Planning a trip to Japan? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Japan's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Japan need short-term stay visa / evisa, with an official government fee of INR 500 (single entry, reduced for Indians).
Japan visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Short-term stay visa / eVisa |
| Government fee | INR 500 (single entry, reduced for Indians) |
| Processing time | About 5 working days |
| Validity | Single or multiple entry as issued |
| Permitted stay | 90 days |
| Where to apply | https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Visa.html |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Japan?
Visa-free: 74 countries/regions — 90 days: Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, NZ, Türkiye, Israel etc.; 15 days: Indonesia & Thailand (e-passport); 30 days: Brunei & Qatar.
Short-term stay visa / eVisa: Indian nationals and others not using eVISA (e.g. group tours, or those preferring counter service)
JAPAN eVISA - Single-entry Tourism: Nationals/residents of eligible regions incl. India (residing in India), Indonesia, Mongolia, UAE, etc. travelling for short-term tourism
Short-term Visa Exemption (Singapore): Singapore passport holders for tourism, business or visiting friends/relatives
Japan visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption (short-term stay) | Free | 15 / 30 / 90 days by nationality | On arrival | No application; register Visit Japan Web |
| Short-term stay visa / eVisa | INR 500 (single entry, reduced for Indians) | 90 days | About 5 working days | https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Visa.html |
| JAPAN eVISA - Single-entry Tourism | INR 500 (reduced flat rate for Indian nationals under India-Japan agreement); standard equivalent to JPY 3,000 single-entry for others | 90 days | About 5 working days after complete submission | https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp |
| Short-term Visa Exemption (Singapore) | Free | 90 days | On arrival | https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html |
Documents required
For the Short-term stay visa / eVisa:
- Passport
- Visa application form
- Photo
- Flight and hotel bookings
- Daily itinerary
- Income tax returns / bank statements
- Cover/invitation letter where applicable
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Short-term stay visa / eVisa: https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Visa.html — allow About 5 working days.
- JAPAN eVISA - Single-entry Tourism: https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp — allow About 5 working days after complete submission.
- Short-term Visa Exemption (Singapore): https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html — allow On arrival.
- Arrival formalities: Visit Japan Web (free) — immigration & customs pre-registration
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Japan visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Japan visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Japan.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: Visit Japan Web (free) — immigration & customs pre-registration — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Japan application.
- Processing: allow About 5 working days. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Japan
- Arrival card / declaration: Visit Japan Web (free) — immigration & customs pre-registration
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- JESTA electronic authorisation planned for exempt nationals (target FY2028).
- Multiple-entry visas available for repeat visitors from India, China, Vietnam etc.
Japan visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Japan visa?
Short-term stay visa / eVisa: INR 500 (single entry, reduced for Indians). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Short-term stay visa / eVisa: About 5 working days.
Things to do once your Japan visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Japan you can book on HolidaySG:
- Miyama-Keihoku Ride-All-You-Can Bus Ticket | Kyoto — from JPY 1,400
- Mizuki Sakura Kimono Walking Experience (including kimono rental) — from JPY 5,400
- Ishikawa Pref. Wakura Onsen Festival Hall admission — from JPY 1,000
- Osaka Fun Tour 1-Day Ticket — from JPY 2,000
- Osaka Fun Tour 2-Day Pass — from JPY 2,500
- Spy x Family in Nijigen no Mori ~ DOKIDOKI Maze and Flower Park — from JPY 1,595
Official sources
- MOFA Japan — verified 16 August 2026
- MOFA Japan — verified 19 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.