 "New Japan visa rule from March 2026: What Indian tourists must know before booking")
Japan is a sought after destination for tourists across the world, especially India. As per the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), more than 3.15 lakh Indians travelled to the country in 2025, the highest number on record.
According to a recent announcement shared by VFS Global, applicants submitting Japan visa applications at select centres will soon need to secure an appointment in advance. The mandatory appointment system will come into effect from March 2, 2026.
The new rule applies to all categories of Japan visa submissions at VFS centres in Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad and Puducherry. Applicants will only be able to view available dates after entering their details online, adding an extra step to the process.
The system is already operational at the Japan Visa Application Centre in Bengaluru, where prior booking is required.
For applicants in other cities across India, the process remains unchanged for now. Travellers can continue to walk into their respective VFS Japan Visa Application Centres to initiate their applications without a prior appointment.
Those applicants who wish to submit a visa application at the VFS Delhi Visa application centre on humanitarian grounds (death case/medical illness) should send a request by sending an email to info.jpin@vfshelpline.com.
What travellers need to know
For applicants in Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Puducherry and Bengaluru:
Online appointment booking is compulsory.
Each applicant, including family members, requires an individual slot.
An appointment confirmation email must be carried to the centre.
Late arrivals may need to reschedule.
A typical tourist visa allows people to visit Japan for a holiday or recreation for a stay up to 90 days. Effective from 2025, visa fees is INR 450 for Indian nationals. Tourists should carefully check and prepare all the documents listed on the VFS website.
The timelines given by The Consulate General of Japan, Bengaluru for the processing of each application is minimum 06 working days from the day it is submitted at The Consulate General of Japan
Quick Reads
View AllWhy the change now?
Japan has recorded steady growth in arrivals from India over the past few years, fuelled by relaxed multiple-entry visa norms for select categories, expanded aviation capacity and a broader surge in outbound travel from Indian metros.
Visa demand typically spikes during Japan’s high tourism seasons — the cherry blossom months of March and April, summer festival season between June and August, autumn foliage in October and November, and the winter ski period in Hokkaido from December to February.
Discover Japan's famous “castle in the sky”🏯✨
— Visit Japan (@Visit_Japan) February 24, 2026
⠀
In winter, Gujo Hachiman Castle becomes wrapped in soft snow, its white silhouette floating above the mountain forest🌲 As you stand before it, the mix of history and winter scenery wraps you in a calm, almost mythical… pic.twitter.com/OrXoxeUd3u
Travel industry experts say better air connectivity has played a major role. With more flight options and smoother connections from major Indian cities, Japan feels far less daunting.
Direct flight options have expanded with airlines including Air India, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways operating India–Japan routes. In addition, one-stop connections via Southeast Asia and the Middle East continue to supplement capacity during peak travel periods.
Officials say the transition to an appointment-based submission model is intended to manage this seasonal surge more efficiently, regulate daily application volumes, reduce overcrowding and strengthen security processes at high-footfall visa centres, particularly in South India.
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