mail visa@by.mofa.go.jp. VFS says that from 19 October 2026 all applications at Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa must be submitted by prior appointment (no walk-ins).; Consulate-General of Japan, Chennai — Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Puducherry. Applications are accepted at VFS (Chennai, Hyderabad, Puducherry, Cochin). Consulate: No. 12/1, Cenetoph Road, 1st Street, Teynampet, Chennai 600018; tel +91-44-2432-3860 to 3863; visa e-mail consularcgj@ms.mofa.go.jp. VFS requires a prior appointment at the Chennai, Hyderabad, Puducherry and Cochin centres.; Consulate-General of Japan, Kolkata — West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha. Apply at VFS Kolkata or Bhubaneswar (prior appointment required at both). Consulate: 55, M.N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge, Kolkata 700040; tel +91-33-3507-6830; visa section 9:00-12:30 (submission) and 14:00-16:30 (delivery).; Consulate-General of Japan, Bengaluru — Karnataka. Apply at VFS Bengaluru (prior appointment required); VFS also lists a Mysuru centre, where no prior appointment is needed. Consulate: 1st Floor, Prestige Nebula, No. 8-14, Cubbon Road, Bengaluru 560001; tel +91-80-6530-9910; consular e-mail cgjblr@ig.mofa.go.jp (visa queries answered by phone only)..

### Can Indians get a Japan visa on arrival or an eVisa?

Visa on arrival — Not available: Japan's Foreign Ministry says visas are issued only at Japanese embassies and consulates abroad and cannot be obtained on arrival in Japan, and India is not on Japan's visa-exemption list. Indian passport holders must get a visa (sticker or eVISA) through a VFS Japan Visa Application Centre before travel. eVisa — Available for short tourist trips: since 1 April 2024 Indian nationals and foreign residents of India can receive a single-entry tourism visa (stay up to 90 days) as an eVISA, but the application is still submitted at a VFS Japan Visa Application Centre and the 'visa issuance notice' must be shown on a mobile device with internet at the airport (PDF, screenshot, photo or printout not accepted). A fully online application on the JAPAN eVISA website is open only to residents of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the UK and the USA (MOFA). Visa-free entry — Not available: India is not among the 74 countries and regions with which Japan has visa-exemption arrangements (MOFA list dated 1 September 2025).

### What photo size is required for a Japan visa?

Size: 45mm x 35mm (Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata pages); Mumbai and Chennai pages state 2 x 2 inch. Background: Plain white, coloured photo.

### Is travel medical insurance required for a Japan visa?

No. Travel insurance is not listed as a required document on the VFS or Embassy checklists; MOFA says it is highly recommended to buy international travel medical insurance for a trip to Japan, and the Embassy and the Mumbai Consulate advise preparing travel insurance.

### Which Japan visa types can Indian citizens apply for?

Delhi (Embassy of Japan) — VFS visa types, Mumbai / Kolkata (Consulates General) — VFS visa types, Chennai (Consulate General) — additional VFS visa types and Bengaluru (Consulate General) — VFS visa types. 34 visa types are listed on this page.

