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JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application for Tourists

Traveling to Japan as a tourist? Here’s our latest visa application guide with the LIST OF JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS and STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS. We added a detailed guide on HOW TO FILL OUT JAPAN VISA APPLICATION FORM. And as a bonus, we also answered some frequently asked questions. Note that this is for those applying as tourists.

Geographically Japan isn’t too far from the Philippines, and a good number of airlines fly to its major cities from Manila. Most Filipinos, however, feel that this amazing East Asian country is far more distant than it actually is. One reason is the visa requirement.

Visas are always a major hurdle for many Filipino travelers. One look at the list of requirements and some already feel intimidated by it. I felt exactly the same when I was new in the travel scene. But over the past few years, the Japanese Embassy has been more forgiving when it comes to visa applications.

Today, getting a Japanese visa is actually quite easy. Here’s a quick step-by-step chronicling of how I got mine.

Important! This visa guide is for those applying for a JAPAN TOURIST VISA (with and without sponsor or guarantor), meaning you will be staying in a hotel and you’re not visiting anyone in Japan. If you’re traveling to visit a friend or relative in Japan, we have a separate post for that. Read: Japan Visa Requirements for Visiting Friends or Relatives

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

LIST OF JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. philippine passport.

• Must have a signature. In new 10-year passports, you’ll find the signature line on page 3 (the page opposite the bio page), just below the big Philippine flag image. In older e-passports, the signature is digitally encoded on the actual bio page.
• Must have at least 2 blank pages. The Japanese embassy attaches a sticker to a page on your passport. Then the Japanese immigration adds an entry sticker on another page upon arrival.
• Must have at least 6 months validity. The standard immigration practice is to reject passports with validity shorter than 6 months. In cases like these, you will not be allowed to exit the Philippines or enter Japan.
• Must be in good condition. Broken and unreadable passports are not accepted.

2. A duly accomplished visa application form.

• You may download it from  here .
• Handwritten and computerized are both accepted.
• Don’t leave any field blank. If a field is not applicable to you, write N/A.
• Print the form on an A4-size paper. Other sizes will be rejected. No, legal (long) and letter (short) sizes are not allowed. Only A4.
• Use a black pen or font. Do not use pencil or one of those erasable pens.
• Avoid erasures. If it can’t be helped, use double line (2 strikethroughs). If there are too many erasures, start over. Never ever use correction tape or liquid.
• If you need help accomplishing the form, we have a guide in another section below.

3. ID picture

• Size: 4.5cm x 3.5 cm
• White background
• Must have been taken within the past 6 months.
• Write your name and birthdate on the back side.
• Paste it on the designated area on the application form. DO NOT STAPLE.

4. Birth certificate from PSA

• Must be issued within the past one year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide). NO, certificates older than one year are NOT ACCEPTED.
• If the birth certificate is marked LATE REGISTRATION, you must also submit Baptismal certificate, School Record (Form 137), and School Yearbook (if applicable). The address of the church or school must be indicated in the documents.

5. Marriage certificate from PSA

• Only if you’re married. If you’re single, ignore this one.
• Must be issued within the past one year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide).

6. Daily schedule in Japan

• This is your daily itinerary in Japan.
• Download the format here .
• Must be printed on an A4-size paper.
• It doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what mine looked like: Sample Japan Itinerary

7. Accomplished list of Visa Applicants

• Only if traveling as family/group. If you’re applying alone, no need to submit this.
• You must have a REPRESENTATIVE APPLICANT , who will be the key person in your application. For example, if you’re applying as a family, one of the parents can be the representative. If one of the applicants/travelers will be sponsoring the rest of the group, that person can also be the representative.
• In the “relationship with the inviting person and guarantor” field, write N/A if you’re applying as a tourist. Fill this in only if you’re visiting friends or relatives in Japan.
• You can download the form here .

In addition, you also need to provide the following financial and employment documents. There is a separate set of requirements for those with guarantor from those who will shoulder their own expenses.

Additional Requirements if WITHOUT Guarantor

If you will shoulder part or all of your travel expenses, you must provide the following:

• Income tax return (ITR Form 2316). They need a clear photocopy of it.
• Bank certificate.  Must be issued within the past 3 months. I’m not sure if they require a receipt, but I submitted the receipt too. To be safe, when you get your bank certificate, ask for a receipt too. There’s no telling how big a fund is “enough” to get approved, but (in case you’re wondering) my account had only a bit north of P100,000. I planned on staying for a week. I didn’t encounter any problem.

Although a Certificate of Employment is no longer on the list of requirements, we still recommend that you provide one showing your start date, salary, and contact persons, especially if you have an irregular ITR (not covering the complete year or issued by your previous employer).

If for some reason, you can’t provide a specific document, you may write a letter explaining why you can’t and submit supporting documents instead. For example, if you don’t have a current ITR because you’re new at your job or you’re working abroad, you can provide copies of invoice or payslip or other tax forms. That’s what I did in one of my applications and they accepted it.

Additional Requirements if WITH Guarantor

If a guarantor will sponsor your trip, you will need to provide the following additional documents. Note that this only applies if the guarantor lives in the Philippines:

• Guarantee Letter . Must explain your guarantor’s relationship to you and their contact details.
• Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor . For example, if the guarantor is a parent or a close relative, submit their birth certificate too.
• Bank Certificate (original) of the Guarantor
• Photocopy of the Income Tax Return (ITR Form 2316) of the Guarantor

Again, documents to be printed out must be done on an A4-size paper. Other sizes will not be accepted.

All birth certificates must be issued within the past year by PSA Main Office or Serbilis Center.

Update: NCov Questionnaire / Form

On 3 February 2020, the Japanese Embassy in Manila announced that visa applicants must answer and submit an additional questionnaire in accordance to the Japanese government’s decision to impose restrictions on travelers who have recently visited areas heavily affected by COVID-19.

All applicants must accomplish and submit this form, in addition to the other requirements.

✅ DOWNLOAD THE ADDITIONAL FORM HERE!

HOW TO APPLY FOR A JAPAN VISA

• Complete the requirements , as listed above.
• Find an accredited travel agency . Except very special cases, the Japanese Embassy doesn’t accept direct applications. They must be coursed through any of their accredited agencies. You will find their very limited list of accredited agencies right here .
• Submit the documents . Go to your chosen travel agency in the morning or as early as you can. These days, Japan travel is so popular, queues can be so long it can sometimes eat up your entire day.
• Pay the Processing Fee . In reality, the visa is FREE, but the agency will charge a processing fee. The rates vary, but it’s usually between P800 – P1600 depending on the agency.
• Wait for your visa . After you have submitted everything to the travel agency, there’s nothing left to do but to wait and hope for the best. If they encounter any problem (e.g. additional requirements), they will let you know. Thus, you must apply not so close to your date of travel. Visa processing normally takes 3-5 days, but sometimes up to 7 working days. For others, it takes weeks. The first time I applied, I received my visa 5 days later. The second time, it took them only 2 days.

Depending on your arrangement with the agency, your passport with the visa (if approved) either will be mailed to you or must be claimed at their office.

That’s pretty much everything! Good luck and enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun!

HOW TO FILL OUT THE JAPAN VISA APPLICATION FORM FOR TOURISTS

We get a lot of questions about the various sections of the application form so we decided to make this guide to help you accomplish it without problem.

Before anything else, take note of these general guidelines:

• THESE SAMPLES ARE FOR TOURISTS. This won’t apply if you’re visiting a relative or a friend. Check this out instead: Japan Visa for Visiting Friends/Relatives .
• Print the application form on an A4 paper only. Other sizes are not accepted.
• Fill out the form either digitally or by hand. Both computerized (typewritten) and handwritten are accepted. But for handwritten forms, make sure that you write in block letters and that they are readable.
• Use a black pen. Do not use erasable pens or pencils! Likewise, if you fill it out digitally, use black font.
• Don’t use correction tape or liquid. Try to avoid any erasure. If something needs to be corrected, use double line (2 strikethroughs). If there are too many erasures, best to start all over with a fresh blank form.
• Don’t leave any field blank. If the item or question doesn’t apply to you, write NA or N/A , which is short for Not Applicable .
• Do not staple the form! The agency will most likely remove them too.

Now that we have those out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the form. You’ll see that the form is quite short and straightforward. It only has two pages.

For the purpose of this post, I’m accomplishing the form using big blue letters just to highlight my answers. But please use BLACK for your application to make it neater and more professional.

• Given and middle names: Write both your given name AND your middle name (your mom’s last name).
• Other names: If you have a nickname, write it down. But I just write N/A all the time.
• Place of birth: Most questions we get about this part are from those born in Metro Manila. They ask what to put if they have no province. If it’s in Metro Manila, write Metro Manila. For example, if you were born in Mandaluyong, write: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines .
• Former and/or other nationalities or citizenships: Write N/A if it doesn’t apply to you.
• ID No. issued to you by your government: You can write down any government-issued ID here like Driver’s License, SSS ID, or UMID. A few times, I wrote the passport number here too, I didn’t have any problem.
• Passport type: Ordinary
• Passport number: Make sure it’s correct.
• Place of issue: You can write the city name. In the case of Manila, you can write MANILA. You can also be specific. I usually write DFA NCR EAST, because that’s what’s on my passport.
• Issuing authority: DFA.

• Purpose of visit to Japan: Tourism. (If you’re visiting a friend or family, write VISIT FRIEND/FAMILY.)
• Intended length of stay in Japan: Number of days including the day of arrival.
• Port of entry into Japan: Name of the airport. It can be Kansai, Narita, Chitose, etc.
• Name of ship or airline: Just the name of the airline or the ship. It doesn’t matter if you’re already booked or not.
• Names and addresses of hotels or persons with whom applicant intends to stay: If you’re traveling as a tourist, write down the name, address and telephone number of your hotel. If you don’t know the exact address or telephone number of your hotel, Google it!
• Dates and duration of previous stays in Japan. Write N/A if it’s your first time in Japan. If you’ve been to Japan before write the inclusive dates of your previous visits and the number of days. If you’ve been to Japan many times and it won’t fit, use a separate sheet and indicate it on the form.

• Your current residential address: If you have more than one address, list them all on a separate sheet.
• Telephone number: If you don’t have a landline number, write N/A.
• Current profession or occupation and position: Be truthful! If your current occupation or position doesn’t match the ITR you’re submitting (for example, you moved to another company), you can write a letter explaining it.
• Partner’s profession/occupation: If you’re single and of legal age, write N/A. If you’re married, write the profession of your partner. If for a minor, write the profession or occupation of parents.

• Guarantor/Inviter Info: Since you’re applying for a TOURIST VISA, just write N/A in all the fields.

• If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, please provide relevant details: If you answered NO to all the questions, write N/A.
• Signature: Sign it by hand. I’m not sure if digital signatures are accepted, but I doubt it. If the applicant is minor, a parent or legal guardian can sign, but the relationship must be indicated below the signature.

JAPAN TOURIST VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I’m visiting a friend or relative. is the process the same.

No, there is a separate set of requirements for those visiting a relative or friend. You’ll find the list of requirements and the application process here: JAPAN VISIT VISA REQUIREMENTS .

I was issued a Japan visa before. I just want to renew. What’s the process?

Still the same. The only difference is you don’t need to submit a birth certificate and marriage certificate. But you will need to submit the passport with your old visas.

Can I apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

The following can apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa:

• A person who has travelled to Japan as temporary visitor within the last three years AND has sufficient financial capability to support their trip.
• A person who has travelled to Japan as temporary visitor within the last three years AND has travelled as temporary visitor to G7 countries (excluding Japan) several times within the last three years. The other G7 countries are: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (USA).
• A person who has high financial capacity (but has not been to Japan in the past 3 years). The keywords here are HIGH FINANCIAL CAPACITY.
• Immediate family member (Spouse/Child) of a person who has high financial capacity.

HOWEVER, if it’s your first time to visit Japan, it’s generally safer to apply for a SINGLE-ENTRY VISA for higher chances of approval.

More information here: JAPAN MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS .

How to apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa? What are the requirements?

We also have a dedicated post for that. You’ll find that here: Multiple-Entry Japan Visa

Do I need a travel agency to apply?

Yes. Unless it’s a special case, all visa applications must be coursed through any of their accredited travel agencies.

Here’s the complete list of officially accredited travel agencies: Japan Visa Travel Agencies .

Do I need to book flights and hotel before applying?

No. It’s not a requirement. However, on the application form, you will have to write down the specific AIRLINE and HOTEL ADDRESS you wish to book (or have booked).

Some travel agencies accept flight itinerary if the applicant is already booked for better chances. Some don’t. In general, it is not a requirement. If you haven’t booked flights yet, don’t. Get a visa first.

How long is the validity of the visa?

Single-entry tourist visas are valid for 90 days upon issue and will usually allow you to stay for no longer than 15 days. So for example, your visa is issued on January 1, you can enter Japan any time between January 1 and March 31, but once you enter, you can stay for only 15 days maximum.

Multiple-entry visas will usually allow you to stay for up to 15 or 30 days, depending on what is given to you. But it’s usually valid for 3 or 5 years. Meaning, you can visit multiple times within 3 or 5 years since the issue date, but every stay must not be longer than 15 or 30 days.

How long does it take to process Japan visa application?

7 working days, if you ask the agencies. That’s their default answer.

In reality, it varies. My first time, 5 working days. Second time, 2 days. Then on my third and fourth times, 7 days and 2 days respectively.

I know people who have waited weeks for theirs. Pretty hard to tell.

How early can I apply for a Japan visa?

As mentioned, the standard single-entry visa is valid for 90 days since issue date, so you can apply as early as 3 months before your travel date. But “3 months before” would be cutting it too close to expiry date. I personally prefer applying 1-2 months before my travel date.

Can I apply 1 week before the travel date?

That’s too close for comfort. Although there are times when results are released only 2 or 3 days after application, for others it can take weeks. Best to apply 1-2 months before.

Some agencies also refuse to accept applications that are too close to the travel date. For example, Reli Tours at SM Megamall has a 7-working-days policy. If the flight is scheduled sooner than 7 working days at the time of submission, they will NOT accept your application. It happened to a relative whom I accompanied at the agency. They turned us away and asked that we apply at another agency instead.

I’m not sure if other travel agencies have the same policy. Call them first if your trip is urgent.

How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?

The Embassy doesn’t explicitly say how much money you should have in the bank. The amount isn’t the only factor. It’s probably on a case-by-case basis.

I have applied for a 15-day stay with only P100,000+ in the bank and my application got approved.

A friend of mine applied for a 5-day stay with only P50,000 and got approved. She has a full-time job.

Another friend applied for a 5-day stay with over P200,000 and got denied. She doesn’t have a regular job.

I think the rule of thumb is: how much savings you have should be proportional to how long your stay is. For example, if you have only P50,000, don’t apply for a 15-day stay because that would obviously raise a lot of questions regarding whether or not you can afford the trip.

Also, I think the Embassy is more concerned about whether or not you have a compelling reason to return to the Philippines, which is why they scrutinize your employment status and travel history.

I am tax-exempt. Do I need to submit an ITR?

You should still have an ITR even if you’re tax-exempt.

Since 2018, workers earning below P250,000 a year (P21,000 a month) are exempted from paying income taxes. But that doesn’t mean it exempts you from having an ITR. If you’re an employee, you can still get a copy of your ITR from your employer even if you’re tax-exempt.

I don’t have an ITR. What can I do?

You need to submit the following:

• A letter explaining why you can’t submit an ITR.
• Other proof of income or employment.

I was able to try applying without a recent ITR during my last visa application. I wrote a letter explaining that I wouldn’t be able to submit my latest ITR because I recently shifted to becoming an entrepreneur and I won’t have a copy of my ITR until the end of the year. I then added that I’m submitting a copy of my ITR for the previous year together with COE from my clients and my business registration docs.

Another workaround is to find a guarantor.

Is Certificate of Employment needed to get a Japan visa?

Technically, no. Certificate of Employment is no longer a requirement.

BUT — and it’s a big but — it’s always a good idea to provide one because it shows your financial capability, stability, and rootedness.

So I strongly recommend that you submit one.

I’m a freelancer. I don’t have a Certificate of Employment. What can I do?

You can try to get a letter from your clients indicating what you do for them, how long you’ve been working for them, and how much salary you get. This will help your application.

I was a freelancer before so I’ve done this and my Japan visa application got approved.

Here’s the format I followed .

I have a guarantor. Do I still have to submit my own bank documents?

NO need. Just submit your guarantor’s bank documents, guarantee letter, and other documents listed above.

I don’t have a bank account. Can I still apply for a Japan visa?

Yes, just find a guarantor. This way, you won’t need to submit your own, just submit your guarantor’s bank documents. For better chances, find a guarantor who is an immediate relative. Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time convincing the embassy why your guarantor is willing to sponsor your trip. It’s still possible, but chances are lower.

Check out the list of requirements above for those applying with a guarantor.

Note, however, that you will still be assessed based on other criteria like employment and travel history.

Can my boyfriend or girlfriend sponsor my trip?

You can try, but no guarantees. If you want better chances of approval, an immediate family member is best to sponsor you. A parents or sibling is most ideal. You will have to submit proof of relationship, which is hard to establish if you’re not married to your sponsor or not an immediate family member.

Note that even if your trip is sponsored by someone else, you still need to provide your own bank and employment documents on top of your sponsor’s.

Can I submit a birth certificate issued more than a year ago?

NO. The birth certificate MUST be issued within the past year. You cannot fake your way around it. The issue date is printed at the bottom of the birth certificate so both the agency and the embassy can easily figure out how old your copy is.

Is personal appearance required for a Japan visa?

YES and NO. It depends on a lot of things: which travel agency you’re applying at, how you’re applying, and what your background is.

For example, based on my experience, Reli Tours and Friendship Tours require personal appearance for walk-in applicants. I have tried applying for my cousin at Reli Tours SM Megamall and they won’t accept the application. Our accountant also tried applying for my mom at Friendship Tours at Dusit Thani Makati but she was told that my mom had to be there in person. She was also told that we could just mail the application if personal appearance was not feasible.

However, on a separate occasion, my cousin was allowed to apply for my niece (a minor) at Reli Tours Southmall even when the kid wasn’t with her. It might be because of two things: because my niece was a minor and because they were traveling together (group).

I’m not sure if it’s the same for all travel agencies or for all branches. IF some of them allow it, make sure you have a signed authorization letter, ID of the applicant, ID of the representative, and proof of your relationship with them.

Best to just call your chosen travel agency to be sure.

Should the application form be typewritten/computerized or handwritten?

Either is okay. I’ve tried applying with both. No problem.

If the question doesn’t apply to me, should I write N/A or just leave it blank?

It confuses applicants because Japan and Korea have different policies, and most designated agencies process both Japan and Korean visas.

But here’s the generally accepted practice: For Japan Visa form, write N/A. For Korean Visa form, leave it blank.

What are the common reasons why Japan visa applications are denied?

I can only speculate, but based on the messages we receive from our followers, the usual reasons are the following:

• You can’t prove that you can financially support yourself on this trip . You probably have insufficient funds or your guarantor is not in a good financial standing.
• You can’t prove that you intend to return (rootedness). You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, unemployed, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you intend to work there.
• Your intention/purpose in Japan is unclear . This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

I plan to submit documents X, Y and Z, and I have been to other countries before. Will my application be approved?

I can’t say. It’s hard to tell. It’s based on a gazillion factors. And even if you send me all the docs you plan to submit, everything we say will still be nothing more than a wild guess. No one and nothing can guarantee approval. At the end of the day, it is completely up to the visa officer evaluating your application. Some are very strict; some are not so much.

I have a friend who has a stellar travel history, lots of money in her bank account, and stable job, but she was denied a visa regardless.

More Japan FAQs

Although there is a big chance you won’t need to pay a visit, here’s the address of the Japanese Embassy in Manila. You will need this address for the bank certificate. Embassy of Japan 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300 Contact No. +63-2-551-5710

Updates Log

2020 February 3 – Added the new questionnaire (related to Hubei Province) to the list of requirements 2020 February 13 – Replaced the NCOV questionnaire with a new version that includes Zhejiang Province.

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Quick question. I dont put much money in the bank, I put them in stocks and investment funds. Would the post a problem?

As Anony said in another comment, provide original documentation of your assets. And don’t forget your ITR and Certificate of Employment. :)

Hi! Im a housewife and my sister in sweden like to take me to travel in japan all expenses on her.. I don’t have an ITR.. Any suggestions on how can I apply a japan visa.. Thank you

Question, as per the FAQ I can get a letter from my freelancing clients but I still don’t have an ITR. Well I do have a number but not able to pay as the freelancing is not a regular thing. Let’s say project based work. Would that be a problem?

Write a letter of explanation then provide other proof of income/employment.

Do you need to book a hotel and a roundtrip flight before applying for your visa?

Nope! But you need to know which flight you’re planning to take and which hotel you plan to stay. :)

hi, I’m reading all the comments here. I’m planning to apply for a visa. but my situation is quite different with any of the comments here. my husband is as Navy based in the US. right now he is staying in japan until Nov. I cant apply for a tourist visa because im no longer working so I cant present an ITR. but I can provide bank certificate and I have travelled other Asian countries before. you also mentioned that I can apply for the visa even without getting a roundtrip flight? My husband is based in Misawa and tickets are quite pricey. so it was kinda relief to know that I can apply without a ticket. is that right? do you have suggestions on how I can go through this visa application? any information will be very helpful. thanks in advance

Jp just provide original documentation of your assets and im sure that would help as opposed to providing nothing. Your ITR and certificate of employment from a credible company will also go a long way. Also a history of travel will help

Thanks for the really helpful post! I’m Japanese but born in Canada, living in Manila with my girlfriend. I want to bring her there so bad but we thought it was hopeless with all the procedures. Only hurdle we may have is we’re self-employed (internet marketers/bloggers) so she has no ITR or Employment certificate. Hoping funds in the bank will help. Thanks again though, your outline is helpful and gave us hope to give it a shot!

Hope everything works out fine for you, guys!

I can’t provide ITR but I have employment certificate also I closed my bank account. What should I do?

Hmmm, I honestly do not know how to go about this, but I heard no visas will be needed starting June (not sure). So there’s that…

Can i ask something what if the reason why i need to be there in japan is to take care of my niece because my elder sister is working for how many hours…so she really needs someone who can take care of her daughter…that’s why she really wanted me to be there…

I was reading your blog and others an hour before I received a message from Reli tours, asking me to come over and pick up my passport. I was granted a Japanese single-entry tourist visa! yay!!

I know exactly how the others felt. I thought I didn’t have enough funds. I just have around 11x, xxx in the bank and I’m going to Osaka and Kyoto for 12 days. I thought there was no chance.

I’ve only been with my current company for a little over a year but I have all the requirements. COE, ITR, leave of absence, round-trip tickets, hostel reservations from hostelbookers, birth certificate, bank certificate and itinerary. I spent a lot of time on the fake itinerary and made sure it will not exceed my budget for sightseeing. I even had a walking itinerary. It has the amount I’m going to spend at each tourist destination like entrance fees and stuff. It’s fake since I won’t be following any of it. I’m going with my boyfriend and we planned to do other things like whitewater rafting, canyoning and hiking since we are both adventurous. But he’s a privileged one for having an Australian passport.

Prior to this trip, I went to Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Hong Kong. I started going out of the country since March. Then, sort of became a monthly thing. I was making ipon of the stamps. Too bad HK don’t stamp the passports anymore.

Anyways, I submitted my application last Thursday. the visa was granted on Friday and I received my passport today, Tuesday. To those who are reluctant, if you have all the documents, there’s no reason to get denied. Best of Luck!

Good day… is it possible po ba na aabot ng almost 2 months ang processing ni japan visa… kasi sa pamangkin ko nag submit kami sa agency ng requirements noon feb 26, 2019… hanggang ngayon wala parin feedback…

hi, i hope you will delete the part that you made a fake itin because if Japan Embassy reads this. they might impose stricter rules again for visa application next time. they don’t like cheating

Hi Brian M. As I explained, the only reason why I said it was fake was because I didn’t really follow it. But it’s as good of an itinerary as any other ones presented in the Embassy, if not better. If you have done a lot of travelling, you will know that you would be required for an itinerary when submitting a visa application, not all the time but most of the time. That does not necessarily mean that you have to follow everything in the itinerary as plans change all the time. I am quite happy with the itinerary that I made as I put a lot of effort into it. You can see for yourself.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GejLFDRGNtts3CW1FlQZlETIfRS14ZRbIagjso_ZBvs/edit#gid=0

What I didn’t include in this itinerary was that I went to the Awa Odori festival in Tokushima, stayed in a ryokan in Kyoto, stayed in another ryokan with the monks in Daiein Temple in Koyasan, my trip to Hiroshima as well as the island Miyajima. You cannot say it’s cheating as we are not bound by an itinerary.

Sorry, but I hate the “fake itinerary”. It sounded very unprofessional. I guess the proper term is “pseudo”.

clearly, you are inexperienced. what’s the difference of pseudo and fake? LOL. exactly. quit yapping around and start travelling

Hello wanderlustre! I got my reg tourist visa and flight ko na sa Sat. worry ko lang kasi yung itinerary ko sa Osaka and sa hotel ako magstay (Visa application then approved) but truth is I will stay at my friend’s house. Okay lang ba yun?

