Traveling to India has become increasingly accessible for Japanese nationals, thanks to the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility and the electronic tourist visa issuing system. This guide provides a detailed overview of the visa application process, eligibility criteria, and essential information for Japanese citizens planning to visit India.
Visa-on-Arrival for Japanese Nationals
Eligibility Criteria
Japanese nationals are eligible for the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility under the following conditions:- Duration of Stay: The visit must not exceed 60 days and can be for business, tourism, conference, or medical purposes.
- Residency: The applicant must not have a residence or occupation in India.
- Passport Validity: The passport must have a minimum validity of six months.
- Financial Standing: The traveler must provide proof of sufficient funds and a return/onward journey ticket.
- Government Clearance: The applicant should not be persona-non-grata to the Government of India or considered an undesirable person.
Non-Eligibility
- Diplomatic/Official Passports: Holders of Diplomatic/Official passports are not eligible for the VoA facility.
- Conversion and Extension: The VoA cannot be extended or converted into any other type of visa.
Validity and Entries for Visa-on-Arrival
- Validity: The VoA is valid for a maximum of 60 days.
- Entries: A double entry is permitted within the validity period.
Designated Entry Points
Japanese nationals can obtain the VoA only at the following six international airports:- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
Indian Visa-on-arrival Fees for Japanese
VoA Fee: A fee of INR 2,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) is charged per passenger, including children. VoA fee must be paid in either Indian Rupee or US Dollars, it's advisable to have your currency exchanged to Indian Rupee to avoid any hassles.Application Process for Visa-on-Arrival
- Application Form: Japanese nationals must fill out the VoA application form (Annexure I). It is advisable to download, print, and fill it out before arrival.
- Disembarkation Card: A duly filled disembarkation card is also required.
- Visa Counter: Present the completed forms to the Visa Officer at the visa counter upon arrival.
- Eligibility Check: The Visa Officer will scrutinize the application, check eligibility, purpose of visit, and other details.
- Fee Payment: After eligibility is confirmed, the traveler will pay the visa fee.
- Immigration Counter: Proceed to the immigration counter for biometrics and image capturing. The Immigration Officer will then stamp the passport and collect the disembarkation card.
Electronic Tourist Visa Issuing System (e-Visa)
The Indian government introduced the electronic tourist visa issuing system, also known as Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), effective from November 27, 2014.Eligibility
The e-Visa for India is designed for foreigners whose sole purpose of visiting India includes: Recreation and sightseeing, casual visits to meet a friend of family, short term yoga programme, medical treatment, business purposes. The e-Visa for India is divided into three main sub-categories: e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa. Foreign nationals can combine these activities in their application, provided they indicate this clearly and submit the requisite documents.Restrictions
- Pakistani Origin: If the applicant or either of their parents or grandparents (paternal or maternal) was born in, or was permanently resident in Pakistan.
- Diplomatic/Official Passports: Holders of Diplomatic or Official passports.
- UN and International Travel Documents: Holders of UNLP (UN Passport) and other international travel documents, such as those issued by INTERPOL.
Application Process
Foreign nationals can follow these steps to apply for an e-Visa for India:- Visit the Official Website: Go to the Indian e-Visa Portal
- Application Form: Fill out the e-Visa application form online.
- Advance Application: Applicants can submit their applications up to 120 days before their expected date of arrival in India.
- Submit Required Documents: Ensure that all necessary documents, including a valid passport and photograph, are uploaded as per the guidelines.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the required e-Visa fee online through the payment gateway available on the portal.
- Receive e-Visa: Once approved, the e-Visa will be sent to the applicant's email. Print a copy of the e-Visa to present upon arrival in India.
eVisa for India Cost
The fee for the e-Tourist Visa varies based on the duration and time of travel. Below is the updated fee structure:30-Day e-Tourist Visa
- During July to March: USD 25
- During April to June: USD 10
Five-Year e-Tourist Visa: USD 25
Entry Points
Holders of an e-Visa can enter India only through designated international airports and seaports.- Airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trichy, Varanasi, Calicut, Mangalore, Pune, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam.
- Seaports (for cruise tourists): Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao, Chennai, New Mangalore
Validity
e-Tourist Visa and e-Business Visa: Valid for up to 60 days with double entry.e-Medical Visa: Valid for up to 60 days with triple entry. Extensions of up to 6 months may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the FRRO/FRO concerned.
Frequency: A foreigner is allowed to use the e-Visa facility for a maximum of two times in a calendar year.
Conditions for e-Visa
The e-Visa for India is subject to several conditions to ensure compliance with immigration policies:- Non-Extendable: The e-Visa cannot be extended, except for the e-Medical Visa, which may be extended up to 6 months based on individual case merits by the FRRO/FRO concerned.
- Non-Convertible: The e-Visa cannot be converted to other visa categories except in specific cases. For details on conversion policies, refer to the general policy guidelines on the Indian visa website.
e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which is Better?
Choosing between an e-Visa and a Visa on Arrival (VoA) depends on various factors such as convenience, preparation time, and specific needs of the traveler. Below is a comparison to help determine which option might be better for you.e-Visa
Advantages:- Pre-approval: The e-Visa is approved before departure, reducing uncertainty upon arrival.
- Convenience: Apply from the comfort of your home via the Indian e-Visa Portal.
- Multiple Entry Points: Holders can enter through a wide range of designated international airports and seaports.
- Longer Preparation Window: Applications can be made up to 120 days in advance, allowing ample time for planning.
- Triple Entry for Medical: e-Medical Visa allows triple entry, which is beneficial for those needing multiple medical visits.
- Online Process: Requires access to the internet and ability to navigate the online application system.
- Approval Time: Although quick, it still requires waiting for approval (usually within 72 hours).
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Advantages:- Immediate Availability: Obtain the visa upon arrival without prior application.
- No Internet Required: Suitable for travelers who may have difficulty accessing the internet or prefer handling paperwork in person.
- Only for Specific Nationalities: Tailored for certain nationalities (e.g., Japanese, South Korean, and UAE nationals with prior visas).
- Limited Entry Points: Only available at six designated international airports.
- Longer Processing Time on Arrival: The application process at the airport can take one to two hours, which can be inconvenient after a long flight.
- Non-extendable and Non-convertible: Similar to the e-Visa, but with fewer exceptions for extensions and conversions.
