How to Get a Visa to Japan for India 🇮🇳 Citizens
📅 Max stay: 90 days 🔄 Multiple entry 💰 Fee: Varies ⏱ Processing: 5–7 business days ✅ No fingerprints
The essentials in 30 seconds: 🇨🇳 Yes — you need to apply for a visa. Visa type: Short-Stay Visa (Tourist / Business). Max stay: 90 days. Total time: Allow 2–3 weeks from gathering documents to receiving passport.
📅 Last verified: 2026-06-06
📋 Gather these documents first
Check each off as you gather it.
🪜 The steps
1 Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, recent passport-size photo, flight itinerary (round-trip), hotel bookings or invitation letter, bank statements showing sufficient funds (typically 3 months), and proof of employment or business (e.g., leave approval letter from employer, business registration). Self-employed applicants should provide business registration and ITR.
2 Complete the application form
Download the official application form from the website of the Japanese Embassy or the nearest Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC) in your city. Fill it out in block letters. One form per applicant.
3 Submit at a Japanese Embassy, Consulate-General, or JVAC
Japan Visa Application Centers (operated by BLS International) are available in major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and others. Submit your complete set of documents in person at the counter. No appointment is required at most JVACs, but check locally.
4 Pay the visa fee
Pay the applicable fee at the counter. Cash only at most JVACs. Single-entry: ~₹800. Multiple-entry: ~₹1,600. Service charges apply at JVACs.
5 Collect your passport
Passports are returned at the same JVAC where you submitted. Standard processing takes 5–7 business days. Some centers offer courier return for an additional fee.
Processing time
Standard: 5–7 business days
Expedite: Not available — standard processing only
Fees
Single-entry: approximately ₹800 INR (¥1,500 JPY). Multiple-entry: approximately ₹1,600 INR (¥3,000 JPY). Fees are confirmed at the time of application.
Where to apply
Japanese Embassy
New Delhi
📍 50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
📞 +91 11 2687 6564
Japanese Consulate-General
Mumbai
📍 1st Floor, ML Dahanukar Marg, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai 400026
📞 +91 22 2351 7101
Japanese Consulate-General
Chennai
📍 No. 12, Spur Tank Road, Chetpet, Chennai 600031
📞 +91 44 2822 3860
Japanese Consulate-General
Kolkata
📍 55 M.N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge, Kolkata 700040
📞 +91 33 2422 7700
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Japan?
Yes. India is not on Japan's visa-free list. Indian passport holders must obtain a short-stay visa (tourist or business) before traveling to Japan.
Can I get a multiple-entry Japan visa?
Yes — if you have visited Japan twice or more in the past, or if you have a strong travel history to developed countries (such as the US, UK, EU, Australia), you may be eligible for a 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year multiple-entry visa. First-time applicants typically receive a single-entry visa.
How much bank balance do I need to show?
There is no officially stated minimum, but as a general guideline you should be able to demonstrate approximately ₹1 lakh (INR 100,000) per person in your bank account. Stable monthly credits from salary are also important.
Can I apply without a confirmed flight ticket?
Most JVAC guidance asks for a confirmed or provisional booking showing dates. A full non-refundable ticket is not always required — a provisional/hold booking is often acceptable. Check the specific instructions for your nearest JVAC.
How far in advance should I apply?
Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date. Processing takes 5–7 business days, but collecting documents and queuing at a JVAC takes additional time. Do not apply more than 3 months before your intended travel date.
Is Japan safe for solo Indian travelers?
Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Solo travel — including for women — is widely considered very safe. Hindi and English are not widely spoken outside major tourist areas, so having basic Japanese phrases or a translation app is helpful.