Japanese passport holders can apply for an Indian visa through several options, depending on their purpose and duration of stay.
The Indian Visa for Japanese Passport Holders
Here’s a concise overview based on current information:
e-Visa (Electronic Visa):
Eligibility: Japanese citizens can apply for an e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, or e-Medical Visa.
Duration:
- e-Tourist Visa: 30 days (double entry), 1 year (multiple entry, max 90 days per visit), or 5 years (multiple entry, max 90 days per visit).
- e-Business Visa: Valid for 1 year, multiple entries, max 180 days per visit.
- e-Medical Visa: 60 days, triple entry.
Application: Online via the Indian Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Requires a scanned passport copy (valid for at least 6 months), a recent photo, and payment of fees.
Processing Time: Typically 2-5 business days.
Fees: Varies by type and duration (e.g., ~$25 for 30-day e-Tourist Visa, ~$80 for 1-year e-Tourist Visa, subject to change).
Entry Points: Valid at 29 airports and 5 seaports in India.
Visa on Arrival (VoA):
Eligibility:
Available for Japanese nationals for tourism, business, medical, or conference purposes.
Duration:
Up to 60 days, double entry, non-extendable, non-convertible.
Application:
Apply at six designated airports (Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai). Requires a filled VoA form (Annexure I, downloadable or available on flight), passport with 6 months validity, and proof of financial stability (e.g., return ticket).
Fees:
- Around JPY 2,000 (INR 1,190) plus additional charges (JPY 450).
Note: Not available for those with Pakistani heritage or Diplomatic/Official passports.
Regular Visa (via Embassy/Consulate):
Types:
Tourist, Business, Student, Employment, etc., for longer stays or specific purposes.
Application:
Through the Embassy of India in Tokyo, Consulate General in Osaka, or VFS Global centers in Japan. Requires a completed form, passport (valid for 6 months, 2 blank pages), photo (5x5 cm), and supporting documents (e.g., itinerary, bank statements, invitation letter for business visas).
Processing Time:
- 5-7 working days for Japanese nationals; may vary.
Fees:
- Transit Visa: JPY 150 + JPY 450 additional charge.
- Other visas (e.g., Tourist, Business): JPY 1,190 + JPY 450, regardless of duration.
- Postal applications: Add JPY 1,200 per application.
Jurisdiction: Tokyo Embassy covers most of Japan; Osaka Consulate covers specific prefectures (e.g., Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo).
Indian Visa for Japanese Citizens – Key Notes:
Tourist Visa Restrictions: Cannot be used for yoga classes, short courses, or business activities. Validity starts from issuance date.
Restricted Areas: Separate permits (RAP/PAP) needed for Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Himachal Pradesh, etc.
Business Visa: Valid up to 5 years, multiple entries, max 180 days per stay. Requires FRRO registration for continuous stays. Not convertible to work visa.
Overstay: Report to Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for extensions due to unavoidable reasons (e.g., illness).
OCI/PIO Holders: Exempt from visa requirements with valid OCI/PIO cards (PIO valid until Dec 31, 2024).
Where to Apply:
- Online: indianvisaonline.gov.in for e-Visa.
In-Person/Post:
- Embassy of India, Tokyo: 2-2-11 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0074. Hours: 09:30-11:30 (submission), 16:00-17:00 (collection).
- Consulate General, Osaka: For specific prefectures (check www.indconosaka.gov.in).
- VFS Global Japan: Handles applications for regular visas (visa.vfsglobal.com/jpn/en/ind).
Japanese nationals can apply at any Indian Embassy/Consulate globally, but fees/processing times may differ.
Tips:
- Apply early (60-90 days before travel) to avoid delays.
- Ensure passport has 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
- For VoA, carry a filled form and sufficient funds proof to expedite processing.
- Check latest fees and requirements, as they may change.
For the most updated details, visit:
- Embassy of India, Tokyo: www.indembassy-tokyo.gov.in
- Indian Visa Online: indianvisaonline.gov.in
- VFS Global: visa.vfsglobal.com/jpn/en/ind
