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Planning a Japan trip from India in 2026? One of the first things to sort out is your Japan tourist visa. For Indian passport holders, Japan currently offers an eVisa route for eligible tourism applications, but the process in India is still handled through Japan Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global. The major difference is that an approved eVisa is issued electronically instead of being placed as a traditional sticker in your passport.

This guide explains the Japan visa process for Indians in 2026, including Japan eVisa, VFS application, required documents, current visa fees, processing time, financial documents and the important airport procedure for eVisa travellers.

Last updated: September 2026. Visa rules, fees and document checklists can change. Always verify the applicable requirements with the Embassy of Japan and VFS Global before submitting an application.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Japan in 2026?

Yes. Indian ordinary passport holders generally need a visa for tourism in Japan.

For a holiday or sightseeing trip, the relevant category is a short-term tourist visa. The tourism category handled through VFS allows a stay of up to 90 days.

This applies whether you are planning a Tokyo holiday, a Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka itinerary, a family vacation, honeymoon or a customised Japan tour.

The important thing is to select the visa category that matches the actual purpose of your visit.

What Is Japan eVisa for Indians?

Japan’s eVisa system started in India on 1 April 2024.

For eligible tourism applicants residing in India, the application is submitted through Japan Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global. If approved, the visa is issued electronically rather than as a visa sticker in the passport.

This is an important distinction because “eVisa” can sound like a completely online application.

Is Japan eVisa completely online from India?

No.

For applicants in India, the eVisa process still requires submission through a VFS Japan Visa Application Centre. The electronic part refers to the form in which the approved visa is issued, not to a completely self-service online application process.

For tourism, the applicable eVisa is a single-entry short-term visa for stays of up to 90 days, subject to the applicable eligibility and examination requirements.

Japan Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians 2026

The exact document requirement can vary according to the applicant’s circumstances and the jurisdiction handling the application. For the New Delhi jurisdiction, the current VFS tourism checklist specifies the following core documents for a temporary visitor visa for tourism without a guarantor.

1. Valid Passport

Your passport should have more than two blank pages.

VFS also asks applicants to submit their old passports, if available.

2. Passport Biodata Copy

A photocopy of the biodata pages of the current passport is required.

The checklist specifies the first and last pages of the current passport.

3. Completed Visa Application Form

The Japan visa application form must be completely filled out and signed.

Make sure the information is consistent with your passport and supporting documents.

4. Recent Photograph

One photograph taken within the previous six months is required.

For the New Delhi VFS process, the photograph should be:

• 45 mm × 35 mm
• Colour
• Plain white background
• Clearly showing the face
• Printed on good-quality paper

5. Flight or Cruise Schedule

Applicants need documentation showing their proposed travel schedule to and from Japan.

This should correspond with the dates mentioned elsewhere in the application.

6. Japan Travel Itinerary

A Japan itinerary is required and should include your planned activities and hotel information, along with contact information while in Japan.

For example, a straightforward itinerary could look like:

Day 1–4: Tokyo
Day 5–7: Kyoto
Day 8–9: Osaka
Day 10: Departure from Japan

The itinerary should be realistic rather than simply listing as many destinations as possible.

7. Financial Documents

For the New Delhi tourism checklist, applicants should provide their latest Income Tax Return.

If an ITR is not available, the checklist states that a six-month bank statement can be submitted instead.

This is also why travellers should be careful with websites claiming that Japan has an official fixed “minimum bank balance” for Indian tourists.

The current New Delhi checklist does not specify a universal minimum bank-balance amount. Instead, applicants should provide the financial documentation requested for their circumstances.

8. Additional Documents for Students or Dependants

Students or dependants may need:

• Consent from parents or spouse
• Latest ITR of parents or spouse
• Six-month bank statement where the ITR is unavailable

9. Proof of Relationship

If dependants are travelling with the applicant, proof of relationship may be required. Examples mentioned in the current checklist include:

• Passport copy
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate

10. Additional Documents, If Requested

The checklist itself makes an important point: the Japanese Embassy can request an interview or additional documentation depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances.

So a checklist should be treated as the baseline—not a guarantee that no additional information will ever be requested.

Japan Visa Fees for Indians in 2026

Visa fees are an area where older articles can quickly become outdated.

According to the Embassy of Japan in India, the visa fee applicable from 1 July 2026 for Indian nationals is:

The Embassy also states that a VFS service fee is charged separately.

For New Delhi, VFS currently lists an ₹800 service charge per application, inclusive of taxes. An optional courier return service is listed at ₹550 per application.

