Every year, a lot of people from Mumbai plan a trip to Japan, and almost all of them ask the same thing first: how difficult is the visa?
The honest answer is that it is not hard, but Japan is strict about paperwork. Indian passport holders do not get a visa on arrival, so you have to apply before you fly. If your documents are neat and your travel plan is clear, the process is quite smooth.
This guide is for people applying from Mumbai. We checked the details against the Embassy of Japan’s visa page and the VFS Japan Mumbai page in October 2026. Fees and rules can change, so take a quick look at the VFS website before you submit your file.
Do Indians need a visa for Japan?
Yes. There is no visa on arrival for Indian citizens, so the visa has to be in place before you board your flight.
For a holiday, you apply for a Temporary Visitor Visa for sightseeing. It allows a stay of up to 90 days. If you are paying for the trip yourself, you apply under the “without guarantor” category. If a friend or relative in Japan is inviting you or covering your costs, there is a separate “with guarantor” category with extra papers, including a residence certificate of the person inviting you.
What about the eVISA?
Japan started its eVISA system in India on 1 April 2024. As per the Embassy, it is for single-entry tourist visas of up to 90 days. You still submit your application through VFS as before, but you receive an electronic visa instead of a sticker in your passport.
One thing to remember: at the airport, you have to show your “visa issuance notice” on a mobile device, and you need internet to open it. The Embassy’s notes say a PDF, screenshot or printout is not accepted. So keep your phone charged, and ask VFS what exactly you will receive when you collect your documents.
Is there a multiple-entry visa?
There is, but only for some applicants. VFS lists a multiple-entry visa (stay of up to 30 days per visit) for people who have travelled to Japan in the last three years, people with travel records to Japan and G7 countries, people with strong financial capacity, and their spouse or children. If this is your first trip, the single-entry tourist visa is what you will be applying for.
Where do you apply from Mumbai?
You apply at the VFS Japan Visa Application Centre. The Embassy’s page says applications are submitted through VFS and that no prior appointment is needed, but it is a good idea to check the VFS website for current timings before you go.
If your passport was not issued in the Mumbai jurisdiction, you need to add a government address proof such as a rent agreement, electricity bill or Aadhaar card. This applies to people applying in Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa.
How early can you apply?
The Embassy accepts applications only from 3 months before your travel date. So you cannot apply too early, and it also means you should not leave it until the last minute.
Documents required for a Japan tourist visa (Mumbai, without guarantor)
This is based on the VFS Mumbai checklist for tourists applying without a guarantor.
- Your passport, plus any old passports you have. It should be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Japan.
- A copy of your passport bio pages, front and back.
- The visa application form, fully filled and signed, with your photograph.
- A cover letter that states the purpose of your visit.
- A detailed day-by-day itinerary.
- Confirmed travel bookings, meaning your flight tickets and hotel bookings.
- Your latest Income Tax Return and personal bank statements for the last 3 months. VFS says both are mandatory.
- Leave sanction or an NOC from your employer, if you are employed.
- If you own a company, proof of ownership.
- If you are a student, a copy of your student ID. A student or dependant also needs consent from parents or spouse, along with their bank statement.
- If you are travelling with dependants, proof of relationship.
- Details of your travel history in the last 2 years to Australia, Canada, Europe, the USA and Japan.
Checklists on other websites may be different or older. Follow the VFS Mumbai checklist, since that is what your file will be checked against.
Families and groups can prepare a single set of common documents.
Photo and paperwork rules
The small things matter a lot here. As per VFS:
- The photo should be 2 x 2 inches and not older than 6 months.
- It should be in colour with a plain white background, and your face should be clearly visible.
- All photocopies must be on A4 paper.
- Do not staple anything.
- Arrange the documents in the same order as the checklist and attach a copy of the checklist to your form.
Japan visa fees from India
- Visa fee for Indian nationals: ₹500 for single or multiple entry
- VFS service charge: ₹800, including GST
- Optional courier return of your passport in Mumbai: ₹550
So for one person, the basic cost comes to ₹1,300. You can pay by cash, card or UPI at the Mumbai centre. As per VFS, the visa fee is refunded only if the visa is not approved.
Step-by-step: how to apply
- Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and has enough blank pages.
- Fix your travel dates, and book your flights and hotels.
- Write a day-by-day itinerary and a short cover letter.
- Download the visa application form from the VFS website, fill it in and sign it.
- Collect your ITR, bank statements, NOC and other papers, and arrange them in the checklist order.
- Visit the VFS Japan centre in Mumbai, submit your file and pay the fees.
- Keep your receipt and track your application with the reference number.
- Collect your passport and visa, or choose the courier option.
How long does it take?
VFS shows an indicative processing time of 10 working days for Mumbai, and 12 for Pune, Ahmedabad and Goa. It is an indicative number, and the Consulate can take more or less time.
The Embassy has also said that processing times can vary and that the process cannot be expedited. It does not answer questions about application status either. So do not plan a tight schedule. Applying around 4 to 6 weeks before departure gives you a comfortable buffer.
Small mistakes that slow things down
- Missing a document, such as the cover letter or the NOC
- Flight dates, hotel dates and itinerary dates that do not match
- An old photo or one with the wrong background
- Bank statements that are not recent
- A vague itinerary. Mention the cities, hotel names and what you plan to do each day.
- Documents that are stapled, not on A4, or not in order
After you get the visa
Check that your name, passport number and dates are correct. Keep your passport handy and have your visa issuance notice ready on your phone. The Embassy also recommends taking overseas travel insurance. It is not listed in the VFS checklist we reviewed, but Japan can be expensive if you need medical care.
Also remember that Japan does not allow you to bring meat products, fruits or vegetables into the country.
Be careful about fraud
The Embassy has clearly warned that you only have to pay the visa fee and the service charge. It says it will never ask for money over a phone call or email to verify documents or speed up your visa. If you get such a call, do not respond.
Applying through a tour company
Many travellers prefer to let the tour operator handle the paperwork, especially for a first trip. At Sekai Tours, visa is listed in the inclusions of our Japan packages, and our team guides you through the documents so nothing is missed.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indians get a Japan visa on arrival?
No. You need to have the visa before you travel.
How much does a Japan visa cost from India?
The visa fee is ₹500 for Indian nationals, plus a VFS service charge of ₹800.
How long does the Japan visa take in Mumbai?
VFS shows an indicative time of 10 working days. It can be shorter or longer, so apply early.
How early can I apply?
Up to 3 months before your travel date.
How long can I stay on a tourist visa?
Up to 90 days.
Can I apply for the Japan visa online?
You submit your application through VFS. The eVISA is the electronic form in which the visa is issued.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
It is not on the VFS checklist we reviewed, but the Embassy recommends it.
What if my visa is not approved?
VFS says the visa fee is refunded only if the visa is not approved. The Embassy does not take queries about the reasons for refusal.
Final thoughts
A Japan visa from Mumbai is quite manageable when you start early, keep your documents in order and follow the VFS checklist exactly. Most of the effort goes into planning a clear itinerary and arranging the paperwork.
If you want help with the visa and the whole trip, you can talk to our team. Connect with Sekai Tours and we will help you plan your Japan journey from Mumbai.
