Japan tourist visa for Indian citizens: Requirements, documents & application guide

Get your Japan tourist visa from India hassle-free. Know the 2025 visa requirements, documents, fees & step-by-step process to apply. Updated for Indian travellers.

Japan has always captured the Indian traveller’s imagination: a land where centuries-old traditions blend effortlessly with futuristic skylines; where tea ceremonies, cherry blossoms, sumo tournaments, and bullet trains exist side by side. In recent years, the number of Indians choosing Japan for holidays, honeymoons and cultural tours has grown rapidly, and it’s easy to see why.

Yet before you can wander through Kyoto’s moss gardens, marvel at Tokyo’s neon nights, or experience the tranquillity of a ryokan, there’s a practical but essential first step: securing your Japan tourist visa for Indian citizens. Japan isn’t visa-free for regular Indian passport holders, so understanding what’s needed isn’t just helpful, it’s crucial.

That’s where this guide comes in. Updated for 2025, it’s designed to make the process clear, simple, and stress-free. From Japan visa requirements for Indian citizens, to fees, processing times, common mistakes, and a step-by-step application roadmap – everything you need to plan your Japanese adventure starts here.

In this guide, we will guide you through

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Japan
Japan tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens
Documents required for Japan tourist visa from India
Japan tourist visa fees and processing time
How to apply for a tourist visa
Common mistakes to avoid
Conclusion
FAQs

You might want to check out this itinerary: JAPAN CHERRY BLOSSOMS HOLIDAY – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Japan?

Yes, Indian citizens do need a visa to visit Japan for tourism. Japan is not a visa-free destination for holders of an ordinary Indian passport. This means that before planning your trip — whether it’s for sightseeing, a family holiday, or a honeymoon — you must apply for a short-term tourist visa in advance.

Only certain travellers holding diplomatic or official/service passports can travel to Japan without a visa under specific agreements. For everyone else, including students, solo travellers, and groups, a valid tourist visa is mandatory.

The most common options are:

Short-term single-entry visa: Typically valid for up to 90 days, ideal for first-time travellers.
Short-term multiple-entry visa: Issued to eligible applicants who meet conditions like frequent travel history, stable financial background, or specific professional reasons.

Understanding these requirements early will help you plan better, avoid last-minute stress, and ensure your Japanese holiday starts on the right note.

Japan tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens

As of 2025, Indian travellers planning a holiday in Japan need to meet specific requirements and submit a clear set of documents to apply for a tourist visa. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of tourist visas

Short-term single-entry visa: The most common visa, typically valid for a stay of up to 90 days.
Short-term multiple-entry visa: Issued to travellers who meet certain conditions, such as a history of previous travel to Japan or other developed countries, stable financial background, or travel for specific purposes like business.

e-Visa facility for Indians

Since April 2024, Indian citizens can also apply through Japan’s e-Visa system for single-entry tourist visas. While the application itself still needs to be submitted via VFS Global centres in India, the approval notice is issued electronically rather than as a visa sticker in the passport. This is valid for arrivals by air.

Who can apply

Indian passport holders residing in India with a valid passport
Travellers visiting Japan for tourism, cultural visits, family holidays, or similar short-term purposes
Applicants who have prepared the required financial documents and travel plans

Key documents required

Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity and two blank pages)
Completed visa application form (filled accurately and signed)
Recent passport-size photograph (45mm 35mm inches, white background)
Round-trip flight itinerary (preferably confirmed bookings)
Hotel reservations covering your stay in Japan
Day-wise travel itinerary describing planned sightseeing and activities
Financial documents: Recent bank statements for the last 6 months, income tax returns (ITR) or Form 16, and salary slips or business registration if self-employed
Sponsor documents (only if staying with family or friends): Letter of invitation, proof of relationship and the host’s proof of residence and financial capability

Where to submit

Applications must be submitted through VFS Global visa centres in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad.
In certain special cases, travellers can apply directly at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi or at the Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru or Kolkata.

Fees and processing time

Visa fee for single-entry tourist visa and multiple-entry visa is usually around INR 450 and transit visa costs Rs 50.
VFS Global charges a service fee of approximately INR 800, plus a courier fee of INR 550 if you want your passport delivered.
Standard processing time is about 5–7 working days, although it may take longer in busy travel seasons. Currently, there’s no official fast-track processing option.

