Japan flag — visa destinationShort-Stay TourismVerified 2026-04-20

Japan Tourism Visa (Short-Stay)

The Japan Tourism Visa allows Indian travellers to visit Japan for holiday or recreation up to 90 days. Processed by the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi via VFS Global. Fast processing (minimum 5 working days), low fees (₹500 for Indians), and a simple document pack.

Heads up — Japan Visa Checklists Vary by Jurisdiction

This info is per the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi jurisdiction.

Japan splits visa decisions across the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi + four consulates (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru). Each has slightly different document checklists, photo specs, and processing times. The requirements on this page match the New Delhi jurisdiction.

Embassy of Japan, New Delhi jurisdiction covers

DelhiHaryanaHimachal PradeshJammu & KashmirPunjabRajasthanUttar PradeshUttarakhandChandigarhArunachal PradeshAssamManipurMeghalayaMizoramNagalandSikkimTripuraAndaman & Nicobar IslandsLakshadweep

SureshotVisa helps Indian applicants across all states (and Indians abroad) — not just New Delhi jurisdiction. If you reside elsewhere, reach out and we'll confirm the exact checklist + VFS centre for your consulate.

Processing

Minimum 5 working days from the day the application is submitted at the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi

Stay Duration

Up to 90 days

Starting Fee

₹500

Apply At

9 VFS centres

Special Instructions — Read Before Applying

These requirements apply to ALL Japan visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.

  • 1Embassy of Japan, New Delhi jurisdiction covers: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh. Other states go to Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru consulates with slightly different checklists.
  • 2ALL photocopies must be on A4 size paper only.
  • 3Photograph must be 45mm × 35mm, white background, colored, ≤6 months old, 70-80% face visibility, good quality paper.
  • 4Passport must have more than 2 blank pages. Submit OLD passports too, if any.
  • 5VFS Global is involved only in the non-judgmental task of visa processing — does NOT play any role in the decision. All visa decisions are the prerogative of the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi.
  • 6Documents submitted will NOT be returned (except for the passport).
  • 7The Embassy may request an interview or additional documentation depending on personal circumstances.
  • 8For Gurugram / Chandigarh / Lucknow Drop-Off offices: payments via SEPARATE Demand Drafts (one per category) in favour of 'VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.' — NOT cash/card.

Who Can Apply

  • Indian citizens visiting Japan for tourism, sightseeing, holidays, or recreation
  • Residents of 19 Delhi-jurisdiction states/UTs (see banner)
  • Applicants with confirmed flight + hotel bookings and sufficient funds

Not eligible under this visa:

  • Paid work in Japan — apply for Long-Term COE visa
  • Study programs — apply for Long-Term COE (Student) visa
  • Visiting relatives/friends — apply for Visit Visa instead

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Fees (in INR)

ItemAmount
Indian — Single Entry₹500
Indian — Multiple Entry₹500
Other Nationals — Single Entry₹1,750
Other Nationals — Multiple Entry₹3,450
VFS service charge₹800
Courier return (optional)₹550

Visa Fee is refunded ONLY if the visa is NOT approved by the Embassy. There is a VFS Service Charge of ₹800 (inclusive of all taxes) per application — this applies even if the visa fee itself is exempted. Courier return service charge (optional): ₹550 per application (₹2,650 for Bhutan office). All charges are paid in cash/card only in INR at New Delhi VFS. For Gurugram, Chandigarh, and Lucknow Drop-Off offices: separate Demand Drafts in favour of 'VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.' — one per applicant for visa fee, service charge, and courier charge.

Documents Required

Prepared by the Applicant

  • !
    Valid passport (with more than 2 blank pages)

    Also submit OLD passports if any.

  • !
    Photocopy of Bio Data Page of current passport (First + Last Page)
  • !
    A completely filled and signed Visa Application Form
  • !
    One photograph (45×35mm, white bg, ≤6 months old, 70-80% face visibility, good quality paper)
  • !
    Covering letter (stating purpose of visit and day-to-day details)
  • !
    Document to show flight/cruise schedule to/from Japan
  • !
    Itinerary in Japan (hotel info + contact info while in Japan)
  • !
    Latest Income Tax Return (if not available, bank statement of last 6 months)
  • If Student/Dependent: Consent from parents/spouse + Latest ITR of parents/spouse (or bank statement 6 months)
  • Proof of Relationship if applicant accompanied by dependent (passport copy, marriage/birth certificate)

! = mandatory · = optional / if applicable

🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Gather docs + photograph (A4 photocopies only)

Passport, bio-data copy, application form signed, 1 photo (45×35mm white bg), covering letter, flight + hotel, ITR, itinerary.

2

Book VFS appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/

Select the centre matching your jurisdiction (New Delhi for 19 states/UTs). Gurugram/Chandigarh/Lucknow: pay via Demand Drafts only.

3

Submit at VFS

Pay ₹500 (Indian) + ₹800 VFS. Optional courier ₹550. Cash/card only in New Delhi; DDs for Gurugram/Chandigarh/Lucknow/Bhutan.