Therefore, for a standard New Delhi application, the basic charges can be understood as:

₹500 visa fee + ₹800 VFS service charge = ₹1,300

Optional courier service would be additional.

Because payment procedures and charges can vary by application centre, applicants should check the latest VFS instructions for the centre handling their application.

Japan Visa Processing Time from India

For the New Delhi jurisdiction, VFS states that the Embassy’s processing timeline is a minimum of five working days from the date the application is submitted at the Embassy.

However, five working days should not be treated as a guaranteed delivery date.

VFS specifically notes that high application volumes can result in additional processing time, particularly for group submissions, and that the stated timeline is indicative.

The Embassy of Japan also states that visa processing cannot simply be expedited or prioritised according to an applicant’s travel schedule.

When should you apply for a Japan visa?

Avoid leaving the application until just before your flight.

Give yourself enough time for:

• Document preparation
• VFS submission
• Embassy examination
• Possible requests for additional documents
• Any unexpected processing delay

This is especially important for families and groups travelling together.

Japan Visa VFS Process for Indians: Step by Step

The process is relatively straightforward when your documentation is prepared correctly.

Step 1: Choose the correct visa category

For a normal sightseeing holiday, use the applicable tourism category.

Business travel, visiting relatives, long-term residence and other purposes have different requirements.

Step 2: Prepare the documents

Collect your passport, application form, photograph, flight schedule, Japan itinerary, accommodation details and financial documents.

For New Delhi applications, photocopies should be prepared on A4-size paper as specified by VFS.

Step 3: Submit through VFS Global

Japan’s eVisa applications in India are submitted through Japan Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global.

Step 4: Pay the applicable charges

Pay the Japanese visa fee and applicable VFS service charges.

Step 5: Embassy examination

VFS handles administrative/non-judgmental processing, while the visa examination and decision remain with the Japanese authorities.

Additional documentation or an interview can be requested if required.

Step 6: Track the application

Use the tracking facility provided by VFS to check the progress of your application.

Step 7: Receive your eVisa

If your application is approved under the eVisa system, follow the official instructions for displaying the electronic visa when travelling.

Important: How to Show Japan eVisa at the Airport

This is one of the most important things to understand before flying.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that travellers with an eVisa must display the Visa Issuance Notice at the airport using an internet-connected device. A screenshot, PDF file, photograph or printed copy is not accepted as the required display method.

So don’t rely only on a screenshot saved in your phone gallery.

Before leaving for the airport, make sure your phone can access the required Visa Issuance Notice online.

Is There a Minimum Bank Balance for Japan Visa?

There is no universal minimum bank-balance figure stated in the current New Delhi tourism checklist.

The checklist asks for the latest ITR or, where unavailable, a six-month bank statement.

This means travellers should be cautious about online articles claiming that every Indian applicant needs exactly a particular amount of money in their account.

A better approach is to ensure that your financial documentation is genuine, current and appropriate to the proposed trip.

Your travel dates, itinerary and financial documents should also be reasonably consistent with each other.

Common Japan Visa Mistakes Indian Travellers Should Avoid

Using an outdated fee

Japan’s visa fees have changed over time. For Indian nationals, the current Embassy fee from 1 July 2026 is ₹500, so old articles can contain outdated figures.

Treating eVisa as a completely online application

The eVisa is electronic, but applications from India are still submitted through VFS Japan Visa Application Centres.

Creating an unrealistic itinerary

Your itinerary should make practical sense and correspond with your accommodation and travel schedule.

Ignoring financial documents

The current New Delhi checklist specifically asks for an ITR or, where unavailable, a six-month bank statement.

Applying too close to departure

Five working days is a minimum indicative processing period, not a promise that every application will be completed within exactly five working days.

Carrying only a screenshot of the eVisa

Japan specifically states that screenshots, PDFs, photographs and printed copies are not accepted in place of the required online Visa Issuance Notice display.

Japan Visa for Indians 2026: Quick Overview

Japan Visa for Indians 2026: FAQs

Planning a Japan Trip from India?

A Japan holiday involves more than getting the visa right. Flights, hotels, intercity transportation, sightseeing, travel dates and a practical itinerary all need to fit together.

If you are planning a Japan tour from Delhi, family holiday, couple trip, honeymoon or customised Japan itinerary, Spark Holidays can assist with trip planning, flights, hotels, sightseeing and visa assistance.

For visa-related decisions, always check the latest information directly with the Embassy of Japan in India and VFS Global Japan Visa India before submitting your application.