By ensuring you have all documents ready and your application filled out correctly, you’ll improve your chances of a quick and smooth visa approval for your upcoming trip to Japan.

Documents required for Japan tourist visa from India

If you’re applying for a Japan tourist visa from India in 2025, having the right documents prepared and organised is the most important step. Here’s a complete breakdown of what you need, grouped by category to make it easier:

Basic documents

Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity from your planned date of travel and at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
Visa application form
Fully completed and signed by the applicant. Use black ink if filling by hand or print a typed version.
Passport-size photograph
One recent photo (2 x 2 inches, white background). Avoid scanned or old photos.

Financial proofs (additional documents)

Bank statements for the last 3–6 months
Originals or bank-sealed copies showing regular transactions and a healthy balance.
NOC from employer (for salaried applicants) or business registration documents (for self-employed applicants).

Travel itinerary and accommodation proofs

Round-trip flight tickets
Confirmed bookings to show your entry and exit from Japan.
Hotel bookings
Covering the entire stay in Japan. Paid bookings are preferred over unconfirmed reservations.
Detailed day-wise travel itinerary
Listing planned sightseeing spots, city stays, and activities. While not always mandatory, this helps strengthen your application.

Sponsor letter (only if applicable)

If you’re visiting friends or relatives in Japan:

Letter of invitation from your host, explaining your relationship, purpose of visit, duration, and address.
Proof of relationship such as a birth certificate, family register, or photos.
Host’s documents like their residence card copy, passport copy, and sometimes financial documents to show they can support your stay.

Tip:
Always double-check that names, dates, and details match across all documents to avoid delays or rejections.

Japan tourist visa fees & processing time

Here’s the updated breakdown for 2025, so you can plan your budget and timeline with confidence:

Visa fees (effective April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)

Tourist visa (single- or multiple-entry): around ₹450
Transit visa: around ₹50

These fees are payable in Indian rupees at the VFS centre when you submit your application. Please note that visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

VFS service charges and optional courier fees

VFS service fee: typically ranges between ₹650 and ₹800, depending on the city
Optional courier service (passport delivery): around ₹400–₹550

Example of total cost

If you’re applying for a single-entry tourist visa and choose courier delivery, your estimated total cost might look like this:

Visa fee: ₹450
VFS fee: ₹800
Courier fee: ₹550
Total: approximately ₹1,800

Processing time

The average processing time is usually about 5 working days from the day of submission at the VFS centre.
In some cities or during peak travel seasons, it can take 7–10 working days.
There is currently no official fast-track or express service for Japan tourist visas in India, so it’s best to apply well in advance.

Quick summary

Fee component	Estimated cost
Visa fee	₹450
VFS processing	₹650–₹800
Optional courier	₹400–₹550
Approximate total	₹1,500–₹1,800

Tip: Apply at least two weeks before your planned departure to avoid last-minute delays, and double-check all documents to ensure smooth processing.

Do check out our Japan Tour Packages From India, Kolkata, Bengaluru And Delhi.

How to apply for a Japan tourist visa from India?

Applying for a Japan tourist visa from India is quite straightforward if you prepare in advance. Here’s how you can do it, step by step:

Step 1: Download and fill out the visa application form

Get the latest Japan visa application form from the Embassy of Japan in India website or VFS Global website.
Fill it out clearly, either typed or handwritten in black ink.
Avoid overwriting, and make sure all details match your passport.

Step 2: Collect all required documents

Refer to the detailed checklist: passport, photo, financial proofs, confirmed flight tickets, hotel bookings, and (if needed) sponsor letter and related documents.
Ensure everything is current, properly arranged, and meets embassy requirements.

Step 3: Submit your application

Visit your nearest VFS Global visa application centre (in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad).
Submit your completed application form along with all required documents and pay the visa and service fees.
Some special cases can also apply directly at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi or Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata.

Step 4: Track your application

VFS Global provides a tracking service—you can check the status of your visa application online using your reference number.