4

Embassy decides in 5+ working days

Processing time at Embassy's discretion. VFS has no role in decision.

5

Passport return

Collect at VFS or via optional courier. Submitted documents NOT returned (except passport).

Download Official Forms

Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.

📋 How to download from VFS:

  1. Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
  2. Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
  3. Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
  4. Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device

VFS Application Centres

VFS Japan New Delhi (main jurisdiction centre)VFS Japan Gurugram (Drop-Off)VFS Japan Chandigarh (Drop-Off)VFS Japan Lucknow (Drop-Off)VFS Japan Mumbai (separate jurisdiction — West India)VFS Japan Chennai (separate jurisdiction — South India)VFS Japan Kolkata (separate jurisdiction — East India)VFS Japan Bengaluru (separate jurisdiction — South India)VFS Japan Bhutan office

Quiz not yet available for this visa type

We're actively building per-visa quizzes. For now, the best way to assess your eligibility for Japan Tourism Visa (Short-Stay) is a free 1-on-1 consultation with our team.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Apply 2–3 weeks before travel — 5 working days is the minimum, but Embassy can extend.
  • Japan has rolled out Multiple-Entry visas for Indian travellers with Japan travel history (Multiple 1-7). If you've been to Japan twice in 3 years, the Multiple visa is much easier to get than a fresh tourist visa.
  • Income Tax Returns (ITR) are always accepted; bank statements are the fallback. Submit both when applying for Multiple entry visas.
  • For Student/Dependent applicants: always include parent/spouse's ITR + consent letter.
  • Photocopies on A4 only — other sizes cause rejection at VFS counter.

Common Rejection Reasons

  • 1.Photocopies not on A4 paper
  • 2.Covering letter missing day-to-day itinerary details
  • 3.Photo doesn't meet 45×35mm specs or face visibility 70-80%
  • 4.Flight/hotel bookings don't match dates on application
  • 5.ITR or bank statement insufficient for trip costs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Japan tourist visa processing take?+
Minimum 5 working days from submission at Embassy of Japan, New Delhi. This is INDICATIVE — processing time may increase or decrease at the Embassy's discretion. Apply 2-3 weeks before travel.
Do I need to show bank statements?+
Latest ITR is the primary financial proof. If not available, bank statement of last 6 months is an acceptable alternative. For multiple-entry variants, ITR is strongly preferred.
Can students apply for Japan tourist visa?+
Yes — include parent/spouse consent + their latest ITR (or 6 months bank statement). See also the separate 'Tourism Visa for Indian University Students' category with special conditions.
What's the photo requirement?+
45mm × 35mm, white background, colour, ≤6 months old, face visibility 70-80%, looking straight forward, good quality paper. One photo per application.
I live in Mumbai — can I apply at New Delhi VFS?+
No — residence determines jurisdiction. Mumbai residents apply at the Mumbai consulate. SureshotVisa can guide you on the correct jurisdiction for your residence.
What if my visa is refused?+
Visa fee (₹500) is refunded ONLY if visa is not approved. VFS service charge (₹800) is non-refundable. You can reapply with stronger documentation.

Let us prepare your Japan Tourism Visa — (Short-Stay) application

Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.

Other Japan Visa Types

Short-Stay Tourism — Indian Students

Japan Tourism Visa for Indian University Students and Graduates

Single-entry short-stay visa for Indian university students — purpose: tourism for up to 30 days. Streamlined for students from eligible Indian universities.

Short-Stay Business

Japan Short Term Business Visa

Short-stay visa for business visits to Japan — conferences, negotiations, exploratory business visits — up to 90 days.

Short-Stay — Visiting Relatives/Friends

Japan Visit Visa — Relatives / Friends / Acquaintances

Short-stay visa for visiting family, friends, or acquaintances in Japan — up to 90 days.

Transit

Japan Transit Visa

Short-stay transit visa for travellers passing through Japan — ₹50 fee for Indians.

Long-Term (COE-based)

Japan Long Term Stay with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Long-term visa for work, study, or residency in Japan — requires Certificate of Eligibility (COE) obtained by Japanese sponsor.

Medical Stay

Japan Medical Stay Visa

Visa for patients travelling to Japan for medical treatment or consultations — requires registered Japanese guarantor (medical coordinator/travel agency).

Long-Term — Job Hunting / Entrepreneurial

Japan J-Find Visa (Future Creation Individual)

2-year visa for Indian graduates of top universities to engage in job hunting, entrepreneurial activity, or remunerative activity in Japan.

Multiple Entry — Travel History

Japan Multiple Entry Visa (Multiple 1) — 2+ Japan Visits in Last 3 Years

Multiple-entry short-stay visa for Indians with 2+ temporary visitor visits to Japan in the last 3 years — simple document pack.

Source & Disclaimer

Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Japan website and Embassy of Japan. Last verified 2026-04-20. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.