Japan Transit Visa

Visa-on-arrival (VOA) enables travellers to get a visa at the airport or port of entry in Japan without having to apply for one before they arrive in the country.

However, there is no Japan transit visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. This means that travellers will have to obtain a visa prior to their trip to Japan.

The current travelling policy of Japan requires travellers to obtain their visa from the Japanese embassy or consulate prior to their arrival in the country.

Indians who will be transiting through Japan on their way to another destination will require a transit visa. The transit visa would act as a temporary permit, enabling Indian travellers to have a safe layover in Japan for a short period.

It is important to note, however, that the Japan transit visa is offered just for relaxing and resting during your layover and not for working or visiting family and friends. For this, you will have to apply for a different visa.

A Japan transit visa for Indians will be needed if you are travelling to a different country and your next flight is on a different day. In this case, a transit visa will be needed to stay at the airport or in a hotel for rest. However, if your next flight is on the same day, you need not apply for a Japan transit visa.

A transit visa is meant for travellers who would be transiting through Japan on their way to a different destination. With this visa, travellers can temporarily stay in Japan for a short duration as they wait for their connecting flight to the next destination.

A transit visa is different from a regular tourist visa as it is meant for travellers who don’t need to enter Japan for any reason other than transit. Here are some details about the Japan transit visa:

Let’s dive into Japan transit visa requirements for Indian citizens so you can prepare efficiently and in advance for your journey.

The Japan transit visa application process is straightforward and uncomplicated. You can book an appointment for a Japan transit visa online. Here is the step-by-step process for the transit visa application:

Step 1 - Download the application form: Visit the official website of the Japanese embassy or consulate and download the form for visa application. Ensure that you have filled out the application form with accurate information and then get a printout of the form.

Step 2 - Schedule an appointment: Choose a Visa Application Centre that is close by for the sake of convenience and schedule an appointment to submit your visa application form.

Step 3 - Make the payment: Once the appointment is scheduled, you will have to pay for the visa as well as a service charge, which would come up to ₹50. If your filled-out application form has already been printed, you may even choose to pay the visa fee on the day of your scheduled appointment.

Step 4 - Go for your visa appointment: Visit the Visa Application Centre you selected on the scheduled date and time. Here, you will be asked to submit your application form along with all the supporting documents.

Step 5 - Stay informed: Keep an eye on your visa application process via email notifications. You can also check the status of your application online using your reference number and date of birth for logging in.

Step 6 - Passport collection: You will be intimated once a decision about your visa application has been made. You will then have to re-visit the Visa Application Centre to collect your passport, which will have the visa if your application has been approved.

Carefully following the aforementioned steps will ensure a seamless and successful visa application process.

Important considerations:

If you are travelling with your family or a group, it is important to note that every individual will need to schedule their own appointment.

You cannot extend your stay with a transit visa for Japan. You are expected to depart from the country within the permitted duration as specified by the visa. If you need to stay for longer, you will have to apply for a different visa type that is more suitable to the purpose of your stay.

Once you have booked your appointment for a Japan transit visa online, the next step is to collect the necessary documents. To ensure a smooth application process, it is imperative to have the right documents ready before your scheduled appointment at the Visa Application Centre. If any of the listed necessary documents are missing, there is a high probability that your visa might not get approved. Here is the list of documents required for the transit visa for Indian applicants:

• A valid Passport that contains more than two blank pages. You will also need to submit your old passport (if any).

• A duly filled and signed Visa Application Form

• A recent photograph (taken within the last 6 months). Details: size 2 x 2 inches, colour photograph on white background, and printed on good quality photo paper.

• A cover letter disclosing the purpose of the visit and day-to-day visiting details

• Confirmed booking for the travel, which includes flight tickets, travel itinerary, and hotel reservations

• Copy of visa to the final destination country

• Bank statements for the last three months

• Latest income tax return

• The Japanese Embassy may want an interview or require additional documents depending on personal situation.

The Japan transit visa cost for Indian passport holders is ₹50.

The transit visa for Japan is valid for a short duration of 15 days. If, for some reason, you need an extended stay, you will have to apply for a different visa.

The application for the transit visa has to be done via the Japanese consulate or the embassy.

It takes at least four business days to process your transit visa application. This processing time excludes the day you have submitted your application form.

After submission of the application form, the Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai requires around five business days to process every application.

The processing time can get longer if some documents are missing or if incorrect documents have been submitted. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you have shared all the necessary documents accurately.

Once you disembark from your flight, you must first head to immigration services. At the counter, you will need to present your transit visa, along with the confirmed flight ticket to your subsequent destination.

• It is essential to keep all the necessary documents ready before heading to the immigration desk to ensure a quick and seamless procedure with the immigration authorities.

• Depending on the timing of your connecting flight, you have the option to wait at the designated gate. If there is a delay in your connecting flight or the duration of the next flight is too long, you have the option to reserve a hotel and relax until your flight.

• If you have opted for the second alternative, it is essential to make timely arrangements to return to the airport for your next flight to avoid any complications.

• With a Japan transit visa from India, you can stay in Japan for a maximum of 15 days. As the transit visa is not extendable, it is important to leave the country before this stipulated time.

Overseas travel is an exciting adventure that enables individuals to explore cultures and landscapes that are different from one’s own. While this can be an exciting journey, one needs to plan for it meticulously.

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When you buy travel insurance online, you can customise the policy to accommodate your itinerary.

For example, if you are travelling to Japan, you can get travel insurance for Japan that comes with a host of features such as coverage for accidents and illnesses, loss or delay in baggage, loss of passport, flight delays, and more.

International travel insurance by Tata AIG offers well-rounded protection against unforeseeable scenarios and is offered at affordable prices. To ensure a seamless insurance experience, you can cover your trip with only a few simple clicks.

The application for a Japan transit visa for Indians can be completed in person at the Visa Application Centre because the procedure requires you to submit your passport offline

• If you are travelling to a different country and your connecting flight is scheduled for the next day, you will have to apply for a Japan transit visa for Indians

• In case you are travelling to another country, and your connecting flight is on the same day, you will not need a transit visa even if you are transiting from Japan

• It takes a minimum of four business days to process your transit visa application, so it is advised to apply in advance to avoid last-minute stress

• Japan transit visa for Indians is valid for only a short duration of 15 days

• In some instances, you may need to provide proof of funds for the duration of your transit. Be prepared to submit this if required.

• For the transit visa, the purpose of the travel must be stated clearly, and you will need to show your confirmed flight ticket to the onward destination

Information last updated Jan 24. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.