Short-Stay — Visiting Relatives/FriendsVerified 2026-04-20Japan Visit Visa — Relatives / Friends / Acquaintances
The Japan Visit Visa allows Indian citizens to visit Japan for holiday, recreation, OR to visit family/friends for up to 90 days. Requires Japanese-based host (family member, friend, or acquaintance) providing invitation letter and guarantee.
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
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 family members living in Japan
- Indian citizens visiting friends or acquaintances in Japan
- Combined tourism + family visit trips
Not eligible under this visa:
- Without a valid Japanese host invitation
- Long-term family settlement — use Long-Term COE (family) visa
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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
Core Documents
- !Valid passport (2+ blank pages) + old passports
- !Photocopy of Bio Data Page (First + Last Page)
- !Completely filled and signed Visa Application Form
- !One photograph (45×35mm, white bg, ≤6 months old)
- !Invitation letter from Japanese host (family/friend)
Host's address, contact, duration of stay, relationship.
- !Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate copies)
- !Host's Japanese residence card copy (if non-Japanese) or passport copy
- !Itinerary in Japan + host's address
- !Flight/cruise schedule to/from Japan
- !Latest ITR (or 6 months bank statement)
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Japanese host prepares invitation
Letter with address, duration, relationship, plus their residence card/passport copy.
Apostille Indian relationship documents if applicable
Birth/marriage certificates for family relationship proof.
Book flights + accommodation
Hotel for non-host stays; host's address for family/friend stays.
Submit at VFS Japan
Pay ₹500 + ₹800. Processing 5+ working days.
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:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
VFS Application Centres
💡 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.
- If staying entirely with host, hotel booking isn't needed — but include host's full address.
- Indian relationship documents (marriage/birth) should be duly apostilled via MEA for visa purposes.
- Combining tourism days + family visit is fine — include both in itinerary.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Invitation letter missing host details or duration of stay
- 2.Relationship documents not apostilled
- 3.Host's residence card/passport copy missing
- 4.Flight/itinerary doesn't match visit dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can friends invite me — not just family?+
My relative has Japanese residence permit but is Indian — is that okay?+
Do I stay with host or book hotel?+
How long can family visit be?+
Host needs to be Japanese citizen?+
Processing time?+
Let us prepare your Japan Visit Visa — Relatives / Friends / Acquaintances application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Japan Visa Types
Japan Tourism Visa (Short-Stay)
Short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting Japan for holiday or recreation — up to 90 days.
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.
Japan Short Term Business Visa
Short-stay visa for business visits to Japan — conferences, negotiations, exploratory business visits — up to 90 days.
Japan Transit Visa
Short-stay transit visa for travellers passing through Japan — ₹50 fee for Indians.
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.
Japan Medical Stay Visa
Visa for patients travelling to Japan for medical treatment or consultations — requires registered Japanese guarantor (medical coordinator/travel agency).
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.
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.