Same here wanderlustre! Got my visa after 2 days (submitted on friday morning, got a call on monday afternooon that my visa application was approved, and went to the travel agency on tuesday to get my passport). I had Friendship tours in 2F Dusit Thani Hotel assisted me on the visa processing.

how about for working visa? after po ba na approve, what is the next process?

Hi wanderlustre! Where did you lodged your application? It only took them 1 day to process the visa? So fast!!! Awesome!!

I have a question please if your documents is ready to submit are u the one that will come by your self and submit it or the person that is running it for you will submit it??

Question, I do not have much money on my bank account but I will be going with my parents and will be the one financing the trip, do I have a low chance of getting my visa approved?

[…] http://magnetic-rose.net/2011/05/how-to-get-a-japan-tourist-visa-in-three-days/ – This blog can provide you tips on how to increase your chances of having that Japan visa application approved. I think the blogger already stopped responding to visa related queries, but if you will browse through its long comment thread, you will likely get the answers that you need […]

Hi, do i really need a round trip ticket first and hotel reservation before I apply for a visa? Thanks!

No need. :)

Your site made my Japan visa application preparation and itinerary planning easy and more efficient. I’ll send some additional tips to make everyone’s travel planning easier.

Just came back from my Tokyo trip and I had hella fun. Thank you!

Next stop: Seoul, South Korea and Osaka, Japan. Currently reading your entries about these places.

We are in the process of completing our requirements for the visa. We just found out though that I have two registrations with NSO under two completely different names so I’m unable to get the birth certificate that matches my passport and all my ids etc. We are not aware of the first registration which has me carrying the name of my absentee father hence all my life i carried another name and my mom’s surname (I’m proud to say I was raised by a single mom). We’ve consulted a lawyer already, and I will need to have the first registration canceled which takes about a year since it’ll need to thru the courts. Since our trip is in November already, here are the items I plan to submit:

– passport

– birth certificate from NSO dated 2011 with receipt (late registered – I was born 1983 and was late registered 1988).

– school form 137

– baptismal certificate

– all govt ids, etc that will show that I did not use any other name in my lifetime .

– letter explaining the reason behind the NSO issue which will hopefully include a petition already to cancel my first registration

– ITR

– COE

– bank certificates (substantial amount from several banks if needed)

– Sunlife MF investment

– Manulife Investment

– Philamlife Investment

– property title

– plane tickets (piso fare, hehe)

Have traveled to several Asian countries already, HK, Sing, Taipei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Korea, Mumbai, Bangkok and Malaysia.

Any thoughts on the items I plan on submitting? Really worried with the NSO issue, funny enough I can’t seem to find anyone similar to my situation.

We are traveling as a famjly as well, my mom, sister and GF. It’ my graduation gift to my sister who’s graduating in a couple of weeks.

Hope someone can help..

Hi, question lng po pwede po b hindi sundin ung na submit na itinerary at sa application form after ma approved ang visa? Kasi sa application narita pero ngaun kasi we are planning haneda para mas malapit then ung araw 5days we change it to 7days

Thank you in advance

Hi Kirstein, pwede naman po basta within the allowed validity period and length of stay pa rin.

what happened to your application? were you able to push your trip?

Hi, great blog you have here. I really got most of the information that I need but I have one problem though, I don’t have an ITR. I can provide a Certificate of Employment, and the reason why I can’t provide the ITR is because I just joined the company last February and this is my first job since I also graduated last February. Would a bank certificate, itinerary and a COE be enough? I plan to go to Japan on the last week of January for 6 days because I want to catch a concert on those dates.

Hi Destiny08? How’s your visa application? Did it push through even though you don’t have your ITR?

Loved reading your piece on how to get a Visa in Japan. One question popped into my mind just now, what if I don’t get a hotel room? I’m planning to get an accommodation via Airbnb instead of a hotel/hostel stay. The reason why I am asking this is that you should include the hotel where you are going to stay.

Will I get a visa if me and my fiance planned to get married in japan? Or are there any possible requirements to get one?

Hi. I would like to ask if an employee, is the BIR Form 2316 required to have a BIR stamped? Because the company i am working with doesn’t give one with bir stamped. Thanks.

Hi! I have a question.. regarding the guarantee letter and invitation letter.. There’s something that says “SEAL” what was that for? because my Fiance is my guarantor and we are not sure what to place there since its not a company who will be helping with my visa.. Can you please help us with this.. thank you!

hi… my biggest concern about going to japan is actually the visa since i am not working right now… with that, i do not have an ITR.. Is there anything that could substitute to an ITR? I read from other blog that she did submit a Certificate of Involvement in a Non-Profit Organization… She got approved…. Since I am not doing any volunteering work, it would be difficult for me to get this certificate… I don’t know if it would matter, but I’ve been to couple of countries already… though most of which are those in the visa on arrival category.. any advice?

How much show money i prepare for it..? I went there 2007 as tourist i dont know if the requirements before are same of now

Hi. I would like to ask. The one will be shouldering my expenses in Japan is my aunt. Though she is leaving here in the Philippines. Can we put it at the visa application form and will they accept if we’ll use her bank certificate instead? Thanks

Hi, i would like to ask what happened to your visa application?

i am married w/ the japanese national since july 30, 2008 but eversince then he never take me to his country… he just coming home here in philippines every after 2yrs.. but as of now he didnt call me for 8months… & id like to go to japan to know how was my husband is…but i dont know how to apply my visa please help me…

[…] I also used other bloggers’ posts as reference. I’ve bookmarked the one by Adventure Accounting and the one by The Poor Traveller. […]

plane ticket needed before application??

Very helpful! Followed your sample iti when I applied for my visa last year.

I don’t have ITR because I’m an OFW.. What do I do about that?

The Poor Traveler.Libre mo ko’

Kaka open ko lang ng bank acct and im planning to go in Jpn on march ? Ok lang kaya un ? Wala po ba magiging prob kung bago lang ung bank acct ?

Mag asawa kayo ng hapun para magka visa kayo.

may isang mali dito, kung wala kang ITR a letter of explanation will suffice bakit wala ka nito

I love to go Japan, how much will it cost for 7 days will full accommodation, city tour including food.

Japan is such a nice place to visit! Best for photography! Food is perfect!

[…] more detailed information, check this well-written blog post. You can also check this website for some helpful […]

The bottom line is, DO NOT OVERSTAY! Follow the rules and be honest!

Hi. It was very kind of you to share your experience. I am planning on going this year and I woukd like to travel with my sister. So, if you are applying for VISA as a family, you just have to submit all the required documents as one set? So, I can just submit one bank certificate for the two of us? Thanks!

Hi Pam! As far as I know, you need to secure for both of you, unless you’re sponsoring your sister’s trip, in which case you need to secure a second copy of your bank certificate (and indicate in her application form that you are her sponsor).

Hello po, just want to ask po, after po na approve ang working visa to Japan, what is the next step po? kukuha pa po ba ng medical?

Hi.ask lang how long naprocessed ang working visa mo? I submitted mine may2 sa rajah travel agency upto now may 23 wala pdin result… ka ka takot magpamedical baka masayang lang po lase. Ty po

Ang comments pls?

Hi po.. question lang po.guys.. how long po to process working visa to Japan? I submitted mine last may 2 on rajah travel until now may 23 wala pdin resulta? Nag ffollow up n kasi ang employer.. Thank you po sa mga ssagot..

hi, i have a question about the bank cert. i dont have a savings account but i do have cc which has up to 100k limit. will that possibly suffice?

Hello!♥ I have a Japanese guarrantor and he invites me to stay in their family house. If I apply for a tourist visa, can I stay longer than the 5 days 4 nights travel package the accredited agencies offer? With tourist visa, we can stay for 15 days right?

yep, 15 days usually.

Hello po I have a question about my NSO birth cert, late registered po ako so meaning I have to provide baptismal cert and form 138? The problem is, I don’t have those docs anymore kasi ilang beses ako nagpalipat ng bahay..

I have a japanese national who will be sponsoring my trip, and I travelled different Asian countries already in the past few years so I guess I will not have a problem with other primary docs anymore except for the NSO thing. Pls. Let me know if there is a chance that the embassy will consider my NSO cert? And aside from that I renewed my passport thrice already and my travel stamps is on those old passports, and I only have Taiwan stamp on my new one, do I need to submit those 2 old passports to prove my travel history?

I hope somebody can help me cuz I am planning to visit Japan this Dec, 2017.

Hello! Can I ask what happened to your birth certificate issue?

You need to get those documents. The agency wont accept your application otherwise.

Hi po, what if I can’t get ITR since Hindi pa po ako nag tatrabaho, student pa po ako but I have money sa bank so I can provide bank certificate. I have my own small business po kasi kaya ako nakaka pag save. Need po ba anG ITR or my other way?

if may business, as far as I know, you have to submit business permit tska BIR ng business.. if you cannot provide that, might as well don’t mention na lang na you have a business po it will sound like you’re a tax evader po. hope it helps

Hi. Question lang po. If magtravel ako in march, pwede na.po ba ako magsubmit ng application sa January? Thanks

Yep. As far as I know, a single entry visa has a 3-month expiry so pwede, aabot naman. :)

[…] Tina! All here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/ […]

Hi! your post is very useful..but I’m having a different situation here..

I hope you could help me..

Me and my son are full blood Filipino (from Philippines) and we’ve never been to Japan. I’m a single-parent and would like to work in Japan.. I want to bring my son with me there so I can enroll him at a daycare/nursery in Japan while I’m at work. Do you think it’s possible to happen?

I’m really having a hard time finding answers to this problem. :( as well as to what type of visa should me and my son apply for.

Initially, my plan is to apply for a tourist visa for both of us and find a job in Japan that can sponsor a work visa for me. The thing is, what would my son’s visa would be if mine would change to work visa? does enrolling him to a nursery will help him get a different kind of visa too?

my mom who is in USA is the one who would give me all the financial support until we can finally settle-down in Japan. She would get an Affidavit of Consent and Support for me and my son stating that she would shoulder all the expenses that we need.

therefore, the requirements such as bank statement (under my name), My own Income Tax Return and my Certificate of Employment will not be needed anymore.. that’s what I think of since I haven’t had a job since I got pregnant up until now that my son is already 1y.o. I’ve been a full-time mom.. but is that correct? Does my mom have to show an American bank statement? How should she provide me the money we need? Via bank or what?

My bestfriend who is a half Japanese lives in Japan, do you think she can do some help for me and my son too?

Thank you! any advise would be very much appreciated!!

hi mikka what happen toyour application?since we have the sme situation.thanks

Me and my friends are planning on going to japan this december, yet i’m the only one who’s unemployed since i’m helping my mom in our business. I don’t have ITR but i have a savings account since my mom put my name in her account. What alternative can i give for the itr? I have investments(stocks) but it’s still there (not going to touch/sell it yet since peso is down). I’m also a partly owner of a newly build business. I’ve been to singapore and SoKor. Would it help in getting a Japan visa?

Business registration docs and investment certificates would definitely help. :)

hi i am applying for a visa in Japan,but the new philippine passport has no signature on it..will it bring problem to the issuance of my visa?thank u

Hi there :-) my japanese husband lives with me here in Philippines, with our 10 year old son, we’re already married for 10 years, and now i decided to separate with him because of marital problems. My visa in japan already expires last 2013, and I’m planning to go back there and live with my son, is it possible for me to get a visa under my son’s name?

Hi, I’m planning to apply for a tourist visa to Japan with a guarantor. Is submitting photos optional? Di pa kasi kami nag meet in person but we’ve known each other for over a year na. Is it okay not to submit photos to prove relationship?

Hi. Im applying a tourist visa for the 2nd time and im not sure if the japan embassy will issue me again a visa due to lack of supporting documents. The 1st time i applied I was enrolled, I gave them my certificate of enrolment ID COM. They gave me 3mos visa. My visa expired last feb. Now, im not yet enrolled, school wont start til august. And I cant provide certificate of enrollment or ID COM. Should there be any concerns?

Hi.. Thank u for your blog.. And now i wanted to know if what category am i.. I have a live in partner and we have a kids.. He has a mother living in japan.. And we decided to visit her mother this sept or october all of us.. So i dont know if i am consider as a close relative because we are not yet married .. Thank u for ur answer in advnce

hi good morning is it possible to get japan visa if someone have Nbi hit.looking forward for the reply thanks

Yep, di naman kasi required yung NBI Clearance. If you were ever convicted or charged, you need to declare it. (I think may tickbox dun sa application form.)

If may kapangalan ka lang naman, wala namang problem, wag mo lang icheck yun.

Hi. Good morning everyone! Is it possible that me & my husband are able to get Japan Visa. We’re both OFW here in PNG. We already have our return plane ticket. Actually, we’re planning to take our vacation on December for only 3days. We booked our ticket from PNG to Tokyo and Tokyo to Cebu. BUT, our problem is…We have those passport with existing working visa in PNG but bearing my family name when i was single (not yet change into my husband’s surname). We just got our marriage certificate last month. By the way, just got married last January 2017 that’s why our current passport and working visa as is when we’re both single. Do we need to declare that we’re married since we have our NSO-marriage certificate on hand or retain single base on our passport. Anyone same problem with us? Looking forward for reply. Salamat ng marami in advance….God bless

Hello Sihn, Did you get an answer to your question? I’m currently in the same situation and about to submit my visa application. My husband and I are travelling together, we recently got married with Marriage Certificate on hand but our passport and ITR still says “single”. Also I’m still under my single surname in all my documents. I’d love to know what you did :) Thanks in advance!

Hi, I’m planning a Japan tour for our family of four next year – at what point do I apply for a Japanese visa? How long is the before a visa granted expires? Hubby is an OFW in Middle East & we don’t know yet when he’ll be granted a vacation. He’ll only be able to apply for a visa when he’s here. Thanks!

Oops, typo error….I mean ” how long does a visa granted effective before it expires?”

Thank you The Poor Traveler! This website is very helpful! I got my Japanese Visa in 2 days time… Lodged it on the 28th of August and got it the next day! :)

Your blog was one of the many that I’ve read when before I applied for my Japan tourist visa. Very helpful and detailed. Got mine last Sept 28. Yey! So excited to visit Japan during Autumn. :-)

Yay! COngrats! Enjoy the autumn colors!

Hi Alecrystine! Basically what emoteranglaagan said. You can submit all your past passports because it will help.

As for the birth cert issue, it would be best to contact the agency through which you plan to apply if meron pang alternatives. :)

for the Birth Certificate it says there that you ‘must’ submit the following documents (baptismal and form 138) so i guess, these are badly required.

To heighten the probability of approval, much better if you’ll include your 2 expired passports.

Hi, do you have an idea if they look through credit card debt of an applicant? Not past due though and being paid monthly.

Hi! I don’t think they do, unless you submit your credit card bills.

Do i have to buy our tickets to the agency that will process our visa.

Flight tickets are not a requirement po.

Hi Yoshke, thanks for this blog. One question, you mentioned :Birth certificate from NSO. Must be issued within the past one year.:

I have an NSO Birth Certificate that was issued like 8 years ago, so I need to request another one?

Yep, you need to get a new one from PSA.

Thank you so much guys, your articles helped me a lot! Please allow me to contribute too for those who are also dreaming of visiting Japan?

Applied for Japan visa on Sept 25 (Mon) at Reli Megamall, by Sept 29 (Fri) got a text message that the passports are ready for pick-up. By Sunday, we picked up our Japan Visa. Yay!!! (price increased from 900 to 950) We were there on a Monday at 10am. Nagkaproblema lang kasi yung 2 shops for ID picture sa magkabilaang dulo Tronix and Photoline will take 30min-1hr daw to warm/fix their machines. So better make sure instead na nakaprep na lahat. Back at Reli ng 11am, mabilis lang! About 10-20 minutes.

Here are some notes on the documents we submitted: 1. Passport – Ours are renewed in 2016, completely blank because we have not travelled

2. visa application form – I used both the guide from the Japan embassy website and from Reli. Noticeable difference is how the names are written, so I followed what’s in the Japan embassy site – that is, LASTNAME FirstName MiddleName. With Reli, it’s all capslock

3. ID picture – we sbumitted 2×2 (and not 4.5cm x 4.5 cm). I didn’t paste it on the form yet, just wrote name and birth date at the back. I didn’t even see the Reli staff paste it on the form

4. Birth certificate from NSO – I tried to include the receipt from NSO, but the Reli staff returned it to me. NSO copy was blurred, so I also submitted a clear photocopy of a clearer original

5. Marriage certificate from NSO – the Reli staff only took 1 copy for both my husband and me, because she said it will be submitted together

6. Daily Schedule of Stay – I’ve spent literally months on researching and planning our trip and have an excel file, so this was a piece of cake. The itineraries are real and what we will really follow. The hotel is just tentative for intended accommodation. I followed the guide and wanted to submit 2 copies: one has “Name of Husband and 1 other”, and one “Name of Wife and 1 other”. I was concerned when the Reli staff only took one. Turns out, paranoia was all for nothing.

7. bank certificate – we submitted 2, each on our own names, both have xxx,xxx amount. I tried to include the receipt for it, but Reli staff returned it to me

8. ITR – we submitted photocopies only

9. Certificate of Employment from the company/employer – I think this was helpful. It shows our employment start date and compensation

Good luck! :)

Thanks for sharing, Liz! I think it’s time to update this guide again. Haha.

Hi Yoshke! After our Nov 2017 trip, we realized why you guys keep going back to Japan. Sobrang WOW, as in. Himeji was the highlight of our trip. So, babalik kami sa May (so soon) haha c/o Jetstar seat sale. Hoping ma-grant ng multiple visa hihi.

By the way, I messaged you guys dati sa fb kasi I was concerned na 2 visa nakadikit sa passport namin that time, yung isa may stamp na void. Hindi naman kami nagkaproblema about it.

Yay! Glad you have a great time! Balik ka na ulit soon. Pabalik ulit kami next week! :)

When you applied for your Japan visa, was it the first time for you to travel abroad? If not, how many countries have you been to before Japan? I’ve heard it’s difficult to get approved for first time travellers. I have ITR for the past 5 years, I have a stable job and sufficient bank savings but it’s my first time to leave the country, will that be a cause of a visa application denied?

Hi Peachy! Japan has been much more lenient than before. I personally know friends who have no international travel history but was approved. Just make sure you fulfill all the other requirements.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE TO MUCH MONEY IN MY BANK ACCOUNT?

Get a guarantor.

how can you consider a passport “broken” i want to show my passport to you i’ve went to DFA this morning but they said i need to call their hotline. which i did prior in going to DFA.

Hi, Ivan. I’m replying on this year as I had the same situation wherein my newly renewed passport had water marks due to a typhoon. I first called the DFA hotline. I was told that if I was able to use my passport to other countries despite its situation, there is a probability that I can still use it for more stricter countries like Thailand, Europe or USA. However, they recommended in going to any DFA offices to personally present my passport for further assessment. Thus, I visited Ali Mall DFA, and I was informed by their Customer Service that my passport is already considered mutilated regardless if I was able to use it in traveling to Vietnam. So, I was skeptical at first, but I decided to proceed in renewing my passport again, but it was tagged as mutilated/new passport application. I had to submit additional documents such us explanation why it got mutilated and it needs to be authenticated. Then I had to pay 350 on top of the renewal fee as a penalty even if I didn’t intentionally soaked my passport in the water. I was told there is 15 days “cleansing” (their term) period, but I was able to get my 10-year passport for just 14 days. Also, the mutilated passport needs to be surrendered and will no longer be provided back to you. Since I learned my lesson, I will ensure to keep my passport in a much safer vicinity to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

Hi. We already booked a flight to Japan for August. I will be submitting requirements for Italian visa this month, and Im thinking if I can already apply for Japan visa to maximize the validity of my documents. Thank you!

Single-entry Japan visa has only 3 months validity, so you won’t be able to use it in August if you apply now.

I submitted all my requirements last saturday with my fam.. Some of our documents are not in A4 size. Would that matter? I read on the Japan Embassy website that documents must be submitted on A4. I worry about it. Also, My husband’s application form has 1 erasure, he use a line as instructed by agency.. I hope we won’t have a problem!

Hoping for your feedback!

Hi Dom! May I know if your husband’s application got approved?

Hi Yoshke, does the erasure and document size matter? Please help, thank you

Yes. All printed documents have to be A4 size. Try to avoid erasures. If there’s just one or two, you can use double strikethrough to correct something. But if there are a lot of erasures, better start over.

Not sure whether or not it would affect the application, but at this point, there’s nothing you can do but wait. :) Do keep us posted!

Hi! My best friend from London invited me to go to Japan with him and he will shoulder all expenses. I dont have a bank account or ITR and im still a student. Will it e possible for me to still apply for a visa? Will they allow a friend to shoulder all your expense? Becasue ive read in their website that a relative can shoulder your expenses but they didnt say anything about a friend shouldering your expenses. Thanks!

Hi Marko. I honestly don’t know the answer to this, but I can imagine it would be much more complicated because they would also probably ask you to prove your relationship with your friend (as they do with relatives, hence the birth certificates).

hi, would like to ask if the certificate of employment must also be issued in the past 3 months as well? thank you

Hi. You mentioned that passports should have 6-months validity. Is it 6 months upon the visa application or the date of the trip? So if my passport expires in July and my trip is on May, but I apply for a visa this month, will it be fine?

Hi Yoshke. Great post, thank you for this. I would like to ask this. This is my first time to travel overseas and I’m planning to travel to Japan this November 24. Like you said I need to include the date of arrival to my number of stays. I’m planning to stay for 15 days. Does this mean I need to get back to the Philippines on December 8 or can I extend my stay until December 9 since that will be my return flight?

Also, may I ask if I should return to the Philippines after my Japan visa expired or can I travel to another country? I’m planning to go to Taiwan next after Japan. Sorry for the long questions, I hope you can enlighten some of my confusions. Thank you so much for reading. Will await for your further correspondence.

Hi Reiko, as far as I know, you should be able to make it past Japanese immigration on or before December 8. You can double check with the agency to be sure.

You can visit Taiwan straight from Japan if that’s what you want. Just make sure you meet Taiwan’s immigration requirements.

Hi Vec, if your passport expires in July, you can’t leave the country in May. The Immigration Officers won’t allow you to exit the country because you need to have 6 months validity left for you to get through.

Also, if your trip is in May, the earliest you can apply is February because a single-entry visa is only valid for 3 months. This means that, for example, you’re granted a visa on January 30, you can only enter Japan until April 30. :)

Hi Mr. Yoshke,

Good day! Thank you for posting this informative article. I’ve been reviewing your blogs for almost a year. I’m a Filipino who was born and raised in the Philippines. I’m planning to visit Japan on April 2 for 15 days. This is going to be my first time to apply. I work as a Virtual Assistant, Freelancer as of the moment. I have a Japanese friend living in Japan who will serve as my guarantor for this trip.

I saw on the list of requirements that “Submission of supporting documents not listed above is encouraged (e.g. applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines, urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation).” I learned from reading many blogs that others had submitted documents such as ITR, COE, Company ID, Leave of absence, and other proof that they have a strong indication to come back to the Philippines. Normally, those who I notice that submit those documents apply for a tourist visa without a guarantor.

Unfortunately, in my case, I don’t have such documents to show any proof. I have a been working as freelancer online, and my two bosses are based in the US. I can ask a boss of mine who is currently in Dubai to send to me a document proving that I work for her, although it might take a long time to wait for the documents to arrive here (I don’t know if a digital signature would be accepted by the Embassy that’s why it must be hand-written). Do you think that I really need to submit those documents or not? I’m wondering how can I address this matter.

Thank you very much. Looking forward to your response. :)

Hi Adi, based on experience — I’m the one who took care of my mom’s visa application last year — if the applicant has a guarantor who will sponsor the trip, no need to submit your COE or ITR. But you need a Guarantee letter, Income Certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho) from City Hall, Tax return certificate (Nouzeishomeisho: Form 2) from Tax office (Kakuteishinkokusho Hikae), and Bank Certificate of your guarantor in Japan.

Hi! I and two of my friends are going to visit Japan for 6 days, I only have 75k bank balance, do I have a chance of being granted a visa? I have a pretty stable job and my investments are in bonds and stocks. I am to submit a COE and an approved leave of absence. Would really appreciate some tips from you! Thanks in advance..

Hi Aiyen. Yep! We have friends who have similar amount in their bank accounts and they got approved probably because they have stable jobs. :)

Hello Sir Yoske, Your blog is very helpful and the comments too! I am planning to go there by Golden Week with my son, and Im 25weeks pregnant as well at that time. I am not married yet and the dad is in Japan na i-vivisit namen (he’s on 1-year training by their company) questions po: 1. I have COE, ITR, Bank cert (which i think is enough to cover me and my son in 12days – xxx,xxx) with me – do i need to send guarantee letter? Or inivitation letter lang? 2. Would the immigration folks (sa airport) question my profile kasi mag tour ako with 1.5 year old son then pregnant?. This worries me a lot..

Hope to hear from you soon sir!. Godbless and more power!.

1. In your case, only the invitation letter will do (no more guarantee letter). But don’t forget the residence cert and proof of relationship (you can use your son’s birth cert + the dad’s birth cert as proof).

2. I don’t know the answer to this. :(

:) Good luck!

Thank you so much for your quick response :) Appreciate it!.

Thank you so much for your quick response :) Appreciate it!. More power!.

hi, I want to apply for a Japan Visa, I don’t have an ITR since I’m a housewife. How can I apply? Thanks

Have your husband or any other family member as a guarantor and submit the necessary requirements (for those with guarantors) as listed above.

