Do Indians Need a Visa for Japan?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa for Japan. You submit the application at a VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centre, and tourists can receive a JAPAN eVISA instead of a sticker. For Indian nationals the fee is ₹500, single or multiple entry, even after the July 1, 2026 increase.
Where to Apply
Submit through VFS Global (Japan Visa Application Centre); no prior appointment needed per the Embassy. Mumbai Consulate stopped direct applications from 20 April 2026 and uses VFS.
Documents for a Tourist Visa
For a single-entry tourist visa, the Consulate in Chennai links to MOFA's general checklist:
- Valid passport
- 1 visa application form
- 1 photo
- Flight itinerary with flight/ship number and dates of arrival in and departure from Japan
- Proof of ability to pay travel expenses: income certificate or tax return issued by a public agency, or bank statement / balance certificate
- Itinerary in Japan (MOFA form)
- Letter of guarantee + guarantor’s proof of funds, certificate of residence (Juminhyo), etc. — only if a guarantor in Japan covers expenses
Visa Fee After July 1, 2026
Visa fees rose from about ¥3,000 (single) / ¥6,000 (double/multiple) to about ¥15,000 (single) / ¥30,000 (multiple) for applications accepted from 1 July 2026. In India, the rupee amounts are:
- Indian nationals₹500 for single or multiple entry (unchanged)
- Other nationals applying in India₹8,650 single, ₹17,350 multiple or double
- Transit visaAbolished
- VFS service feeCharged in addition
The JAPAN eVISA from India
The JAPAN eVISA has been available in India since April 1, 2024, for Indian nationals and foreign nationals living in India. You still submit the application with your passport at VFS, but you receive an electronic visa instead of a sticker.
- Tourism only, single entry, up to 90 days
- Only for travel to Japan by air, or by sea on international scheduled passenger ferries between Japan and Busan or Shanghai.
- Show the "Visa issuance notice" at the airport/port on a device with internet access. PDF, screenshot and printed copies are NOT accepted. No visa sticker is placed in the passport.
Processing Time and When to Apply
Generally minimum 5 working days after the application is received; times can vary significantly with volume and cannot be expedited. Applications from other cities may take longer (Chennai).
Applications are accepted from 3 months before the travel date.
Which Consulate Handles Your State
Your application is decided by the Japanese mission that covers the state you live in:
- Consulate-General of Japan in ChennaiTamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Puducherry
- Consulate-General of Japan in KolkataWest Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha
- Embassy of Japan, New DelhiAndaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh
- Consulate-General of Japan in MumbaiChhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
- Consulate-General of Japan in BengaluruKarnataka
Multiple-Entry Visas for Indian Nationals
Frequent visitors can apply for a multiple-entry visa:
- Multiple-entry temporary visitor visa for nationals of India (tourism/business/visiting): valid 5 years, up to 90 days per visit. Ordinary MRP/ICAO ePassport holders, and one of: Two or more trips to Japan as temporary visitor in the last 3 years; A trip to Japan in the last 3 years and financial capacity to pay travel expenses; A trip to Japan and trips to G7 countries in the last 3 years; Sufficient financial capacity; Spouse or children of a person with sufficient financial capacity
- Multiple-entry visa for business purpose / cultural or intellectual figures: valid 1, 3, 5, 10 years. Business-related employees or cultural/intellectual figures meeting listed categories (period of stay 15, 30 or 90 days)
Helpline and Scam Warning
From the Embassy’s visa page:
- Japan Visa Information Hotline (India): +91-(0)11-7181-6614, 24/7, English only. The Embassy/Consulates do not answer enquiries on application status or refusal reasons.
- Beware of fraud: you only pay the visa fee and the VFS service charge; the Embassy never asks for payment by phone or email.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japan visa fee for Indians in 2026?
₹500 for Indian nationals, single or multiple entry, including after July 1, 2026. The VFS service fee is charged on top.
Can Indians get a Japan eVISA?
Yes, for tourism. Indian nationals and foreigners living in India can receive a single-entry eVISA for up to 90 days. You still submit the application with your passport at VFS, and show the visa notice on your phone at the airport.
How long does a Japan visa take from India?
Generally at least 5 working days after the application is received. It can take much longer at busy times and cannot be expedited.
How early can I apply for a Japan visa from India?
Applications are accepted from 3 months before your travel date.
Sources
- MOFA — JAPAN eVISAEligibility by country of residence (page dated May 15, 2026)
- MOFA — JAPAN eVISA FAQHow the visa notice is shown; single entry, tourism only
- MOFA — Visa fees from July 1, 2026About ¥15,000 single / ¥30,000 multiple
- MOFA — Visa overviewShort-term stay rules; visas issued only abroad
- Embassy of Japan in India — VisaVFS application, fees from July 1, 2026, eVISA
- Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai — VisaProcessing time; VFS since April 20, 2026
- Embassy of Japan in India — JAPAN eVISA (Japanese)eVISA available since April 1, 2024
- MOFA — Single-entry visa document checklistTourist documents
- Embassy of Japan in India — Multiple-entry visas (PDF)Eligibility and validity
- Japanese missions in India — jurisdiction of ChennaiWhich mission covers which state
- Japanese missions in India — jurisdiction of KolkataWhich mission covers which state
- Japanese missions in India — jurisdiction of New Delhi, Mumbai, BengaluruWhich mission covers which state
Sources checked: September 24, 2026
Researched and fact-checked by the TravelSafe Japan team against the sources above. AI tools helped with drafting; every rule, number and date was checked by an editor. General information, not legal or medical advice. Spotted an error? Tell us · How we verify