India, Feb. 25 -- On February 21, 2026, visa service provider VFS Global announced that travellers from four Indian cities, namely Puducherry, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi, will no longer be able to submit their Japan visa applications on a walk-in basis. Starting March 2, 2026, applicants from these cities must book a prior appointment before visiting a Visa Application Centre (VAC). This applies to all categories of Japan visa application submissions.

Indian passport holders with a valid Japan visa can enjoy visa-free entry to these seven countries.

Japan has witnessed a steady rise in tourist influx from India over the last few years. According to a report by the Economic Times, Japan recorded the highest-ever Indian arrivals in 202...