Hi everyone, Do you have and idea if the Japanese Visa is still valid with Maiden Name, then nag change ka na ng Married name (kaka renew lang ng passport) Valid pa ba ang Visa? i hope someone could enlighten me.

Hi! My husband has just been to Osaka last week for an academic conference. He was given multiple visa entry. We are planning to go there by the end of this year together with our 5 year old son. He was sending messages to the travel agency that processed his visa application regarding the visa requirement for me and my son as we are his dependents but he hasn’t received any response from them yet. Would you happen to know the requirements for us? Thanks in advance.

Hi Sarah, not familiar sa process if ganyan. Have you tried calling Reli Tours? Dun kasi kami nag-aapply.

Hi, gud pm..mgask lng aq, pg senior mgaaply ng japan visa at housewife lng xa tas aq sna mggarantor s knya ppunta nya dun pro dto nq nktira at ngwowork s taiwan, either uuwi aq ng pinas tas sbay kming pupunta ng japan or hiwalay kmi ng departure tas s japan mgkikita, nid p b nyang mgpsa ng garantor letter pra ipasa s travel agency? tas nid p b nya ng show money? kc housewife lng xa kya no ITR or COE..tia..

Yep, kelangan pa rin ng letter from guarantor and ITR or equivalent ng guarantor. Pa-check na lang po ng requirements pag may guarantor sa taas.

Hi Sir, I have a question. Medyo paranoid na kasi ako coz its been 1 week since me and my spouse applied for tourist visa (no guarantor). Do we need to have an inidividual copy of marriage certificate on both of our applications? 1 for him and 1 for me? We submitted the application at the same time and hindi naman ako hiningan ng 2 copies of marriage certificate sa Reli. I only realized today that I just submitted 1 copy and it’s making me paranoid :( Hope you can answer my question. Thank you

Hi Jey, not sure. If tinanggap naman ng Reli, baka pwede naman. Usually sinasabi naman nila if kulang.

Hello yoshke! Ask kulang sna kung ang 5 year old ba need dn ng visa kung yung mother nya e mero na. Slaamt

Hello Sir Yoshi sorry to interrupt. I am planning apply for visa this comming March, my question is, do I need to make a photocopy of my passbook including the bank certificate?

You need ORIGINAL bank certificate, not photocopy. Photocopy of passbook is not necessary unless they request for it.

hi! ask ko lang po ano yung best explanation bakit di makapag provide ng Shotoku Shomeisho yung guarantor ko, di po kse nabayaran ng 1st company yung tax nya and kasama po sya sa tax ng asawa nya which is baka asawa nya hanapan ng Shotoko shomeisho hindi magprovide asawa nya kse separated na po sila. yan na lang po talaga last requirement na hinahanap sakin para ma process na yung visa ko. thanks po.

Hi Taylor, naku, pasensya na, di namin alam kapag ganyan ang situation. :(

pinapagawan na lang po kami ng explanation letter.

Hi! If my trip is on Oct 19-28, and my passport expires on Mar 25 of next year, is it invalid? I thought it should only be valid for 3 months. I’m confused now. TT_TT

No, you won’t be allowed to exit the Philippines. You should renew your passport.

is it allowed to change the date of visit to japan specified on your submitted itinerary as long as it is within 3months from date of issue of the visa?

Yep, basta within the validity period ng visa.

Hi, I have a question po. I am a US resident for almost 4 yrs now. My boyfriend And I were planning to visit japan in october. He is a filipino citizen. I am planning to be his garantor. He is also currently working but just started work in may. Is that a good idea? Or suggestions. Thank you.

I’ve applied for visa ldays ago, but I did not fill up the not applicable information. For examplen other names, date or previous stay in japan, former or other natianalities, current profession. I felt all of these blank as there was nothing to write. Do you think they can deny me visa because of this? Please help!!!

What if your visa got approved on June 20, 2018, stated on your itinerary is August 19 – 25, but you have decided to go 5 days earlier or 5 days later. Is it still ok as long as within 3 months from date approved? please answer ASAP. thanks.

Yes, basta within the validity period nung visa.

What if Im late registered in birthcertificate? Do i really need to submit my original baptismal certificate? Or kahit photocopy lang? Kase wala na akong original nun if ever na ibigay ko sa agency yon

Best to contact the agency kung saan ka apply na lang po.

Hi I’m an OFW before for 4 years and just went home for good last August 2017. Currently, I’m a fulltime mother to my 6 year old daughter and with my live in partner. We are planning to go to Japan in January 2019. Will we be considered as family? I don’t have a job now only my live in partner has. Does it mean we will be submitting documents with him as our guarantor right? Do you have a sample Guarantee letter? My cousin will be flying with us and she is a first time traveller without work. So my live in partner will also be her guarantor if ever or does she needs to find other guarantor? Your insights about this will be of great help, Thanks!

Hi! How true is the news that the visa for Filipinos travelling to Japan has been eased?

True, for business travelers and those traveling for cultural purposes.

Saan at anong agency po pinuntahan mo? Thanks

Reli Tours, Megamall.

Hi! I’m planning on taking a trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido. On the application form, should I indicate my intended flight going to Tokyo from Manila and also going to Sapporo from Tokyo or should I just include the flight number of the flight to Tokyo from Manila? Only one airline has a direct flight from Manila to Sapporo and it’s pretty expensive, so I am opting for a connecting flight. Thanks!

Hi Jaime, ako I just put the Manila-Tokyo flight number when I applied. Not sure if that’s the right thing to do, but that’s what I did. haha. Naapprove naman.

Hi, the poortraveler! I have been reading your blogs lately, I just want to ask my chances of getting a Japanese Tourist Visa, I only have 3X,XXX on my bank account. I have a stable job, I work in the Government. I will only be staying in Japan for 4 days. Will it be enough? Hoping for your response. Thank you!

Hi Janran, baka mababa? I have friends though na nag-apply na 40K or 50K yata yun, naapprove naman. Pero wala pa ako alam na 30K.

What I recommend is to have a guarantor/sponsor para mas safe. This way, you won’t need to submit your bank details. Yung sa guarantor na ung isusubmit. Mas okay if immediate relative mo ung guarantor.

I would like to know Po If is it okay to submit 2 Bank account Certificates? I just opened a joint dollar account last July 23,2018. And we will be travelling to Japan on October 2018. I have also my peso account which has already 50k but was last updated on May due to opening of my dollar account. In my dollar account I have also 50k.

Hi Janine, yep, okay lang na dalawa. :)

Hi Yoshke, just for clarrification, only Bank Certificate is required right? No more Bank Statement?

Hi Mei, yep, certificate lang.

Hi Yoshke! I just want to share my experience on Japan Visa. This site is very helpful to us and I am very grateful. Applied Visa Last July 17, 2018 at Attic Tours and got Approved!!

So here is our status: I will be travelling with my mom and aunt I have a travel history in Hong Kong last September 2011 pa whereas my mom had a travel history in HK and Singapore. But the thing is nawala yung passport niya so parang first out of the country yung kaniya. Parehas kami walang stable job( being a fresh graduate and a housewife) kaya nagpaguarantee kami sa dad ko who owns a business. Siyempre napakaparanoid ko kasi nga last 2011 pa out of the country ko and nawala pa old passport ng mom ko but naapproved padin kami. Patunay na lenient na talaga at relaxed ang Japan Visa ngayon. Kaya wag kayo matakot as long as complete papers kayo

Thanks for sharing, Ralph! Saan kayo sa Japan punta? We have travel guides to most major cities in Japan, too!

Hi! We’re going to Tokyo and Osaka. I already read your guide since last year pa hehehe. I really want to go to Tottori talaga because I am an avid fan of Detective Conan. Sana next year hehehe

My friend and I were planning to go to Japan next year January 2019, When can we apply japan visa? Can we apply visa already even if its still 5 months from our trip?

The validity of the visa is 3 months, so ideally, apply 1-3 months before.

Hello! What do you suggest that we submit as proof of relationship if my sponsor is my boyfriend? Photos po ba?

Thank you in advance po sa pagsagot.

Hi Joan, no idea. :(

How to get ITR if I’m working abroad?

You can submit the equivalent tax document instead.

HI! Your post is really helpful. I am planning to apply for a visa this year, but I am new to my current job. The ITR that I currently have is from my previous company. Is that OK? Thanks.

yep, that’s okay. It happened to me before. The agency asked me to write an explanation letter saying that I just moved to another company.

Hi! Can I still travel to Japan even if my passport validity left is one month? My visa expires on 2020 and multiple entry

You can still use the visa but you need to renew your passport. Kailangan at least 6 months ung validity ng passport eh. So pag may new passport ka na, you need to bring both the old and new passports pagpunta mo ng Japan.

Hi, no need to request/process a transfer of the multiply entry visa to the new passport?

No need. Just bring both passports when you travel.

Hi! If we are going on a multiple city tour, how do we fill out the “hotels or persons to stay with”? Do we need to list all in that field or can we just include 1 and the other is included in the itinerary. We are planning to visit Osaka and Tokyo.

Also, Is Certificate of Employment no longer necessary? Thanks!

Hi Mau, you can write just one and list all on a separate sheet or on the daily schedule.

Good day! This post has been really useful and its been my main resource for preparing the documents I need for my visa application. I actually have an ITR which I got from my employer in January 2018. The problem is I only joined the company in October 2017 and since I had only been paying taxes for 3 months before I got my ITR, there isnt much on it except for the 3 months of my contributions and taxes before the year ended. Would this be a problem for my application? I was thinking that maybe the embassy would think that I’m not financially capable and might reject my application? Any help would be appreciated! :)

Hi Jaime, that’s okay. Just write an explanation letter, saying you joined the company only last October so the ITR reflects that.

You can also submit ITR from your previous company if you used to work for another before. :)

Hello, what if you are unable to provide ITR from the previous employer? Do you think it will be an issue? Same scenario, got a new job and my ITR only reflects Oct to Dec from my current employer.

Hi Faye, can’t you request a copy from your previous employer? I think that’s possible.

Hello, will it be okay if the bank certificate that I will be using is from an account which was opened in April 2018 and I will apply this month? thank you

Hi Clau, I think pwede naman kasi na-reach naman ung 3 months na coverage. Pero syempre mas maganda pag older ung account.

Ah I see. Meron po akong older account but with less money in it. Pwede ko naman po ipasa pareho? Thank you po

Hi Clau! Yep, pwede pareho. :)

Thank you very much! :)

hi, is it possible na kumuha na kami ng visa as early as now kahit ang travel date is on August 25-30 2019?

Im married. Do i need to write my full maiden name on “other names known by”? Thanks

Hi Gggweng, I don’t know. But I’m publishing your comment in case other readers know the answer.

Hi! I would like to get your opinion: do you think it’s possible to get a visa with 30k show money in the bank for a tentative stay of 5 days? Given that I’ve already been to Japan twice? Thank you!

Hi Therese. I’m not sure. I know friends who applied with just around P50,000 and were granted a visa, but not P30,000.

hi Yoshke.. do u think i can get a visa? i have a sponsor which is my british husband he can provide bank certificate and employment certificate but no itr as he is working in other country not in England. weve been to different countries since 2012 but its a visa free. thanks!

yep. if no ITR, he can submit similar tax document in England. I’m sure they have an equivalent to ITR.

Hello. Can somebody help me on my concern? I had late registration in my birth certificate. I have a baptismal certificate. Do I need to submit school records (Form 137)? Thanks

Same situation for me when I applied last November 2017. What I did was – I provided my school record (Form 137) and an Affidavit of Loss (for my baptismal certificate because it’s nowhere to be found). Tinanggap naman ng Reli yung docs ko at naapproved naman ang application ko.

My comment might be a little too late but I hope this helps other people here.

Hello po sa inyong lahat,

Paano po kung walang Baptismal Certificate kasi hindi naman nag-i-isyu nun ang religion ng isa? Ano pong magandang gawin? Meron naman po akong School Form 137, at i-ta-try ko pong i-locate yung School Year Book ko nung elementary (I remember meron sa aming ibinigay na ganun). Maraming salamat po. :)

Hi Edgar, di ko sure pag ganyan pero submit mo pa rin ung School Form and then write a letter explaining bakit walang baptismal cert.

To be sure, call na lang ung agency kung saan mo balak mag-apply.

Little details I’d like to clarify: 1. Is a Certificate of Employment necessary, even if I already have ITR? 2. I’m going to use my SSS UMID ID and in the application form, there is an ID number field. What number should I input? My SSS number or the number on the UMID card that starts with CRN? 3. It is said that passport must be signed, where exactly in the passport should I sign? 4. Do I have to submit copies of my payslip?

1. Di required ang COE. Although kung kaya mo naman magprovide, pwede mo namang idagdag. We still recommend na magprovide ng COE.

2. UMID card that starts with CRN

3. If you’re holding an e-passport, there should already be a digital signature on your passport. No need to sign anything.

4. It is not a requirement, you can submit if you like.

15days lang po visa ng pamangkin ko dito sa japan,pwede po ba sakto 15days gamitin,kasama ang mga araw ng pag byahe nya.?at kung gusto pong pa extend kailan po kami pwede pumunta sa immigration office.?

Hi Rowena, yep, okay lang na sagarin anf 15 days basta wag na wag syang lalagpas kahit oras lang.

No idea sa extension.

Hello ask ko lang po if magkaka problem ako kasi naalala ko un sinubmit ko na ITR is different sa amount ng COE ko. Nag karoon kasi kami ng mga increase comes 2018. Dapat ba nag pasa ako ng explanation letter para don?

Usually sinasabi naman ng agency if concerning yun. Pero feeling ko okay lang. Maluwag naman na yung embassy lately.

Hi, I have a question. I have my salary bank account where my employer puts money and I also have my own peso savings account. Do I need to provide both bank certificates from these banks? Also, do I need to submit bank statement from my own peso savings or bank certificate will suffice? Thank you.

Mas okay if you can submit both accounts. Certificate lang.

Hello. I would like to thank you for answering all my queries. You responded so fast and informative. Got my visa approved last week and you were one of those who helped me when I was still gathering my requirements. Continue inspiring and helping others. Cheers :)

Yay! Congrats on your visa! Enjoy Japan! :)

Hello. My son is coming with me, I wonder about his visa requirements as a grade school student. Going to Japan this December to spend the holidays. TIA! :)

Same requirements as when applying with guarantor.

I think even if you are only staying for 5 days, you have to write 15, 30, or 90 days only for the duration of stay . Also for number 19, Partner’s profession ( http://www.relitours.ph/sample_af_tagalog.pdf ) it says there that it’s about the guarantor in Japan so. I just want to clarify.

Hi Kate, I don’t think so. If you’re staying for only 5 days, you have to write 5 days. You don’t need to write 15 days. It will cause a confusion. And hindi magiging consistent yung documents mo since sa Schedule of Stay (Daily Schedule), 5 days yung isusubmit.

Dun sa Partner’s Profession, NO, it’s not about your guarantor in Japan. It’s about your partner (if you have one). Nalito ka lang kasi yung legend ng Reli Tours (blue and red na legend) ay nasa taas ng part na yan. The legend does not refer to that specific part of the form. It refers to all their answers in blue or red sa sample nila.

Hi! Thank for this informative post! I’m an OFW in the Middle-East and I’m planning on a 21-day trip to Japan next March 2019. I will be applying for a visa here in the Middle East. According to your post, the Embassy only issues single-entry visas up to 15-days, however I’ve also come across people who received 30-day single-entry visas according to their itinerary.

I’m conflicted now as to how I should plan my itinerary. Is it advisable to plan for a shorter trip instead to ensure travelling? It will be my first time travelling to Japan, but I have traveled to 4 other countries with my current passport.

Hi Z. Hmmm, I’m not sure about the process if you’re applying in the Middle East. I think the procedure and list of requirements change per mission.

But yes, here in PH, it’s always safer to apply for a visa for a shorter trip especially if it’s your first time to visit Japan because there’s always that risk that you’ll be granted a 15-day visa only.

Hi! Do I need the documents aside from the Application form to be in A4 size? (e.g. daily schedule and explanation letter, cover letter)

Yes, daily schedule and letters have to be in A4

Hi, saan agency ka nagpaprocess?

Reli Tours Megamall, madalas. Pero natry ko na rin sa Reli Tours Southmall and Friendship Tours Makati.

Hello Yoshke Dimen

Pwedeng patulong yong kasal namin mali ang nakalagay na birthday ni Mrs. April 26,1958 Peru nong lumabas ang NSO certificate ay May 1,1958 ok lang ba na may pinagawa kaming Affidavit of Dicrepancy isama ko sa marriage certificate namin ni Mrs.thank you God Bless.

Hi Asterio, you can ask po the agency kung saan kayo mag-aapply directly. Mas makakatulong po sila kasi for sure, may nahandle na silang case na similar. :)

Not sure where my previous comment went- apologies if this doubles up

Hi !thank you so much for this post. I plan to be a repeat visitor this year but this time , I am planning to go with my stepdad ( us passport holder )my mother,and my brother.

My stepfather will act as guarantor , providing his bank cert 1,***,*** My mothestepfather, currently a housewife will also provide hers 1**,***

That being said,I just have a few queries ,ma’am 1) we’re planning to stay for 15 days, booked a flight for nov 20 – dec 5 ( maxing out the 15 day stay ) I was just wondering whether or not it would be better to submit our roundtrip tickets and indicate that we intend to stay for 15 days given our financial background? Or will it be better to stay on the safe side and apply for a 7 day stay first instead para less analysis of finances for them?

2). Is it true that they approve applications as a group ( specially family ) more easily? :)

Thank you so much

My stepfather will be sponsoring our trip,he is set to come with us

1. Yes, there’s a bigger chance of approval if you apply for a shorter stay so they won’t set the bar too high re your funds. The only risk there is if they ask you for a flight itinerary, you’re gonna have a problem. But it rarely rarely happens. They don’t usually ask for flight booking.

Hi ! Sana po masagot nyo Questions ko. Pupunta po kasi ako ng Japan next year at duon kami magkikita ng BF ko pero taga Taiwan sya Tourist lang din sya..Wala din po akong ITR Dahil sa bahay lang po ako. Ano need ko Gawin?

Thank you so much po

Hi Krissel, dunno kapag foreigner ung sponsor. :(

Hi, me and my mom is planning to go to Japan this December. My mom is a housewife, no work but has bank cert. What does she need to provide in lieu of the working documents needed?

Best to find a sponsor na relative para yung dun sa sponor ung isusubmit. :)

Me & my husband are going to apply for a japan visa. Were both senior citizens & retired.what documents are we going to submit aside fr.the bank certificate & do we hv to buy our tickets to the agency that will.process our visa? Thanks…

For seniors, ito po yung additional docs:

– Photocopy of Senior citizen card – Original copy of marriage contract – If retired, retirement documents – If dependent, Affidavit of Support

No need for a plane ticket pa po at this point. Ticket is not a requirement for visa application.

Hi Yoshke! I’m quite paranoid regarding the hotel we will stay at because in the application form, it is required to indicate a specific hotel, address and its contact number. i haven’t reserved a hotel yet though i wrote down a name of hotel and its address and contact. does the japan embassy really contact the hotel and ask if i have a reservation there? a friend of mine said they do. (not sure if it’s true) because i had the same situation regarding my korean visa and it was not a problem.

Hi Anna, based on my experience, no need for a hotel reservation. I just wrote down kung saan ko plan mag-stay kahit wala pang booking.

Hi, pag na approve na yung visa ok lang ba na mag book ng hotel upon arrival sa Japan or mahaharang ka sa immigration pag walang booking sa hotel?

Mas malaki ang chance na maharang ka sa Immigration ng Pilipinas or Japan if wala kang proof of accommodations.

I would like to ask if there is a specific requirement kapag nagwowork sa Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) for Visa? Thanks.

Hi Che, sa Saudi ka ba mag-aapply or sa travel agency sa PH?

Yoshke, I have a question din regarding sa Visa application… should I indicate all the hotels/hostels that I intend to stay in? Kasi sa schedule of stay nandun talaga lahat, pero sa visa app form? Lahat din ba or yung unang hotel lang? Since maliit lang yung space provided

Yung ginawa ko one lang sa form tapos the rest nasa Schedule of Stay naman. :)

Hello thepoortraveler, Thank you so much. Got my japan visa approved. Sobrang laking tulong niyo po para sa tulad kung first time kumuha ng VISA. Sinunod ko lng po lahat ng TIPS dito sa blog niyo. Ayon 2 days lng po yung process. :) Maraming salamat po :) Hooray.

Yayyyy! Congrats! Enjoy Japan! Nasa Japan din ako right now. :D

Hi! I couldn’t fit all the hotel addresses in one form (i’m travelling to three cities, so I’m staying at three different hotels). What do you think I should do? Should I just put one?

Hi Jessica, I put just one. Then the rest sa schedule of stay ko nilagay. :)

Hi! My children are planning to go on tour in Japan( 3 to 5 ) days only. Both are working in an IT field field,, a consultant and programmer, They want to bring me with them to treat me,. I am a housewife , and have been separated for 7 years now..What documents should i submit. Will i have a slim chance of being approved? 18 yrs ago me and my kids went to S.Korea (15 days)courtesy of my husband.Then last year i was able to travel to HK & Macau courtesy of my old aunt Kindly respond Thank you!

If sagot po kayo ng anak nyo, same lang po ng nasa taas. Yung basic requirements + yung WITH GUARANTOR. :)

Salamat! kailangan ko bang i submit yung NSO copy ng b. cert at marriage contract ko pati yung b.cert ng mga anak ko.? Promo seat sale lang ang bibilhin nilang tickets to make the most of their money . If March ang nakuha nilang booking kailan dapat mag apply ng visa. At kailangan bang i attach ang proof of booking?

Yes po, requirement ang PSA birth certificate (issued within the past year) and PSA Marriage cert if you’re married.

The validity of a single-entry visa is 3 months from the date of issue, so you can apply as early as 3 months before your trip. I usually apply 1 month before.

My brother and I were planning to go this month Nov 26-Nov 30. Our parents both have business and they will sponsor our trip. However, we would need your further advice of the ff:

1.) It is my brother’s first time and he’s currently studying, (are there any requirements needed of him aside from the above mentioned requirements?)

2.) I have been issued Japan VISA 9 years ago (but it was for business/commercial purpose). Do I need to attach my old passport with the said VISA as proof that I am returning (but as Tourist?)

3.) We are planning to book our flight ahead (as additional proof of our return). Would you recommend this option?

Currently gathering requirements as it is just a short notice.

Thanks in advance. :)

Hi AJ! Greetings from Japan! (I’m currently in Hiroshima with family!)

1. I took care of the visa application of my niece who is a student. Although we brought an enrolment certificate and a copy of school ID, the agency didn’t get these copies. But our application is still approved. I would still recommend that you have these docs handy, though. Just in case.

2. Yep. I always submit my old passport with past visas when I apply.

3. If you’re confident that there’s a big chance it will be approved, go for it. However, some agencies don’t accept the flight itinerary since it’s not part of the requirements. Some do. Best to call the agency where you plan to lodge your application first before booking.

Hello Yoshke,

Thank you for all the helpful points, at least we learned there are other things/documents that should come handy just in case.

Grateful to have found your blog. Enjoy autumn in Hiroshima with the fam! :)

No prob! Good luck with your application!

Forgot to update. Got our VISA! I was able to be granted with multiple (maybe they have considered my previous visit 9 years ago). Although I didn’t ask my agent if she submitted all of my previous passports. She just told me that she tried to apply a multiple for us. When the passports arrived my bother was granted single entry (maybe because he’s a first-time visitor) I have attached the above mentioned enrollment certificate and school ID of him as well. Very glad to have them secured prior submission to the agent and avoid late hassle of approval. Thanks Yoshke! Your detailed tips helped alot. Merry Christmas! :)

Yayyyyy! Congrats sa inyo ng brother mo. Enjoy Japan and Merry Christmas din sayo! :)

Good afternoon Sir, Are there additional requirements for government employees?

Hi Rachelle, ang alam ko same lang din naman nung nasa taas.

Pero sa immigration na, you need Travel Clearance.

Hello! my question is: * if a minor is applying for a visa together with her parents, does the minor need to submit original documents of Bank Certificate, Certificate of Stock, etc since the parents are submitting the original documents?

Thank you in advance.

Hi Chryss, according to the members of our Support Group who experienced applying with family, no need for the minor to have original copy of parents’ bank docs if the parents are also applying. But don’t forget Guarantee Letter for the minor.

I have a question about this, I got a 90 days visa (single entry). and I stay in Japan from 87 days, I got no problem. what do you mean that even I got a visa valid for 90 days, I can only stay in Japan for 15 days maximum? it is quite misleading

Single-entry visas are USUALLY valid for a stay of up to 15 days. But you can only use it within 90 days from the issue date. The number of days you’re allowed to stay is indicated on the visa under “FOR STAYS OF.”

If you’re saying that you’re able to stay for up to 87 days with no problem, then you probably have a visa that allows you to stay for up to 90 days. Good for you.

But yours is not the usual case. The usual case is, first-time applicants are only allowed to stay for up to 15 days.

October 17, 2018 na-received ni Japan Embassy yung application for tourist visa until now (November 12, 2018) wala pa din

Tatlo kami nag apply – 12 days – paid flight na po MNL to FUK, FUK to OSK, OSK to MNL

Sa November 27 na sana lipad namen kaso wala pa kami visa

Lahat naman kami working at may ITR. Yung friend ko na isa at ako may letter of intent pa, yung isa wala sinubmit na letter.

