The Japanese consulate network has eliminated walk-in visa submissions at VFS Global centres in four Indian cities. From March 2, 2026, applicants in Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Puducherry must book time-slots online before visiting for document submission.
Who’s Affected
All visa categories require appointments - tourist, business, student and dependent applications. The change addresses a 28% surge in Indian travelers to Japan last year, driven by new Chennai-Tokyo direct flights and MICE incentives linked to Osaka-Kansai Expo preparations.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | March 2, 2026 |
| Cities Affected | Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Puducherry |
| Visa Categories | All (tourist, business, student, dependent) |
| Booking Requirement | Mandatory online appointment |
VFS Global designed the appointment system to reduce daily intake fluctuations and eliminate midday crowds that previously caused three-hour waits and strained security screening.
Application Process Remains Unchanged
Visa fees stay at ¥3,000 for single-entry (approximately ₹2,500) and ¥6,000 for multiple-entry visas (approximately ₹5,000). Processing times continue averaging 5-10 working days from submission.
Indian travelers planning Japan visits should review our comprehensive Japan Visa Guide for detailed requirements and use our Document Checklist to prepare necessary papers before booking appointments.
Corporate Travel Impact
Companies with frequent Japan business travel must integrate VFS appointment scheduling into travel approval workflows. Executives who previously sent staff to queue at dawn need adjustment time - missed appointments require fresh bookings that could delay departures.
This represents Japan’s movement toward full visa digitization, a stated Ministry of Foreign Affairs priority. While online filing isn’t permitted yet, the structured appointment system prepares infrastructure for future digital processes.
For Indian passport holders, this change means planning visa applications further in advance. The appointment requirement adds a scheduling step but promises shorter wait times at VFS centres once you arrive with a confirmed slot.
Check current appointment availability and processing times using our Processing Times tool before planning your Japan travel timeline.
Source: VFS Global, Japan
FAQ
Q: Which cities are affected by the mandatory appointment rule? A: Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Puducherry VFS Global centres require prior appointments from March 2, 2026.
Q: Do visa fees or processing times change with this new system? A: No changes to fees (₹2,500 single-entry, ₹5,000 multiple-entry) or processing times (5-10 working days).
Q: What happens if I miss my scheduled appointment slot? A: You’ll need to book a fresh appointment, which could delay your travel plans significantly.
Q: Are Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore affected by this change? A: The source doesn’t specify changes for other cities - only Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Puducherry are mentioned.
Q: Can I still submit documents the same way after booking an appointment? A: Yes, only the appointment booking is new - document requirements and submission steps are unchanged.