Japan consulates will require prior appointments for visa submissions at VFS Global centres in Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, and Puducherry starting March 2, effectively discontinuing walk-in applications.
The Japanese consulate network has discontinued walk-in visa submissions at VFS Global centres in four Indian cities. Effective March 2, 2026, applicants in Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, and Puducherry are required to book an online appointment before visiting the centres to submit their documents.
Who’s Affected
Appointments are now mandatory for all visa categories—tourist, business, student, and dependent applications. This change comes in response to a 28% rise in Indian travellers to Japan last year, driven by the launch of direct Chennai–Tokyo flights and increased MICE incentives associated with preparations for the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
| 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 has implemented the appointment system to streamline daily application intake and prevent midday crowding, which previously resulted in wait times of up to three hours and put additional pressure on security screening processes.
Application Process Remains Unchanged
Visa fees remain unchanged at ¥3,000 (approximately ₹2,500) for single-entry visas and ¥6,000 (approximately ₹5,000) for multiple-entry visas. Processing timelines continue to average 5–10 working days from the date of submission.
Indian travellers planning a visit to Japan are advised to review our comprehensive Japan Visa Guide for detailed requirements and refer to the Document Checklist to ensure all necessary documents are prepared before booking their appointments.
Corporate Travel Impact
Companies with frequent business travel to Japan should incorporate VFS Global appointment scheduling into their internal travel approval workflows. Executives who earlier deputed staff to queue early morning will need time to adjust, as missed appointments now require fresh bookings, which may delay travel plans.
This move reflects Japan’s broader shift towards full visa digitization, a key priority of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although online visa filing is not yet available, the structured appointment system lays the groundwork for future digital processing.
For Indian passport holders, this change highlights the need to plan visa applications well in advance. While the appointment requirement adds an extra scheduling step, it is expected to reduce wait times at VFS centres once applicants arrive with a confirmed slot.
We recommend checking current appointment availability and processing timelines using our Processing Times tool before finalizing your Japan travel plans.
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 starting March 2, 2026.
Q: Do visa fees or processing times change with this new system?
A: No, there are no changes. Visa fees remain ₹2,500 for single-entry and ₹5,000 for multiple-entry visas, and processing continues to take 5–10 working days.
Q: What happens if I miss my scheduled appointment slot?
A: You will need to book a new appointment, which may significantly delay your travel plans.
Q: Are Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore affected by this change?
A: The update only mentions Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Puducherry; no changes have been specified for other cities.
Q: Can I still submit documents the same way after booking an appointment?
A: Yes, the submission process and document requirements remain the same; only prior appointment booking is now mandatory.
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