Japan Visa for Indians - Everything You Need To Know

Japan is a rule-following country. There are certain formalities that you need to take care of in case you are willing to visit Japan soon. The foremost thing that you do is applying a visa for Japan in India.

There are multiple assets associated with the issuance of this visa. As per the type, the visa will allow the holder to travel to the country for tourism, for business, visiting friends and family, and for pursuing higher education or employment in the country.

The validity of the visa will differ from type to type and so will the eligibility and document requirements. Issuing a visa to Japan from India is mandatory for all nationals of India.

Yes, to go to Japan, Indians have to get a visa. These can vary according to your goal and the type of visa you apply for. 

Japan Evisa Update for Indians - (April 2024):

The Japanese government introduced an eVisa program specifically for Indians on April 1, 2024. As a result, you no longer need a physical visa sticker on your passport.

No, Indian nationals are not currently eligible to get a Japan visa on arrival. Their only choice is to apply for an E visa which was started on April 1, 2024. Thus, you must apply for a Japan visa before preparations. 

Japan have a different type of visas for Indians as we mentioned it all depends on you and why you are visiting. Let us check and see which is suitable for you: 

Short-Term Stay (up to 90 days):

Tourist Visa:

This visa is suitable for for sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or attending cultural events. 

Business Visa:

This visa is especially for short-term business trips like attending conferences or meetings.

Transit Visa:

If you have a connecting flight in Japan and need to leave the airport.

Medical Visa:

This visa is for those who want to receive any kind of medical treatment in Japan.

Long-Term Stay (over 90 days): 

Student Visa: 

For all those students who want to pursue their education in Japan. 

Work Visa:  

For all those who want to work in a company in Japan. There are different types which are based on your profession. 

Dependent Visa:

This visa is for the children and spouses of long-term visa holders.

Cultural Activities Visa:

This is for volunteering for cultural initiatives such as traditional art studies or internships.

For you here is a summarized way to know all the types of Japan Visas: 

To find out the latest information regarding visa types and their specific requirements, visit the official Japanese government websites or contact your nearest Japanese embassy.

In order to apply for a visa to enter Japan, you must provide two coloured copies of a photo that satisfies the requirements below:

A specific set of documents is required for each type of visa. Depending on the applicant's visa history and passport type, they may even differ from person to person.

Indian passport holders must meet the following requirements in order to obtain a Japan visa:

• Valid passport at least six months before travel date
• The visa application form must be filled out completely
• Two passport-sized photos are required
• Letter of application
• Travel dates must be confirmed. You need to show your flight tickets 
• Funds sufficient to support your stay in Japan
  • • If the employer is sponsoring the trip, a travel request must be submitted
    • Latest income tax returns
    • An explanation of the bank statement
• Providing proof of accommodations which includes your hotel booking details, or an invitation letter from your family or friends. 

the japan visa fees for Indians as per the type of visa you applied for.  Please remember these are the visa application fees only. Fees can be changed.

You must always refer to the official Japanese government websites or contact the nearest Japanese embassy/consulate for the latest information on visa fees. 

Processing an Indian citizen's visa for Japan typically takes approximately 5 to 7 working days for short-term visas. Visas for long-term stay may vary in duration based on circumstances and requirements. 

Processing time can also be affected by factors such as the completeness of the application, the volume of applications received, and additional processing requirements.

Travelers should plan their visa application well in advance to account for any potential delays and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Japan Visa Application Tracking Centres which will help you to consult your application details if you face any difficulties. 

The following steps has to be followed after you submit your Japan visa application from India:

Online Tracking (if available):

There may be online tracking systems available on the official websites of Japanese embassies and consulates in India. See if this option is available on their website.

VFS Global Website:

• The application can be tracked on the website of VFS Global.
• Log in your Reference number and birthdate.
• Your reference number can usually be found on your invoice or receipt when applying to VFS Global.
• Mention your Birthdate to track the application.

Contact or Helpline Number:  091 22 6786601

Extending your stay in Japan requires applying for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Here’s a breakdown of the process for Indian citizens:

The following people are eligible to apply:

Visa holders who are in control of a valid Japan visa and are in a status that allows extensions of their stay (e.g., students, workers, dependents).

The best time to apply is:

• Your application will generally be accepted 3 months before your current visa expires.

• Avoid waiting until the last minute to prevent complications.

The following places accept applications:

• Depending on where you live in Japan, you should contact the Immigration Bureau.

Important Notes:

• If you require specific information about your situation, you should consult the official website of the Immigration Bureau of Japan or contact your nearest office.

• There is no guarantee that an extension of a visa will be approved. According to the requirements and your residency status, the immigration authorities will review your application.

• A person who overstays their visa can be punished with fines and deportation if he or she does so.

It is possible to increase your chances of successfully extending your Japan visa by following these steps and using the provided resources.

Common Reasons for Japan Visa Rejection for Indian Citizens are as follow: 

Incomplete Application:

• The required documents are missing.
• Information that is incorrect or inaccurate.
• There is inconsistency between the application and the supporting documents.

Resources are insufficient:

• There are not enough funds.
• There is no explanation for the source of funds.

The following issues arise with travel purposes:

• There is no clear purpose for the trip.
• A weak itinerary was provided.
• There is suspicion that the individual has overstayed his/her visa.

Criminal Records:

• An offense committed in the past, especially a serious one
  Here are some other possible reasons:
• In terms of security, there are concerns.
• It is not possible to prove that you are a citizen of your home country.

Here are some tips for minimizing rejection risks:

• Make sure you carefully prepare your application.
• A sufficient amount of funds must be provided.
• A clear purpose for the trip should be presented.
• Ensure that your criminal history is clean.