Bank certificate:

Me – 180k with 98k ADB Friend 1 – 126k Friend 2 – 106k

Travel History: Me: HK 3x, Macau, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu / Kuala Lumpur), Japan 9days (2018) Friend 1 – HK, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu / Kuala Lumpur) Friend 2 – HK, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu / Kuala Lumpur), Japan 9days (2018)

PS: Recently I was granted with Canada Tourist Visa (October 2018) Multiple Entry until my passport expiry

Ang sad until now wala pa decision samen tatlo

Ay hala, ang weird na wala pa rin. Wala namang sinasabi ang agency kung saan kayo nag-apply?

Kaka-apply ko lang for my family around a week before you applied, nakuha namin after 5 days.

Sobrang weird talaga, hindi ko ineexpect na ganito katagal.

Galing kami ni Friend 2 sa Japan last year October 27, 2017 for 9 days. Hindi naman kami nag overstay. At kung ano yung pinasa na COE namen last year e ganun pa din this year, I mean hindi kami lumipat ng work, same company pa din.

Si Friend 1 dati namen officemate pero nagresign tapos nagmmasteral ngyon at employed din naman.

Ilang beses nako email at tawag sa mismo Japan Embassy, we were told na “Under Verification” pa din.

Alam nyo po ba anong bina-background check nila?

Hi Andrea, may I ask ano nangyari sa case mo?

Approved yung Single Entry ko

Friend 1 – approved Friend 2 – denied (with travel history japan 2017)

Natuloy namin ni Friend 1 yung Japan Tour

Ngayon nag aapply ako ng ME. Submitted docs sa agency last Monday July 29, 2019

Hi Andrea, no idea. Sorry. :( They’re usually very fast eh and I don’t think they normally do background checks. Bihirang lang yung ganyan katagal.

Sana magkaupdate na kayo and sana approved yung visa! Good luck!

Just an update, tumawag ako Japan embassy kanina (November 14, 2018) for decision na daw appplication namen tatlo and anytime this week makukuha namen yung decision and passport.

Hoping na approve kami, grabe ang stressful :( Gusto lang namen kumaen ng ramen sa Ichiran at makita ulit ang Harry Potter :(

LOL at Ichiran. Naku, sana nga approved. Balitaan mo kami kung anong mangyari. :D

Hi. last time na punta namen binigyan kame ng 90 days na visa so akala namen 90 days is 3 months so nagoverstay kame ng 2 days. June 12 expiration sakto namimili kame nakita namen passport namen june 12 expiration so nagpanic kame tumawag kame agad sa immigration tapos pinapunta kame kinabukasan sa immigration. nagbayad kame then may sticker na void sa passport namen then this month nag apply ulit kame for visa pero nadenied kame so ask kolang if ano kailangan gawen sa next na apply namen para dina kame madenie ulit. thank you in advance :)

Hi Liza, naku, di ko alam. :( Try to call na lang yung agency kung saan ka mag-aapply. For sure mas may mabibigay silang tips.

hi, I’m travelling first time to Japan but my mother as a guarantor. okay lang po kaya yun? kahit na employed ako pero not enough funds for the trip. ma-accept pa po kaya visa ko? 65k laman ng bank acc. for 5 days. hope you can help me po sa supporting docs and application. thanks po.

Hi Rio, pwede yun. Mas okay din yun pag mas maganda yung docs ni mother.

Hi we are planning to gon to Japan this march 2019, with my husband and he is also my guarantor. Kelangan pa ba namin mag submit ng guarantor letter? And may bank acct din naman ako kelangan ko pa din ba i submitt bank certificate ko or sa husband ko na lang? Thank you for your help.

Di ko lang alam kapag mag-asawa. Pero in general, if may guarantor, need ng guarantee letter. No need na for your own bank cert. Just submit the guarantor’s.

If you can afford naman to support your trip and you have complete docs (ITR, etc), that’s easier and safer than having a guarantor.

Hi, Ive read from a different blog that there’s no need to submit a birth certificate if I have an expired Japan visa already. Is this true?

Also, can I submit an ITR from 2018? I need to apply for visa this coming January 2019 and my company usually provides a copy of our ITR late February. Will travel to Japan second week of March.

Hi K-anne, if as a tourist (not visit relatives), no need for birth cert kung may visa ka na dati.

Yes you can submit pa yung ITR for 2017 (released in 2018) kung January ka mag-apply.

Hi I don’t have an ITR here in the Philippines since I’m a US permanent resident (Green card Holder) but I’m currently here in the Philippines for vacation. I still have a Philippine passport because I’m still a Filipino citizen. My issue is I don’t have an ITR here but I do have an tax declaration form in the U.S., You said we can write a letter to the embassy to explain this, can you show me the format of that letter? Thanks! :-)

Yes, you can write an explanation letter and submit a copy of your US tax declaration form instead.

No, I don’t have a format for it. It was simply a letter explaining why I can’t provide an ITR and what I’m providing instead.

Hello, Yoshke! :) May kasabayan kasi ako for Japan next year. Job order ang status ng employment nya pro more than a year na. Pwde kaya sya sa multiple entry visa application?

Hi Matessa, naku di ko po alam. :(

I am an OFW and i dont have ITR. I work for US NAVAL Base as a contractor . I have been in the company for the past 18yrs now. Since i dont have an ITR you think Certificate of employment would do ? I can also provide the some documents like land titles ,car registration and bank accounts. I also have records / history of ravel for the past couple of yrs . You think i can make . Or my chance is slim since i dont have an ITR?

Hi Anne, if you can’t provide ITR, you can write an explanation letter instead.

However, check with the agency if may additional requirements kapag employed by military to be sure. :)

We are planning to visit Osaka from 02/28 – 03/05 (tickets already booked). When is the most ideal time to submit our visa applications? Also, I am travelling with my wife and 7 y/o boy, are there any other docs that we need to provide for my son’s application aside from application form, passport, ID picture, and PSA Birth Certificate?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Russell,

January is most ideal. :)

Don’t forget the “list of visa applicants” used for group application.

Hello. My husband and I are planning to visit Japan on Apr 2- Apr 7. It is our first international tour. Is there a chance that our visa application will be denied just because we don’t have any other outside the country visit before? But we are both employed and could provide ITR and history of employment. By the way, is the visa application are we going to apply is the one for “group application”? Lastly, since we’re married is it ok to submit only the bank statement of my husband? Thanks in advance :)

Hi Arianne,

Parati namang may chance na madeny. Depende din kasi yun sa strength ng documents na isusubmit mo. Pero di ibig sabihin na pag first time mo abroad, denied agad. Mas considerate naman ang Japan embassy compared sa iba. :)

I think pwede ung group sa inyo. I-fill up mo lang ung List of Visa APplicants na form.

If bank statement lang ni husband, make sure na ilalagay mo na meron kang guarantor sa form mo (which is your husband). Pero pwede un basta yung laman ng account is enough to support both of you. :)

Hello Yosh,

bawal po bang magkaroon ng changes sa total savings na indicated sa bank certificate na sinubmit while the visa application is in progress?

Pwede naman. Nagwiwithdraw pa rin naman ako kahit ongoing ung application. Normal lang yun. Usually, di naman nila chine-check ulit unless in rare cases na pede sila humingi ng mas updated na document. So to be safe, wag lang yung sobrang laki nung mawawala from the account.

Sana po mapansin niyo to. :( tanong ko lang po sana kung bawal po ba mabawasan ung laman ng savings ko after ko kumuha ng bank certificate habang di pa po naapprove ung visa?

Thank you in advance! :)

Hi Fhaye, normally, they won’t check the bank details again unless in special cases. But to be safe, kung mabawasan man, dapat hindi malaki ung mawawala.

Thank you very much. I appreciate your prompt response :)

I’m a government employee, usually when travelling abroad I bring with me this letter of authority to travel issued by our HR Dept. as a clearance that we are free of any accountabilities before leaving the country. It is a must if ever the bureau of immigration would ask for it. The question is, Do i need to secure a letter of authority to travel to be attached in my requirements for visa application in japan?

Hi toto I would like to ask if your question was already answered? I have the same concern din kasi.

Hi Toto! Hindi ko alam, pero I don’t think so. I think sa Immigration sya talaga.

You can ask other members of our Support Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/

Do you know if requirements are same for senior citizen? My mom is already retired. so no itr or ceo.

We will submit it by 1st week of Feb na! hehe

Ay, di ko po sure. Ask na lang po the agency kung saan nyo balak mag-apply.

Hi! My wife and I want sana to bring the yaya of our son to japan for a vacation. would you know if it will be hard for us to get her a visa since she doesnt have most of the requirements needed? (bank certificate, itr etc. she does have a passport tho. Thank you

Hi Paolo, won’t you be shouldering her expenses? You can be her guarantor para you can submit YOUR documents instead.

Hi! Would you know if kailangan pa ng employment contract of the yaya or sponsorship letter and explanation na lang sa cover letter? thank you!

Hi Maureen, I think the employment contract can help. I think it can serve as proof of relationship, so best to have it. I mean, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Hi yoshke, tanong kulang kung ang 5 year old need paba ng japan visa kung ang mother e meron naman na . Salmat

Ang alam ko, yep, kailangan pa rin.

Hello! May sample explanation letter po ba kayo dun sa walang ITR? OFW kasi ako and ako yung magiging guarantor ng Tatay ko at Step-Mom for Japan Tour, both senior citizen na sila. Nakakuha na kami (family – husband and daughter) ng Japan Tourist Visa dito sa Dubai. Yung parents ko naman kukuha sila sa Pinas. Hope you reply. Thanks!

Wala po eh. Kahit magbigay ako ng sample, ung bulk ng letter kasi ay yung reason bakit walang ITR and ikaw lang ang makka-explain nun nang maayos. Simple lang naman yun, kahit straight to the point lang.

My fiancee from australia is attending japan business expo this march and planning na isama nya ko but im still in philippines is it possible kya na pwede nya ko isama ksi uwi xa ng ph this march and gusto nya sabay kmi punta pwede kya un ksi wala ako work now but before ofw ako,..thanks in advance

Yep, ang alam ko pwede. Finance documents ng fiancee mo ung gagamitin.

Hi, We recently got married last December and we decided to have a late honeymoon vacation this March. Basically, wala pa kaming PSA na Marriage contract. Can we just declare sa application form na Single pa din kami instead of Married?

Hi Mau, naku, di ko po alam pag ganyan kasi outside my experience. Consult na lang po a travel agency. :(

I thought you were supposed to write 15 days even if you only plan on travelling for 5 days. Isn’t that the rule before to only put 15, 30, or 90 days so Japan Embassy will approve? or bago na yung ruling na ilalagay talaga yung exact days of stay in Japan? This is confusing, please let me know the answer. Sorry :(

I read this in one of the travel blogs also. I remember the blogger saying, one of the reasons bakit daw naddeny is because they do not put 15, 30 or 90. Thank you for this clarification.

Nope. I’ve experienced applying many many times for myself, friends and family, I never wrote just 15, 30 or 90 days. I write the ACTUAL number of days I intend to stay in Japan. Never had any problem.

Even the sample accomplished forms by Reli Tours have “10 days” as sample, not 15, 30 or 90.

I think writing 15, 30 or 90 is not ideal because if you only intend to stay for 3 days, writing “15 days” will just make things more confusing.

Hi, I am planning to applied for a visa and my mom’s husband (Japanese) is the one will sponsor my trip. I already have a one way ticket. Is there a need to have a return ticket though I still don’t know how long am I gonna stay there?

Hindi required ang ticket sa visa application.

Pero malamang hanapin yan sa Immigration.

Hello! Thank you very much sa post na to. But i still have questions po sana hope po ay matulungan niyo ko.

Teacher po ako, planning to apply visa by february para sa April for 7 days. Kasama ko mother ko to visit Japan, retired principal and senior citizen. Nag-apply na po kasi ako mga 5 years ago na denied, di ko po sure if ano reason. Do i need to get permit from DepEd and submit COE attached to my requirements?

Also, ung mother ko po ay yung guarantor ko sana. Kasama ko rin sya, ano po kaya ung financial standing dapat meron sya? So hindi napo ako magpapasa ng bank certificate? How about ITR po?

Thank you very much! Sana po matulungan niyo ako.

Hi Ma’am Diane, usually di naman required ang COE although makakatulong talaga sya sa application.

Di ko rin po sure kung ano requirements kung ang guarantor ay retired. Kasi usually, need na isubmit ng guarantor yung ITR.

May napili na ba kayong travel agency na magpoprocess? Best na tawagan nyo na lang po sila para sure.

Thank you po sa response.

Bali meron po kaming ipapasa na Bank Certificate at ITR ng mother ko since may business naman po sya. Ok lang po ba na sya ang guarantor ko tapos kasama ko sya sa travel?

Reli Tours po sa SM Megamall, meron po ba kayong updated contact number nila para makapagtanong, Bulacan papo kasi kami.

Salamat po talaga, laking bagay ng response niyo. Godbless Sir!

Hi Diane, yep, okay lang po yun basta ok yung funds nung account.

Yung contact number ng reli, yung andito lang po alam ko: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/08/japan-visa-travel-agency-official/

Hello sir, i’m currently filling out form po. Yung sakin at sa mother ko. May ilang questions po. Pasensya na po pero napakareliable po kasi ng answers niyo kaya po para masure ko lang po na tama details ko. Sana po pagbigyan niyo pong sagutin. Thanks in advance po.

1. Teacher po ako, pero may guarantor which is my mother na retired principal pero currently merong business at kasama ko din magtravel, ITR lang po niya ipapasa namin? yung ITR ko po hindi na po?

2. *Partner’s profession/occupation (or that of parents, if applicant is a minor) – sa form ko po N/A (Single and legal age) – sa form po ng mother ko? Byuda na po sya. N/A din po ba?

3. Guarantor or reference in Japan – mother ko po guarantor ko, retired principal, sa profession or occupation and position ano po ilalagay ko? pwede po ba na OWNER?

4. Nationality and immigration status – FILIPINO (ano po sa immigration status)

5. Inviter in Japan – “same as above” po ba lalagay ko? Wala po ako inviter from Japan, may guarantor lang po.

Salamat sir! Hoping po na matulungan po ninyo kami. SALAMAT PO TALAGA.

Hi Ma’am Diana,

As much as I want to help, I can’t answer your questions for sure kasi I have never applied for someone na retired, and my knowledge is limited to my personal experience. Best to call yung agency kung saan po kayo mag-apply.

Thank you very much po sir! Godbless po. Sana maaprove kami.

Hello, do I need to make a letter of explanation for not using a granted single entry visa to japan, on the given valid dates on the visa?

Hi Joy, naku, I don’t know. Best to contact the agency kung saan ka mag-apply.

Hi po! Share ko lang po :) Religiously kong binibisita ung blog niyo about tourist visa application. Interested lang ako noong 2016 at ngayong 2019, pinush ko na talaga mag-apply. January 18, 2019 po nang magsubmit ako sa Reli Tours and Travel. It made me so anxious kasi wala pa talaga akong travel history at all tapos single at babae pa po ako. Bago lang din ako sa trabaho last March 2018. ITR lang ang kulang ko pero may explanation letter naman. Ung amount sa bank ko nasa 6-digit naman since 3 years na akong nagtatrabaho. Though wala pang result, I wanted to claim na makakakita na ako ng cherry blossom during my birthday. Positive or negative ang kalalabasan, nagpapasalamat ako sa step by step guide ng application sa blog niyo :) More powers po!

Salamat for using our guides! Good luck with your application! Sana maapprove. Balitaan mo kami! :)

/Hi, when filling out the form do you have to put the flight number or just the airline name. I have a flight booked already.

Just the airline.

HI, I would like to ask, my husband is a British and we live here since 2014. We planned to travel in Japan and we have plane ticket already. The only thing we need to do is to apply Tourist Visa. With his case, he has ACR ID as Phil permanent residence from immigration and he works as online teacher, and paying tax in BIR quarterly. With this we can used his Phil ID ACR and ITR-BIR as other form of documents for the approval of his visa? Above stated that we need to have a Birth certificate. My husband have copy from UK and we can request marriage contract in PSA.

Our trip will be on May, what is the best month to apply for a visa?

Hi Grace, I have no idea po pag ganyang case kasi limited po sa personal experience ang alam ko. You can try contacting the travel agency kung saan nyo balak mag-apply para sure.

Hi, Just to reiterate re: bank certificate— “Must be issued within the past 3 months” Does this mean, for example, if I requested for a bank certificate on February, I can use it for Japan visa application on March (until May)? Thanks!

Hello! (1) My passport is under my maiden name. But my bank accounts and other assets are under my married name. Would that be okay? (2) Also, the bank account where I keep the savings are in my husband and I’s joint account, will that be a problem? I appreciate the response. Thanks!

Same situation here. How did it go with your application? Did you face any issues? Hoping to hear from you. Thanks!

Hi Mary, I think okay lang basta may marriage certificate ka rin na isusubmit. Ask na lang the agency po.

Ask ko lang kung ano ilalagay sa “Name of Employer” kung self-employed professional? – BIR registered (no business name / no DTI — Occupational Tax Receipt yung meron ako) – yung nakalagay sa COR ko is Name ko lang, then nature ng work.

Please advise.

Same concern. How did your application go?

Hi Michelle, naku, di ko alam pag self-employed professional. Yung sa akin kasi ay registered sole prop, so may business name ako tapos yun ang nilagay ko. Tawag ka na lang sa agency para sure sure sure.

I’m also a freelancer and I would just like to ask what I should write as my occupation. Should I say “freelance marketing specialist” or just “marketing specialist”? It’s my first time to apply for a Japanese Visa and I’m just worried na if I write “freelance” it may affect the approval. I have COR and ITR btw.

Your blog has been super helpful and I hope you can answer my question. Thanks! :)

Hi! How did it go?

Hi Kathleen, in my case, when I was a freelancer, I just wrote “Marketing Consultant.” Di ko na nilagay na Freelance. Pero nagsubmit ako ng letter from my clients explaining ano arrangement ko with them.

Ask ko lang po kung lahat po ba ng document na ipapasa should be in a4? Including the bank certuficate?

Binigay sa akin ng BDO ay naka short.

Hi Jericson, yung bank certificate, I think, di kailangan na A4. Yung A4 ay para dun sa mga docs na ikaw ang magpiprint. :D

Hello. My Auntie from Ireland together with her family is planning to visit Japan for 4 days and isasama nya kasi ako. She will shoulder my hotel stay and yung ibang gastos dun, airfare lang yung sakin. I have a full time job nman. Do i still need to get their bank statement kasi parang sila ung sponsor ko for that trip? I still have enough money in my account too.

Hi J, if idedeclare mo na sponsored ng iba yung trip mo, yes, you need to get their bank docs.

If hindi naman, you need to submit yours.

Hello Mam! I found your blog and it’s very informative especially when applying for Japan visa. I am an OFW working in Bahrain as an executive assistant sa CEO ng company namin. Me and my fiance (who also resides in Bahrain) are planning to tour Osaka this July 2019, after our wedding. But we are applying as unmarried since plan namin sa May 2019 mag pasa ng application at di pa kami married. Is it okay?

Also, we are concerned since yung bank account ko dito sa Bahrain is only a salary account and I am putting all my savings in my peso account for a long time na. Will it suffice kung bank statement lang ang i submit ko for my peso account? Kasi i checked with my bank sa Pinas, they said for them to issue me a certificate, I need to be there to fill out a form. But they can provide me bank statement and they can send it to me sa email ko. Is it acceptable kaya for Japan visa? Do i need to request the bank to send me through courier the original document or scan copy will be okay?

We are really concerned coz naka book na kami ng ticket for July 2019.

Appreciate your feedback, and God Bless you! :)

Hi, I just renewed my passport this month and I’ll be applying for a visa, would you know if I can give my old passport along with my new one to show my travel history? Thanks!

1. I think okay lang. Di ka pa naman magpapalit ng passport? If di pa, I think wala pa namang magiging problem since same pa rin yung name mo sa passport and sa visa.

2. I think okay lang din na form another country yung account. Gawa ka na lang ng letter explaining na you’re based in Bahrain but temporarily in PH. And yes, dapat original yung bank document.

If mapapansin mo, puro ako “I think” kasi hunch ko lang din talaga ito ha. Hindi ko alam for sure. Ang best talaga na gawin is i-ask yung travel agency kung saan ka mag-apply kasi mas alam nila. Baka kasi may additional requirements na di ko alam kasi outside my experience ito.

Hello! Question on bank certificate. Does it needs to be printed in A4 size paper? The bank issued me a bank cert in short bondpaper. Is it okay?

Hi Jean, as far as I know based on experience ko, okay lang. Yung mga nasa control mo lang yung A4 like app form, guarantee letter, schedule of stay, etc.

Hi! I wanted to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa. However, I am resigning from my current job and will be starting a new one last week of February. Will this post a problem with my application? What can you suggest? Thank you.

Hi Denise, apply now if you haven’t resigned yet so your COE and ITR still match. It just makes things simpler. :)

But if you’re applying after you resign, that’s possible too. I’ve done that before. My ITR was different from my COE, so I wrote a letter explaining that I have just switched companies recently.

Hi Yoshke, do you have a sample somewhere of that letter you wrote? Thanks!

No, unfortunately.

I just wrote it by hand at the travel agency’s office upon the staff’s suggestion.

Hello! I would like to ask if it is okay to put our booked accommodation via Airnb in “Name and address of hotel” instead of hotel room for visa application form? Thanks!

Hi Gian, di ko sure kasi pa ako nag-AirBnB sa Japan. I think okay lang, i-indicate mo na lang na AirBnb?

Or i-blank mo muna tapos ask mo na lang yung agency pag nagsubmit ka para sure. :)

Another question, if you applied in a group, and then may isa na di qualified or di approved, will everyone in the group be affected? Or siya lang ang maddeny?

Ang alam ko, individually naman ina-assess yung application kahit part of a group.

Hi po, married po aq s Malaysian at d2 npo aq nkatira s Malaysia. My husband and my son d n nila klangan ng visa to visit Japan aq lng. I’ve been to japan twice 16 yrs ago as legal worker. Maging grounds kya to pra ideny nila application q.

PS. I’m not employed so my husband will shoulder all the expenses for 15 days in japan.

Hi Shireen, sorry po, di ko po alam. :(

just got my 5 year multiple entry visa and i’m so excited to use it next month. Thanks for all your tips, big help talaga. One thing that i can share if you can prove your capability to travel to japan even though you have friends or relatives to visit better not to declare them. Also make sure that your application is neat and no erasure para presentable. I love japan more than any other countries in asia (coz i never been to US or Europe. Haha.)

Thanks for sharing these tips! Congrats!!!

Okay lang na hindi ka pa nag US or Europe. Kami nag-Europe na pero Japan pa rin fave namin. hehe

Hi, okay lang ba na ilagay ko yung address ng friend ko for my accommodation itinerary. Visa form ko is no guarantor. May chance ba na madenied? at Kaka open ko lang din ng bank acct ko and planning to go in Japan this April na ? Ok lang kaya ba yun ?

Hi Sarah. Just wanna ask how your application for visa went? Did you went ahead for “Visit Friend” type of visa and wrote your friend’s address sa accommodation itinerary? I have the same case as yours po kasi. I have no guarantor din coz I can shoulder my own expenses naman. Thanks in advance.

Hi Sarah, are you applying for a TOURIST visa or a VISIT FRIENDS/RELATIVES visa?

These are two very different things and it’s one of the reasons why people get denied. They apply for tourist visa but write a person’s address in the form. This post is about TOURIST VISA though.

If you’re applying for a TOURIST VISA, you must enter a hotel/hostel name and address. You can’t write a friend’s address.

If you’re applying for a VISIT VISA, yes, it’s okay to write your friend’s address. More info about VISIT VISA here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-requirements-with-guarantor/

Hi Yoshke. Your blog really is helpful. Just got our visa (whole family)! Thank you for answering my queries.

Thanks, Crizel

Congrats, Zel! Enjoy Japan!

Hi. I”m so lucky to have found your blog. I find it very informative. My family will be going to Osaka on Apr 9-14. We do not have our visas yet. Questions: 1. Among my 3 children, one is already working but we will pay for her trip. In her visa application, do we indicate that she is working? 2. If yes, what documents does she need to support her visa application? 3. She has a bank account also, does she need to submit a bank certificate? Certificate of Employment, etc? 3. how much is the visa application?

Thank you very much in advance and more power..

1. Yes. If she’s employed, she should declare that she is. It will help her application.

2. ITR, as stated in the post above. Pwede ring magsubmit ng COE as additional supporting doc.

3. If she’s declaring that you will be shouldering the expenses, no need for her bank certificate. But she needs to submit the your (the guarantor’s) ITR and bank docs.

4. Depende sa agency. May iba na P800, may iba na P1000+. Nadiscuss din po sa post sa taas.

Hello po ~ ask ko lng po kung included sa number of stay yung day of arrival? Fukuoka airport po kase eh gabe na arrival. TIA !

Ang alam ko po, kasama yung day of arrival sa count kapag Japan. Di ko po sure, pero ganun yung ginagawa ko.

Just want to ask if same ba ng requirements and ng application form kapag transit visa lang ang iaapply? I’m going to the US kasi and connecting flight ko is sa Narita. I’m a non revenue passenger so stanby lang ako and possible na next day ako mkasakay if puno ang flight that is why I need a transit visa.

Hi Sam, naku, wala po akong idea pag transit visa.

