Japan visa for indians

Mandatory Document Checklist (2026)

1. Passport

• Validity: Original passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

• Old Passports: You must submit all your previous passports if you have them.

• Format: Provide clear A4-sized photocopies of the first and last pages.

2. Photograph (Japan Specific)

• Dimensions: 45mm x 45mm (2.0 x 2.0 inches).

• Quantity: 1 copy for e-Visa (digital) or 2 copies for sticker visa (physical).

• Background: Plain white with a matte/non-glossy finish.

• Details: 70–80% face coverage, no glasses, no headgear, and taken within the last 6 months.

3. Financial Documents (Proof of Funds)

Japan checks for financial stability very closely.

• Bank Statements: Original personal bank statements for the last 6 months. These must be signed and stamped by the bank on every page.

• ITR: Income Tax Return (ITR-V) or Form 16 for the last 3 assessment years.

• Suggested Balance: For a 10-day trip, a balance of ₹3,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 is typically recommended.

4. Itinerary & Flights

• Day-wise Schedule: A specific “Stay Plan” (Japan-specific format) detailing your daily activities and hotel addresses.

• Flights: Confirmed round-trip flight bookings.

• Accommodation: Proof of hotel bookings for the entire duration of your stay.

5. Employment Proof

• Salaried: Original NOC/Leave letter from the employer and last 3 months’ salary slips.

• Self-Employed: GST Registration certificate and company bank statements.

1. The “Live e-Visa” Rule (Crucial)

If you are traveling on an e-Visa (Single-entry tourism), you must be aware of the “Digital Issuance” rule:

• No Screenshots/PDFs: You cannot show a printed copy, a screenshot, or a PDF of your visa at the airport.

• Live Display: You must log in to the official Japan e-Visa website on your smartphone and show the “Visa Issuance Notice” live to the airline staff and immigration.

• Internet Needed: Ensure you have a working data roaming plan or use the airport Wi-Fi to log in.

2. Updated Fees for 2026

As of early 2026, Japan has updated its consular fees to align with G7 standards, though it remains one of the most affordable visas for Indians:

• Visa Fee: Approximately ₹450 (Single or Multiple Entry).

• VFS Service Fee: Approximately ₹800.

• Departure Tax: If you are leaving Japan after July 1, 2026, the departure tax has increased from JPY 1,000 to JPY 3,000 (usually included in your flight ticket).

3. Mandatory Digital Procedures (Visit Japan Web)

Before you land, you must use the Visit Japan Web portal to pre-clear immigration and customs:

• Customs QR Code: Instead of filling out the yellow paper form on the plane, you generate a QR code online.

• Immigration QR Code: Provides your “Disembarkation Card” details digitally.

• Tax-Free Shopping: You can also register your tax-free information here, making shopping at places like Don Quijote or Uniqlo much faster.

4. Kyoto’s New Lodging Tax (2026)

If your itinerary includes Kyoto, be prepared for the new tiered lodging tax introduced on March 1, 2026:

• Low-end: JPY 200/night.

• High-end (over JPY 100k/night): Can go up to JPY 10,000/night.

• This is usually paid directly at the hotel front desk upon check-in/check-out.

5. Multiple-Entry Perks

If you hold a Multiple-Entry Japan Visa, your Indian passport gains significant “power.” In 2026, you can enter these countries visa-free or with a simplified process:

• Philippines: 14 days visa-free.

• Singapore: 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF).

• Mexico: 180 days visa-free.

• UAE: Eligibility for Visa on Arrival.

6. Regional Etiquette & Rules

• Public Transport: Speaking loudly on trains or taking phone calls is considered extremely rude.

• Trash: Public dustbins are rare. Japanese people carry their trash home.

• Tattoos: If you have visible tattoos, check if your “Onsen” (hot spring) allows them; many still require them to be covered with waterproof stickers.

Can I apply for an Japan visa online?

Partially. You can fill the application form online and book appointments through Visa lounge website https://visalounge.in/ .

1. Can I get a Japan Visa on Arrival?

No. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa (either e-Visa or sticker) before boarding their flight.

2. Is the e-Visa available for Multiple Entry?

No. The e-Visa is strictly for Single Entry tourism. If you want a Multiple Entry visa, you must submit a physical application for a sticker visa.

3. Do I need to show my e-Visa on my phone at the airport?

Yes. You must log in to the official portal and show the live “Visa Issuance Notice.” Screenshots, PDFs, or printed copies are not accepted by airlines or immigration.

4. What is the mandatory photo size?

It must be 45mm x 45mm (2×2 inches) with a white background and matte finish. This is larger than a standard Indian passport photo; using the wrong size is a top cause for rejection.

5. How much is the Visa fee in 2026?

The Embassy fee is very low—approx. ₹450 for both single and multiple entry. However, you must also pay a VFS service fee of approx. ₹800.

6. Do I need to provide old passports?

Yes. Japan requires you to submit all original old passports to verify your travel history. If you’ve lost one, a police report is mandatory.

7. How much bank balance should I maintain?

While not official, a balance of ₹3 to ₹5 Lakhs per person for a 10-day trip is the “safe” benchmark. Consular officers look for consistent savings rather than a sudden large deposit.

8. Is travel insurance mandatory?

 It is not legally required for the visa, but the Embassy strongly recommends it due to the high cost of medical care in Japan.

9. Can I apply at any VFS center?

No. You must apply at the center within your jurisdiction (e.g., North India residents apply in Delhi/Chandigarh; West India in Mumbai/Ahmedabad).

10. How long is the processing time?

Standard processing is 5 to 10 working days. Japan does not offer “Express” or “Same-day” services, so apply at least 3 weeks before travel.

11. What is the “Visit Japan Web” requirement?

Before landing, you must register on the Visit Japan Web portal to generate QR codes for Immigration and Customs. This replaces the old paper arrival cards.

12. Can I go to Japan if I have a tattoo?

While a tattoo won’t affect your visa, it may affect your trip. Many traditional Onsens (hot springs) still ban guests with visible tattoos. Look for “tattoo-friendly” onsens or carry waterproof cover-up stickers.

For official Japan Visa guidelines, visit the

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/