How long can Indians stay in Japan as a visitor?

15, 30 or 90 days under the Short-Term Stay Visa (Temporary Visitor). Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.

Can Indians work in Japan on a visitor stay?

No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our Japan visa guide for Indians.

🇯🇵 Japan tourist visa for Indians 2026

Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against Japan's official pages; see the source at the end.

Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to Japan. Indian passport holders need a visa for any trip to Japan.

Quick facts

Visa: Short-Term Stay Visa (Temporary Visitor)
Maximum stay: 15, 30 or 90 days
Government fee: about $6
Processing time: 1–3 weeks
Paid work: Not allowed
Business or conference: Covered

Where Indians apply

You apply through VFS Global's Japan Visa Application Centres in India on behalf of the Embassy in New Delhi or the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru; no prior appointment is needed at VFS and Japan's eVISA scheme has run in India since April 2024, also routed through VFS.

Fee and processing time

Indians are exempt from Japan's 1 July 2026 fee increase and still pay a nominal INR 500 (about USD 6) whether single or multiple entry, plus a VFS service charge of about INR 800. The Embassy quotes a minimum of five working days once the application reaches it, so allow one to three weeks door to door, longer in the March-April and October-November peaks.

That is about $6 in US dollars at the time of verification; the official fee is set in local currency.

Travelling for business or a conference?

Invitation letter from the Japanese host or organiser with purpose, dates and who pays costs.

Documents and steps

Check your passport has six months validity and two blank pagesPassport valid for the stay, two blank pages, signed; bring old passports with previous visas.
Fill in the visa application form and schedule of stayMOFA application form plus a day-by-day Schedule of Stay matching flights and hotels.
Get a 45 x 35 mm photo taken in the last six monthsOne 45 x 35 mm colour photo on a white background, taken within six months.
Print your last six months of bank statements and ITROriginal bank statements for the last six months plus the latest ITR or Form 16.
Book flights and accommodation covering every nightFlight reservation plus hotel bookings or a host invitation covering every night of the stay.
Add proof of employment or study as evidence you will returnLeave letter, company registration or bonafide certificate to show you will return to India.
If travelling for business or a conference: get the host's invitationInvitation letter from the Japanese host or organiser with purpose, dates and who pays costs.
Submit at a VFS Japan Visa Application Centre and pay INR 500Walk-in submission at VFS; INR 500 visa fee plus about INR 800 VFS service charge, no biometrics.
Wait for the decision and collect your passportMinimum five Embassy working days after VFS submission; usually one to three weeks overall.
Pre-register on Visit Japan Web and keep to the permitted stayOptional Visit Japan Web QR codes before departure; the landing permission stamp sets your stay limit.

The full checklist with timing, dependencies and personalised due dates is part of the paid plan. Start with the free quiz and pick “Visit” as your purpose.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Indians need a visa for Japan?: Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to Japan. Indian passport holders need a visa for any trip to Japan.
How long can Indians stay in Japan as a visitor?: 15, 30 or 90 days under the Short-Term Stay Visa (Temporary Visitor). Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.
How much does the Japan Short-Term Stay Visa (Temporary Visitor) cost for Indians?: Indians are exempt from Japan's 1 July 2026 fee increase and still pay a nominal INR 500 (about USD 6) whether single or multiple entry, plus a VFS service charge of about INR 800.
How long does the Japan Short-Term Stay Visa (Temporary Visitor) take for Indians?: The Embassy quotes a minimum of five working days once the application reaches it, so allow one to three weeks door to door, longer in the March-April and October-November peaks.
Can Indians attend a conference or business meeting in Japan on this visa?: Invitation letter from the Japanese host or organiser with purpose, dates and who pays costs.
Can Indians work in Japan on a visitor stay?: No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our Japan visa guide for Indians.

Thinking of staying longer?

A visitor stay never allows paid work. Indians who want to work, study or settle in Japan have 2 main routes, compared in the Japan visa guide for Indians.

Japan for Indians, in depth

Visiting other countries as Indians

Visiting Japan from elsewhere

Always confirm entry rules with the official government source. Fees and stay limits change; this guide is general information, not legal advice.