Japan Introduces Electronic Visa for Indian Travelers and Others
Japan Launches Simplified e-Visa System for Select Countries
Japan has rolled out an electronic visa system (e-visa) for tourists from India and several other nations, aimed at streamlining the application process for short-term visitors.
Check out the latest travel news: Affordable Summer Getaway in Bengaluru
This e-visa allows regular passport holders to spend up to 90 days in Japan on a single entry basis. Covered countries include India, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Applying for an e-Visa
The application process is primarily online, accessible through the official Japanese government website. This involves uploading essential documents and paying the visa fee digitally. Applicants will receive updates on their application status via email to their registered address.
Discover more: Singapore Accelerates Land Border Crossings with QR Codes
It should be noted that e-visa approval could potentially necessitate an interview at the nearest Japanese consulate. Successful applicants will obtain their e-visa electronically, obviating the need for a physical visa sticker in their passports.
Japan e-Visa Explained
Key steps for Indians seeking a short-term tourist e-Visa include:
- Submitting applications via the official JAPAN eVISA website directly or through approved travel agencies in relevant countries.
- Presenting valid ordinary passports with at least six months' validity and two unused pages.
- Completing the digital application form with recent passport-size photos (45x45 mm, white background).
- Providing travel itinerary details, including confirmed flight bookings and accommodation information.
- Demonstrating adequate finances for the stay through bank statements from the previous six months.
- Submitting invitation letters if visiting Japan for business or relatives.
- Offering proof of employment, such as an employment certificate or leave approval letter, to show ties to the home country.
- For business visas, furnishing additional documents like a letter of guarantee and business invitation letter from Japan.
Other supporting documents like a certificate of eligibility might not be necessary for short-term tourist e-Visas but might be required for long-term visas.
Fee Payment
Visa fees differ based on the type of visa but are usually applicable for Indian citizens applying for short-term tourist e-Visas as stipulated on the official visa application portal or embassy websites. Fees are typically paid online during the application process or at approved travel agencies.
The new e-Visa system in Japan not only simplifies travel for short-term visitors but also opens up opportunities for exploration, blendings the ease of technology with an exciting lifestyle. For instance, an Indian traveler, while taking advantage of the simplicity of the e-Visa application process, can plan a tech-centric trip to Tokyo, exploring advancements in technology that have become an integral part of Japan's lifestyle.
