Sightseeing in Japan as an Indian Citizen holding a US F-1 visa

I currently have a US F-1 visa who needs to travel to India. I was hoping to take a layover in Japan. Will I require a transit visa to go sightseeing in Japan and how can I get one in the USA or can I get one at Japanese airports as well?

I have been told by the Consulate General that they require my I-20 and F-1 visa as well. Why is all this documentation required?

Best Answer

Since you wish to visit Japan for sightseeing, you would need a proper tourist visa to enter Japan. The fact that you have a valid US F-1 visa does not change that. You can apply for the visa at any Japanese consulate in the United States.

Japan does this in a short stay format (they seem to call it a "transit" visa) as well wherein you are allowed to stay for 15 days for sightseeing or other leisurely activities. Checking at the consulate website for Atlanta reveals that your premonitions are indeed correct. On the other hand if one were to apply from India, it seems the heavy documentation is not necessary.

You'll need a valid US visa and your accompanying I-20. They have instantiated this requirement because they do not issue these visas to B1/B2 visa holders in the US. A full list is provided at the consulate website.

The answer on a previously discussed question suggests that if your trip is less than 72 hours, you can get a visa on the airport as well.

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Which countries can you visit with US f1 visa?

Short trips to Mexico, Canada, or islands adjacent to the United States (such as the Bahamas) You may be eligible to return from Mexico, Canada and islands adjacent to the United States even if you have an expired visa. This is generally allowable for trips of 30 days or less.

Can I enter Japan with US visa?

U.S. citizens entering either visa free or with a tourist visa are not allowed to work in Japan. Persons found working illegally are subject to arrest and deportation. Persons believed to be entering Japan without a working visa but who intend to work here can be denied entry into Japan.

Is US visa exempt for Japan?

For people who plan to enter Japan from the United States. All foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa (except for those who have a valid re-entry permit). We currently do not issue any individual tourist visas or transit visas.

Which countries can I visit with Indian passport and US visa?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Belize.
Costa Rica.
El Salvador.
Guatemala.
Honduras.
Nicaragua.
Panama.

Benefits Of US Visa On Indian Passport || 40 Countries Indians Can Travel With US Visa For Free

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