A Tale of Two Fee Structures
On July 1, 2026, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rolled out its first major revision of visa fees in decades, leading to a substantial increase for most nationalities. Under the new global structure, a single-entry visa can cost applicants from other
countries around ₹8,650, with multiple-entry visas priced at approximately ₹17,350. However, the Embassy of Japan in India quickly clarified that this hike would not apply to Indian passport holders. For Indians, the fee for both single and multiple-entry visas remains fixed at just ₹500, preserving a long-standing concessional arrangement. It is important to note that this fee does not include the standard service charge applied by VFS Global, the authorized partner for visa processing.
A Gesture of Growing Friendship
This decision is more than just a matter of consular policy; it is a clear signal of the strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between India and Japan. By maintaining the low fee, Japan is actively encouraging tourism and business travel from India, a country it views as a key growth market. In recent years, Japan has witnessed a significant surge in visitors from India, supported by increased flight connectivity from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Indian tourists are also among the higher-spending visitors in Japan, making them a valuable demographic for the country's tourism sector. Keeping the visa process affordable removes a key barrier to entry and reinforces the welcoming message to Indian travellers.
What Visas Are Covered?
The ₹500 fee applies to the most common visa categories for Indian travellers: the Temporary Visitor visas, which can be issued for single or multiple entries. These visas cover tourism, visiting friends or relatives, and short-term business activities. A significant update to note is the discontinuation of the separate transit visa category for all nationalities. Travellers who previously might have used a transit visa to pass through Japan may now need to apply for a standard short-term stay visa, depending on their itinerary. The identical pricing for single and multiple-entry visas is a unique advantage, allowing eligible applicants to opt for a multiple-entry visa without any extra cost.
How to Apply for a Japanese Visa
Indian citizens looking to travel to Japan must submit their applications through authorized VFS Global centres. The embassy advises applying well in advance, but generally no more than three months before the planned travel date. In addition to the traditional paper application process, Japan introduced an eVISA system for eligible Indian residents in 2024 for certain short-term stay categories, which can streamline the process further. For a tourist visa, applicants typically need to provide proof of their travel purpose, such as flight and hotel bookings, and demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their stay. Given the different application routes and specific requirements for each visa type, it is always recommended to check the latest guidelines on the official websites of the Embassy of Japan in India or VFS Global before starting the process.