I’ve just renewed my Philippine passport recently. This coming March we have an scheduled tour in Tokyo. And my concern is our unexpired 5 years visa is in my old passport. Can we get through the immigration by presenting both the new and old passport with visa or is there a need to get another visa for our new passport? Help me out.

Yep, you can bring your old passport with the visa and present it together with your new passport. The visa remains valid kahit expired na yung passport.

I’m not expecting an immediate response and I’m all set to go to Japan Embassy today for an inquiry. It’s good I’ve checked out your site first before proceeding. Thank you very much for being around helping people fixing our travel concerns.

No prob! :)

Hello, Balak ko pong kumuha ng tourist visa attend conference and mag sightseeing with a group pero ako lang yung may guarantor (boyfriend dito sa Pinas). Medyo takot lang po kasi first time.

1. Nung nag fifill up po ako ng visa application need ng ID no. Passport lang po yung valid governement ID ko, pero meron po akong TIN ID pwede na po ba yun o yung passport nalang din lagay ko? Yung student id ko po kasi walang validation date and for this term hindi ako enrolled so wala akong pero may remaining unit pako.

2. Pwede na po ba yung kahit certificate from school lang para ma prove na student ako ? *Sobrang kabado lang.

3. Mas ok po ba na as unemployed nalang kaysa student ang ilagay ko?

1. I have tried writing my passport number there a few times, tinanggap naman. I think okay lang din ang TIN.

2. I think okay lang ang certificate from school. Di ko sure though.

3. If I were in your shoes, I’d state student.

Hi, ask ko lang po regarding sa situation ko. Bali housewife po ako and can present bank certificate (joint account with husband), Pero No ITR, and COE. Kailangan pa rin po ba ng letter of guarantee kahit joint account na yung sa bank?

yung usually sinusubmit ko na bank account, joint account din with a family member, pero since no ITR and COE, baka best na ideclare na sponsored ka ni husband pa rin. For that you will need his documents. Pero not sure if nag-apply ang Guarantee Letter pag mag-asawa. I think need pa rin. Call na lang ung agency kung saan ka mag-apply to be sure.

Hi. What if the birth cert falls under delayed registration, apart from the supporting documents like, baptismal cert., school record and year book, what other pertinent papers can be submitted in lieu of the above-mentioned docs? Thnk you.

Hi Zenie, di ko po alam, contact na lang po the designated travel agency kung saan kayo apply.

Hi, planning to fly Manila-Sapporo, stay there for three days, then fly Sapporo-Osaka to stay there for three more days before going home Osaka-Manila. Is that ok to do on a single entry visa? Or do i need a multiple entry visa kasi pag arrive sa Osaka it’s considered as another entry?

Hi Inna, single entry is okay. :)

Your blog really helped me a lot! I have been obsessing over it for the last few months. I recently booked a discounted plane tix via PAL to Japan. Late October pa naman to Tokyo, but nagpreprepare na ako this early.

I just wanna ask if Jap Embassy is strict with SOLO FEMALE travelers? I have been to the usual Macau, HK, SG and Korea. I also have a valid 3yr multiple entry visa to the latter. I have a stable job as a lawyer (private), and I can provide naman all required documents plus COE. Do you think I should also submit an approved leave of absence? Sorry, medyo paranoid lang ako sa chances ko :P

Second, do you recommend Reli Tours in Makati, Dusit? I have read that you use this agency, but in Megamall. I live in Makati kasi, so hassle pumunta ng Megamall. Meron din Friendship dun sa Dusit, but I read one horror story hear that it took almost one month yun processing (no reply kung nakuha nila on time yung visa).

Finally, I’m planning to apply in August 26, 2019 (my trip in on October 20). Is that too early/late?

Thanks for all your hard work! Nakabookmark na sakin yung mga itineraries mo :)

In general, the Japanese Embassy is more lenient than, say, Schengen embassies or Korean Embassy.

At Dusit, I’ve tried Friendship Tours twice, and both times were pretty smooth and I liked my experience. :)

Hi! I would like to ask, I plan to bring my sister to Japan for a vacation next year. This will be her first travel abroad. We already have our budget and other requirements ready but is there a chance that her visa application will be denied since she has no travel history yet? Thanks!

Hi JM, there’s always that chance, but travel history is not a requirement. You can be a first time international traveler and still granted a visa.

Although the safer way is to visit non-visa countries first.

Hello Yoshke, thanks for the reply! Also, my boyfriend and I plans to have our honeymoon in Japan. Travel month is same with wedding month, we should put single on our visa application, right?

Hi! Good Day! I’m currently having a problem with documents. I’m employed with near minimim wage salary for less than a year and my father would sponsor my trip who is currently working abroad (not in Japan) which means he doesn’t have an ITR. I was told to submit tax exemption which needs affidavit as the requirement. However, for it to be notarized, they said it must have red ribbon. Is it really necessary for tax exemption? Because some only submit letter of explanation as to why they don’t have an ITR. Do I still need to submit my own ITR? (I also don’t own bank account because the company is still giving my salary by cheque)

Thank you so much! And your blog posts have been helpful for my past trips! Thank you!

Hi JD, di ko po alam yung process pag nasa abroad yung sponsor. Pero ang alam ko, tumatanggap naman ang embassy ng tax documents ng ibang bansa, yung equivalent ng ITR sa bansang yun. Di ko lang sure kasi di ko pa naranasan.

Usually, pag sponsored yung trip, di na need magsubmit ng sarili mong ITR.

I see. Thank you so much for the reply! I got the tax exemption certificate. Hopefully it’ll serve as the valid excuse for not having ITR. Also another question, is it necessary that we are booked at the accommodations I put in the daily schedule? Or I can just put them as the assumed accommodation? Thanks again!

No booking required. Just the accommodation where you plan to stay. If hotel, you just need the hotel name, address, and contact number.

hi my sister, my mother and I will apply for tourist visa and my sister will be the guarantor living in PH my question is if do I need to provide her birth cert, ITR and her bank cert if we are applying together and travelling together?

Thank You so much in advance.

Hi Dianna, you will need to provide your sister’s ITR and bank docs if sya yung guarantor.

If group application, based sa experience ko nung nag-apply ako with family recently, kahit 1 copy lang, okay na. Just fill out the List of Applicants na form.

hi me, mom and dad will travel to japan. my dad will shoulder my mom’s expenses or he’ll be her guarantor. on the 2nd page of the form, about the guarantor, should i write the name, address of my father?

See FAQ #1 in this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-application-form/

Hi! What if I have unused Japan visa? And I’m planning to apply again?

Hi Den, according to some of our readers who had similar experience, you need to write a letter explaining why you weren’t able to use your visa.

Hi, I’ve a question regarding the bank certificate. Would you know if there’s a standard format for that? I’m planning to get a bank certificate from BDO and am wondering if it would include ADB? If yes, would it also be possible to request the bank to not include it and would this be accepted by the agency/embassy? Thanks.

Hi Klar, each bank has their own standard format. The new BDO format doesn’t indicate the ADB. And yes, that will still be accepted by the agency/embassy.

Noted. Thank you very much for the quick reply! :)

No worries. Good luck with your application!

It was really wonderful. This blog was very informative and useful. I am planning for an abroad. Thank you very much for posting this really helpful

Hello po Ask ko lang po regarding my situation. I am applying for a student visa but I am not enrolled this sem. Can I submit my registration form last semester instead?

Hi Kim, sorry po pero wala po kaming alam about student visa. :(

Please help po, yung agency po na mag-pprocess ng visa application namin is requiring me and my cousin to submit a school certificate. My cousin graduated from senior highschool while I graduated from college.

Recent lang ba yung graduation nyo? This year lang?

Aaah. Baka kaya nila hinihingi kasi to prove that you just recently graduated.

Good day po, late registered po ang aking birth certificate, pwedi po ba ang TOR (Transcript of Record) ? salamat

Hello! May I ask what happened to your application?

Hi Kim. Di ko po alam if pwede ang TOR. :( Call nyo na lang po yung agency.

My wife and I are planning on traveling with my son who’ll be 1yr old. My wife an I both have JP visas already, do we just apply for our son a separate visa application with guarantor?

Yep! It will also help to write an explanation letter stating that you, the parents, already have your own visas and then attach a copy of your visas. :)

Late registered Birth Certi ko, can I just provide by Transcript of Records instead of Form 137?

Hi.. I have a friend and the problem is she doesn’t have a middle name since she is using her mother’s surname. Is it really a big problem not having a middle name going to japan? She was told that she cannot take the interview because of it. Please reply. I badly need an answer and some advice. All her papers are done except for the intrview. Thank you.

Hi Kharen, wala po akong idea sa ganyang cases. Consult a travel agency na lang po or call the embassy directly.

Hi, got denied sa Japan Visa last October 2018, then i got approved sa Korean Visa last February 2019. Been there this April. and now i am planning to apply for Japan Visa again. Do you think this time mas may chance na ma approve ako sa Japan Visa? TIA.

3 Yrs employed btw :)

Axel, it can improve your chances, but it’s really hard for me to assess without any other information. But yes, improved travel history helps.

This post might help too: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/08/visa-denied-reasons/

Hi Yosh! Have you tried applying for a Japan Visa for your niece/nephew? Im planning to take my nephew again on a trip but this will be his first Visa trip. Im assuming the DSWD Travel Clearance is required and maybe the affidavit of support from his parents.

My common law and I will be applying with my nephew. If one of us gets denied, to the best of your knowledge/experience, does everybody get the same decision?

1. Yes, I’ve applied for a Japan visa for my niece and nephew a few times now.

2. Yes, you will need a DSWD Clearance for Immigration. But it’s not required for visa application. Here’s how to get one: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/04/dswd-travel-clearance-minors-application-requirements-frequently-asked-questions/

3. Yes, you will also need an Affidavit of Support. Here’s a sample: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/affidavit-of-consent-and-support/

4. I’m not sure, but as far as I know, applications are assessed individually so it is possible for one of you to be denied while the others are approved. :)

Thank you Yosh!

We did the Travel Clearance before for HKG. We just need to replicate the steps for Japan this time. As far as Visa application is concerned pala, there is no need for the travel clearance or affidavit? Sorry just making sure my understanding is correct. What docs did you submit for your niece and nephew?

Thanks again!

Yep, di ako nagsubmit ng clearance for visa application. In fact, lagi ako nauunang mag-apply ng visa before DSWD clearance kasi takot ako ma-deny, sayang bayad sa clearance, haha.

As far as I can remember, same lang din ung requirements ng what’s listed above. May additional lang na birth certificates to prove ung relationship ng sponsor sa mga bagets tapos ung Guarantee Letter, Invitation Letter, etc.

I am planning to apply for a Japan tourist visa and to travel alone this May/June. I am still a student (but I am not enrolled this sem so I don’t have a valid student ID/school certificate) and my parents will pay for my trip. Based on my case, what are my chances on getting a visa? And what are the requirements that I need to pass?

Hi Trix, okay lang naman yun. Yung sa pamangkin ko, di naman kinuha ng agency yung school docs. If okay naman ang employment and financial status ng parents, ok pa rin naman ang chance na maapprove.

By the way, how old are you?

I’m 23 yrs old na po. Is my age a red flag?

Btw po, I already applied and submitted my requirements (Apr 24). Hindi na rin po ako hiningan ng school docs. I put my mom as my guarantor so I submitted her (Actually, ‘our’ bank certificate (7 digits) because it’s a joint account with me & my dad). Hopefully, having my name in the bank certificate would increase my chance.

Hi Trix, good luck.

I just asked yung age to check if nasa typical age ng students ka and if mas believable for them.

Hello! i hope u can answer my question po. we are family of 4 applying for japan visa me, my husband, son and my mom. me and my husband are ofw in dubai and we will all apply in manila. both of us will be the guarantors for this trip. our bank here provides what they call ‘balance certificate’ and not bank certificate. on top of the certificate its written ‘certificate of balance’. tho the certificate indicates my name, type of acct, acct# and the current outstanding balance in number and words (dirhams currency). there is signature and stamp from bank. can this be accepted as bank certificate as well? thank you in advance!

Hi Lou, I can’t be sure because this is beyond my experience, but I think this is acceptable naman.

Thank you very much. I got my visa few days ago now and everything was fine. I am a vietnamese citizen.

Congrats! Enjoy Japan!

Thanks for the tips, I actually use your blogs as my reference when applying my Japan visa. I’ll be travelling to Japan this May and it’s my first time. I got a multiple visa entry for 5 years :)

Thank you again :)

Thanks din, Shy! And enjoy Japan! :)

For everybody’s peace of mind. I was granted a japan visa kahit 28k lang nasa bank cert ko. Just make sure you present all requirements.

Hi!! This is awesome! May I ask if how long is your stay? And how long is the validity of ur visa?

Wow! Thanks for sharing, Tabeloka!

Hi Yoshke! Your content is very informative! I am planning to visit Japan in December. I will be visiting my boyfriend (a filipino) however he doesnt have enough requirements yet to support my application. I’ve read that 50k is acceptable for 5 days stay, and I think that is the possible way for me getting a visa. However, I wanted to maximize my vacation so I’m planning of staying there for 12 days since everything will be at my boyfriend’s expense. Will it be possible if I will apply for 5 days (for the sake of getting a visa)? But will be really staying for 12 days? Thanks in advance!

Yes, that’s possible. The standard length of stay that Japan allows is 15 days, even if you apply for only 5 days.

Is it really possible? hindi ba magiging TNT yun labas mo once na ang na approve sayo is only 5 days? but you stayed 15 days?

Yep, nagawa ko na po yan na longer than what I submitted yung stay ko. Basta hindi ka nag-overstay. Basta hindi longer than the allowed number of days, okay lang.

Hi!! Its me again :D i’m gonna try to apply for tourist visa w/o guarantor with mentioned situation above. However, it’s my first time to travel. I am nervous i might get denied. Is it okay if I include “meet up with a friend” in my itinerary though i dont have any invitation from that person? Thank you!

If you’re applying as a tourist, best to not mention the friend.

This is noted. Hoping to get approved :D Thanks so much!

Hello! My sister only started working last December (she’s a fresh graduate) so she doesn’t have enough funds in her bank account (less than PHP50,000). My brother has signed a work contract but he hasn’t started working yet and he doesn’t have enough funds in his bank account as well. My father is unemployed and I am still a student. We are planning to apply for Japan visa this May because we’re set to leave at the end of July. My mother already has a multiple entry visa. I was just wondering if it’s a good idea to have my mother as guarantor for all FOUR (4) of us? Her annual net pay is around 1,xxx,xxx. Thank you so much!

Hi Paponei, that can work. Your mom is currently employed right now?

Yes, she is. Thanks a lot!

Yes. Thank you! :)

Hi! My middle name consists of ñ but in our PH passport, it became n. Will this be a problem when I apply for a Japan visa? If the answer is no, what should I put in the application form, n or ñ? Thank you!

Hi Alex, naku, di ko po alam pag ganyan. :(

Just want to ask. Hindi ba magiging conflict yun sa bank certificate ko if Joint Account or naka OR account samin ng sister ko? possible ba na ma approve ako? Thanks

Hi Ayan, nakapag-try na ako a few times (including ung first time ko) na joint account (OR din) with my nanay ang sinusubmit ko. Naapprove naman.

Is it possible to have 1 guarantor (my mother) for 4 single-entry tourist visas (my father, brother, sister, me)?

Depende po sa funds sa bank and sa ITR kung malaki ung income.

Hi po. May problem ako kasi hindi ako makakuha ng copy ng Form 137 ko since bakasyon sa school ngayon. Hindi ko din alam pano ko irireach out yung guidance counselor dun. Okay lang kaya na mag send na lang ako ng letter of explanation? Tsaka ano po kayang pwede kong gamitin na other proof? Thank you po.

Hi Mitchelle, best to consult a travel agency since you will be coursing your application through one anyway. Mas alam po nila yung gagawin.

A greetings of peace. Gusto ko po ask if mag submit ako ng credit card statement of account copy should i put a black mark para ma cover yung account number details ko? I am worried po kasi.

Hi, gusto ko sanang mag tanong kung ok lang bang mag apply uli ng tourist visa ang isang may record na ng overstaying? Na deport kasi sya last August 2010, naka pasok sya ng Japan July 2007, almost 3 years overstay, so it is almost 9 years na mula na ng na deport sya pauwi dito sa Pinas, As fas as I know 5 years ang blocklisting period para pde uli mag apply, Tama po ba? They are planning to go back to Japan with his husband, ok naman po un mga documents ng husband nya, but mejo natatakot lang baka ma denied because of her overstaying case. di bale yung husband nya ang mag susupport ng finances plain housewife lang sya kasi ngayon. Please advice po. Thank you

Hi Robert, naku di ko po alam. Best to consult na lang po a designated travel agency.

Hi just need an advice, I plan to travel in Japan maybe Jan and my bank account had always been ready. I have at least 100k plus save for the past 4 years that I’ve been working. But due to better opportunity I might change my job soon, so will my chances to get approve with a Japan visa still be high even if I’m just employed for 6 mos? Coz that’s what holding me back for resigning I’ve always wanted to visit Japan and that’s my motivation for saving a lot. Thanks

I would still go for it, if I were in your shoes. Japan isn’t as strict as before and your switching companies can easily be explained.

I had a sort of similar experience. I had to explain in a letter why my ITR was from a company that is different from my current employment. I simply explained that it was a better opportunity and should not be a concern and that I had traveled to other countries before and returned each time.

Hi, Yoshke! Question lang. I just renewed my passport, and I’ll be applying for a Japan visa next month. Is it possible for me to submit my old passport as well to show my travel history? Super fresh kasi nung new passport, and it has no stamps pa. :)

Hi Gelo, when I apply, I always submit my old passport. Sometimes the agency accepts, sometimes they return it to me. My advice is to just bring your old passport and let the agency decide.

Hi Yoshke, thank you for sharing this! I used your article as a reference when I was consolidating my documents (it’s my first time to apply for a Japan Visa on my own). This was really helpful. :)

Just want to share this also to others (kasi I learned this today the semi-hard way haha): you don’t need to submit a birth certificate if you already have an old Japanese visa, regardless of when it was issued. In my case, I got my old visa last 2010. The agency (Reli Tours) accepted it and returned my birth certificate to me. Sayang yung perang pang-apply sa PSA haha.

Now I’m just waiting for the result. Hope my application gets approved.

Thank you for the tips!

Thanks, Dee J!

Re birth certificate, yep, no need for it if you had a visa before. We discussed it in the FAQs! You might have missed it. :P

Ahaha, I wasn’t expecting they’d still accept my 2010 visa, kaya I got a birth cert just to be sure. So yeah, lesson learned the hard way. ^^;

That’s okay! You can still use it for another visa application! Maybe another country? :D

hello sorry makikisali lang hehe. can I still use my old visa in replacement for Birth cert kahit na nabasa sya sa tubig? nasama kasi sa labahin hahahaa

Hi Ash, di ko po alam pag nabasa. Readable pa rin ba?

The bank certificate that BDO issued me doesnt account number. Is this ok?

Hi Joshua, yung saken and relatives ko nung last na nag-apply ako, wala ring account number. BDO rin. Name lang and ung finances na.

hi! the bank cert issued by my bank is not in A4 size paper. would that be okay?

Hi Ash, in my experience, tinanggap pa rin kahit di A4 ung bank certificate. Basta yung mga ikaw mismo ang magpoproduce like application form, schedule, etc., dapat A4.

HI, NAG COMMENT NA AKO DITO BEFORE PERO WALANG SAGOT. SANA MAPANSIN MO. YUNG GUARANTOR KO KASI IS MY SISTER WHO IS A SEAWOMAN SA ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE. WALA SILANG ITR EH. ANO PWEDE ALTERNATIVE DOCS SA ITR? PAYSLIP? CONTRACT? HOW?

rude. kelangan naka caps. bat di ka mag tanong mismo sa agency. parang obligado pa yung blogger na sagutin ka ora orada.

Nasagot na po kasi yung question dito sa isang post kung saan kayo nagcomment. https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-application-form/

And please refrain from using all caps po kasi para kayong sumisigaw.

OK lang ba na back to back yung application form nung naprint ko?

Hi! The day po ba ng pagpasa nung visa, counted as day 1 un? Because I haven’t heard from the agency since I passed it last May 24, 2019 (Friday). It’s already June 4 na… Sa Reli Tours Dusit Thani ako ngpasa.

Hi Den, medyo di ko gets ung question. Counted as Day 1 ng validity ba? If yun, hindi naman magsastart ang validity ng visa on the day of submission. Usually the validity starts on the date of issue (kung kelan nila inapprove).

Note na iba ang validity period sa length of stay na allowed.

I mean the processing of the visa. Kasi day 7 na kahapon (June 4) tapos sakto pa walang pasok today (June 5). Dami ko kasi nababasa 2-5 days nakukuha na nila and they are approved. Nakakaba pag ang tagal sakin.

Iba-iba sya. Maraming factors kasi. Minsan depende sa case, minsan baka malaki lang yung volume of applications.

My first time, 5 working days. 2nd time, 2 days. 3rd time, 7 days. 4th time, 2 days.

I’ll be going to Osaka, end of July! Thank you for this helpful blog! More power! First time ko nakapasa kaya super saya ko, sorry! Haha (Ako pala ung todo tanong sayo about schengen visa). Try and try lang! :)

Maganda yung Arashiyama bamboo forest pag summer kasi green na green. :D Medyo mainit lang so mas okay if maaga ung start ng day lagi. :D

Hi Yoshke! Just an update! I’m approved! (YAAAAAAAAS) 1 day processing lang. Pag hindi pa nagtext sayo yung agency na sinubmittan mo ng application after 5 days, call them! Unresponsive sa mobile number nila ang Reli tours, so always call them via telephone number.

Haha, thanks for sharing, Den!

Congraaaats! San ka sa Japan punta?

Hello! I would like to ask kung my difference ba kung maliit lang yung gross income ko sa ITR when applying visa? Ex. 91,000 gross income from my previous work but i resigned and changed where i’am currently working right now.

Thank you for sharing this. Maeexpire kasi yung passport ko on March 29, 2020. One of the requirements is dapat 6 mos valid yung passport (September 29, 2019). I was planning to apply for a visa next week kasi pupunta ng Japan sa long weekend ng August (7 mos valid pa naman yung passport ko by that time).

Do you think safe pa rin ba na mag-apply ako ng visa? Lahat kasi ng stamps ko nasa passport ko ngayon kayo ayaw ko pa sana ipa renew para may proof ako ng travel history.

Hi Bielle, yep, pwede pa yan. Tatanggapin pa rin ng Japan Embassy yang passport mo. :)

Thank you Yoshke! :)

Naapprove na yung visa ko! Ang bilis within two days narelease na agad passport ko. Thank you sa infos dito sa blog mo. ☺

Yayyy! Congratulations! Enjoy Japan!

*pupunta kami

Just wanted to share my experience! Applied at Reli Tours SM Megamall.

1. I printed my own application form. Ok lang na back-to-back. 2. I was told by the visa consultant in Reli that I need to have my 2×2 photo replaced kasi masyado daw naka-smile so hindi na kita yung mata ko. Buti may Tronix imaging sa 5th floor ng Mega A :) 3. Paid Php500 initially for the consultation fee. After that, went to Tronix to have my new 2×2 pic taken. 4. Went back after an hour to submit my new photo. No need na pumila ulit. Then paid the balance of Php450. 3. I prepared all requirements, even COE and copies of hotel/flight bookings. COE lang yung tinanggap ng Agency the rest binalik na lang sakin.

I submitted my requirements last June 8! Stil waiting for the text/call that my passport is ready for pick up. The anxiety is real :( hahaha hopefully ma-approve.

Thank you for this blog! Laging kayo reference ko when making an itinerary. All the best!

Na approved ka?

Thanks for sharing, Arnel! Very helpful!

Sana ma-approve! #TiwalaLang #FingersCrossed

Hi! I’ll be travelling with my husband. I do have a job but the salary is just little-above-the minimum and I am afraid that my application would be denied. My husband though is a businessman. I am thinking of putting him as the guarantor so I dont need to provide an itr. Would that do? Or should I still submit an itr and COE? We do have US and Korean Visas.

Hi J, if you have a guarantor, you don’t need to submit ITR. That req shifts to the guarantor, as mentioned in the post. :)

Oh. Sorry for missing that one out! This very much helped ease out my worries! Thank you so much!

Hi Yoshke! Thanks for sharing! I have questions regarding list of visa applicants form.

1. Sorry dumb question. For nationality, would that be Filipino or Philippines? I saw different answers on the web.

2. Visa applicant (representative applicant) – Can I put my name here? Since I’m the one who will be applying for the rest of us.

3. Then the rest will be my husband’s details and my kids?

Thank you! All the best!

1. Ako, I always write Filipino. Never naman ako nagkaproblem.

2. Yes, you can be the representative applicant.

Thanks so much! :)

Hi Yoshke :) Paano kung ang guarantor ay hindi Filipino? From Slovenia kasi sya and makakuha lang ako ng spouse visa(schengen) sa Japan, China and India. Napili namin ay Japan. Same requirements pa rin ba kahit na hindi pinoy ang guarantor? btw, sya nagsend ng link sakin about sayo hehe :)

Hi Irene, di ko po alam. Sabi po ng iba same lang, ung equivalent lang nung documents sa kanila. Pero di ko po sure kasi di ko pa natry.

