Planning a trip to Japan has never been easier for Indian travellers. Since April 1, 2024, Japan’s eVisa system has allowed eligible Indian citizens to apply for a visa online or through authorised Japan Visa Application Centres (operated by VFS Global). This streamlined process ensures you can secure your visa conveniently without the hassle of endless paperwork or embassy visits.

Here’s everything you need to know to get your Japan eVisa sorted quickly and stress-free!

• Apply Early: Begin your application process in advance. Japan accepts applications from 3 months prior to the travel date.

• Accurate Information: Ensure all details match your passport and travel documents.

• Follow VFS Guidelines: Adhere to any specific requirements or additional instructions provided by VFS Global.

1. Avoid Dummy Tickets: Visa officials are adept at recognising fake or placeholder tickets. To steer clear of potential issues, opt for refundable or flexible tickets. This approach shows you’re serious about your travel plans and avoids unnecessary complications in your application. It’s a simple way to demonstrate transparency and ensure your intentions are clear.

2. Meticulous Document Review: Your application’s success is in the details. Double- and triple-check each document to catch any mistakes or missing information, which could otherwise cause delays or rejection. Organise your paperwork carefully, ensuring each piece is complete and accurate. This diligence strengthens your application, paving the way for a smoother process.

3. Compose a Clear Cover Letter: A thoughtfully written cover letter can be a helpful addition. Briefly outline your trip’s purpose and express your commitment to returning home. This one-page summary helps visa officers quickly understand your plans and your intent to return. It adds a professional touch that underscores your application’s legitimacy.

4. Present Assets and Liabilities: If your bank balance doesn’t meet typical requirements, consider showcasing additional assets, such as mutual funds or investments in gold. Highlighting assets demonstrates your financial stability, while listing liabilities, like home loans, strengthens your ties to your home country and makes your intention to return more credible.

5.Address Legal Background or Profiling: Your background significantly influences visa decisions. Immigration systems are interconnected, so authorities can access records through linked documents like Aadhaar or PAN cards. Any ongoing legal issues, even minor ones, might impact your application. Rather than concealing details, present supporting documents, which can improve your chances.

6. Consult the Embassy Website for Help: If you’re uncertain about any part of your visa application, refer to the embassy website. It provides detailed instructions and answers to common questions, making the process more manageable and ensuring accuracy in your application.

7. Obtain a Family Invitation: An invitation from family members in Japan can bolster your application. It adds credibility and shows you have local support, enhancing the likelihood of approval. This invitation demonstrates a genuine purpose and solid connections in Japan, lending weight to your reason for visiting.

8. Plan a Comprehensive Itinerary: A well-prepared itinerary adds credibility to your travel plans. Include accommodation details, activities, and other specifics to strengthen your application. This foresight shows you’ve thoughtfully planned your trip and underscores the legitimacy of your visit.

9. Maintain Consistent Bank Statement Patterns: Visa officers examine your bank statements for a steady pattern of income. Large, unexpected deposits or irregular transactions can be red flags. A consistent flow of income and regular transactions help confirm that your financial situation is stable and supports your visa application.

10. Show Sufficient Funds: When applying for a Japan visa, you must demonstrate adequate funds to cover your stay. Generally, you’ll need to show around ₹3 lakh in your bank account. Calculate your expenses based on your trip’s duration, with an average daily budget of about £100. For example, for a 10-day stay, you’ll need at least £1,000 (about ₹1 lakh) plus an extra £1,500–£2,000 to cover emergencies or unexpected costs.

Expedite Processing When Needed: If you need faster visa processing, consider:

• Priority Service: Speeds up processing but comes with an extra fee.

• Express Service: The fastest option, processing within a few days, but incurs substantial additional costs. Check with the VFS centre for specific fees and timelines for expedited services to meet urgent travel needs.

11. Prepare for Possible Follow-Ups: While in-person interviews are rare, be ready to respond to additional questions or requests for information. Timely responses to visa authorities can help keep your application on track and show your willingness to cooperate.

12. Avoid Small Mistakes: Seemingly minor details from previous applications can affect future visa approvals. For example, if you stated that you would travel with family but went alone, this discrepancy might cause issues with your current application. Immigration records are closely monitored, and any dishonesty can impact future applications for up to five years.

13. Be Transparent and Truthful: Always provide accurate information in your application. Misrepresentations or false details can result in severe consequences, such as visa rejection or a ban on future applications. Honesty is crucial in all aspects of the visa application process.

When applying for a Japan tourist visa, Indian applicants might encounter several types of refusals. Here are the common reasons:

• Insufficient Evidence of Funds: If the applicant cannot prove that they have enough financial resources to cover their stay in Japan, their application might be refused.

• Lack of Ties to Home Country: Failure to demonstrate strong ties to India, such as a stable job, family, or property, can lead to a visa refusal. Swedish authorities want to be sure that the applicant will return home after their visit.

• Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: Providing incorrect or incomplete details in the application form or supporting documents can result in a refusal.

• Previous Immigration History: A history of overstaying or breaching visa conditions in the past can negatively impact the current application.

• Unclear Travel Purpose: If the purpose of the visit is not clearly defined or supported by adequate documentation, the visa might be refused.

• Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria: Not meeting the specific eligibility criteria for the visa type being applied for can lead to a refusal.

• Unsatisfactory Accommodation Details: Not providing clear and credible information about accommodation arrangements during the stay can be a reason for refusal.

• Health or Character Issues: Concerns related to health or criminal record may also lead to a visa refusal.

When a Japan tourist visa application is refused, the applicant is usually informed through a formal communication process. Here’s how the refusal is typically conveyed:

• Refusal Notice: The applicant receives a written notice of refusal from Japan Visas and Immigration. This notice is often sent via mail or can be accessed through the online application portal used during the application process.

• Reasons for Refusal: The refusal notice includes detailed reasons for the decision. This section outlines why the application was unsuccessful and which specific requirements were not met. The reasons are based on the rules and guidelines applicable to the visa type.

• Right to Appeal or Reapply: The notice will also provide information on whether the applicant has the right to appeal the decision or if they should reapply. In some cases, there might be an option to request an administrative review if there are grounds to believe the decision was made in error.

• Detailed Refusal Letter: In some cases, especially for complex applications, a detailed refusal letter may be issued that provides an in-depth explanation of the reasons for refusal and any supporting evidence considered by the decision-maker.

• Application Portal: The refusal details might be available through the online application portal, where applicants can view the decision and any additional comments from the visa officer.

• Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, having travel insurance covering your Japan stay is strongly recommended to show preparedness for emergencies.

• Children’s Biometrics Requirement: Children under 5 only need to provide a photograph, not fingerprints, during their biometric appointment.

• Biometric Exceptions: Applicants with certain medical conditions may be exempt from providing biometrics, provided they submit supporting medical documentation.

• Consent Letters for Minors: If a child is travelling without both parents, a letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) and their passport copies are required.

• Birth Certificate for Children: A child’s birth certificate may be required to verify the relationship between the child and the accompanying parent(s) or guardian.