Japan relaxes visa rules for Indians

NEW DELHI: Japan has further relaxed the requirement for multiple entry visas for short-term stay for ordinary Indian passport holders since Feb 15, based on the agreement made during the Annual Summit Meeting here between PM Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe.

The eligibility for visa has been expanded to include people with travel records to Japan for short-term visit in the last 3 years and with travel records as temporary visitor to other G7 countries. There is also no need to show the ability to pay all travel expenses during his/her stay in Japan, according to the new rules.

The duration of stay for Indian passport holders under all short-term multiple-entry visa (including for tourism, business, or visiting relatives/acquaintances) has been expanded from15 to 30 days.

The validity period of visa has been extended from maximum 3 years to 5 years.

The validity period of visa, for business purpose, cultural or intellectual figures has been extended from maximum 5 years to 10 years.

It is expected that the relaxation would contribute to further expansion of exchanges between Japan and India, especially in terms of the number of Indian tourists to Japan, and improving the convenience of business travelers.