Whether you are an anime fan or a culture enthusiast, Japan is a destination that promises to gift you memories for a lifetime.
With the launch of a new Japan tourist e-visa option on 1 April 2024 for Indian travellers, your bucket list trip to Japan is now a click away.
Also Read: How To Avoid 10 Hidden Travel Expenses & Enjoy Your Trip Abroad
What is the Japan E-visa?
The Japan e-visa is a single-entry short-term visa for tourism that lets you explore Japan for up to a maximum period of 90 days.
The e-visa process is streamlined as applicants can book online and visit their nearest VFS visa application centre to submit documents. However, the visa is given in electronic format and not as a visa sticker on the passport
Are You Eligible for Japan E-visa?
An Indian e-visa applicant must satisfy the criteria set by the Japanese government.
- Possess an ordinary Indian passport.
- Plan your travel only by air or sea.
- Have no history of criminal conviction or deportation from any country.
- Not be a dual national of Japan or any other country.
What are the Documents Required for Japan E-visa?
If you believe you are eligible for the Japan e-visa, you are required to prove your eligibility by presenting the following documents-1
- Current and valid passport with more than 2 blank pages and 6 months validity. Submit old passports if any.
- Photocopy of the first and last page of current passport.
- 2 Passport-size photos, taken within the last six months against a white background (2*2 inches dimensions).
- Completed visa application form
- A cover letter containing the complete travel itinerary as per the official format provided by the embassy.
- Air ticket with entry and departure dates.
- Confirmation and address of accommodation in Japan.
- Bank statement showing your transactions for the past 6 months with the bank’s official seal (show salary credit).
- ITR acknowledgement of the past 3 years.
- Leave letter and Form 16; if employed (optional)
- travel insurance (optional)
- Birth or marriage certificate for dependents to prove their relationship.
Also Read: 8 Essential Things You Need To Take Before Going Abroad
How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa Online?
After arranging the necessary documents you can move on to the application process which is simple and convenient.
- Visit the VFS Global website and create a personal account.
- Select visa type and book an appointment at your nearest visa application centre.
- Visit the visa application at the time and date booked, submit documents and complete fee payment. Since the visa is in electronic format, your passport shall be returned by the officials.
- After 5 days or more, you shall receive a visa issuance notice in your registered e-mail address.
How Much is the Visa Fees?
An Indian applicant must pay Rs. 500 as Visa fees and Rs. 800 as VFS service fee. All these charges are inclusive of taxes. The fee payment is accepted as both cash and card payments (card preferred). The Visa fee alone shall be refunded if the application turns out to be unsuccessful.2
What is the Visa Processing Time Required?
The time required from visa application to visa issuance is just 5 working days from the day of application submission.3
Will your visa processing get delayed any further? Maybe. This happens when there is a problem with the applied details. So be all eyes when you upload your details and documents. Also, it may take longer than usual if too many visa applications converge simultaneously. But don’t worry. You get notified about the processing throughout the time via registered mail ID and can track your e-visa procedure.
How to Display the Japan Visa Issuance Notice?
Now that you have your golden pass to Japan, you must show the “Visa issuance notice” on a mobile device at the airport. PDF format is only acceptable and photo, screenshot, or printed copy is not accepted. Therefore, internet access is needed to complete a few steps.
1. Scan the QR Code on the visa issuance notice.
2. You shall land on the Japan e-visa website. Enter your passport number and Date of Birth further click “Display”.
5. Display the Japanese e-visa with the timer on the top-right corner of the screen.4
Tips for Indian Travellers to Japan
- The embassy will never request a visa application fee or documents by phone or mail. In such instances, decline the call and call the embassy hotline number (+91-(0)1171816614).
- Visa processing cannot be expedited or prioritized, so apply early. Applications are accepted starting three months before travel.
- Make your cover letter descriptive with a detailed daily itinerary.
- Airport or seaport officials may ask for financial details. The Japanese yen is necessary to carry out all the activities and meet every expense during your time in Japan. So carry a substantial amount of Japanese Yen as cash with you and load the rest of your budget in a single-currency forex card.
The Japanese tourist e-visa is tailored according to the needs and comfort of tourists. However, provide an early application and purchase necessary Japanese Yen. Buy Japanese Yen or a Forex card from ExTravelMoney, the most trusted and widely accessible online platform in India and enjoy your Japanese vacation to the fullest.
Also Read: The Cheapest Way To Travel The World’s 7 Most Costliest Countries
- Japanese Visa Official Checklist ↩︎
- VFS Global Official ↩︎
- Embassy of Japan in India ↩︎
- Japanese e-visa portal ↩︎
Ann Mariya Job is the Associate Content Writer at ExTravelMoney.com. Holding a Bachelor’s in Journalism, she excels in creating deeply researched, engaging, and crisp content. Her work helps readers understand the complexities of foreign exchange, overseas money transfers, and international travel.