Step 5: Collect your passport

Once your visa is processed (usually within 5–7 working days), you can either:
- Collect your passport from the VFS centre in person
- Receive it by courier if you opted for delivery service when submitting your application

Important tips:

Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure date to avoid last-minute delays.
Double-check that your travel itinerary and bookings match your visa application details.
Avoid submitting fake flight tickets or incomplete documents, as this may lead to rejection.

Common mistakes to avoid in Japan visa application

Even though the Japan tourist visa process for Indian citizens is fairly straightforward, small oversights can easily lead to delays or rejection. Here are the most common mistakes to watch out for — and how to avoid them:

Submitting incomplete or outdated forms

Always download the latest application form from the Embassy of Japan or VFS Global website. Older versions or incomplete forms are among the top reasons applications get delayed or rejected.

Wrong photo specifications

Your photo must be recent (within 6 months), 2 x 2 inches, with a white background, and no shadows or filters. Photos that are too old, the wrong size, or heavily edited won’t be accepted.

Hotel bookings without payment proof

Unpaid or tentative hotel reservations can appear unreliable. Where possible, provide paid booking confirmations or fully refundable reservations from trusted websites.

Name mismatches across documents

Ensure your name is written the same way on your passport, visa form, bank statements, and all other supporting documents. Even minor differences can cause confusion and delay processing.

Using fake flight tickets or documents

Submitting fake documents is strongly discouraged and could result in an outright visa refusal and affect future travel applications. Instead, book refundable tickets or trusted flight reservations.

Tip:
Take your time to check every detail before submitting your application — a small effort that greatly improves your chances of approval.

Final steps to make your Japan trip happen

Planning a trip to Japan is more than just booking flights and hotels — it starts with understanding the Japan tourist visa process for Indian citizens. While it might seem detailed at first, the steps become straightforward once you know what documents are needed, where to apply, and what common mistakes to avoid.

With this updated 2025 guide, you now have everything you need: visa types, requirements, fees, processing timelines, and clear application steps. By preparing carefully — and honestly — you can improve your chances of quick approval and focus on what truly matters: experiencing Japan’s timeless beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable food.

At Flying Squirrel Holidays, we’re here to make that process even easier. From helping you organise documents to planning custom itineraries and small-group tours, our team ensures your Japanese holiday is seamless from start to finish.

Ready to explore Japan?
Talk to our visa experts today or explore our curated Japan tour packages, and start your journey with confidence.

Call us at ‪+91 33 40525777‬ / ‪+91 833 697 8737‬

Email us at [email protected]

FAQs

1. Is Japan tourist visa easy to get for Indian citizens?
Yes, generally it’s straightforward if you have complete documents, stable financials, and a genuine travel purpose. Most first-time Indian tourists get approved if requirements are properly met.

2. How much bank balance is required for Japan tourist visa from India?
There’s no fixed rule, but it’s recommended to show a healthy balance — ideally at least ₹1–1.5 lakh per traveller, along with stable recent transactions and income proof.

3. What is the Japan tourist visa processing time in India?
Normally around 5–7 working days after submitting at VFS Global. It can be longer during peak seasons, so apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel.

4. Can I apply for a Japan tourist visa without confirmed flight tickets?
Technically yes, but providing confirmed or refundable flight bookings increases the chances of approval and shows serious intent.

5. Is there an e-Visa option for Indian passport holders?
Yes. Since April 2024, Indian citizens can apply through Japan’s e-Visa system (single entry). You still apply through VFS Global, but get an electronic approval notice instead of a visa sticker.

6. What is the validity of Japan tourist visa for Indians?
A single-entry visa usually allows a stay of up to 90 days. Multiple-entry visas can be valid for 1–5 years, with each stay limited to 90 days.

7. Can unemployed applicants get a Japan tourist visa?
Yes, if supported by a sponsor letter and proof that someone else (like a parent, spouse, or relative) will fund the trip, along with proper financial documents.

8. What is the rejection rate for Japan tourist visa from India?
Official data isn’t published, but rejection rates are generally low if applicants submit genuine documents and show clear financial capacity and travel plans.

9. Do I need travel insurance for Japan tourist visa?
It’s not mandatory, but strongly recommended. A valid travel insurance policy covering medical expenses and emergencies strengthens your application.