## Sources

- [VFS Global — Apply for Visa to Japan in Delhi](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/index.html) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Global — Japan visa, Mumbai](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/mumbai/index.html) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Global — Japan visa, Chennai](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/chennai/index.html) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Global — Japan visa, Kolkata](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/kolkata/index.html) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Global — Japan visa, Bengaluru](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/bengaluru/index.html) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Delhi — Documents required: Tourism without guarantor](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/pdf/Tourism-Visa.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Delhi — Short Term Business Visa checklist](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/pdf/3-Short-Term-Business-Visa.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Delhi — Visiting relatives/friends checklist](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/pdf/4-Visiting-relatives-friends-acquaintances.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Delhi — Transit Visa checklist](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/pdf/5-Transit.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Delhi — Long term visa with COE checklist](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/pdf/6-Long-term-visa-with-COE.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Delhi — Medical Stay Visa checklist](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/pdf/7-Medical-Stay-Visa.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Delhi — MULTIPLE 4 checklist](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/pdf/MULTIPLE-4-(Indian-Nationals-with-sufficient-financial-capacity).pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Bengaluru — Tourist visa checklist 2025](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/bengaluru/pdf/tourist-visa-checklist-2025.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Embassy of Japan in India - Visa (fees from 1 July 2026, eVISA, submission through VFS)](https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Visa.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Embassy of Japan in India - The JAPAN eVISA system (from 1 April 2024)](https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_01148.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Embassy of Japan in India - Introduction of the Embassy (address, consular section)](https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/introduction_embassy.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Embassy of Japan in India - Area-wise jurisdiction of Embassy/Consulates](https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/contact%20info.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai - Visa (VFS only from 20 April 2026; fees)](https://www.mumbai.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa_information.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai - About Us (address, contacts)](https://www.mumbai.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_us.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Consulate-General of Japan in Chennai - About Us (address, jurisdiction)](https://www.chennai.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000030.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Consulate-General of Japan in Kolkata - About Us (address, jurisdiction)](https://www.kolkata.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_us.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Consulate-General of Japan in Bengaluru - home page (address, area of jurisdiction)](https://www.bengaluru.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - VISA (visas cannot be obtained on arrival)](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay), 1 Sep 2025](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Designated activities (Future creation individual) / J-Find](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_001037.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Services Agency of Japan - List of universities eligible for J-Find (as of January 2026)](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001394994.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - General visa: Student](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/visa6.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Number of Japanese Visas Issued in 2025 (23 June 2026)](https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/pressite_000001_02448.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Statistics for the number of visas issued in 2025 (PDF)](https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/101048483.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Global Japan India - Book an appointment (appointment-only centres; other centres walk-in)](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/schedule-an-appointment) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Global Japan India - News 15 Oct 2026: prior appointment for Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa from 19 Oct 2026](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/news/walk-in-submissions) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Global Japan India - Attend a centre (centre list and hours)](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/attend-centre) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Global Japan India - Bhubaneswar visa fee revision notice (Consulate General of Japan, Kolkata)](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/news/bhubaneswar-visa-fee-revision) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Services Agency of Japan - Certificate of Eligibility application (standard processing 1-3 months, no fee) [Japanese]](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Visa FAQ (processing, refusals, six-month reapplication rule, validity)](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/faq.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan - Working visa](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/visa1.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Services Agency of Japan - Status 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services' (incl. 15 April 2026 notice) [Japanese]](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/gijinkoku.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Services Agency of Japan - Landing criteria for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (PDF) [Japanese]](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001366995.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Services Agency of Japan - Guidelines for permission for permanent residence (revised 24 Feb 2026) [Japanese]](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyukan_nyukan50.html) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Delhi - MULTIPLE 3 documents required](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/delhi/pdf/MULTIPLE-3-(Indian-Nationals-with-travel-records-to-Japan-and-G7-countries-in-the-last-three-years).pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Mumbai - CL-01 sightseeing without guarantor checklist (Nov 2025)](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/mumbai/pdf/CL-01-Visitor-Visa-Without-Guarantor.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Mumbai - Japan and G7 travel records multiple-entry checklist (Nov 2025)](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/mumbai/pdf/CL-Applicant-with-travel-records-to-Japan-and-G7-in-the-last-three-years.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Mumbai - CL-11 financially sufficient multiple-entry checklist (Nov 2025)](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/mumbai/pdf/CL-Multiple-Entry-Visa-Financially-Sufficient.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Mumbai - CL-07 long-term visa with COE checklist (Nov 2025)](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/mumbai/pdf/CL-07-Long-Term-Visa-With-COE-Nov-2025.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Chennai - tourist without guarantor checklist](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/chennai/pdf/Tourist-Without-Guarantor.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Kolkata - document checklist](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/kolkata/pdf/japan-checklist.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Japan Bengaluru - long-term stay checklist (work, student, dependants)](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/japan/india/bengaluru/pdf/updated-long-term-checklist.pdf) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15

### Notes on sources

- visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/ returned HTTP 403 (bot-protected); data taken from VFS one-pager city pages on www.vfsglobal.com
- Mumbai/Chennai pages state photo 2 x 2 inch while Delhi/Bengaluru/Kolkata state 45mm x 35mm — conflicting across centres
- Checklists for J-Find, MULTIPLE 1-2/5-7 and student-tourism categories exist as PDFs but were not all extracted (MULTIPLE 3 and 4, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru tourist/long-term checklists now added)
- in.emb-japan.go.jp and mofa.go.jp block plain HTTP clients (403); their pages were read in a browser on 2026-10-15
- Japan (MOFA) publishes the number of visas issued by nationality but no refusal or rejection rates for Indian applicants
- Embassy (New Delhi) and Mumbai jurisdiction lists come from the Embassy's older area-wise jurisdiction page (lists Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli separately, does not name Ladakh); current consulate pages confirm the Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru lists
- Processing time conflict: Mumbai Consulate page says minimum 5 working days, while VFS Mumbai lists 10-12 processing days by centre
- Flight/hotel proof differs by jurisdiction: Mumbai checklists (Nov 2025) ask for confirmed travel bookings (hotel and flight), while Chennai and Kolkata accept reservations/bookings and Delhi/Bengaluru ask for a flight schedule
- VFS appointment page names the Chennai consulate's jurisdiction as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Puducherry, while the Consulate's own page also lists Kerala
- VFS appointment page says short-term applications 'should be submitted at least 89 days before' travel, which conflicts with the Embassy (accepted from 3 months before) and the Chennai/Kolkata VFS wording (not earlier than 89 days)
- VFS Mumbai page says 'Skilled Labour' employment visa holders with a COE must apply directly at the Consulate, while the Consulate says it no longer accepts applications directly since 20 April 2026
- Immigration Services Agency pages (COE, work status, permanent residence) are in Japanese; requirements were translated from the official Japanese text
- The Embassy's fee notice says the transit visa is abolished from 1 July 2026, but VFS Delhi still shows a Transit visa type and checklist

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