Japan visa for Indians is a common search, and the short answer is that Indian citizens need a visa for tourism. Japan’s foreign ministry lists visa-exempt countries, and India is not among them. With Air India planning a non-stop Delhi to Osaka flight from February 2027, many travellers are asking how the process works.
Quick answer
- Visa needed: yes, Indian tourists need one before travel
- Routes: sticker visa through VFS Global, or the digital eVisa
- Stay: up to 90 days, single entry, entry by air
- Fees reported in January 2026: ₹450 to ₹500 plus a VFS service fee of ₹800
- Processing: at least five working days, per Business Today
Do Indians need a visa for Japan?
Yes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan lists countries with reciprocal visa exemption, and India does not appear on that list. So you must apply before you fly.
Business Today’s guide, published in January 2026, describes two options. One is the traditional sticker visa processed through VFS Global in India. The other is the digital eVisa, introduced in April 2024. Applicants based in India still go through VFS Global, though they may receive an eVisa in return.
Eligibility for the Japan tourist visa
Business Today lists these conditions for the short-term tourist visa:
- A valid ordinary Indian passport.
- Travel for tourism only, with no paid work.
- Entry by air, for a stay of up to 90 days.
- A single-entry visa.
Also, Indian citizens living in the US, UK, Singapore, Australia or Saudi Arabia can use Japan’s official eVisa portal, according to the same report. If you live in India, plan on the VFS route.
Documents to keep ready
The checklist below comes from the same guide. Requirements can change, so confirm them on the VFS Japan page before you submit.
- Passport with at least two blank pages, plus a photocopy of the biodata page.
- Signed application form and a 2 x 2 inch photo.
- Cover letter and flight itinerary.
- Hotel booking proof.
- Financial proof, such as two years of ITR or six months of salary slips.
- Employment proof, such as an employer NOC or a GST certificate.
- Travel insurance, and relationship proof if you apply with dependents.
Fees and timing for a Japan visa for Indians
The report puts the visa fee between ₹450 and ₹500, with a VFS service fee of ₹800 including taxes. Processing takes at least five working days, though some applicants report faster results. However, treat this as a guide. Japan has also been reported to be planning its first fee revision since 1978, so fees may change.
So apply at least three to four weeks before your trip. Because the visa is valid for three months from issue, do not apply too early either. The report says extensions and renewals are not allowed.
After approval: what to carry
If you get an eVisa, you receive a visa issuance notice. Business Today says it must be shown at check-in and at immigration, and that screenshots or PDFs are not accepted. Print the notice, then keep it with your passport.
Next, plan the rest of the trip. Check baggage limits for the long flight in our guide to the cabin baggage limit in India. Also read about the 48 hour flight cancellation rule before you book, because a visa delay can force a date change.
Common mistakes
First, do not book non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved. Then, avoid mismatched names between passport, tickets and hotel bookings. Also, do not rely on third-party blogs for fees, since official pages are updated first.
FAQ
Do Indians need a visa for Japan?
Yes. India is not on Japan’s visa-exempt list published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tourists must apply for a visa before travelling.
How long can Indian tourists stay in Japan?
Business Today reports a maximum stay of 90 days on the single-entry tourist visa, valid for three months from issue.
How long does Japan visa processing take?
Business Today reports a minimum of five working days. Some applicants report approvals sooner, but you should apply well ahead of your trip.