In order to increase people-to- people exchanges, and promote the country as a tourist destination, Japan has decided to make certain relaxations for Indians who want multiple- entry visas for short-term stay.
Announcing the relaxation that will be applicable from January 1, 2018, Japan's Foreign Office said that the applicants who submit employment certificate and an explanation letter giving reasons for applying for multiple-entry visa will now be exempted in 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 documents to prove the financial capability (for tourism purpose) / Documents to prove the applicants affiliation to certain enterprises (for business purpose)," Japan Government said in a statement.
Giving details of the expansion of scope of eligible applicants, the Japan Foreign office said that multiple entry visas (having validity of maximum 5 years with maximum period of stay 90 days) will be issued to applicants who have travel records to Japan twice or more in the last one year. 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," Japan FO said. It added that in February this year, Japan had introduced the simplification of visa application procedure for single entry visa for Indian students to promote visit of Indian youths to Japan.
"By this relaxation, Indian students, graduate students and alumni of universities in India may submit certificate of student status or graduation instead of the document to prove financial capability in the application for single entry visa for short-term stay," the statement said.