Submitted docs today along with my husband for Japan visa in VFS Mumbai. Sharing a few details in case it is of help to anyone.
Parking: Very limited. Security declined first, asked to check the opposite building’s security, who also declined. Then we saw a couple of cars leaving VFS parking and requested again multiple times, and they allowed. Charged 300 rs for 2 hours :(
Mobile phones were allowed. Not sure about laptop. But I saw a few people carrying small handbags inside.
Waiting time: ~45 mins. Reached at 10 for 10:15 appointment, was given a token. Our turn came at 10:50. There are many travel agents submitting multiple applications, and the VFS agent at counter checks everything, asks for changes and hence each person ends up taking a lot of time.
Docs: While we were waiting, a Visa official asked to arrange docs in order: Application, passport, cover letter, hotel, itinerary, ITR, bank statement, flight tickets, docs checklist. Didn’t take CAS and salary slips. Nothing should be stapled.
At the counter, the official asked us for marriage certificate which we didn’t have and hence we had prepared separate sets with separate financial proofs and mentioned in the cover letter that we are sponsoring on our own. Her logic was that given we had mentioned in the cover letter that we are travelling together and have hotel bookings together, we need to give proof and asked us to get a print of our wedding photo from ground floor.
We were also asked to submit a declaration that we are aware of processing time of 15 working days, which we don’t have and VFS/ consulate won’t be responsible if our passport doesn’t come back on time.
Overall: Process was okay if you are ok with sparing 1-1.5 hours (not including travel time). If you don’t mind agent expense and have enough time before you travel, go through a travel agent and then you don’t have to be present physically. We couldn’t because agents were not comfortable taking applications with <15 working days in hand. We still wanted to try our luck. Hoping for the best.