Japan and France Implement Mandatory Online Visa Appointment Systems for Indian Travellers

Starting March 2, 2026, Japan will require visa applicants in Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin, Puducherry, and Bengaluru to book appointments online before submitting applications at VFS centres, ending walk-in submissions in these cities. Meanwhile, France has already implemented a mandatory online visa appointment system for all foreign nationals, including Indian travellers, to improve security and efficiency. Both countries maintain specific visa processing timelines and fees, with applicants advised to use official portals and avoid informal methods.