Everything You Need to Know Before Applying for a Japanese Visa: A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers.

February 24, 2025 Lpoholidays

Do you know that Indian tourists may find it difficult to obtain a Japanese visa for numerous reasons?

Japan, with its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, Indian tourists often face challenges when applying for a Japanese visa. A well-planned visa application process can significantly reduce the risk of rejection. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the requirements and ensure a smooth journey to this enchanting country.

Japan Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians

Indian citizens must obtain a tourist visa before travelling to Japan. Below are some key documents required:

Current and old passports with the front and last pages, must be valid for at least six months.
Occupation Details: Specify whether you are a businessman, proprietor, or salaried employee.
Financial Documents:
- Passbook copies that have been sealed and stamped by your bank are required, as are bank statements for the previous six months.
- Fixed Deposits (FD), Investment, or Mutual Fund Statements (IF ANY)
- Public Provident Fund (PPF) account details. (IF ANY)
- Post Office account details or property papers.
Income Tax Return (ITR): Submit ITR-V with a barcode for the last three years.
Leave Letter: If employed, provide a sealed leave letter from your company.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required if you are a government employee from Director or Manager. Provide your business details, along with your GST proof, if you are the business’s owner. Traveller must have a sufficient bank balance in their account.

Photo Requirements

Photos should be recent and not more than six months old.
Size should be passport size (2 x 2 inch).
Face visibility should be between 70% and 80%.
Coloured photos with a plain white background are preferred. (Matt finished.)

How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa?

Choose Your Application Method: You can apply through VFS Global.
Gather Documents: Ensure all necessary documents are complete and accurate.
Fill Out Application Form: Complete the application form carefully without errors.
Submit Application: Submit directly at VFS Global.

Checking Eligibility

To check eligibility:

Ensure you meet all document requirements listed above.
Verify that your purpose of visit aligns with tourist activities only; no business activities are allowed on this visa type.

Visa Fees

For Indian citizens applying through VFS Global:

Single Entry Visa Embassy Fee: INR 500.
Additional VFS Service Fee: INR 800.

Note that fees may vary depending on additional services chosen.

Processing Time

After all necessary documents are correctly submitted, the processing time usually takes ten working days. However, it can extend up to one month if additional information is needed by the embassy.

Types of Japanese Visas

Short-Term Stay Visa:

Tourist Visa: For tourism or visiting family/friends.
Business Visa: For business-related activities like meetings or conferences.
Transit Visa: For travellers passing through Japan.

Long-Term Stay Visas:

Work Visa: For employment in Japan, including roles like professors, artists, engineers, etc.
Student Visa: For studying at Japanese educational institutions.
Marriage Visa: For spouses of Japanese citizens.
Highly Skilled Professional Visa: Offers longer stays and more benefits for highly skilled workers.

Take the Following Actions to Prevent Being Denied a Japanese Visa

Consider Consulting a Visa Expert

Engaging with a visa expert can help you navigate the complex application process. They can ensure that all documents are correctly prepared and submitted on time. This reduces errors that might lead to rejection.

Opting for Group Tours

Joining group tours can enhance your visa approval chances because it provides clear travel plans and often includes support from tour operators in preparing necessary documentation. This structured itinerary helps demonstrate your intent to return home after the trip.

By following these guidelines carefully and ensuring all documentation is in order, Indian travellers can navigate the process smoothly and enjoy their journey in Japan!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the Japan visa requirements for first-time visitors?

First-time visitors to Japan require a valid passport, a visa application, and supporting documents such as a flight itinerary and proof of sufficient funds.

2. How do you apply for a Japan tourist visa online?

Based on availability, you can apply for a Japan tourist visa online through the Japan Visa Application Centre or via the designated Japanese embassy/consulate’s e-visa system.

3. How long can I stay in Japan with a tourist visa?

You can typically stay up to 90 days with a Japan tourist visa.

4. Does Japan allow multiple-entry visa eligibility criteria?

Eligibility for a Japan multiple-entry visa depends on factors like travel history, financial stability, and purpose of visit (e.g., business, tourism, or family visits).

5. What is the visa fee for a Japan tourist visa?

The visa fee for a single or multiple-entry Japan tourist visa is INR 500. However, if you apply through VFS Global, an additional service charge of INR 800 will be levied per application.

6. What are some Japanese visa application form tips and tricks?

Fill out the Japan visa application form neatly, use accurate details matching your documents, avoid blanks, and double-check for errors before submission.

7. Can you list some Japan visa photo requirements and specifications?

Japan visa photo requirements: 2 x 2 inch, white background, taken within 6 months, neutral expression, no shadows, and no accessories covering the face.

8. How to extend a Japan tourist visa while in the country?

Japan generally does not allow tourist visa extensions, except in special cases or during emergencies; apply at the nearest immigration office with valid reasons.

9. What are some Japanese visa rejection reasons and how to avoid them?

Common Japan visa rejection reasons include incomplete forms, insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, and past violations; avoid them by submitting complete, accurate documents.

10. What is the Japanese spouse visa process for international marriages?

The Japan spouse visa process requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), marriage proof, financial stability, and an application at a Japanese embassy or consulate.

11. What are the Japanese visa requirements for children and minors?

Japan visa requirements for children include a completed application form, a birth certificate, parents’ passports, financial proof, a consent letter (if travelling alone), and a visa photo.

12. How do you track Japan visa application status online?

You can track your Japan visa application status online through the VFS Global website or by contacting the Japanese embassy/consulate where you applied.