Japan Tourist Visa process for Indians - eNidhi India Travel Blog

Japan Tourist Visa process for Indians

Japan Visa process for Indians is far easier than I had expected.  It was cheap, it was quick and it was simple (less documentation). In this post, I am explaining the process.
Where to apply?
Japan has 4 consulate office in India- Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Details here
http://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/contact%20info.html

Only in Delhi, it is mandatory to go through VFS. In other cities, you can simply walk in directly to consulate and submit your papers. If you’re in other cities where consulate is not present, you can either make a short trip or need to use services of a travel agent.

Processing time: 3 days. You can collect it back on the 3rd business day.

Japan Visa Fees: Rs 440 (to be paid during collection)- VFS or travel agents may charge extra on top of this.

Key documents needed for Japan tourist visa
  •        Original passport + any old passports + photocopy of first and last page
  • .       Confirmed tickets
  • .       Hotel booking for all nights
  • .       Day wise travel plan/itinerary in specified format
  • .       Bank statement
  • .       Income tax return
  • .       Proof of employment, leave
  • .       Cover letter
  • .       Photo (45mm x 45mm, white background)
How soon to apply?
If you live in a metro that has Japanese consulate, even 7-10 days prior to travel date is fine, as it takes only 3 days. If you live in other cities and using agencies, keep extra time for courier etc. 2-3 weeks advance should be adequate. You will need Visa to buy JR Pass from a travel agency in person. Online you can buy without a physical visa copy.

Points to note:
Visa will be stamped on the passport – one page will be needed
Validity could be 4—6 months, but single entry. So try to make the most of one trip. There is a recent news that Indian businessmen can get long term multiple entry visa to Japan, but if you get multiple entry visa you can’t buy JR Pass, shooting up your travel cost within Japan by a large amount.

Mobile phones, laptops or bags will not be allowed inside. Either take a friend along who can hold them for you while you’re inside, or go in your car so that everything can be stored inside. Police booth outside the consulate may agree to safeguard your bag, if you request.

My other popular visa posts- Australia Visa * Malaysia Visa

25 comments:

  1. Good to hear about the simple process.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for this info.. Happy to know that Japan visa process is simple. Can u pls elaborate on JR Pass ?

    ReplyDelete
  3. @Vi Ra He
    JRPass means Japan Rail Pass, a tourist only weekly or fortnightly pass with unlimited rides on JR .. Cheaper way to commute intercity.

    Will write in detail after my trip

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just one doubt: since I am an NRI, I never filed IT returns in India. In such case, can I skip tax return file?

    ReplyDelete
  5. If you can explain it in a covering letter and show your income/tax proof in your resident country it should be good enough, but check with official sources for authentic information

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi,I am currently preparing for usmle to study in USA and not working and unemployed..Is it difficult to get tourist visa?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Applicants can also demand for the extension of the tourist visa but in that case you view here require mentioning the clear intensions behind the extension of your visa proposal.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi,

    You mentioned about specifying the detailed itinerary in some format.
    What should the format look like??

    Would you be able to help in sharing more details on this along with Covering letter format?

    Thanks much.

    Regards,
    Sunil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Application form has a template for this- simple table with day, what is the plan, where will you be staying etc

      Cover letter also is a simple letter addressing the consular introducing yourself, your purpose of visit and request for visa. No specific format- idea of cover letter is that the official reviewing your file gets a quick summary in one shot.

      Delete
  9. Hi Shrinidhi,

    I am an employee with the Private sector and not the Public or Govt Undertaking, do I still need the employment letter and leave application.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Informative article.. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  11. its better to applying via agency? any plus point given by embassy while applying via agency

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you're not in a city where Japan embassy is or you're too busy to visit in person then you have to apply via agency. else no advantages.

      Delete
  12. Is the approval rate higher if we are going through an agency. Are tourist visas rejected even if all the documents are proper?
    How much balance to be maintained in our accounts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't think going through an agency improves your chance. Visa applications can be rejected for various reasons despite the documents if concerned officers are not satisfied with your purpose, funds or anything else. Read more here https://www.enidhi.net/2019/08/reasons-for-tourist-visa-rejection-mistakes-to-avoid.html

      There is no rule on balance to maintain- calculate your trip expense approx-this entire amount should be your disposable income-i.e if your trip costs 2 lakhs, then there should be much more than that in your account like 2x-3x minimum.

      Apply in good faith with correct information. Hope for best

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the reply . I hope it would not be suspicious if we deposit that amount 1 month before going for visa . The problem generally are the EMI cutting and some savings like RD extra which will look like the average balance maintained in the account to be too low.It will be really painful if the rejections come after alot of money and time spent in booking and planning.

      Delete
    3. Provide salary slip, IT returns, fixed deposits or property papers for added assurance

      Delete
  13. If I am going to stay at a friend's place and not in any hotel. I will not have any hotel confirmation. How will this impact me during application ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Include an invite letter from your friend and a copy of his/her visa/resident permit and state in your cover letter that you are staying with your friend. It should be adequate

      Delete
    2. Thanks Shrinidhi.
      Does the invite letter needs to be in any specific format ?

      Delete
    3. As far as I know, No specific format. Ensure following points are covered
      1. Name, address, contact number, visa status of your host (is that person a genuine resident in Japan)
      2. Your relationship with him/her (why is he/she hosting you)
      3. What all expense he/she is covering (like stay & food)

      Offer to provide any additional info if required and end with a polite request to grant visa

      Delete

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