Struggling with Japan Visa as Unmarried Couple - Need Advice on Docs, Timeline & More!

Asia Visas
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Hey everyone in the Asia Visas forum! :sweat_smile: My girlfriend and I (we’ve been together for 3 years but not married yet) are planning a 10-day trip to Japan next month. We’re applying from India, and I’m super confused about how to apply as a couple without a marriage certificate. The embassy insights say it’s possible, but what tips do you have? Also, what are the essential documents for a short-term tourist visa? We’re submitting at VFS Delhi – how long does processing usually take? For financial proofs, we’ve got ITR, bank statements, and some investments; is that enough? Oh, and any sample cover letters or itinerary formats that actually got approved? Help us out, please! We’ve booked flights already. :folded_hands:

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Oh, unmarried couples can definitely apply! Just explain your relationship in the cover letter with photos, joint bookings, etc. It worked for us last year. Good luck! :+1:

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For docs from India:Passport, photos, application form, flight/hotel bookings, bank statements (last 3-6 months), ITR for last 2 years, and employment letter. Don’t forget the invitation if visiting friends. Processed mine in 5 days at VFS!

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Financial stability:Aim for at least INR 1-2 lakhs in bank balance per person, plus ITR showing steady income. Investments like FD or stocks help too. Our app got approved with similar proofs. :money_bag:

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Timeline at VFS Delhi:Usually 4-7 working days for tourist visas, but it can stretch to 2 weeks if peak season. Submit early! We got ours in 5 days. :date:

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Cover letter tip:Keep it simple – intro about yourself, purpose of trip, itinerary day by day, ties to India (job/family), and assurance to return. I have a sample if you DM me. Itinerary:Detailed but flexible, include costs. :airplane:

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As a couple, attach chat screenshots or affidavits to prove relationship. Embassy was cool about it. Just be honest! We sailed through without marriage cert. :heart:

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For itinerary, use Google Docs or Word – list cities, activities, accommodations. We included a map too, looked pro and got approved fast. Pro tip:Mention COVID vax if required. :blush:

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Processing time:Mine took 6 days, but a friend waited 10. Check VFS website for updates. Fingers crossed for you guys! :four_leaf_clover:

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Hi Ryan, I’m Meliza — Visa Expert at Outbound.
Applying as an unmarried couple for a Japan tourist visa from India is completely normal and happens very often, so don’t worry — you don’t need to be married to apply together. Japan mainly cares about whether each applicant can prove travel intent, financial stability, and a clear itinerary, not marital status.

Here’s a full breakdown to help you:

:white_check_mark: 1. How to Apply as an Unmarried Couple (Without Marriage Certificate)

You simply apply individually, but you can link your applications through your documents:

  • Mention your girlfriend as your travel companion in your cover letter

  • Use the same itinerary, same dates, same accommodation bookings

  • Both of you must submit separate applications and separate documents

  • No need to show relationship proof (photos/chat logs) — Japan does not require this

As long as your documents match and your plans are clear, this is absolutely fine.

:white_check_mark: 2. Required Documents (India → Japan Tourist Visa)

Here’s a clean list for VFS Delhi:

From Each Applicant:

  • Original passport + old passports (if any)

  • Visa application form (signed)

  • 2 photos (Japan size)

  • Day-by-day itinerary (Japan format, VFS template accepted)

  • Flight booking

  • Hotel confirmation for all nights

  • 3–6 months bank statements

  • Latest ITR (mandatory for India)

  • Salary slips (if employed)

  • Employment letter OR student letter OR business registration

  • Cover letter explaining trip purpose and details

Optional but helpful:

  • Credit card statements

  • Fixed deposit proof

  • Mutual funds/investments proof

  • Travel history copies (old visas)

Your list (ITR + bank statements + investments) is already strong.

:white_check_mark: 3. Processing Time (VFS Delhi)

  • Standard: 5–10 working days

  • Peak season: can stretch to 12–15 working days

  • No interviews

  • Decisions come via passport return, not email

Since your trip is next month, apply ASAP.

:white_check_mark: 4. Cover Letter Format (You Can Use This)

Sample Outline:

  • Your travel dates

  • Purpose of visit (tourism)

  • Cities you plan to visit

  • Who you are travelling with (mention girlfriend as companion)

  • Your employment & financial capacity

  • Assurance you will return to India

  • List of documents attached

If you want, I can generate a complete cover letter for both of you.

:white_check_mark: 5. Itinerary Format (Japan Consulate Style)

Japan prefers a simple day-by-day format:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – hotel check-in – explore Shinjuku

  • Day 2: Tokyo DisneySea

  • Day 3: Mount Fuji / Hakone

  • Day 4: Kyoto – Fushimi Inari

  • Day 5: Kyoto – Arashiyama

  • Day 6: Osaka – Dotonbori

  • Day 7: Osaka Castle

  • Day 8: Free day

  • Day 9: Tokyo shopping

  • Day 10: Return flight

They don’t require strict bookings for each activity — just a clear plan.

:white_check_mark: 6. Important Tips

  • Japan focuses heavily on financial stability and clean travel intent

  • Don’t over-explain your relationship — it’s unnecessary

  • Make sure your bank statements show consistent activity

  • Don’t submit too many random documents (keep it clean and relevant)

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@ryan_tide77

You both apply separately but keep same flights, hotels and itinerary, and mention in the cover letter that you’re travelling together as partners. Main docs: passport, form, photo, flight + hotel booking, simple day-wise plan, 6 months bank statement, ITR, salary slips / job proof + any investments. Processing from VFS Delhi is usually around 7 - 10 working days. Your ITR + bank + investments are generally fine for financials if the balance looks comfortable for a 10-day trip.