Japan to relax visa regime for Indians

The relaxed visa regime will not only have simplification of visa application documents but also expansion of scope of eligible applicants, it said.

NEW DELHI: Japan will simplify its visa rules from January 2018, for Indians and issue multiple- entry-visa for short-term stay, which will benefit tourists and businessmen.

The relaxed visa regime will not only have simplification of visa application documents but also expansion of scope of eligible applicants, the Japanese Embassy said.

Under the simplification of visa application documents, the applicant’s employment certificate and explanation letter stating the reason will be exempted in cases of applying for multiple-entry-visa.

“In principle, applicants will be able to apply for multiple-entry-visa with only three documents --passport visa application form (with photo) and papers to prove the financial capability (for tourism purpose)/documents to prove the applicants affiliation to certain enterprises (for business purpose),” said the Japanese foreign ministry release, which was issued by the embassy here.

Multiple entry visas with a validity of five years maximum and stay of 90 days maximum will be issued to applicants who have travel records to Japan twice or more in the last one year, the Embassy said, adding in this case, the eligible applicants may submit only their passports and visa application form.

“The relaxations are expected to help further development of people-to-people exchanges between Japan and India by enhancing convenience for Indian tourists and business persons as well as repeat visitors,” the Embassy statement said.

In February, Japan had introduced the simplification of visa application procedure for single entry visa for Indian students to promote visit of Indian youths to Japan.

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