Ohhh wow I got a response from you! ^_^ Okies sige, will email the agency na lang. Your blog is really informative and big help to sa pag-asikaso namin ng papers. Thank you for sharing~~~

Hello, just want to ask your advice. Me and my husband are planning to apply for japan visa this coming july. Here’s the situation. My husband has ITR, can provide bank certificate BUT unemployed for now (will start a new job on july). Does he need to have a guarantor (me) or he will submit a letter explaining that he is new in his company? Which do you think is better for higher chance of visa approval. Thanks!

Hi Rejean, yung sa case ko po dati, inexplain ko lang na bagong lipat ako ng work and why yung ITR ko na sinubmit is iba sa current company ko. Wala namang naging problem.

Hi, I am still allowed to apply for a Japan Visa 1month before my travel date? Or doest it really need to be months before? Thanks!

Hi Ryan, pwede pa yung 1 month before. :)

hello, ask ko po sana pwede kayang Business permit pero walang ITR ? possible kayang magrant ng visa?balak ko sana mag apply ng visa para sa Nov. at least 3 days mag tour sa tokyo.

Usually pag walang ITR, pede pong magsulat ng letter explaining bakit wala. Pero dapat valid ung reason. Chinecheck din ng agency ung reason.

Hi. we have Japan incentive trip c/o by company. I don’t have bank cert and my new passport has no history of travel, though its not my first time abroad. Can we still have chances na ma deny ung visa application?

do i need to provide bank cert (which i dont have namn) pero with itr 350k and coe and trip will guarantee by company since incentive trip namn cya.

Thanks to your blog I was able to plan & go to 3 Asia trips within the last year! Super helpful. I’m now planning to visit Japan, but I’m a bit torn if I should apply for a Tourist visa or Visiting a Relative. My sister lives in Japan, but she doesn’t really have the financial capacity to “guarantee” someone (low balance in bank account).

Should I apply for a tourist visa instead? My bank account I think can support me naman (80k+).

Hi Andi, if I were in your shoes, I’d apply for a tourist visa instead because it’s easier, cheaper, and less complicated, and because di rin naman ako igua-guarantee ni sisterette. You have a stable job naman and ITR right?

Hi Yoshke! Thanks for answering.

Yup! I’m a full-time regular employee at an international tech firm but I’ve only been here since October 2018. I already have a consolidated ITR (the one with both previous + current employer).

Another question, though: I’m planning on staying with my sister for some nights to save money. I understand that this wouldn’t affect my visa application (because I can just write down a hotel/airbnb) but do you think this would affect me at immigrations? Kasi wala akong hotel/booking documents? What can I do kaya?

I’ve tried this in 2017. I applied for a tourist visa because I was supposed to go to Nagoya. But when I was already issued a visa, my sister suddenly asked me to visit her first in Tokyo, so I used the visa to visit her in Tokyo instead. I didn’t have any problem with the Immigration naman. Not sure if I just got lucky. Haha

Hi Yoshke! Got my visa approved pala :D Thank you for your help! So excited to finalize our itinerary, gonna look at your other posts pa!! :D

Hi Yoshke! It’s me again. Haha.

Just need a second opinion re: which Bank Certificate to submit:

Option 1: Personal savings, low ADB (20k+), 6 year maturity Option 2: Payroll account, medium ADB (40k+), just turned 1 year

Both have 160k+ balance. Thank you so much! :)

Hmmmmm. Normally, I would say, submit both.

Pero bakit biglang taas nung current balance compared sa ADB? Pwedeng pagdudahan yan.

Thank you for answering! :D I’m gonna go with the tourist application na lang. Hehe.

Hello. I am trying for Japan work visa. What is the process I want to do.how much it cost .can I get your number.

No idea about work visa, sorry. :S

It seems that you have visited Japan a couple of times already. I could only assume that you were granted 4x single entry visa base on “HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS JAPAN VISA APPLICATION?” part. I just want to ask if you already tried applying for multiple entry? If yes, how did it go? I have visited Japan 2 years ago and planning to apply for multiple entry that’s why I’m curious. =) Thank you.

Two of my Japan visas (my 2nd and 4th) are multiple-entry visas. Been to Japan 17 times! :D

We have a separate article for Multiple Entry Visa: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/japan-visa-multiple-entry-requirements/

Oh wow! Thanks for clarifying that. Such a poor traveler indeed hahaha! Thanks for sharing the article. =)

Hi po would like to know po if mataas po ba chances ko if being approved. Will be applying for SE visa with guarantor.

Applicant: 22 y.o, female Licensed professional (with PRC ID) Currently enrolled in med school

Guarantor: My mom Bank cert – 300k+ Licensed Nurse Works in government owned company (23 years)

Will not be traveling with my mom.

I will be applying alone, since my travel companion (friend) already has her ME visa.

What do you think po? Thank you so much!

Hi Ro! Yes, I think okay naman. Just make sure to submit birth cert ng both sayo and sa mom mo to prove relationship.

Thank you for your response! I’m nervous since it’s my first time to apply, and my only travel history is HK. Hope it turns out fine.

I am applying for a tourist visa would it help if I attach my mother and father multiple japan visa photocopy?

Thank you looking forward for your reply!

Hi Jan Ace, are they joining you sa trip? If so, isama mo na lang din. If hindi naman pwede ay tatanggalin nung taga-agency.

I have a stable job, annual income is around 350k. I have a personal bank account with 150k pero nagdeposit kasi ako ng malaki last April (before April, stale lang siya at 50k for months) but have been depositing consistently until today in prep nga for the Japan trip. Do you think they’ll find that big deposit suspicious?

Given above, what are my chances of getting approved without guarantor or mas malaki chances if I have my mom as a guarantor na lang?

Hi Jim, naku, hard to tell. :S

My friends and I will visit Japan for an 8-day trip this September. Question regarding the section ng application form regarding “Names and addresses of hotels or persons with whom applicant intends to stay”, since we will visiting 4 cities in Japan and we will stay in different hotels during the entire tour, should we just write the info of the first hotel that we will be staying in the form or should we provide the info of all the hotels that we will be staying in a separate sheet? Thanks in advance for your great help!! :)

What I usually do, I write the first hotel on the app form. Then the rest, I make sure I include in the Daily Schedule that I will submit. :)

What if 50-50 ang hatian namin ng mother ko sa expenses? Possible ba yun? Tnx :)

Di ko po alam. Pero baka mas nakakalito kapag ganon.

In regards to the Bank Certificate, this is only for the ADB, right? There is no requirement for the Bank Statement? I am planning to use my Security Bank account instead of my other bank accounts since this is where I currently put some of my savings. My only concern is that I was not using this account for a year and I only got like Php 10,000. I deposited Php 500,000.00 last March for my US Visa Application but eventually withdrew it by May 2019. I had series of deposits by the succeeding months and currently have more than Php 200,000.00 as my savings.

My question is, will this be a problem on my end if I apply for Japan Visa this October 2019?

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Harry

HELLO! I just want to clarify the ITR part, kailangan pa ba pumunta sa BIR branch or anything? Or straight print nalang yung form sa bahay along with the email confirmation? Thank you po!

Hi Thea, yung sa akin piniprint ko lang.

Sir yong about sa itr, need ba may receipt ng banko? kasi tax exemted ako, paano ba yon?

Hi Will, kahit naman tax exempted ay dapat may ITR pa rin po.

When I applied po, di naman po hinanap ung resibo.

thank you sir..

lastly sir; yong itr na pinasa mo ba sir wla din tatak galing bir?

Grabe sobrang detailed. i really love your page. this is definitely my go-to page everytime I travel. Sobrang helpful. Keep it up! I also enjoyed watching your Youtube videos. Will do my first ever solo travel to Japan this December and this post is really a great help. On behalf of all your readers, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Yehey! Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with us. Happy to know we get to help others! :)

Saan ka sa Japan punta? :)

I came from the Japan trip (Osaka) last July, me and my friends got lucky to booked a seat sale to Tokyo next year, spring. Pwede na ba ako magapply ng visa (multi-entry) sana?

I suggest up to 3 months before your travel trip pa rin. Even if you apply for multiple, there’s still that chance they’ll give you a single entry visa. So the safest is still up to 3 months before.

tanong ko lang po, if guarantor is outside the country? and they shouldered all my expenses, purpose ko po sa Japan is pumunta ng Lithuanian Embassy to process my working visa in Lithuania? need ko padin po ba ng guarantor residing here in Philippines? complete naman po papers ko, contract, commitment letter from my employer, and working permit. Sana po masagot nyo tanong ko, nalilito din kasi employer ko kung need ko mag guarantor dito sa Pinas. Thank you.

Hi Eric, naku, di ko po alam :(

Hi Yosh! (wow, close? lol)

How are you na? Haha. I dunno if you already have come across this question but I’ll give it a try. Hehe. Do they need an original copy of the form 137? I requested a copy from my elementary school but, they can only provide a photocopy. I have my baptismal certificate though.

Thanks a bunch, Ming

Hi Michelle, di ko po alam if pwede ang photocopy lang. :(

Hi! Can I put sa List of Visa applicants regarding sa relationship with the inviting person/guarantor na Girlfriend’s Mother or Friend? Sponsored kasi kami ng mama/step father nya.

Hi Renz, di ko alam alin ang better na ilagay between Girlfriend’s mother and friend. :S

Do you have any sample itinerary that we can use for our Osaka trip this December? This will only be a 5-day trip. Your help is much appreciated.

We have sample itineraries here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/what-to-do-in-osaka/

and here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/09/osaka-kyoto-itinerary-days/#OSAKA-KYOTO_ITINERARY_5_DAYS

Great! Thank you so much Yoshke! Hope you’re having a good time on your Thailand trip.

I live in Spain. My siblings in Philippines and I want to visit Japan. We are planning for a group tour. Can I apply for Japan tourist visa with them in Philippines or should I apply in Spain?

Thanks, Juna

Hi Junalyn,

Not sure. I think okay lang na isabay mo na sa family application mo dito sa Pinas. Pero di ko sure. Best to get in touch with a designated agency.

Hi Yoshke, This is my first time to apply a tourist visa in Japan, My Friend is asking me to visit him, he is Us Navy, i don’t know if i can get ITR here in Philippines because i am working overseas, plus i don’t have 50,000pesos, Please assist me of what i supposed to do to process my self?

Good day .. Tatanong ko lang po sana kung pano po kung first country to visit ko po ang Japan . pwede po ba ko mag apply ng visa? Possible po ba na maapprove?

Hi Dess, pwede naman. May mga first-timers naman na naaapprove. Mas malaki lang talaga yung chances pag may travel history na.

And make sure na maayos ung mga requirements.

First I’d like to thank you for sharing all your experiences in applying for travel visas. This is my go-to blog for anything related to visa applications!I went to Japan last year and fell in love with Japan, especially with the autumn season!

This November I will be going to Japan and this time, with my mom who is a senior citizen. You mentioned that you also applied for your mom’s Japanese visa. Can you please share your experience and what additional documents did you submit? We will be going to Japan for 10 days and our itinerary will include Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka. I paid for her airline tickets and will also be paying for all our hotel bookings (i’ve set aside money for this already), but she has her own pocket money and bank account so she will NOT have a guarantor. Her bank account has over 140K. She is a retired government employee and as of July has been receiving her monthly pension. Here are my questions and I would be grateful if you can share your thoughts.

1) Since she has no ITR, we will submit a letter explaining that she is already retired. In addition to the letter, I am planning to send a copy of her official retirement document, which contains information on the monthly pension she receives. She will also be sending a bank certificate. Do you think these docs are enough? Are there any additional documents she can share? 2) Should I send a photocopy of her senior citizen ID? 3) As I’ve said, she has over 100K in her bank account and also receives a monthly pension (25K++ monthly). For a 10 day trip in Japan, do you think it is safer if she can get a guarantor, or those figures are okay? 4) We just came back from a 5 day trip in an Asian country which is her first time ever. So if she will be granted visa, this will be her first time :-)

Do you think she has a strong shot at getting a visa? What other documents/letters do you think should help?

Thanks and would really appreciate if you can share your experience when applying for a senior citizen. Thank you and more power!

1. I think these are sufficient. 2. Yes. We submitted my mom’s senior ID before but I don’t remember if the agency took it. haha 3. Yep. That should be fine. If you’re a bit nervous about this, you can shorten your declared length of trip. They’re not gonna ask for flights anyway.

I think retired seniors on family trips have greater chances of approval because they don’t really tend to overstay. Do you have your own visa na? If not yet, best to apply at the same time and submit the “list of visa applicants” with you as the representative applicant. It will paint a better picture of your trip.

My wife just renewed her passport and changed name (married name) as well. But her old passport has multiple visa (expiring 2022) under her maiden name. Can we still use it? Anyone here have done this?

I have been told and read online that we can still use it provided that we supply it with marriage certificate. Also, during visa application she also noted her married name on the “other names known by”

Thanks in advance and appreciate any help or feedbacks.

Hi Josh, yun din ang alam ko, need ng marriage cert. Pero di ko alam for sure. :(

does Japan embassy verify flight bookings before approval of visa

They don’t expect you to book flights before application.

Filipino here, wanted to apply for Japan Tourist Visa but my guarantor is residing in other country (Canada), what could be the requirements I will ask from the guarantor? Thanks!

I dunno for sure. I think the Canadian equivalent of the docs? But it’s best to contact the agency where you plan to lodge your application.

I’m an OFW in Saudi, I guaranteed my mom when we applied Japan visa last January 2019. Aside from guarantee letter form from Embassy website that you need to fill up, i also submitted a letter explaining why i guarantee my mom and why i want her to join me in Japan. To support the guarantee letter, I also submitted my Saudi bank statement, my Saudi Employment Cert.,my Saudi Residence ID copy, and ofcourse my passport and my PSA issued Birth Cert and my mom’s Marriage/Birth cert. to prove family relation. The agency (Reli Tours) accepted it and her JP visa got approved after 2 days.

Hi HunterPM! I’m also an OFW here in KSA (Abha)..my wife and I are planning to visit Japan on Jan 2020..I have a few questions if u don’t mind..

1. Nasa Pinas ka ba nung nag-apply ng Japan visa? Kc ako I’m planning to ship my passport and documents to PHL, then my wife will submit the application to the agency (Attic Tours)..sabi ng Attic tours ok lang naman na ipasa ko mga docs ko while nasa KSA ako.

2. Hahanapin kaya ng embassy yng Exit/Re-entry visa? Balak ko kc ipadala yng docs ko sa PInas by 1st week of November, and sa tingin ko hindi pa ko mabigyan ng exit/re-entry visa ng company ko since it’s too early.my flight to PHL is on Dec 17

Appreciate your prompt response bro :-)

Thanks for sharing! It’ll help our other readers for sure!

Hi! Do you have any sample on how to fill up the letter to guarantee? Also, regarding the bank certificate, should I submit one copy per applicant even if 2 of them have the same guarantor (my father who will not travel with us will be my mom and sister’s guarantor)?

Hi Micaeluh,

Wala po kaming sample ng Guarantee letter for Japan. Pero madali na lang yun kasi may format naman.

Nung family trip namin, we produced 1 copy of bank certificate for EACH, pero 1 copy lang talaga ang kinuha ng agency. So yung copies ng iba eh nasayang lang, haha. Pero tawag ka na lang sa agency to be sure.

I’ve been reading your blog almost everyday since me and bf are planning to go to Japan this end of November and I find your blog very informative and helpful. Meron lang po akong question, we are planning po na Osaka/Kyoto/Nara > Tokyo kami and balak namin is 10 days pero idedeclare lang namin sa visa is 7 days because not sure po kung enough na yung tig 100k kami sa bank. Is it okay po ba na di masunod ung days na nilagay namin sa application? hindi po ba kami maquequestion pagdating namin sa immigration? Thank you po in advance! :)

1. yep, ok lang.

2. normally hindi naman.

3. okay lang.

pero if nabobother ka, declare nyo na lang yung totoo. :)

Hello can you please email me and I need help for my Japan Visa Letter. I will further explain it through email. thank you

Salamat po! Will update you sa result ng application namin 1st week of Oct. ☺️

Hi po sorry follow up regarding dun sa question ko, aside from the days, okay lang po ba na ang ideclare namin na pupuntahan is just around Osaka pero mag Tokyo din kami if ever? Thanks again

Hi! ask ko lang po i got single entry visa, and we are travelling to tokyo and osaka. From tokyo to osaka we will take by plane kc mas cheaper sya compare sa train. Are we allowed to entry to Osaka after Tokyo? Thank you!

Hi Janice, yep, if direct naman from Tokyo to Osaka, pwede. Basta domestic, pwede, kasi di ka naman dadaan sa Immigration nun.

Hi! I just want to ask if paano kung ung guarantor ko doesn’t have an ITR because my mom is a businesswoman. Is there any document na pwede ireplace with ITR as per guarantor’s requirement?

Pag businesswoman, usually may ITR pa rin dapat.

If wala talaga, you can write an explanation letter and submit other proof of income. Another option is to find another guarantor na mas maayos ang documents.

Im planning to travel japan this december before christmas alone , Ive been in japan last 2 weeks as japan entertainer / talent , i was there 2 times same as entertainer . and i hAve 150k or less on bank account and my account is new , is this acceptable ? , and im planning to get multiple visa entry . my concern is if i have a chance to get my visa before the target date of my travel , and what requirements i need to get ?

Di ako familiar masyado kapag ganyang case. :S

Ask ko lang po about working in Japan po. first timer po kasi ako, but i have my adopted family po kasi sa japan pero wala akong corresponding documents to see na adopted parents ko sila pero sila na po ang tumaong magulang ko. gusto ko sanang pumunta sa kanila and then maghanap nang work. Is that possible? Thanks sa info.

Hi Andre, I have no idea about working in Japan.

Hello! Magkaka problem ba ako if magkaiba yung address sa ITR at COE ko? Lumipat na kasi kami ng building but the registered address sa BIR is still yung previous.

You can write an explanation letter.

for itinerary need ba pati oras ?

Hi Yoshke. Great post, thank you for this. I would like to ask a few questions since I’ll be applying for my visa next month. This is my first time to travel overseas and I’m planning to travel to Japan this November 24.

Like you said I need to include the date of arrival to my number of stays. I’m planning to stay for 15 days. Does this mean I need to get back to the Philippines on December 8 or can I extend my stay until December 9 since that will be my return flight anyway? Or would that be an overstay of 1 day already. I’m planning to max out the 15 days since I’m meeting with my Japanese boyfriend. My mom is my guarantor.

Also, may I ask if I should return to the Philippines after my Japan visa expires or can I travel to another country? We’re planning to go to Taiwan next after my stay in Japann flight is December 9. Is this allowed or should I go back to the Philippines after my stay in Japan?

Sorry for the long questions, I hope you can enlighten some of my confusions. Thank you so much for reading. Will await for your further correspondence.

Hi Reiko, i already answered this question.

As far as I know, you should be able to make it past Japanese immigration on or before December 8. You can double check with the agency to be sure.

You can visit Taiwan straight from Japan if that’s what you want. Just make sure you meet Taiwan’s immigration requirements.

If we are to stay at multiple hotels (cos will be travelling to Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto within 8 days), do we need to indicate the names and addresses of all our hotels, or just pick one with the longest duration we will be staying?

Hi Jerome, I usually just write the first hotel sa form tapos I clarify na lang sa Daily Schedule.

Not sure if tama yun, but that’s what I usually do for myself and for friends/family na nag-aapply. So far wala pa namang naging problem.

Thanks sa blog mo, really helpful!

However, i’ll ask a question that might be irrelevant sa blog pero i’ll ask na rin just in case alam mo. I’ll be travelling to Japan next month kasama Mom and niece ko na 9 years old. Cut the long story short, would you know if pwede siya magtravel without her parents? May consent letter naman from both of the parents kaya lang kasi sabi ng agency baka daw hingian kame ng DSWD documents and other stuffs pagdating sa immigration.

Hope you know or just an idea about it. Thank you!

If a minor is traveling without either parent, they need a DSWD Travel Clearance. I travel with my nephew and niece a lot without their parents, a DSWD is required.

We have a separate post about DSWD Clearance here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/04/dswd-travel-clearance-minors-application-requirements-frequently-asked-questions/

Hello Yoshke!

I will be travelling to japan this march 2020. One of the requirements mentioned is a bank certificate. I have yet to open a bank account so by the time I will apply for a VISA it will be approximately a 5 month old bank account. I have a job and have been with the company for 4 years already I can give my ITR and perhaps the Statement of account of my payroll account which i dont leave any money in it. will it be a red flag in terms of financial capacity? or is it better to accompany a letter of explaination as to why i have just opened a bank account? I am quite bothered due to my poor financial decisions in life.

If I were in your shoes, I’d submit both the accounts and add a letter of explanation.

Another way is to find a guarantor.

Hi po Sir Yoshke,

Ask ko lang po re dun sa mga documents na kailangan ipasa for Japan Visa Application, kase po my Company yung tito ko tapos ginawa nya po ako isa sa mga stockholder. Kailangan ko pa po ba magpasa ng ITR ko (2316) oh yung sa Company nalang namen yung (1701)? Incase po ba yung ITR kailangan my tatak ng BIR? Kase po yung binigay samen ng accountant namen is wala daw po talaga tatak ng BIR. I hope po matulungan nyo po ako. Thanks in advance

Which is better depends highly on kung ano ang laman nung 2316 and nung 1701.

Pero in general, less complicated kung yung employee ITR (personal).

Naranasan ko na mag-apply as employee, walang stamp, ok lang. Nag-apply na rin ako as self-employed pero may stamp ung sinubmit ko, so di ko alam if okay lang na wala pag self-employed.

Great article! Very informative and orderly. I just want to be sure on the subject about ITR. My mom is a senior citizen but she still teaches. My sister and I are split between getting her an ITR. I believe she needs it because she is still working and my sister believes she doesn’t need it because she is a senior citizen. I have contacted the travel agency already but I would appreciate your help on this as well. Thank you and I look forward to your reply. Keep up the fantastic work!

I would still submit the ITR, if I were in your place.

Hi, its been a week now since I haven’t heard my visa application. Me and my friend applied together last week, that was wednesday. The agency send our application by thursday to the embassy and my friend got texted by the agency the ff day that she can pick up her passport. While in my case I haven’t got any updates. Is it possible umabot pa til next week akin? I’m a little worried kc.

Anong sabi ng ng agency? Wala pa rin daw sa kanila?

They said to wait for the text lang kaso no news yet? I guess it’ll be the 8th day na. Although I read the Japan Embassy website na if wala padin after a week I’ll call them directly sa embassy na.

Hi! I am a fresh graduate, and I am applying for Japan Visa. What should I write in the occupation part of the application form. “Unemployed”? If I write “student”, would they ask for my school documents like Certificate of Registration? Tho, my Mom will be my guarantor for my trip.

Hi! For my Document 2316 there is a part there that reads: “to be accomplished under substituted filing” Kailangan po bang signed ung signature ng HR sa part na un ? Digitally signed na po kasi ung main part ng ITR pero yung sa part na “to be accomplished under substituted filing” wala pong sign.

Hi Paolo, di ko po alam. Pero hopefully alam ng ibang makakabasa.

Passport ng mga bata required ba may signature din?

Pwede ba ang white shirt sa picture? For korea or china kasi nakaspecify talaga sa website ng embassy na white shirt is not allowed. Pero sa jaoan embassy wala naman nakaspecify. Pero may ibang travel agency ayaw tanggapin pag naka white shirt

Is airbnb stay recommended in fukuoka?

I will be travelling in Japan with my family (3 kami) and I am also their guarantor, will the visa application be approved, we’ll stay for 4 days? I have a full time job naman, but only 200k in my bank.

PS. What is the weather in Fukuoka during end Jan to Feb? :)

1. Ok lang naman AirBnB sa Japan. Legal naman. Just make sure malapit sa train station para madali lang magexplore.

2. I think ok lang naman ang 200k for 3 pax. Basta low-cost carrier ilagay mo na airline sa application form.

3. For the weather, best to check apps like Accuweather. :D

Hi! I freelance on Upwork and registered as a self-employed professional with BIR. What should I put in line 18? Self-employed? How about the name, address, contact no? Because you said it should reflect on what’s stated in my ITR.

Ay, di ko alam pag professional. :( Yung saken kasi is as sole proprietor so ung name ng business ung nilagay ko. Best to leave it blank tapos dun mo na ifill up sa agency para sure. :D

BTW, pwede kaya mobile no. na lang sa part 18? Wala kasi kaming landline kasi di naman talaga namin need.

:( I see. Sige po. Thank you. :)

Hi! I will be sponsoring 2 in the group (we’re a group of 5), they’re my titas. Do we put my name in their application forms, under “Guarantor or Reference in Japan”? There seems to be no field to write for Filipino Guarantors specifically, not Japanese. Or do we leave it N/A and just attached the Guarantee Letter? Thanks!

Hi Marky, iba-iba ang sinasabi ng agency about that.

see FAQ1 here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-application-form/

Hello! Ask ko lang po if enough na po ito.

I have 15k balance in my account, pero I still have my mother as my guarantor. She has 110k on her bank. Bale tatlo po kami sa trip, ako, my mother and brother. Bale mother po namin magssponsor ng trip kasi student palang po yung kapatid ko. Nakabili na din po kami ng roundtrip ticket so bawas na siya. Plus sa Osaka po yung trip namin and listed a cheap hotel. Do you think it is workable po? Thank you!

