Good news awaits Indian travelers heading to Japan. Earlier this month Japan announced higher visa fees worldwide starting July 1 2026 yet Indian passport holders will still pay only ₹500 for single or multiple entry visas according to the Japanese Embassy in India. This preserves a long standing concessional rate and keeps Japan among the cheaper Asian destinations for Indian applicants.
The announcement of revised global fees had created uncertainty. Most other nationalities now face substantially higher charges but the embassy clarified that the concessional rate for Indians remains unchanged.
Under the schedule applying in India single entry and multiple entry visas each cost ₹500 while transit visas have been discontinued. VFS service fees still apply. For other foreign nationals single entry visas cost ₹8650 multiple or double entry visas cost ₹17350 and transit visas are also discontinued.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revised its standard fees for the first time in several years. Indian citizens however continue to benefit from the lower rate which supports growing outbound tourism.
Applications must be submitted through authorised VFS centres. The embassy recommends applying no more than three months before travel. An e-visa system introduced in India in April 2024 covers eligible short term visitors depending on category and purpose.
Common categories include tourism business visits to friends or relatives conferences and student travel. Applicants generally need a valid passport completed form recent photograph flight and accommodation details financial proof and itinerary.
Japan has also ended the separate transit visa category for all nationalities. Those requiring entry during transit must now apply for an appropriate short term visa.
While most foreign nationals face higher costs Indian citizens retain one of the lowest fees making travel to Japan more accessible in 2026.
