Japan's consulates in Chennai and Bengaluru will stop accepting walk-in visa applications from March 1, 2026. All applicants from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala must now book appointments online before visiting.
This affects every Indian traveler from South India applying for tourist, business, or transit visas to Japan. The change brings South India in line with Japan's consulates in Delhi and Mumbai, which already operate appointment-only systems.
How the New System Works
Starting March 1, you cannot simply walk into the Japan Visa Application Centre in Chennai (Anna Salai) or the consulate in Bengaluru. Every application requires a pre-booked slot.
The online appointment system goes live February 15, 2026. You'll book through the official Japan visa portal for each consulate.
Chennai handles applications from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Bengaluru covers Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. No changes to this jurisdiction mapping.
Booking Your Appointment
Appointments open 30 days in advance. The system releases slots at 10 AM IST every day for the corresponding date next month.
You'll need your passport details and travel dates before booking. Choose your slot carefully - rescheduling isn't guaranteed during peak season.
Available slots: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. No weekend appointments.
Timeline Impact
Processing time remains 5-7 working days for tourist visas after document submission. But now add appointment booking time to your planning.
During cherry blossom season (March-April) and Golden Week (late April-early May), appointment slots fill within hours. Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead during these periods.
Regular seasons: book 10-15 days in advance for comfortable scheduling.
What You Need for Booking
The appointment system requires:
- Passport number and expiry date
- Intended travel dates to Japan
- Visa category (tourist/business/transit)
- Contact phone number and email
No fees for booking appointments. You still pay visa fees (₹550 for single entry tourist visa) when submitting documents.
What SaathiVisa Recommends
Book your appointment immediately after the system goes live February 15. Don't wait until your documents are ready - you can book based on tentative travel dates and adjust later if needed.
We recommend booking for the earliest available slot after your documents are complete. Missing an appointment means rebooking from scratch.
If you're planning Japan travel between March-May 2026, start your visa process now. Apply for your passport renewal immediately if it expires within 6 months of travel.
For group applications (family/corporate), book consecutive slots on the same day. The system allows multiple bookings under one email ID.
Emergency Applications
Medical emergencies and death in family cases will have separate provisions, but details aren't announced yet. The consulates typically handle these case-by-case.
Business visa applications for urgent meetings may get priority slots, but this requires company documentation proving urgency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an appointment for someone else?
Yes, you can book using their passport details. But they must physically appear for document submission.
What if I miss my appointment?
No automatic rescheduling. You'll need to book a fresh slot from the available dates.
Will this increase processing time?
No change to the 5-7 working days processing time. But factor in appointment booking time when planning your Japan trip.