Yung 110K tapos 5 days, if one or two people lang, feeling ko ok pa rin ang chances na maapprove.

Ang approval/denial ay depende sa napakaraming factors ha, hindi lang sa funds. Pero assuming na everything else is OK, I think yung 110K for 5 days for 1 or 2 pax ay ok pa rin ang chances pa rin na maapprove.

Pero for me, parang malabo na pag 3 people na. Masyado na syang maliit for 3 pax, I think.

Di ko alam if makakatulong kung ieexplain mo pa yung parating na 13th month. Nagiging complicated kasi tsaka mahirap panghawakan kung wala pa. Yung bookings naman, you can try na isama ung mga proof ng mga nabook nyo na pero di ko alam if ok din yun. May nagsasabi kasi na iba na minsan tinatanggal yun ng agency.

Ang best talagang gawin is to consult a designated agency kasi mas alam nila ang dapat gawin.

Ilang days ang trip nyo?

7 days po all in all pero 5 days ang libot po namin sa Japan. First day is arrival, Second day is Kyoto tour sa mga free tourist spots lang since New Year non and baka sarado yung establishments. Third day is Nara Deer Park, Fourth day is rest day since Sunday and baka around the guest house lang kami. Fifth Day is Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Sixth day is Namba and shop ng pasalubong. Sixth day is alis

Note ko lang din po na 6th month ko palang po sa work and nilagay ko sa letter na i’ll still add more than sa 15k since may sweldo pa ng december. For transpo naman po, hiwalay yung bayad namin doon and ibang money nakin gagamitin since bibili kami ng kansai thru pass and osaka amazing pass (may nangutang po kasi kay mama and babayaran this dec)

all in all po kasi 6 days (7 days kung kasama arrival), pero sa itinerary na sinubmit namin, 4 days lang kami gagala since sa first day of arrival, accommodation lang and sa last day is alis na ng hotel and derecho flight bale eto po kasi yung itinerary namin

Day 1: Arrival sa evening Day 2: Day trip Nara Day 3: Day trip Kyoto Day 4: Rest day since Sunday po siya, baka bumisita lang kami sa nearest shrine and eat Day 5: Tour Dotonbri and Shinsaibashi Day 6: Tour Namba and baka dito na po kami magstart mamili ng pasalubong Day 7: Departure na

Bukod po kasi sa show money na 110k ni mama at 15k ko, may nakalaan na kami for transportation (like may iba kaming pangbili ng Kansai Thru Pass at Osaka Amazing Pass [w free attraction passes] – may nangutang po kasi sa amin na kamaganak and this december niya po babayaran at yun po pambibili namin doon through Klook)

And I said din po sa letter na I’m still planning to add funds on my 15k since there would be a bonus and 13th month pay on December. 6 months palang po kasi ako sa work

Hi, my guarantor which is my Tita is currently living in Sweden and also a british citizen, is that possible for her to be my guarantor? I’ve also been there (SWEDEN) last year for a month and she all paid for my expenses.

Hi Karrenrrt, sorry, I have no idea. :(

Thanks for the informative post! It really helped me when I was gathering my requirements for my tourist visa (w/o guarantor). I just submitted mine yesterday.

I must say, I would be screwed if it weren’t for this. Haha I actually forgot to write my name and birthdate at the back of my picture! good thing I checked this before going to the agency.

You’re probably tired of answering questions again and again. But I just wanna ask a few things (they kinda dawned on me after passing my requirements). I apologize in advance as it’s gonna be a long one. Hopefully you could give me your insight/opinion.

1) Would it matter if I didn’t specify what type of tourist visa I was applying for (single or multi) in my cover letter?

2) Would it matter if I didn’t state that I’ll be traveling with friends? I’m actually traveling with some friends, but I also forgot to mention that too, again, in my letter. I just submitted a copy of our confirmed tickets, hotel bookings, even our JR pass confirmation . We weren’t able to apply as a group due to personal reasons (1 already has ME visa, 1 is still waiting for the elusive 13th month pay, 1 is still in the middle of passport renewal). I’m a bit worried about this part as I was not able to explain it.

3) I’ve been to Japan before, but under the Engineer’s visa. Stayed there for 2 years (with occasional uwi sa Pinas because luto ni nanay and Jollibee ) so I included that in my application form, passed my old passport too. My question is, wouldn’t the embassy think that I’m going back just to look for a job? I mean, I did pass my ITR from my previous employer and a CoE from my current employer and stated that my purpose is for tourism only in my letter. I also explained why my ITR doesn’t match as I just started working for my current employer last May 14. I submitted copies of my payslips too, together with my bank certificate. Would these be enough proof of my ties here in the Philippines?

Again, sorry about this. I don’t know if I’m being anxious over nothing. I travelled to other countries before, but this is my first time applying for a tourist visa.

I just submitted mine and my partner’s application this Monday, November 25 in Reli Tours. Our travel date is on December 13, 2019 and I am a bit anxious if we can still get our visa on time. Both of us are first time travelers to Japan. I have my previous China, UAE, South Korea, and US Visa but my partner has no visa yet. He has traveled to 4 non-visa countries this year but he was denied of South Korean Visa last year.

I applied for the both of us and we share the same itinerary in Japan. Is it possible that we get our visa before our scheduled travel date?

I asked Reli Tours and they told me that it normally takes 7 to 10 working days but my friends got theirs within 4 days only.

If you’re asking if it’s possible that you will get your visa before December 13, yes, it is possible. Like what your agency said, the normal processing time is 7-10 days.

It’s only been 3 days! I think it’s too early to be worried.

Hi Yoshke. We got our visa by November 28. It was issued in November 26. That was really fast! Thank you.

Just an update, got my visa today, 3 days after I passed my requirements, and it’s approved!! Single entry for 15 days :)

Guess I was worrying over nothing hehehe.

Anyways, thanks to this blog! It really helped a lot.

Hello there. You’ve mentioned that all documents must be printed in A4 paper only. Does that really include the 2316 form too? I mean, it is sized way more than A4, and impossible to photocopy without leaving out bits from the header and trailer.

Hi Yoshke Dimen

I would like to ask a questions which you could answer.

Do they accept my bank certificate to show around 400k to up more than 100k for single-entry visa?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hi good day! I would like to ask about the A4 size in all documents, is the birth certificate should be size A4 as well?

Many Thanks

Hi Ayesha, Di need na A4 ang birth certificate.

The A4 rule only applies to documents you have control over (schedule, application form, etc.).

Good day! I have a question with regards to a minors passport. My nephew is 8 years old and Japan embassy requires signed passport. As per agency, its okay for either parent to sign but DFA site says it must be left blank for 12 years old and below. Though ive read somewhere na she asked dfa baguio and said its ok to sign din daw.

So i had my brother sign his son’s passport. The thing is i am getting paranoid if there will be a issue with immigration since i will be travelling with my nephew without his parents. We have dswd clearance. Have you been in this situation with your niece/nephew wherein a parent signed their passport but neither is travelling with the minor?

Hi Jennica,

Sa experience ko po na mag-travel kasama yung niece ko na below 12 years old without her parents, may signature po ng parent yung passport. Wala naman pong naging problem sa amin.

Okay sige il ask din sa DFA pero medyo nagka-hope naman ako na walang issue. I have DSWD din and naka-travel na kami twice this year. Yun lang wala kasi signature yung passport nya before kasi di naman required.

Hi Yoshke, salamat sa reply! Either parent di nyo kasama? signature lang ba? Kasi sabi sa isang nabasa ko nilagyan nya ng (father) sa gilid. E natatakot ako tuloy sulatan na ng kung ano yung passport ng nephew ko.

ay sorry na-slow ako! without her parents pala. Thank you!!! Signature lang? Wala ng kahit ano? Ganun na lang din gagawin ko :)

Dun sa passport? Yep, signature lang. (Pero may dala akong DSWD clearance pa rin.)

I’m just sharing our experience ha. We’re not sure if it’s the same for everyone. Best to contact DFA pa rin.

Sa list of applicants, since we have more than 5 people in our group, can we just print 2 copies of the form?

Hi Regina, not sure but I think that should be fine.

Thank you so much!

Hello Jennica!

I’m also worried about this. Did you ask DFA? Ano po ang advise nila?

Hi, Is it okay if maglagay kame ng any hotels sa application form? we have not decided yet pa sa final. We are going to process na kase our Visa . THanks

Yep, yung target pa lang naman na hotel. Hindi need na naka-book na.

If we have osaka and tokyo hotels, how do we write it down in the application form? sample i’ve done – Names: Cross Hotel osaka AND Dai-ichi Hotel annex Telephone: No.1 AND No. 2 Addresses: address 1 AND address 2

Is this ok?

I’m not sure if this is correct, but what I always do is, I just write one hotel in the form. Then I write the complete list of hotels in the Daily Schedule.

Hi! My in-laws are planning on travelling to Japan with our Family (me, my husband and son) this April.

My questions are:

1. I don’t have a bank account yet but my husband does. Will it be okay for him to be the guarantor for me and my son? Or is it safer if we convert his account from sole to joint? 2. Can my in-laws be our guarantor(for me and my son)?

This will be our first out of the country trip so we are really clueless and I would really appreciate answers. Thanks in advance! God Bless!

1. Yes, you husband can be the guarantor for you and your son, provided that he has the funds and source of income. :)

2. Yes, that’s okay too, again provided that your in laws have enough funds to support you too. :)

Hi, regarding your answer above (FAQ section), you said that the date of issuance of Birth Certificate is indicated below the document. Can you be more detailed where and what portion of it? I have a PSA Birth Certificate but I forgot when it was issued. I was thinking it was issued still within 12 months but I’m not certain anymore. It would be difficult for me to acquire a new one. Thank you.

If you got your birth certificate from PSA, you will see a barcode at the bottom left corner of the certificate. It has a string of numbers below the barcode. Towards the end of the sequence is the date. You can spot it by looking for the year first. Something like 20180202, which means it was issued in 2018.

Thanks Yoshke. I dropped by our nearest PSA satellite branch in our city but when I checked the newly-issued Birth Certificate, the number below does not even have the “2020” number to indicate that it was issued just this year. I asked the staff and she said that the only determining factor to estimate the date of issuance is the color of the security paper used. She said that the color is being changed from time to time and PSA informs different agencies the current color used.

Hmmmm. Baka depende sa lugar.

But whenever I apply for me or for my family/friends dito sa Manila, they check the numbers sa barcode sa baba.

My visa is expiring in feb 19 2020 can i still use it for my trip jan 25-feb 2, 2020

By the way, last question, when I submit my completed requirements to the accredited agency, will they check all the documents? How can I be sure that my personal info/details will only be known by Japan’s Embassy? I’m afraid that these documents might be copied or used elsewhere fraudulently. Where should I put the documents in? Brown envelope? Folder? Thank you.

when I submit my completed requirements to the accredited agency, will they check all the documents? — Yes, they’ll check in front of you. If they see something that needs to be amended/corrected, they’ll tell you on the spot. At least, sa experience ko, ganun lagi.

How can I be sure that my personal info/details will only be known by Japan’s Embassy? — You can’t. There is always that risk when applying for a visa via agencies. But I don’t think there is any other way.

Where should I put the documents in? Brown envelope? Folder? — There is no prescribed container. I’m not sure if it’s the same across all agencies, but sa lahat nang napag-applyan ko, no need for folder or envelope. Tinatanggal lang din ng agency. Isusubmit sa kanila as a bare pile lang then they will check in front of you. When everything is good, iro-rolyo nila or kung ano man ang system nila.

Hi! My mom and I are planning to visit Japan, are we considered as travelling as a family? Also, my mom is a plain housewife, I will shoulder all the travel expenses, I am currently confused on what are the additional documents I need to submit. Hope you can help me with this. Thank you!

Yes, you can be considered family. Just submit your applications at the same time.

The list of requirements in the post above applies to both of you. (Including the docs under WITHOUT GUARANTOR for yourself and WITH GUARANTOR for your mom)

In case of overlapping documents like bank certificate & birth certificate, only one copy is enough. Just make sure you’re applying as a group.

My passport and all my bank accounts and government IDs are still under my maiden name but I am expecting to receive our PSA marriage certificate some time mid 2020 (i got married Nov 2019). My flight to Tokyo with my husband is on October 2020. Can I still apply for a visa to Japan without changing any of my IDs to my married name but still submit my PSA Marriage certificate? Or should we just apply as Single or is that a bad idea? I plan on updating my name in my ids and bank records next year or end of the year. My passport expires 2022 so i was thinking of not renewing it yet

Hi! Can I apply with a guarantor even if I have a full time job?

And my father wants to be my mother’s and sister’s guarantor however he is an OFW and is still abroad. What can we do in this situation? Like how can he put his signature on the letter of guarantee?

And if I computerize my application letter, can the date of application be left handwritten?

Hello. I have a question. My kids and I are planning a trip to Japan with my parents and sister. I am a housewife. My husband is an OFW (in short, he doesn’t file ITR). He will finance our (kids and me) trip but he won’t be going with us because he can’t go on vacation yet. What do I need to submit? We have a joint account here as well as checking account and investments under my name and our kids’ names.

Hi peaches,

If walang ITR, write a letter lang explaining that your husband, who will finance the trip, works abroad so walang ITR. Then submit other proof of employment ni hubby.

You can submit yung bank certificate nung joint account, okay lang yun basta may sufficient funds. :)

I have a question for bank cert. I have eastwest opened since Aug or 2019 with 6 digits funds (me and my younger brother since i’ll sponsor him) and we plan to travel on March 2020. I have other banks na opened more than 5years na but the funds is only 5 digits. is it ok na eastwest lang i submit ko or to be safe do i need to get bank cert for my other banks as well?

Hi Nica, best to submit din even yung old. Makakatulong din yun. :)

Hi! My multiple entry Japan visa is expiring on Dec 2020, i booked a Japan trip on June 2020. Do i still need to renew my visa prior to my Japan trip?

No, valid pa rin naman yung Japan visa mo. :)

Followed the tips here. I got a ticket from ceb pac on a seat sale last November with travel date of February. I applied visa last week attaching my roundtrip ticket. It got approved in just two days. My bank cert adb is low 5 digit however my final balance was 6 digits due to the bonuses and 13th month. I will try for multiple visa naman after this february trip. Maybe during autumn naman.

Tip: make itinerary simple and hotel accommodations cheap. Like hostels or inn.

Thanks for sharing, Gabrelov!

Hello! Ask ko lang: Magapply kasi kami ni bf ng Japanese Tourist Visa this Feb para sa travel namin on April 4-11. May travel history ako sa Japan pero last 1995-1996 pa sya (around 5 years old ako). Do I need to present yung old passport ko kahit more than 20 yrs na sya? Do I need to submit PSA birth cert too? Thanks in advance!

Good day! Our Travel date is March 1 to 6 this 2020.We already have plane ticket as well as hotel .all are paid na po.Visa nalang kulang. However, ma la late and uwi sa pinas yung husband ko dahil nasa port sila ng China.Hndi sila pwede umuwi dahil sa corona virus.So Sa australia pa sila uuwi.bale 23 or 24 pa sila lalapag ng pinsa.Mag apply kmi kinabukasan or that day mismo. possible po kaya na makuha namin agad yung result ng visa application namin kung sa last week ng february kami mag apply?Sayang namn kasi lahat is ready na Visa nalang:(((

Hi Mhara, medyo tight. Usually within 1 week makukuha na yung result. Usually. Pero may mga agencies na hindi na tumatanggap ng ganyan ka-tight na timeline.

Thank you po sa reply. We will move nalang po ng 2nd week ng March para sure.We will rebook nalng our plane ticket. Sa hotel naman okay lang kasi i got it on sale for 1600 pesos only(6days na yun).Sayang but thats fine.Mas sayang kung di tanggapin application namin haha.Thank you Sir.You helped me a lot.More power!!

No prob, Mhara!

Actually another way is to declare a much later date, but we don’t recommend that coz it will still be pretty risky.

Hi! I just want to ask, diba you will submit a sample itinerary sa visa application? What if you put there 5 days lang but in reality you plan to stay in Japan for more than 5 days? Like make the most of the 15 day visa approval. Pwede ba yun?

Huhuhu Yoshke, di mo nako nareplyan hehe. :)

Hi CG, sorry, nagta-travel din kasi ako ngayon so hindi ko mareplyan lahat.

Re your question, maraming gumagawa nun. Syempre kami, we can only encourage to be truthful. Pero may mga gumagawa nung ganun na hindi naman nagkakaproblem kasi once you’re granted a visa, ang nagmamatter ay basta within the allowed length of stay and validity.

Thank you, Yoshke! Appreciate it!

Hi! Your blog helped me a lot with the tips you have! I just have a few questions since we’re still a bit confused.

We’re applying for a Japan visa this month and we’re just getting all the necessary documents.

About the bank certificate, do we need to address it to the Japan embassy instead of the agency who will be handling our application? We’re just curious, because if the bank certificate will be directly sent to the Japanese embassy’s address, will they read and keep it despite not accepting direct applications? I mean, don’t we need to address the bank certificate to the agency instead since sa kanila naman po dadaan yung papers before sa embassy? Not sure what to put in the address po kasi.

Also, I read somewhere that one of the reasons why the visa application may get denied is not putting a guarantor but entering a home address from a relative. My aunt in Japan is no longer working and so is her husband so we can’t really add them as our guarantors since they cannot provide tax certificates. We stayed there last 2006 for a month but my mom threw our old passports away since she didn’t know back then that it can become handy.

I hope you can acknowledge this po. Thank you!

When I apply for a visa, all my documents are addressed to the embassy, not the agency.

Regarding your second question, hmmmm, if you’re applying for a TOURIST VISA, then yes, it is fishy to declare you’re staying with someone. Pag tourist, generally, dapat hotel address kasi may separate stream sila pag may dadalawin, which is VISIT VISA.

Thank you po! Just a follow-up question po. We decided to stay in a hotel nalang po to prevent complications. Can we put the address of the hotel on the application form maski na hindi pa kami nakabook sa hotel? Kasi we’re thinking na baka may makita pa kaming mas mura na hotel while waiting for the visa results so baka maiba yung address ng hotel by the time ng alis namin.

Yep, okay lang kahit di nyo pa na-book. Yung target nyo pa lang na hotel, okay lang yun.

OK, thank you! Last na po, is it possible to just put the targeted hotel on the application form pero magstay there for around 2 days lang tapos the rest of the days (4 days), dun kami makitulog sa tita ko? Will the embassy check on our hotel info or other info about the place we will be staying in that may cause problems with our departure?

Hi! Is 500k bank cert enough to cover 3pax for ME visa application? Pero under guarantor po kaming tatlo ng mom and brother ko. My dad will be the guarantor but he will not coming with us to Japan. Or should we increase the amount pa? Thank you.

Hi Chloe, how long is the trip?

Hi! It will be for 9 days but I think we’re only declaring 6 days :) or should we declare it as 9 days instead?

Hi! I just want to ask kung mabibigyan ako ng multiple entry visa since nakapagbook ako ng RT tickets MNL – KIX – MNL for July 2020 and MNL – NRT – MNL for Dec 2020 naman i have 130k+ sa bank. Employed for 2+ years. Downside is I only travelled outside of PH once. Second country palang ang Japan. Thanks.

Hi! It’s hard to say kung mabibigyan ka ng multiple entry. Meron namang nabibigyan ng multiple entry on their first try, pero generally safer ang single entry for first timers. Best to ask the agency pag nagsubmit ka ng docs.

Okay lang po ba na ang ilagay sa purpose of visit ay TOURISM (HONEYMOON)?

Hello! Your blog is very informative! Thank you for providing all the details. By the way, I have a question. I want to invite my family here in Japan. My husband will be the guarantor. I want them to apply for the SOFA visa for Japan. Since my husband will be the guarantor, I’m planning to let my family submit my MC as proof of relationship. Kailangan din ba na newly released or 1 year valid din yung MC ko from PSA? Or the rule for PSA documents validity only apply to the applicant?

Hi Angelique,

Di ko po sure. Ang alam ko dapat within 1 year pa rin.

Hi po ask ko lang po if possible na b ako mag apply ng visa on last week of march 2020 kahit ung flight ko is on JUNE 1 , 2020????

Basta within 3 months before your travel date, pwede.

Hi ask ko lang po about bank certificate , sabi ” Must be issued within the past 3 months.” feb po ako nakakuha ng bank cert kaso medyo may delays lang kasi yung guarantor ko is sending pa his documents thru lbc , question is , til when po valid ang bank certificate ko ? TIA

If Feb po kayo nakakakuha, within the past 3 months pa rin naman po yun.

Thanks po , medyo narealize ko na , isa pa pong question, im married po sa isang american citizen and he will sponsor everything , ano po ba ang need marriage certificate namin or birth certificate nya ? problem po kasi sa US ndi sila basta basta nag iissue ng birth certificate agad agad unlike dito anytime pwede kumuha, meron naman ako birth certificate nya kaso medyo luma na , base po kasi sa nabasa ko dito pag married ” marriage certificate lang ang need tama po ?

Hi! Naku, di ko po alam if paano pag ganyang case. :S

thanks in advance po

btw, eta ng documents is around feb 26.. so sa tingin nyo po valid pa yung bank cert ko ?

Hi. Is it ok to apply for Japan visa 45 days before the travel date? Thank you.

Good PM! Ask ko lang po sa contact box ng schedule of stay form, whose contact/number do i write if i’m staying in a hotel? Tama po ba na phone number ng hotel and NOT my mobile number?

Contact number ng hotel. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/11/sample-itinerary-daily-schedule-of-stay-japan-visa-application/

Thank you very much for your reply.

Sir, one last thing…sa id number issued to you by your govt…need pa po ba ilagay what kind of id? ex: SSS 123-456-789 or just the numbers without spacings?

Nilalagay ko rin po yung type.

Thank you very much. God willing ma-approve visa application ko. God bless!

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/27/20/japan-scraps-visas-issued-in-philippines-10-other-countries-over-virus-fears-report

Question: Is the invalidation of visa temporary (i.e. visa is not valid within a specific timeframe) or do existing visa holders need to reapply again?

According to GMA News, it’s only temporary, possibly until the end of April but still subject to review.

Good day Sir.My visa was granted February 12 to May 12. Supposedly, my flight should be on March 18, but due to Covid 19 crisis, my flight was cancelled. I am now planning to rebook my flight within this year but it would be done after my visa expires.Do i need to apply for another visa with regards to the ongoing crisis? Thank you so much.

Hi. My question is, while us children have money of our own, for visa application purposes we’ll put my mother as guarantor. My father passed away, leaving us some his assets. My mother doesn’t work. However, she manages the real estate assets left behind by my father. Is is enough to be stated in guarantor letter without her ITR, with only her bank certificate?

I NEED AN AGENCY THAT CAN HELP ME APPLY FOR A TOURIST VISA TO JAPAN

Question lang po. Ok lang po ba reason yung planning to get married to the person I’m inviting Here in Japan?

Hi Joey Anne, naku, di ko po alam if may implications yung ganun sa application.

Hi TPT, we’ll travel to Japan this coming May 2023, spending 2 nights in Tokyo, 1 night in Kawaguchi, 2 nights in Kyoto and 2 nights in Osaka. Can I use only one IC card (Suica) for all of those places we are going to visit? Is Osaka Amazing Pass still worth buying for the Osaka leg of the trip if I already have IC card?

Hi Arki, SUICA (and PASMO) CANNOT be used to cross regions (e.g. Tokyo to Osaka).

You can use them WITHIN certain areas (for example, within Tokyo or within Osaka or even from Osaka to Kyoto). But NOT when crossing regions.

What if po is Sponsor po sa my bf is we want to meet halfway in japan for first time and need po ba return ticket? Pag sa IO na?ano po need need po ba CFO and affidavit of support?

hello po, may question lang po ako. confused ako kung anong visa ang kukunin ko. tourist or visiting a friend. kasi hindi ako nagbook ng hotel, sa friend ako magsstay. alin po mas safe?

If you’re staying with a friend, VISIT FRIEND visa po.

Hello, I have a family member in Japan, specifically Nagoya but my main purpose is really for tourism. I don’t intend on staying with them but I can meet up with them if they want to provided that they will travel to Osaka which will be our entry point. I’m wondering if I should apply for a visit visa instead of tourism? I am traveling with my boyfriend and we will shoulder all our expenses. None will be taken from my family in Japan. I hope you could help me with this. Thank you.

If you’re spending your nights in a hotel and your family member will not shoulder anything, I think better to apply for a Tourist Visa so it won’t get complicated.

Hello, good day. We are applying as a family of 3 (husband, wife, kid). We have uploaded a marriage certificate as required. Does it mean that we also need to submit 2 PSA copies of marriage certificate to the agency or embassy?

My visa was denied. The agency didn’t tell me the reason. What is the possible reason?

Hello po,   Question. This is my international travel, is there a chance na hindi ako ma approve? I can submit all of the documents it’s just that natatakot ako ma disapprove. Also the reason why I’m travelling to Japan is to accompany my Auntie. My cousin will go in Japan and kami ng Tita ko dito sa Pinas ay pupunta dun to meet him and para makapagtravel na din si Tita kasi gusto ng cousin ko nga makatravel din si Mama. My Tita and my Cousin are both have US Passport so no need na for them to get a Japan Visa.

Yung sa akin lang winoworry ko. If in case na gagawin kong guarantor si cousin, ilalagay ko ba ang details nya under “Guarantor or reference in Japan”?

Thank you sa maka sagot. March pa kami aalis pero I need to prepare for this kasi first time ko. 

