Japan visa rule change 2026: Walk-in applications end for these 4 south Indian cities

Indian travellers planning a trip to Japan will need to adjust to a significant procedural change beginning March 2, 2026. As per an official announcement made by VFS Global on February 21, 2026, visa applicants in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Puducherry will no longer be permitted to submit applications without prior scheduling.

The move marks the end of the walk-in system that many applicants had relied on for years. Authorities say the revised process is intended to streamline submissions, minimise overcrowding at centres and create a more organised experience for travellers preparing to visit Japan.

Japan has witnessed steady growth in tourist arrivals from India over the past several years. With the growing connectivity, there has been an increasing interest in cultural exchange and international travel among Indian tourists. This has resulted in heavy foot traffic at visa centers in southern India. It was not uncommon to see long queues and waiting times at some visa centers.

To overcome these issues, the new system of appointment only has been implemented. By allocating specific time slots to applicants, the authorities are hopeful that this will help to space out the flow of tourists evenly throughout the day.

For Indian tourists in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Puducherry, spontaneous walk-in visits to submit visa paperwork will no longer be an option. Every applicant, no matter which visa type they apply for, has to set aside a place online before proceeding to the center.

Applicants without an appointment will not be allowed to process their documents. This is especially important during peak seasons like cherry blossom viewing, summer holidays, and the year-end holiday season.

Applicants must have all the necessary documents ready before proceeding to the appointment. These include:

It is important to have all the documents accurate and complete. Incomplete or inaccurate documents may cause delays in processing.

The new system now requires applicants to book their visit through the official visa services website. During the booking process, travellers must select their preferred centre, choose an available date and time, and enter accurate personal details. Once the appointment is confirmed, applicants should begin organising the necessary paperwork well in advance. Any discrepancies in documentation may cause delays or further review.

Visa costs will depend on the visa type applied for. Single-entry visas will normally be charged a standard fee, while multiple-entry visas may require a higher fee.

Applicants set to apply for a Japan visa from these south Indian centers will need to follow these steps:

With the appointment system in place, it is necessary for the traveller to incorporate visa appointments into their overall travel planning. Failure to do so may result in unnecessary stress in case the visa appointment slots are not available at the desired time.

This will help tourists plan their travel itineraries with greater ease. Whether it is the Tokyo landscape, the historical shrines of Kyoto, the food culture of Osaka, or the natural beauty of Hokkaido, tourists can now bid farewell to last-minute travel woes with the visa requirements sorted out in advance.

With the number of tourists traveling between India and Japan on the rise, the processes in place are also undergoing a change to keep pace with the trend. The appointment system is expected to ensure that there is greater organization at the visa centers in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Puducherry. The message is clear for those who are planning to visit Japan: planning is key.