Heading To Japan In 2026? Check New Visa Appointment Rules Now

Travellers from parts of South India will soon need prior appointments to apply for a Japan visa. Starting March 2, 2026, mandatory appointment booking will take effect. Travellers will no longer be able to submit applications on a walk-in basis, according to an announcement made by Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global on February 21.

The move follows a steady rise in outbound travel from India to Japan. Authorities say the new system will streamline submissions and reduce congestion during peak travel periods. Applicants can view available slots only after entering their details online.

Mandatory Appointment At Select South India Centres

Appointment booking will be compulsory for all categories of Japan visa applications at the following VFS Global centres:

• Chennai

• Cochin

• Hyderabad

• Puducherry

Walk-in submissions will not be accepted at these locations from March 2, 2026, and applicants without confirmed appointments will be turned away.

According to VFS Global, the online booking portal will show available dates only after the applicant enters their details. This system is already in effect for the Bengaluru centre. Now, the entire South Indian jurisdiction will operate under a uniform appointment-only policy.

Walk-Ins Continue Elsewhere; Delhi Issues Separate Advisory

For travellers in other parts of India, the current rules remain unchanged. Walk-ins are still permitted at other VFS Japan centres, where applicants can attend without a prior booking. However, industry experts suggest that as tourism rises, similar systems could be expanded to other high-traffic hubs such as Mumbai or Kolkata.

A separate instruction applies to Delhi. Applicants seeking visas on humanitarian grounds, including medical emergencies or bereavement, must first email info.jpin@vfshelpline.com to request assistance before visiting the centre. Travellers should verify city-specific guidelines before planning their submissions. 

Rising Demand Behind Administrative Shift

The decision to end walk-in submissions follows a surge in demand for Japan among Indian travellers. In 2025, Japanese arrivals from India reportedly increased by 28%, driven by new nonstop flight routes such as the Chennai–Tokyo service and various cultural incentives.

Cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka remain key attractions. The northern island of Hokkaido also draws visitors for winter travel and natural landscapes.

Previously, centres in cities like Chennai and Hyderabad often faced unpredictable crowds, resulting in wait times over 3 hours. The new system is expected to cap daily submissions at around 600 files per day in major centres, providing a more manageable environment for staff and tourists.

How to Book Your Japan Visa Appointment

To book an appointment, Indian travellers must visit the official VFS Global portal, register their details, and select a preferred date. Once a slot is confirmed, punctuality is key. Applicants should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their scheduled time. Missing a slot may require a complete re-booking, which could derail travel timelines.

Documents You’ll Need

The essential documents required for the visa application process include:

• A valid passport with adequate validity

• Completed visa application form

• Recent photographs meeting specifications

• Travel itinerary

• Confirmed accommodation bookings

• Proof of financial means

• Travel insurance, where applicable

Visa fees vary by category, including single-entry and multiple-entry visas. Despite the administrative shift, Japan remains one of the more affordable international destinations for Indian nationals. The standard visa fees for 2026 are approximately INR 450 for both single- and multiple-entry visas for Indian citizens. Service fees from VFS Global, usually around INR 800, apply separately.

The processing time typically ranges from 5 to 10 working days. Applicants should apply at least three to four weeks before departure, especially during peak seasons. Failure to secure an appointment in the notified cities will result in the submission being refused.

As Japan continues to modernise its immigration infrastructure, including the ongoing rollout of e-visas for specific categories, these new appointment rules represent a commitment to a smoother entry process for the global traveller.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

1. Is Japan visa appointment mandatory in India now?
Appointments are mandatory only at select South India VFS centres — Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Puducherry.

2. Can I still apply for a Japan visa via walk-in?
Walk-ins are still allowed at other VFS Japan centres across India, except the specified South Indian locations.

3. When does the appointment-only rule start?
The mandatory appointment system begins March 2, 2026.

4. How much is the Japan visa fee for Indian citizens?
The visa fee is approximately INR 450 for both single and multiple-entry visas. VFS service charges apply separately.

5. What is the processing time for a Japan visa from India?
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but travellers should apply at least 3–4 weeks in advance.

6. What documents are required for a Japan visa?
Applicants need a valid passport, visa form, photographs, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, financial proof and travel insurance (if applicable).