Japan Tourist Visa
Temporary Visitor Visa for Tourism · For Indonesia citizens
Planning a trip to Japan as an Indonesian citizen? You have two options: visa-free entry for 15 days if you have an e-passport (register via JAVES), or a traditional tourist visa for longer stays up to 90 days. Visa fees start from IDR 320,000 for single entry, with processing taking 5 working days. This guide covers both routes and everything you need for a successful application.
Japan Tourist Visa for Indonesian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Indonesia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Indonesian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
Completed visa application form for traditional visa applications
Recent photograph meeting Japan visa specifications
Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip
Detailed travel plan showing your activities in Japan
Valid travel insurance covering your stay in Japan
Evidence of your employment status and income source
Copy of your Indonesian identity card
Copy of your family registration card
Application Process
Indonesian citizens have two routes to visit Japan for tourism: visa-free entry via JAVES (for e-passport holders) or traditional visa application.1
Option 1: Visa-Free Entry via JAVES (15 days)
For Indonesian citizens with e-passports who plan to stay up to 15 days.1
1. Check Your Passport
Verify that you have an ICAO-compliant e-passport (IC passport with chip symbol).1 Non e-passport holders must apply for a traditional visa.
2. Register via VFS Global
Visit a Japan Visa Application Centre to register for visa-free entry.2 Submit:
- Passport main page copy
- Travel information
- Contact details
3. Pay the Processing Fee
Pay IDR 170,000 for JAVES registration at VFS Global.2
4. Receive Confirmation
Registration is processed within 2-3 working days. You will receive confirmation that you are registered in the JAVES system.2
5. Travel to Japan
Upon arrival in Japan, present your e-passport at immigration. Your registration will be verified and you will receive a 15-day landing permission.1
Option 2: Traditional Visa Application (Up to 90 days)
For longer stays or travelers without e-passports.2
1. Gather Required Documents
Prepare all required documents:4
- Valid passport (6 months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport photo (4.5cm x 3.5cm, white background)
- KTP copy
- Kartu Keluarga copy
- Bank statements (last 3 months with bank stamp)
- Employment letter or business documents
- Travel itinerary with accommodation details
- Flight reservation (round trip)
- Travel insurance
2. Visit a Japan Visa Application Centre
Submit your application at a JVAC location based on your residence:2
- Jakarta
- Surabaya
- Makassar
- Bali (Denpasar)
- Medan
3. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the visa fee at the time of application:2
- Single entry: IDR 320,000
- Multiple entry: IDR 630,000
- Additional service fee: IDR 250,000
4. Wait for Processing
Processing takes at least 5 working days.2 You may be contacted for additional documents or an interview.
5. Collect Your Passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker from JVAC. Check the validity dates and number of entries allowed.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (IDR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JAVES Registration | 170,000 | For e-passport holders, 15-day visa-free |
| Single Entry Visa | 320,000 | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple Entry Visa | 630,000 | Multiple visits |
| Transit Visa | 70,000 | For transit purposes |
| VFS Service Fee | 250,000 | Additional per application |
Fees must be paid in IDR at the time of application.2 Visa fees are refundable only if the visa is not approved or if the application is withdrawn.
What You Need to Prove
Japan visa officers assess applications based on:4
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear purpose of visit with realistic travel plans
- Financial capability: Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, and daily expenses
- Return intent: Strong ties to Indonesia demonstrating you will return
- Proper documentation: All documents complete, accurate, and consistent
Processing Times
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| JAVES Registration | 2-3 working days |
| Traditional Visa | 5+ working days |
| Peak Season | 7-10 working days |
Apply at least 2 weeks before travel, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom season, Golden Week, autumn leaves).2 Applications cannot be submitted less than 7 days before intended arrival.
Japan Visa Application Centres (JVAC)
Applications are processed at VFS Global centers:2
| Location | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Jakarta | Jakarta, Banten, West Java |
| Surabaya | East Java, Central Java |
| Bali (Denpasar) | Bali, NTB, NTT |
| Makassar | Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua |
| Medan | Sumatra, Kalimantan |
Check the VFS Global website for the center that covers your area of residence.
