Asian Games 2026: Japan Visa guide for Indian fans and how to get

The 2026 Asian Games are set to bring thousands of athletes and fans to Japan as Aichi-Nagoya hosts the continental multi-sport event from September 19 to October 4.

For Indian fans planning to travel to Japan to watch the Asian Games 2026, two things need to be sorted early: a Japanese visa and tickets for the events they want to attend.

Here is a guide to the Japan visa process for Indian travellers and how to buy Asian Games 2026 tickets.

Do Indians need a visa for Japan?

Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa to travel to Japan for the Asian Games. There is no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival facility for Indian tourists.

Fans travelling for the Games can apply for a Temporary Visitor visa for tourism, which allows a stay of up to 90 days. Applications can be made up to three months before travel through VFS Global or the Japan eVISA system, depending on eligibility.

The Japanese government fee for Indian nationals is ₹500 for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas, effective July 1, 2026. A separate VFS service fee is applicable.

How can Indians apply for a Japan visa?

Indian travellers have two main options.

VFS Global: Applications can be submitted through Japan Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global. Centres are available in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Kochi and Goa. Some centres operate on an appointment-only basis.

Processing is commonly around five working days after VFS accepts a complete application, although applicants should allow additional time during the busy travel period.

Japan eVISA: Indian residents can also apply for a single-entry tourist eVISA through a MOFA-accredited agency. Successful applicants receive a Visa Issuance Notice. Importantly, Japan requires the notice to be displayed online using a live internet connection. A screenshot, PDF or printed copy is not accepted.

Documents required for a Japan tourist visa

The exact checklist can vary by jurisdiction, so applicants should confirm requirements with their local VFS centre. Typical documents include:

• Passport with at least six months' validity and two blank pages
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Recent passport photograph
• Cover letter
• Day-by-day travel itinerary
• Hotel bookings covering the entire stay
• Return flight reservation
• Three to six months of bank statements
• Income Tax Returns for the previous two to three years
• Salary slips and an employer leave letter, where applicable

Travellers are advised not to purchase non-refundable flights before their visa is issued.

How can Indian fans buy Asian Games 2026 tickets?

International fans, including those travelling from India, are allowed to purchase tickets for the Asian Games. 

General ticket sales opened on June 30, 2026, and tickets are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis rather than through a lottery.

Most purchases require a free Ouen-ID, or Supporter ID. Fans can search for tickets by sport, date and venue before completing their purchase.

Another option is the Asian Q Ticket, introduced on August 19. It does not require an Ouen-ID and offers unreserved seating. It can be particularly useful for fans looking for tickets at short notice while already in Japan.

Asian Games tickets are available through the official Aichi-Nagoya 2026 ticketing platforms. Competition tickets have been advertised from around ¥1,500, although prices vary depending on the sport, session and seating category.

While Nagoya is the main base, Indian fans may need to travel outside the city for some events.

Athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya. Badminton will be in Ichinomiya, hockey in Gifu, cricket in Nisshin and kabaddi in Tōkai.

Swimming is particularly important to note, as it will be held at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, meaning fans will need to factor a Tokyo trip into their plans.