Short-Term Stay Visa (Tourism / Business)

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa Name	Short-Term Stay Visa (Temporary Visitor)
Stay Length	15, 30, or up to 90 days
Cost (Single Entry)	15,000 JPY (₹500 for Indian citizens)
Cost (Multiple Entry)	30,000 JPY (₹500 for Indian citizens)
Cost (Transit)	3,500 JPY
Work Rights	Strictly prohibited (no paid or remote work)
Study Rights	Not stated in the source
Medicare / Healthcare	Not stated in the source
Travel Facility	Single-entry, multiple-entry, or transit
Citizenship Path	Not stated in the source
Family Sponsorship	None; family must apply independently
Processing Time	3 to 5 business days (up to 2 weeks)
COE Required	No
In-Country Conversion	Strictly prohibited
Renewable / Extendable	Generally no (strict exceptions only)

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Purpose & Categories

The Short-Term Stay visa covers temporary visits of up to 90 days without establishing residence or requiring a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

• Tourism: Individual sightseeing or package tours.
• Business and Cultural Exchange: Business liaison, meetings, negotiations, contract signing, market research, cultural exchange, municipal/sports events, or academic conferences. Available as single- or multiple-entry.
• Visiting Relatives and Friends: Visiting relatives (blood relatives or in-laws within three degrees of kinship) or friends. Spouses and children of foreign nationals residing long-term in Japan may apply for multiple-entry visas.
• Foreign Spouses of Japanese Nationals: For spouses married to Japanese nationals living long-term outside Japan.
• Other: Medical treatment and transit.

Eligibility & Exemptions

• Visa-Exempt Nationalities: Passport holders from approximately 74 countries and regions (such as the US, EU member states, South Korea, and Taiwan) do not need a visa for short-term stays (typically 15, 30, or 90 days).
• General Eligibility Criteria:
  • Valid passport extending beyond the intended stay.
  • No prior deportation or entry refusal records in Japan.
  • Demonstrated financial ability to support the stay.
  • Confirmed travel itinerary with return or onward flights.
  • Clear intent to depart Japan before the authorized stay expires.

Stay & Status Rules

• Authorized Stay: Granted for 15, 30, or up to 90 days. The exact duration is determined by immigration officers at the port of entry.
• No Long-Term Conversion: Cannot be converted into a long-term residence status from within Japan.
• Extensions: In principle, non-extendable. Extensions are only considered under exceptional circumstances (e.g., severe illness, natural disaster) via the Immigration Services Agency under strict standards.

Rights & Restrictions

• Work Restrictions: Any paid employment, commercial business activity, side jobs, or remote work for overseas employers is strictly prohibited. Violations lead to deportation and potential re-entry bans.
• Family & Dependents: There is no derivative dependent status. Family members must apply for individual visas independently.

Fees & Processing

• Standard Worldwide Fees (Effective July 1, 2026):
  • Single Entry: 15,000 JPY
  • Multiple Entry: 30,000 JPY
  • Transit: 3,500 JPY
• Exceptions & Additional Charges:
  • Indian citizens applying in India pay ₹500 for single or multiple entry under a bilateral agreement.
  • Designated agencies or Visa Application Centres (e.g., VFS) may charge additional service fees.
• Processing Time: Typically 3 to 5 business days, up to 2 weeks.

Required Documents

1. Passport: Original, valid beyond the intended stay.
2. Application Form: Completed designated Japanese embassy form.
3. Photo: Recent passport photograph (4cm × 3cm, white background).
4. Travel Details: Round-trip flight itinerary and hotel/accommodation bookings.
5. Detailed Itinerary: Schedule of activities in Japan.
6. Financial Proof: Bank statements or deposit certificates covering the past 3 to 6 months.
7. Employment Proof: Certificate of employment or business registration certificate.
8. Relationship/Invitation Proof (if applicable): Invitation letters, proof of kinship, or relationship evidence (photos, correspondence) when visiting friends or family.

Application Steps

1. Check Exemption: Confirm if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry or the Japan eVISA.
2. Prepare Documentation: Collect all required application forms, financial records, and itinerary bookings.
3. Submit Application: Apply at the Japanese embassy, consulate-general, or authorized visa agency/VAC with jurisdiction over your residence.
4. Receive Visa: Collect your passport with the visa sticker upon approval.
5. Enter Japan: Present documentation and complete immigration inspection at the port of entry.

Important Warnings

• Mandatory Bookings: Failure to provide return flight tickets and confirmed accommodations may result in immediate rejection.
• Financial Insufficiency: Insufficient bank balances or inconsistent employment documents are leading causes of visa refusals.
• Fraud: Submitting false materials results in a permanent entry ban.
• Peak Season: Apply at least 1 month in advance during peak periods (spring cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons).