The Big News: A Global Hike, An Indian Exemption
On July 1, 2026, Japan implemented its first significant visa fee revision in nearly five decades, raising costs substantially for most international visitors. A single-entry visa that once cost around JPY 3,000 now costs JPY 15,000 (approximately ₹8,760),
and a multiple-entry visa jumped from JPY 6,000 to JPY 30,000 (around ₹17,520). However, in a move that brings a sigh of relief to Indian travellers, the Embassy of Japan in India confirmed that Indian passport holders are exempt from this increase. This special arrangement means Indians will continue to pay the long-standing concessional fee of just ₹500 for both single and multiple-entry visas.
Why Indians Are Getting This Benefit
While Japanese authorities have not issued a formal statement detailing the specific reason for India's exemption, such decisions are typically rooted in bilateral agreements and strong diplomatic ties between nations. This move preserves a favourable visa framework that has been in place for years, insulating Indian tourists from one of the most significant visa fee adjustments Japan has ever made. It highlights the growing importance of Indian tourism to Japan and strengthens the relationship between the two countries, making Japan one of the most affordable long-haul destinations for Indians in terms of visa costs.
How to Apply for Your Japan Visa
The application process for Indian citizens remains straightforward and largely unchanged. Applications must be submitted through authorized VFS Global centres, and importantly, no prior appointment is needed to submit your documents. Japan also rolled out an e-visa system for Indians in April 2024 for single-entry short-term tourist visas (up to 90 days), which can also be processed via VFS Global. For the e-visa, successful applicants receive an electronic 'visa issuance notice' which must be displayed on a mobile device at the airport. Printed copies or screenshots are not accepted, so having internet access upon arrival is crucial.
Understanding the Costs Involved
For Indian passport holders, the core visa fee remains a flat ₹500, regardless of whether you are applying for a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa. This is in stark contrast to the new fees for other foreign nationals applying from India, who will now pay ₹8,650 for a single-entry and ₹17,350 for a multiple-entry visa. It is important to remember that while the visa fee itself is low, all applicants must still pay a separate service charge levied by VFS Global. This service fee is applicable to everyone, regardless of nationality or visa type.
One Key Change: The End of Transit Visas
One significant change in the new policy affects all nationalities, including Indians. Japan has officially abolished the separate transit visa category as of July 1, 2026. This means travellers who previously would have used a transit visa for a short layover in Japan may now need to apply for a proper short-term stay visa instead. If your travel plans include a stop in Japan en route to another destination, it is crucial to check the latest requirements with the embassy or VFS Global to ensure you have the correct documentation for your journey. This change makes pre-travel planning even more important for those with connecting flights through the country.
