How to apply for Japan Visa from India

Before proceeding with the Japan visa application process for Indians, you need to make sure that you are eligible for the visa. There are certain criteria set by the Japan Consulate/Embassy to decide whether you are a suitable candidate for a visa or not. The process to be followed is mainly offline and you can

apply through the Visa Application Centre.

Fulfill all the requirements asked by the authorities.
Take a print out of the typed application form.
Attach all supporting documents with photographs as per the specifications.
Submit the application form to the Visa Application Center branch closest to you.
Pay the fee at the time of submission.
Get your passport after processing the visa.

After submitting the application form along with your passport and other documents, you just have to wait for the processing before you can get your passport. You can choose any possible branch of Visa Application Center as per your reach. Go through the checklist provided by the Center to get the visa faster. If the documents are missing, then its processing and verification will only take time.

When you are filling the form, you must make sure that you fill all the correct information. The information provided must match the details of the passport and other documents. It should also be noted that handwritten forms are not accepted by the Consulate. If any problem is found with the application, there is a possibility that your visa may get rejected. Visa refusal may affect your further visa applications for Japan or any other country. To avoid this, it is safer to get professional visa counselling.

Japan visa types

There are different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Visa for Japan can be classified as follows:

short term visa

A short-term visa is a permit that allows you to stay in the country for a short period of time, usually for 90 days. It can be issued for various purposes including business, tourism, cultural events and more. It can be further classified as single-entry and multi-entry.

single entry visa

Under this category, you can enter the country once and stay as long as permitted by your visa. If you leave the country even with sufficient current validity, you will not be able to return on the same visa. Generally, Japan Tourist Visa and Japan Visitor Visa come under this subcategory.

multiple entry visa

This will allow you to enter and re-enter Japan on a short-term visa. However, in order to apply for this visa there are certain criteria that have to be fulfilled by the applicant. One type of Japan Business Visa can be obtained under this category.

long term visa

You can stay in the country for a longer period of time on this visa. This time period is longer than 90 days. The holder may pursue higher education, obtain temporary residence, or work in Japan. There are also different types depending on the purpose of the trip. Japan works visa and a dependent fall under this category and also a certain type of Japan student visa.

transit visa

A transit visa is issued for a very limited period. It is issued for passengers who are going to transit the country and then travel to another country. The stay is allowed for about 15 days and activities are limited to leisure and sightseeing

Japan visa requirements

Specific documents are required according to the type of visa. They may differ from applicant to applicant depending on the type of their visa and passport. The general Japan visa requirements for Indian passport holders are listed as follows