Japan entry requirements for travellers from India
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Japan?
Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Japan. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Indian nationals.
Japan does offer an eVisa for Indian applicants, but you cannot apply directly online. You must submit your application through a MOFA-accredited travel agent in India. The agency handles the submission on your behalf and the visa is issued electronically, linked to your passport.
If you prefer to apply without using an agency, you can apply in person at the Japanese embassy in New Delhi or at one of the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata.
How long can you stay in Japan?
A short-stay visa permits a maximum of 90 days per visit. However, the exact duration is decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry, not by the visa itself. You may be granted fewer than 90 days depending on your itinerary and supporting documents.
You cannot extend a short-stay visa from within Japan, and it cannot be converted into a long-term residence status.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Japan. Japan does not require six months of validity beyond your travel dates. You will also need at least one blank page for entry stamps.
Proof of funds
You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. Japanese embassies typically ask for bank statements covering the last three months. There is no fixed minimum amount specified, but your statements should reflect a balance proportionate to the length of your trip and your accommodation costs.
Onward or return travel
You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket at the time of your application and on arrival in Japan. An open-ended or one-way ticket is unlikely to be accepted.
Applying for your Japan visa
Option 1: eVisa through an accredited agency
Indian applicants can apply for a Japan eVisa through a MOFA-registered travel agent. The agent submits your documents electronically on your behalf. Once approved, the visa is issued in digital form and linked to your passport number. You do not receive a sticker in your passport.
You will need to provide the following documents to your agent:
A completed visa application form, your passport (valid throughout your stay), one recent passport-size photograph (4cm x 3cm, white background), a confirmed return flight booking, accommodation confirmation for every night of your stay, a detailed day-by-day itinerary, bank statements for the past three months, and an employment certificate or proof of business registration if self-employed.
The visa fee is ¥15,000 for a single-entry visa and ¥30,000 for a multiple-entry visa, payable online by credit card. The agency may charge a separate service fee.
Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are submitted, though some agencies advise applying 2 to 3 weeks before travel.
Option 2: Apply in person at the embassy or consulate
If you prefer to apply directly, visit the Japanese embassy in New Delhi or the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata. The same documents are required. Fees are the same: ¥15,000 for single-entry.
Health requirements
There are no vaccination or health certificate requirements to enter Japan. COVID-era testing and quarantine rules are no longer in effect.
Other entry requirements
All travellers entering Japan must complete a disembarkation card on the flight. You will be fingerprinted and photographed at the port of entry as part of Japan’s standard entry procedure. If you are carrying cash or valuables exceeding ¥1,000,000 in total, you must declare this at customs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Japan visa without a travel agent?
Yes. Indian nationals can apply directly at the Japanese embassy in New Delhi or at the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata. However, if you want to use the eVisa route, you must go through a MOFA-accredited agency.
How long does a Japan visa take to process?
Standard processing is 3 to 5 business days. Allow more time during peak travel periods or if your documents require further review.
Can I work in Japan on a short-stay visa?
No. A short-stay tourist visa does not permit employment or paid activities of any kind.
Do I need travel insurance for Japan?
Japan does not currently require travel insurance for entry. However, healthcare costs in Japan are high, and travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?
You cannot extend a short-stay visa from within Japan. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and apply for a new visa before re-entering.
What if I have a criminal record?
Japan may deny entry to anyone with a criminal conviction. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis by immigration authorities.