India visa for Japanese citizens
Japanese citizens can apply online for an Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical or conference categories) on the official Government of India site before travelling.
Check the official site before you travel. imptahmedabad.in is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas. Visa rules change: confirm on indianvisaonline.gov.in.
| Status | e-Visa available |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical, conference), applied for online |
| Where to apply | indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa) |
| Processing | Set by the Government of India: check the official site |
| Arrival | At an airport or seaport designated for e-Visa arrivals |
Japanese citizens are eligible for the Indian e-Visa. You apply online before you travel. The e-Visa covers tourism, business, medical visits and conferences. You must carry a printed copy of your e-Visa approval and your passport. Check the official website indianvisaonline.gov.in for current eligibility and terms.
What the e-Visa means
The Indian e-Visa lets Japanese citizens enter India for short stays without visiting an Indian embassy or consulate. The entire process is online. You apply, upload documents and pay the fee on the official portal. Once approved, you receive an electronic travel authorisation by email. Print it and carry it with your passport when you travel.
The e-Visa is valid for entry through designated airports and seaports. You cannot use it at land border crossings. The visa type you choose, tourism, business, medical or conference, determines what you can do during your stay. Check the official site for the permitted activities under each category.
Before you travel and on arrival
Complete your e-Visa application on indianvisaonline.gov.in at least a few days before your departure. You need a digital photograph and a scanned copy of your passport's bio page. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. Wait for the approval email with your electronic travel authorisation attached.
At the Indian airport, proceed to the e-Visa counter after landing. The immigration officer will take your photograph and fingerprints. This biometric process is standard for all e-Visa holders. Keep your printed e-Visa approval and passport ready. Do not queue at the regular visa-on-arrival counters.
Arriving in India and moving around
You may enter India at any of the designated e-Visa airports or seaports. Major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Kochi process e-Visa holders. Smaller airports are also included; check the official list on the visa portal.
Within India, you can travel freely between states and cities. There are no internal checkpoints for foreign tourists. Carry your passport and e-Visa approval with you at all times, especially if staying in hotels or visiting restricted areas. For travel to protected or border regions, you may need a separate permit.
Staying longer: other visa types
If you plan to stay longer than the e-Visa permits, you must apply for a regular visa from an Indian consulate in Japan before travel. The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type while you are in India. Overstaying your e-Visa is illegal and may result in fines or deportation.
For work, study, research or long-term volunteering, you need a different visa category. Apply through the Indian embassy or consulate in Japan. The official website indianvisaonline.gov.in lists all visa types and their requirements. Check there for the correct application process.
How to apply for the e-Visa
- Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and complete the online e-Visa application form.
- Upload a recent digital passport photograph and a scan of your passport's bio page.
- Pay the visa fee online using a valid credit or debit card.
- Wait for the electronic travel authorisation to be emailed to you.
- Print the e-Visa approval and keep it with your passport.
- Travel to India and arrive at an e-Visa-designated airport or seaport.
- At immigration, present your passport and printed e-Visa, and give biometric data.
Documents to carry
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Printed copy of the e-Visa approval email
- Digital or printed return or onward flight booking
- Passport-sized photograph (same as uploaded)
- Hotel booking or address of stay in India
Japanese citizens: questions
Can Japanese citizens apply for an Indian e-Visa?
Yes, Japanese citizens are eligible for the Indian e-Visa. You apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Choose the correct visa category, tourism, business, medical or conference, based on your purpose of travel.
Do Japanese citizens need to visit an Indian embassy for a visa?
Not for short stays covered by the e-Visa. The entire application is online. For stays longer than the e-Visa allows, or for work and study, you must apply through the Indian embassy or consulate in Japan.
What documents do Japanese citizens need for an Indian e-Visa?
You need a valid passport with at least two blank pages, a digital passport photograph and a scanned copy of your passport's bio page. You also need a credit or debit card for the fee. No physical documents are posted.
Can Japanese citizens enter India by land with an e-Visa?
No, the e-Visa is only valid for entry at designated airports and seaports. You cannot use it at land border crossings. For land entry, you need a regular visa obtained from an Indian consulate.
How long can Japanese citizens stay in India on an e-Visa?
The e-Visa allows a stay for a continuous period in India. The exact duration and number of entries depend on the visa category you choose. Check the official site for the latest rules, as they change.
Where will you stay in Ahmedabad?
The riverfront at Ellisbridge for a first visit, the walled city for heritage, SG Highway for work. Live prices for your dates open in the IMPT app.
Photo credits: Photo on Pexels.