Japan Visa System Updates With Mandatory Appointments

There’s a new development for Indian travellers planning their long-awaited journey to Japan, as the visa application process has undergone a significant procedural shift. From the 2nd of March 2026, applicants in select South Indian cities will no longer be permitted to walk into a visa centre and submit their documents without prior scheduling. Instead, securing an online appointment in advance has become compulsory through the official VFS Global portal, which manages Japan’s visa administration services in India. Before booking a slot, travellers are advised to carefully review the Japan visa process to ensure their documentation and eligibility requirements are properly aligned.

This mandatory appointment system applies to all visa categories, whether for tourism, business engagements, education or dependent travel. The cities affected include Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Puducherry. Previously, applicants could visit the Visa Application Centre without a booking, often resulting in long queues and unpredictable waiting periods, particularly during peak travel months when Japan experiences a surge in interest from Indian holidaymakers and professionals alike.

The move is widely seen as an effort to streamline operations and bring greater structure to an increasingly busy application system. Over recent years, Japan has grown immensely popular among Indian travellers drawn to its cherry blossom season, futuristic cities, historic temples and efficient transport network. With rising footfall at visa centres, authorities have opted for an appointment-based model to better manage daily volumes, improve crowd control and ensure smoother processing at the counters. This development also complements the recently introduced 5-year Japan visa, offering extended validity for eligible Indian travellers seeking frequent visits.

For applicants, this means careful forward planning is now essential. Appointment slots will only become visible after entering preliminary details on the booking platform, and availability may fluctuate depending on demand. Once secured, applicants receive a confirmation email and appointment letter, which must be presented at the centre on the scheduled date. Without this confirmation, entry for submission will not be permitted in the affected cities.

Importantly, this change does not equate to a fully digital visa system. Applicants are still required to appear in person to submit their documents and pay the visa fee. Processing timelines are expected to remain broadly consistent, typically ranging between five to ten working days in standard cases. However, seasonal demand, documentation accuracy and peak travel periods may influence turnaround times.

Travellers outside the four impacted cities can continue using the walk-in system for now, although industry observers suggest that similar structured systems may gradually expand to other regions if application numbers continue to rise.

For those exploring travel beyond Japan, it is equally helpful to browse the broader visa services section to compare destination requirements and plan documentation well in advance.

With the right preparation and timely bookings, the excitement of exploring Japan’s blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation remains well within reach.

Beyond the procedural adjustment, this shift also reflects a broader transformation in how international travel is being managed post-pandemic. Countries are increasingly prioritising structured submissions, predictable applicant volumes and enhanced verification standards. For Indian travellers, adapting to an appointment-first model simply means planning slightly earlier than before. Ensuring financial documents, accommodation details and return travel proofs are accurately prepared in advance can significantly reduce the chances of delays or re-submissions.

It is equally important for first-time applicants to factor in seasonal travel peaks. Japan’s cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage period attract a substantial number of visitors from India each year. During these high-demand windows, appointment slots may fill quickly, making early preparation crucial. A well-organised application, combined with timely scheduling, not only improves processing efficiency but also sets the tone for a stress-free travel experience from the very beginning.