Visa to Japan for Indian Citizens: Everything You Need to Know
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Do Indians need a visa for Japan?
Japan doesn't have a visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. This means that Indian citizens will need a visa before traveling to Japan.
This requirement applies to all kinds of trips, whether you're going for tourism, business, studies, or even a stopover that involves leaving the airport.
Visa types Indian citizens may need to include:
Short-term tourist visa
Short-term business visa
Transit visa
Student visa
Work visa
Types of Japan visas for Indians
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Indian citizens planning to visit Japan can apply for short- and long-term visas, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay. Here's an overview of each category
Short-term visas
Tourist visa: This visa is for individuals intending to visit Japan for holiday, sightseeing, or visiting friends and relatives. It typically allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Business visa: This visa is for travelers to Japan for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations. It also permits them to stay for up to 90 days in Japan.
Transit visa: This is for when you pass through Japan en route to another country and have an extended layover. You will need a transit visa if you leave the airport or stay in Japan for a short duration.
Long-term visas
Work visa: You need this visa if you have secured employment in Japan. The specific work visa category depends on the job's nature and qualifications.
Student visa: This visa is for foreign nationals accepted into educational institutions in Japan and is valid for the duration of the academic program.
Dependent visa: If your family member is already in Japan, you can join them under this type of visa. This includes spouses and children who wish to join the primary visa holder.
Visa for Medical Stay: This Japan visa is issued to people who need to enter the country for a medical checkup or procedure. It is valid for 3 years, and the period of stay can range from 90 days to 1 year, depending on the clinical condition.
What's the Japan e-Visa system for Indian tourists?
Japan introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for Indian tourists starting April 1, 2024. This program allows you to apply for a single-entry short-term Japan tourist visa for Indians valid for up to 90 days. Instead of receiving a physical visa sticker, successful applicants for the eVisa will receive a “visa issuance notice” electronically. You must present this notification from a mobile device on departure from the airport.
Japan visa requirements for Indians
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If you're an Indian citizen planning a trip to Japan, preparing the necessary documents ensures a smooth visa application process. The requirements vary based on the type of visa you're applying for. Here's an overview
General document requirements for Japan Visa
Validpassport with at least six months' validity beyond your intended stay in Japan and two blank pages.
Completed visa application form.
Recent passport-size color photographs (2 x 2 inches) with a white background. This photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Financial statements for the last three to six months, income tax returns, and salary slips to demonstrate financial stability.
If employed, submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer. Self-employed individuals should provide business registration documents.
Obtain travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Japan.
Itinerary in Japan
Additional documents based on visa type
Business visa:
An invitation letter from the Japanese company detailing the nature of the business visit is required.
Letter of guarantee from the inviting company (if they are covering expenses).
Registered corporations must submit a certified copy of the Corporate register issued within the last three months.
Certificate of employment
Visiting family/friends:
Invitation letter from the host in Japan.
Proof of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates.
If the host is covering expenses, include theirbank statements and a letter of guarantee.
Certificate of residence (Juminhyo)
Work or student visa:
Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Immigration Bureau of Japan.
Additional documents as specified by the Japanese embassy in India or consulate.
Minors traveling Alone:
Consent letter signed by both parents or legal guardians.
Copy of the minor's birth certificate.
Copies of parents' passports or identification documents.
Medical stay
Certificate from a medical institution about the planned medical services and references from a guarantor
Documents showing the foreign patient's financial situation (e.g., a bank statement)
A document proving the foreign patient's identity
Certificate of Eligibility (if you need to stay longer than 90 days for medical services)
Medical treatment plan (for multiple visits to Japan to receive treatment.
Quick tip: All documents submitted for a Japan visa must be in Japanese. If your document is in another language, you must translate it into Japanese. You will need certified translations from Translayte to provide the translated document. This translation will be done by a professional translator and certified as an authentic translation of the original document.
How to apply for a Japan Visa from India
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Indian citizens can apply for a Japanese visa through the traditional visa application through the official Japanese Embassy or Consulate in India or the e-Visa system for tourist visas. Here's the steps to follow
For regular visa applications
Determine the appropriate visa type: Identify the visa category that aligns with your travel purpose. This step helps you determine what document you will need and the requirements.
Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents, including a valid passport, completed visa application form, passport-sized photos and others listed above.
Book an appointment: Schedule an appointment with the nearest embassy or consulate.
Submit application and pay fees: Visit the appointment center to submit your application and pay the visa fee and service charge.
Collect visa: Once processed, collect your visa from the centre or opt for courier delivery.
For e-visa applications (tourist visa only)
Visit the official e-visa Portal through VFS
Complete the form with accurate personal and travel details.
Submit scanned copies of necessary documents, such as your passport, photograph, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
Pay the visa fee online.
Upon approval, you'll receive an electronic “visa issuance notice.” This notice must be presented on a mobile device at the airport during departure; printed copies or screenshots are not accepted.
How much does Japan visa for Indians cost
Single entry visa: INR 500
Multiple entry visa: INR 500
Transit visa: INR 50
Service fee: depending on the type of visa.
Document translations cost: $100 -$500, depending on the number of documents.
Processing time for Japan visa applications from India
The standard processing time for Japanese visas for Indian citizens is five working days from submission. However, the timeline might be longer if there are issues with your application. Some cases include missing documents, blurry photos, and submitting forged or incorrect documentation.
What should you do if your Japan visa application is rejected?
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Getting your Japan visa application rejected can feel like a real setback; here's what to do next:
Read through the rejection letter to see why the embassy rejected your application. There are several common reasons for a visa rejection, like missing documents, not showing enough funds, or issues with your travel plans. Once you know why your application was rejected, you can take action to fix it before trying again.
If the rejection was due to something simple like missing documents or incorrect information, correct it before reapplying. If it's a bigger issue, such as insufficient funds, you should take time to show a more stable financial picture.
Sometimes, you can appeal the decision if you feel it was unfair. Contact the embassy or consulate to understand the appeal process.
If you choose not to appeal or if the appeal doesn't work out, you can reapply. Ensure you've addressed the issues mentioned in the rejection. Also, double-check that all your documents are in order.
Conclusion
Applying for a Japanese visa as an Indian citizen might initially seem complicated. But with the preparation, it can be straightforward.
This involves getting the correct document, cross-checking requirements, and submitting your application early. Visit the Translayte travel advisory for up-to-date requirements and travel documentation updates.
Disclaimer:
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