After Your Visa is Approved
For traditional visa holders:
- Collect your passport with visa sticker from JVAC
- Check validity dates: earliest entry date and expiry date
- Maximum stay is printed on the visa (15, 30, or 90 days depending on approval)
- At Japan immigration, present passport and may be asked about travel plans
- Keep return ticket and accommodation details accessible
For visa-free entry (JAVES):
- Present your e-passport at Japan immigration
- Your JAVES registration will be verified electronically
- Landing permission for 15 days will be stamped
- Overstaying is a serious offense with legal consequences
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is rejected:
- Understand the reason: Common issues include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or unrealistic itinerary
- Address the problems: Gather additional documentation to resolve the cited issues
- Reapply: No mandatory waiting period for tourist visa reapplication
- Consider professional help: Travel agencies experienced with Japan visas can assist
About 15-20% of Indonesian applications face issues due to documentation problems.4 Most issues can be resolved with better preparation.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete Financial Documentation
Bank statements missing, insufficient funds, or no bank stamp. 15-20% of Indonesian applications face issues due to documentation problems.
How to avoid: Provide 3 months of bank statements with official bank stamp. Show sufficient balance to cover your entire trip including accommodation and daily expenses.
Unrealistic Travel Itinerary
Travel plans that are too vague, overly ambitious, or do not match the intended length of stay.
How to avoid: Create a realistic day-by-day itinerary. Include specific places you plan to visit and how you will travel between them.
Missing Travel Insurance
No travel insurance provided or insurance that does not cover the full duration of stay.
How to avoid: Purchase travel insurance before applying. Ensure it covers medical emergencies and is valid for your entire trip.
Weak Ties to Indonesia
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Indonesia, such as no stable employment or family obligations.
How to avoid: Provide employment letter with approved leave dates, property ownership documents, or evidence of family responsibilities.
Wrong Visa Type
Choosing the wrong visa category for the intended purpose of visit.
How to avoid: Ensure you apply for the correct visa type. Tourist visa is for sightseeing; business activities require a different visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indonesian citizens need a visa for Japan?
Indonesian citizens with e-passports can enter Japan visa-free for up to 15 days after registering through JAVES. For longer stays up to 90 days, a traditional tourist visa is required.
What is JAVES and how does it work?
JAVES (Japan Visa Application Exemption System) allows Indonesian e-passport holders to register for visa-free entry to Japan for up to 15 days. Register through VFS Global Indonesia, pay the processing fee (IDR 170,000), and receive confirmation within 2-3 working days.
How much does a Japan visa cost for Indonesians?
Single entry visa costs IDR 320,000, multiple entry costs IDR 630,000. For visa waiver registration via JAVES, the VFS processing fee is IDR 170,000. Additional service fees may apply at VFS Global.
How long does Japan visa processing take for Indonesians?
Traditional visa processing takes at least 5 working days. JAVES visa waiver registration takes 2-3 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel during peak seasons.
What is the difference between visa waiver and traditional visa?
Visa waiver (via JAVES) allows 15-day stays for e-passport holders with simpler registration. Traditional visa allows up to 90 days and requires full documentation including financial proof and detailed itinerary.
Can I extend my stay in Japan?
Visa-free entry (15 days) generally cannot be extended. Traditional tourist visas may be extended in limited circumstances by applying at a regional immigration office in Japan before your visa expires.
Where do I apply for Japan visa in Indonesia?
Apply at Japan Visa Application Centres (JVAC) operated by VFS Global. Locations include Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Bali, and Medan. Choose the center based on your residence jurisdiction.
Do I need an e-passport for visa-free entry?
Yes, visa-free entry through JAVES requires an ICAO-compliant e-passport (IC passport). Non e-passport holders must apply for a traditional visa regardless of stay duration.
What is the approval rate for Japan visas from Indonesia?
The approval rate is approximately 85% for Indonesian applicants with complete documentation. Proper financial evidence and a realistic travel itinerary significantly improve approval chances.
What happens if my Japan visa is rejected?
Review the rejection reasons and address the issues. Common fixes include providing better financial proof, more realistic travel itinerary, or additional employment documentation. You can reapply after addressing the problems.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Japan visa?
Yes, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for Japan tourist visa applications. It must cover medical emergencies and be valid for your entire stay in Japan.