Hi Keen, si cousin po ay anong status sa Japan? Nagwowork po ba sya doon? Resident po ba sya dun?

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Visa Application Documents (download)

• Visa Application Form ( Example )
• Invitation Letter ( Japanese / English )
• List of Visa Applicants( Japanese / English )
• Itinerary in Japan ( Japanese / English )
• Letter of Guarantee ( Japanese / English )
• Details of the Company/Organization ( Japanese / English )
• Request for a Multiple-Entry Visa ( Japanese / English )
• Visa Fee Exemption Request
• Application to Extend Re-entry Permit
• Family Tree ( PDF / Excel )
• Family Photo Sample
• Petition ( Japanese / English ) *For expired "Permanent Resident"

 AUTHORIZATION LETTER to JAPAN EMBASSY for PSA

My Japan Visa Application Approved — Here are 5 Steps for Filipinos

Yay! You don’t know how happy I was when I got my Japan tourist visa. It only took three (3) working days for me to claim my Philippine passport with an attached single-entry Japan tourist visa. I know how overwhelming it is to complete the Japan visa requirements, especially for first-timers. So, I’ve come up with an easy-to-follow Japan visa application guide for Filipinos who wish to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun!

Step 1: Know your visa type and gather your Japan visa requirements

There are actually a number of Japan visa types , each with different sets of Japan visa requirements. As for me, I applied for a Japan visa for Tourism (Temporary Visitor).

Japan tourist visa requirements that I submitted are:

• My Philippine Passport (with more than 6 months validity)
• Japan Visa Application Form
• Photo  (4.5cm × 3.5cm, with white background and taken within 6 months)
• PSA Birth Certificate (issued within one year)
• Daily Schedule in Japan (download this Schedule of Stay form )
• Bank Certificate
• Cover Letter to explain my Japan visa application without ITR
• Certificate of Employment (optional)

See complete list of Japan visa requirements for tourism (short-term) purposes.

Step 2: Fill out the Japan visa application form

Download this new Japan visa application form and fill out the required fields such as complete name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, nationality, passport number, etc.

Sample Japan visa application form provided by the Japan Embassy:

Step 3: Submit your Japan tourist visa requirements to an accredited travel agency

Submit your Japan visa requirements to any of the accredited travel agencies in the Philippines . As for me, I chose RELI Tours & Travel in SM Megamall since this was the nearest location by the time I applied for my Japan visa. They have 6 branches in Metro Manila: SM Megamall, SM Mall Of Asia, SM Southmall, Hotel Dusit Thani, ANTEL, and Lucky Chinatown.

Once you are in the travel agency office, get a priority number and wait for your turn. A travel agent will then thoroughly check your Japan visa requirements and ask for clarifications when needed before you pay the Japan visa handling fee.

Step 4: Pay the Japan visa fees

Actually, the Japan visa fee for Filipinos is gratis , meaning it is FREE. What you will be paying is the agency’s handling fee, which varies from ₱800 to ₱2,000, depending on the travel agency and visa type. RELI Tours & Travel charges ₱950 for a single entry or multiple entry Japan tourist visa without guarantor (1-B), and ₱2,000 for those visiting friends and distant relatives in Japan (1-A).

Step 5: Wait for the Japan visa processing time and claim your passport

The estimated Japan visa processing time takes about five (5) working days. Surprisingly, the travel agency texted me that my passport was ready for pick up after three (3) working days from my date of application.

Japan visa FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. can someone process my japan visa application on my behalf.

If you are unable to process your own Japan visa, you may ask someone to apply for you given he or she has an authorization letter with your signature and ID as proof. Direct family members such as parents and siblings can also process your Japan visa without an authorization letter.

2. Do travel agencies offer courier services for my Japan visa?

Yes, some travel agencies offer a courier service for your Japan visa. RELI Tours & Travel has this option. Please check their Japan visa courier service for more information.

3. Are flight tickets and hotel bookings needed?

Proofs of confirmed flights and accommodations are not required for your Japan visa application, but they can be part of your supporting documents. Also, you will have to indicate your planned airline and hotel addresses in the application form even though you haven’t made any bookings yet.

Tip: You can reserve your Japan accommodation from Klook or Agoda . Some hotels offer flexible cancellation arrangements where you can cancel your booking free of charge. So if your Japan visa gets denied, you can be at ease knowing you haven’t spent anything on your hotel bookings yet.

RESERVE JAPAN HOTEL

4. What other supporting documents can I submit?

Other supporting documents you may submit are credit card statements, proof of owned properties or businesses, a cover letter, and certificate of employment.

5. Should I buy a JR Pass ahead and submit it as one of my supporting documents?

The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is not a required document. I would recommend that you buy it once your visa is approved. As the train system in Japan is quite expensive, it is ideal to buy the JR Pass before you enter Japan and NOT before your Japan visa application.

Tip: Klook offers different kinds of JR Passes, but if you intend to cross different regions in Japan, I suggest that you buy the JR Whole Japan Rail Pass (Consecutive 7, 14, or 21 Days) . We somehow regretted not purchasing the JR Pass online before travelling to Japan. It could have minimised our total travel cost in Japan.

BUY JR PASS HERE

6. If I completed all requirements, will this guarantee my approval?

Submission of complete requirements does not guarantee the issuance of your Japan visa. However, this will give you higher chances of approval. You may also read our tips on how to increase your chances of visa approval .

7. If my Japan visa requirements are incomplete, will I get denied?

Not all the time. Some applicants still get approved with incomplete documents. It is a case-by-case basis.

8. Can I still apply for a Japan visa without ITR (Income Tax Return)?

Yes you can. Just like what I did, you can write a letter of explanation on why you have no ITR for your Japan visa requirements. See my Japan visa without ITR sample letter of explanation . Also, here’s how I got my Korean visa without ITR  for your reference.

9. Can I DIY my Japan visa application?

No. All Japan visa applications must be coursed through an accredited travel agency. Here is a complete list of accredited travel agencies by the Japan Embassy .

10. Can first-timers apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

Yes. First-timers may apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa if eligible. Check out the multiple-entry Japan visa requirements for tourists.

11. When should I apply for a Japan visa prior to my travel period?

While the Japan visa processing time can only take up to five (5) working days, it is safe to apply for your Japan visa a month or two prior to your intended travel dates.

12. Will there be an interview?

In some instances, you may be called for a personal appearance, especially when the embassy has clarifications about your application.

13. When can I follow up on my application?

You may follow up on your application if your passport has not been returned after more than a week. Get an 8-digit acceptance number from your travel agency and inquire about the status of your Japan visa application at the embassy itself.

14. Can I get back my Japan tourist visa requirements after the application?

No. All submitted documents will not be returned to you regardless of the outcome. Only your passport will be returned to you with a Japan visa pasted on one page if approved.

15. If I get denied, when can I apply for a Japan visa again?

You can only re-apply after six (6) months.

16. Can I still make an appeal to reconsider my Japan visa application?

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines clearly states that you can only re-apply for the same purpose after six (6) months. However, I found a Japan visa appeal story in 2017 and another one in 2019  wherein both applicants appealed in less than a month, transferred to a different travel agency, and submitted a letter of appeal and additional supporting documents such as confirmed flights , hotel booking , and guarantee letter. Do note that as of this writing, there are no recent accounts saying that an appeal is plausible.

There you have it. I hope you find my Japan tourist visa guide useful. Good luck in your Japan visa application! Let us know how it goes by connecting with us on Facebook ,  Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube .

By the way, before you travel to Japan, secure your Japan SIM card or pocket WiFi  and Suica Card . You may also want to read our Japan spring itinerary and our Japanese food favorites .

Disclaimer: While I was granted a single-entry Japan tourist visa on my first application, this does not guarantee the same outcome for your Japan visa application. It is still on a case-by-case basis. I highly suggest that you complete your Japan tourist visa requirements set by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to avoid any complications.

Japan Tourist Visa Requirements & Application Process

• Post author: escapemanila
• Post comments: 0 Comments
• Post last modified: January 15, 2024

Japan is a fascinating destination with a unique culture, delicious food, and stunning scenery that attracts tourists from all over the world. If you’re a Philippine passport holder planning a trip to Japan, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa before you can enter the country.

The process of obtaining a Japan tourist visa may seem daunting at first, but with proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, it can be a straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to help you get a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines , so you can start planning your dream trip to this beautiful country.

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

Before you start the visa application process, it’s important to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for a Japan Tourist Visa . You must be a Philippine citizen or a foreign national legally residing in the Philippines for at least six months. You should also have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of your intended departure from Japan. Additionally, you must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Japan and a clear purpose for your visit.

There are many types of Japan Visa you can get but for this post, I’ll only talk about the Japan Tourist Visa for tourism and leisure purposes.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents

To apply for a Japan Tourist Visa , you will need to prepare the following documents:

• Philippine passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended departure from Japan. Your passport must be signed and have at least two(2) blank visa pages.
• Visa application form – You can download the visa application form from the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines or can download it from here . It must be printed on A-4 size paper. The application will ask for your flight and hotel details so just put your desired date of travel and a possible hotel that you will be staying in. You do NOT need to purchase a ticket or book a hotel when applying for a Japan Tourist Visa. (You can see a sample completed application form here .
• Photo – You will need to submit a recent 4.5cm x 3.5cm (45×35mm or 2×1.4in) colored photo with white background.
• Birth certificate – If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to submit your original PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) birth certificate with a photocopy. This is no longer required if you have an expired Japan Visa. However, if your visa is on an expired passport, you will have to submit your old/expired passport along with your new passport.
• Marriage certificate – If applicable, you will need to submit your original PSA marriage certificate with a photocopy. This is not required if you have an expired Japan visa.
• Bank certificate – You will be required to submit an original bank certificate issued within the last three months, showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses.
• Income tax return (ITR) – You will need to submit a photocopy of your ITR from the previous year. If you do not have an ITR, you need to submit an explanation letter stating the reason why you don’t have it.
• Daily itinerary – You will need to submit a detailed daily itinerary of your trip, including the places you plan to visit and the activities you plan to do. You can download the template here .
• Proof of Relationship between the applicant and the guarantor   (e.g.Birth Certificate etc.)
• Bank Certificate of the guarantor
• ITR Form 2316 of the guarantor
• Multiple-entry visa request form – you can get the form from the agency. You’ll have to pay an extra Php500 if you will request a ME visa (for Reli Tours) not sure with other agencies.

Please take note that all documents must be on A4-size paper except for the bank certificate and ITR.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application through an accredited travel agency.

List of Accredited Travel Agencies

UHI – UNIVERSAL HOLIDAYS, INC.

Ground Floor – Receiving / 4th Floor- Releasing Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Ayala Center,1223 Makati City

Website: www.universalholidays.com/JapanVisa FB Page: www.facebook.com/UniversalHolidaysInc email: [email protected] or [email protected]

• 02-8859-3857
• 02-8859-3858
• 02-8859-3859
• 02-8859-3860
• 02-7618-2359
• 　0917-634-8280
• 　0917-530-2998

DISCOVERY TOUR, INC.

Website: http://discoverytour.ph/japanvisa/classes/japanese-information-253.html

Main Office: Address: Unit301 G/Floor Sagittarius Building, H.V.Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City Contact Number: 02-8812-3328 / 0915-320-0780 / 0999-943-5231 FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourmakati/

Cebu Branch Address: Zone 5H Bridge Town Square, Plaridel St., Alnag-Alang, Mandaue City Contact Number: 032-340-1819 / 0945-460-6613 / 0999-420-5556 FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourcebu

Davao Branch Address: Address: G/F Door 109 – 110 Quimpo Blvd. Ecoland Brgy. Bucana, Talomo District Davao City Contact Number: 082-285-7188 / 082-321-1315 / 0915-326-0111 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourdavao/

RAJAH TRAVEL CORPORATION

Website: www.rajahtravel.com

Makati Branch Address: 3/F 331 Building, 331 Senator Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Contact Number: 02-8894-08860917-529-6774

Manila Branch Address: Room 202, GLC Bldg, A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw St. Ermita, Manila Contact Number: 02-8523-8801 / 02-8523-8802 / 0917- 854-3628 / 0917- 854-3614

RELI TOURS & TRAVEL AGENCY

Website: www.relitours.ph

Dusit Thani Hotel – Main Office Address: 3rd Floor, Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City Contact Number: 02-7004-3009 / 0967-446-2000 / 0995-109-6034

SM Mall of Asia Branch Address: South Entrance SM Department Store, SM Mall of Asia, Bay City, Pasay City Contact Number: 0906-513-6777

SM Megamall Branch Address: Grand Floor, Mega Strip A, SM MEGAMALL, EDSA, Mandaluyong City Contact Number: 0906-513-6555

ANTEL Branch Address: 2F Antel Seaview Towers Condominium, 2626 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City Contact Number: 0916-448-7000 / 0999-942-5000

SM South Mall Branch Address: 3F Cyberzone, SM Southmall, Almanza Uno, Las Pinas City Contact Number: 0906-513-6222 / 0917-135-9884 / 0916-220-3240

Binondo Branch Address: FS414, 4F, Lucky China Town Mall, 293 Lachamber Street, Binondo, Manila City Contact Number: 0927-870-9552

ATTIC TOURS PHILS., INC

Website: www.attictours.asia

Roxas Blvd.Manila – Main Office Address: G-05 A Antel Seaview Tower 2626 Roxas Blvd. Pasay City Contact Number: 0917-631-0845

SM Mall of Asia Branch Address: Unit 126 Level 1, South Parking Building, MALL OF ASIA, Pasay City Contact Number: 02-8252-0868 / 0917-631-0848

SM North EDSA Branch Address: G/F The Block, SM CITY NORTH EDSA, SM CITY NORTH EDSA Complex, Quezon City Contact Number: 02-8372-3254 / 02-8373-2594 / 0917-898-0905

SM City Fairview Branch Address: Upper Ground Flr. Annex 3 Bldg. SM City Fairview, Quirino Highway cor. Regalado Ave. Brgy. Greater Lagro, Novaliches, Quezon City Contact Number: 0916-618-6165

SM Southmall Branch Address: Loc. 343 3F, SM Southmall Almanza Uno, Las Pinas City Contact Number: 02-8281-8506 / 0917-1866-853

SM Megamall Branch Address: Unit MS104(A) Mega Strip Bldg. A SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City Contact Number: 02-8706-6030 / 0906-516-3246

SM City Clark Branch Address: Ground Level, Service Lane of SM City Clark, Manuel A. Roxas Hwy, Clark Freeport, Angeles Pampanga Contact Number: 045-499-7546 / 0917-305-4292

SM City Cebu Branch Address: 2F, SM CITY CEBU, North Reclamation Area, Mabolo Cebu City Contact Number: 032-239-8435 / 0956-551-9834

Cebu Waterfront Airport Hotel Branch Address: Lobby, Waterfront Airport Hotel 1, Airport Road, Lapu- Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu Contact Number: 032-341-2299 / 032-341-2012

SM City Davao Branch Address: Level 3, SM City Davao, Quimpo Blvd., Talomo Davao City Contact Number: 082-225-89200917-321-1328

FRIENDSHIP TOURS AND RESORTS CORPORATION

Website: www.friendshipmanila.com

Main Office Address: 3rd. Flr., Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City Contact Number: 02-8810-9622 / 02-8819-5644 / 0915-839-4654

Cebu Branch Address: Unit 2-508, 5th Floor, OITC 2 Building, Oakridge Business Park, A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City Contact Number: 032-345-3459 / 032-344-4825 / 0917-724-3373

PAN PACIFIC TRAVEL CORPORATION

Website: www.panpacifictravel.ph This agency only caters to applications WITHOUT documents written in Japanese

Main Office Address: 353 E.T. Yuchengco St., Binondo, Manila Contact Number: 02-8243-6666

Ermita Branch Address: Space A, Ground Flr. & 2nd. Flr., Pacific Pace Apartelle suite, 539 Arquiza St., Ermita, Manila Contact Number: 02-8521-3141 to 46

Makati Branch Address: LG01, Herrera Tower Condo, 98 V.A. Rufino St. (Herrera St.) cor. Valero St., Salcedo Vil., Makati City Contact Number: 02-8810-8551 to 56

Cebu Branch Address: Diplomat Hotel, 90 F. Ramos St. Cebu City Contact Number: 032-254-0343/0345/0347/0349

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

The Japan Tourist Visa is FREE but travel agencies collect handling fees for processing/sending your application to the Japan Embassy. Based on my experience applying from Reli Tours in the Dusit Thani Branch, the handling fee for a single entry visa application is Php950. You will also be asked to pay an additional Php500 if you apply for a multiple-entry visa. The additional fee will be reimbursed if you are only granted a single-entry visa.

Step 5: Wait for Your Visa to Be Processed

The processing time for a Japan tourist visa is approximately five to ten working days. However, this may vary depending on the embassy’s workload and the volume of visa applications received. I got mine approved in two days but got it from the agency after 5 working days.

Once your passport is returned to the agency from the embassy, you will be notified by SMS. You will only know if it’s approved or rejected once you collect the passport.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Trip to Japan!

Now that you have your Japan tourist visa, it’s time to start planning your trip and enjoying your time in Japan! You can check out our comprehensive Tokyo Travel Guide to help you plan your trip to Japan.

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Accredited Japan Visa Travel Agencies in the Philippines

If you’re planning to travel to Japan, it’s essential to have a visa . One way to make the visa application process easier is to go through an accredited travel agency. In this article, we will provide you with a list of accredited Japan visa travel agencies in the Philippines. With this list, you can choose a reliable and efficient agency to help you with your visa application and make your trip to Japan hassle-free.

Common Services Offered by Travel Agencies

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Accredited Japan Visa Travel Agencies play a crucial role in the visa application process for Filipinos traveling to Japan.

These agencies are authorized by the Embassy of Japan to assist applicants in their visa applications. They provide guidance and assistance in preparing the necessary documents, filling out application forms, and scheduling appointments for visa processing.

Accredited travel agencies also help applicants in tracking the status of their visa applications and provide updates on any changes in visa policies and procedures.

With their expertise and knowledge of the visa application process, these agencies make the process more efficient and less stressful for applicants.

Here are some reasons why you should use a travel agency for your Japan visa application:

• Expert Assistance : Accredited travel agencies have extensive knowledge of the visa application process and can provide expert guidance and assistance to ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements.
• Convenience : Travel agencies can help you schedule appointments, gather necessary documents, and track the status of your visa application, saving you time and effort.
• Reduced Chance of Errors : Visa applications can be complicated and require attention to detail. Using a travel agency can help reduce the risk of errors and ensure that your application is processed without delays.
• Keep up with Changes : Travel agencies stay updated on any changes in visa policies and procedures, which can be especially important during times of travel restrictions and uncertainty.
• Peace of Mind : Using a travel agency can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have expert assistance in ensuring that your visa application is complete and processed efficiently.

Using an accredited Japan visa travel agency can make the visa application process more convenient, reduce the risk of errors, and provide peace of mind during the planning stages of your trip. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

While Japan visa travel agencies can assist you with your visa application, there are limitations to what they can do for you. Here are a few things that they CANNOT do:

• Guarantee Approval : While travel agencies can provide guidance and assistance in preparing your visa application, they cannot guarantee that your application will be approved. The final decision lies with the Embassy of Japan.
• Expedite Processing : Travel agencies cannot expedite the processing of your visa application. The Embassy of Japan has their own processing time and it varies depending on the type of visa application.
• Influence the Decision-Making Process : Travel agencies cannot influence the Embassy of Japan’s decision-making process. They can only provide assistance in preparing your application.
• Provide Legal Advice : Travel agencies cannot provide legal advice or representation. If you have legal concerns, it is best to consult with a lawyer.
• Book Flights or Accommodations : While some travel agencies may offer assistance with booking flights or accommodations, it is not their primary responsibility. It is up to the applicant to make their own travel arrangements.

Now that we’ve set proper expectations as to what travel agencies can and cannot do, let’s take a look at some of the most common services they offer.

Travel agencies offer a wide range of services to assist travelers in planning their trips. Here are some of the most common services offered by travel agencies:

• Hotel Reservations : Travel agencies can assist in booking hotels or other accommodations that meet your travel needs.
• Tour Packages : Travel agencies offer various tour packages that include transportation, accommodation, and guided tours of popular destinations.
• Travel Insurance : Travel agencies can offer travel insurance to protect travelers from unexpected events such as trip cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies.
• Visa Assistance : Travel agencies can provide assistance with visa applications and provide guidance on the requirements and application process.
• Car Rental : Travel agencies can arrange for car rentals to make transportation during your trip more convenient.
• Cruise Packages : Travel agencies can provide information and assistance in booking cruise packages to various destinations.
• Group Travel : Travel agencies can organize group travel for families, friends, or colleagues.
• Travel Advisory: Travel agencies can provide information and recommendations on travel advisories, visa requirements, and other important information for traveling to specific destinations.

In summary, travel agencies offer a variety of services to assist travelers in planning their trips, from flight and hotel reservations to tour packages, travel insurance, visa assistance, and more. Travel agencies provide convenience, expertise, and peace of mind, making travel planning easier and stress-free. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Address : Manila Head Office: ATTIC TOURS PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 203 COKO Building 1, Patio Madrigal 2550 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City Website : https://attictours.asia Telephone : +632 8556-6301 to 05 Email : [email protected]

Attic Tours has been providing travel services since 1986 and is known for its personalized service. They offer various tour packages, including Japan tours, and can assist in visa applications.

Address : H. V. Dela Costa Street G/F, Unit 301, Sagittarius Building, 1227 Makati, Philippines Website : www.discoverytour.ph Telephone : +632-8812-3328 Email : [email protected] ; [email protected]

Discovery Tour has been in the travel business since 1981 and is a well-known name in the industry. They offer tour packages, flight and hotel reservations, and can assist in visa applications.

Address : Manila Office 3F Dusit Thani Manila Ayala Center Makati city Philippines 1226 Website : https://www.visa.friendshipmanila.com Telephone : 8819-5644 / 8810-9622 Email : [email protected]

Friendship Tours has been providing travel services since 1961 and has extensive experience in handling group tours. They offer Japan tour packages and can assist in visa applications.

Address : 353 E.T. Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila, Philippines Website : https://panpacifictravel.com.ph Telephone : (02) 8243 6666 Email : [email protected]

Pan Pacific Travel has been providing travel services for over 50 years and is one of the largest travel agencies in the Philippines. They offer various tour packages, including Japan tours, and can assist in visa applications.

Address : 3rd Floor 331 Building Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City, Philippines Website : https://www.rajahtravel.com Telephone : +63 (02) 8894-0886 Email : [email protected]

Rajah Travel has been providing travel services since 1972 and is one of the largest travel agencies in the Philippines. They offer tour packages, flight and hotel reservations, and can assist in visa applications.

Address : 3rd Floor Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Commercial Center Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines Website : https://www.relitours.ph Telephone : +632-7004-3009 +632-7238-8888 LOCAL 8960 0995-109-6034 Email : [email protected]

Reli Tours has been providing travel services since 1966 and is known for its excellent customer service. They offer Japan tour packages and can assist in visa applications.

Address : Ground Floor, Dusit Thani Hotel Ayala Center, Makati City 1223, Philippines Website : https://www.universalholidays.com/ Telephone : 0917 634 8280, (02) 8859 3857 Email : [email protected]

UHI has been providing travel services since 1972 and is one of the largest travel agencies in the Philippines. They offer various tour packages, including Japan tours, and can assist in visa applications.

If you’re a Filipino citizen planning to visit Japan, you’ll need to apply for a visa. The visa application process in the Philippines involves filling out a visa application form and providing the necessary supporting documents, such as your passport, flight and hotel bookings, financial statements, and itinerary.

You can choose to apply for a visa directly to the Japanese Embassy or through an accredited travel agency. It’s important to ensure that your application is complete and accurate to avoid any delays or rejections. The processing time for a Japan visa application typically takes around 5-7 business days.

By following the embassy’s guidelines and preparing all the necessary documents, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a Japan tourist visa and enjoy your trip to Japan.

Japan Visa Fees

If you are a Filipino citizen planning to visit Japan, one of the things you need to prepare for is your visa application. Along with the other required documents, you also need to pay a visa fee. Here’s a guide on Japan visa fees in the Philippines:

The visa fee you need to pay depends on the type of visa you’re applying for. Japan offers several types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and working visas, among others. Each type of visa has its own set of requirements and corresponding visa fees.

As of September 2021, the following are the current visa fees for Japan visa applications in the Philippines:

• Single-entry tourist visa: Php 950
• Multiple-entry tourist visa: Php 1,900
• Transit visa: Php 560
• Short-term stay visa (up to 90 days): Php 1,200
• Working visa (up to 5 years): Php 2,000
• Spouse or child of Japanese national visa: Php 900
• Cultural activities visa: Php 1,200
• Trainee visa: Php 1,200
• Technical intern visa: Php 1,200

Note that visa fees are subject to change without prior notice, so it’s best to double-check with the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines or their official website for the latest information.

You can pay your visa fee at any accredited travel agency or at the Japanese Embassy in Manila. You can pay in cash or through debit or credit card, depending on the payment options available at the payment center you choose.

Once you have prepared all the necessary documents and payment, you can now submit your visa application. You can do this by either submitting your application in person at the Japanese Embassy in Manila or through an accredited travel agency.

In summary, the Japan visa fees in the Philippines depend on the type of visa you’re applying for. It’s essential to check the latest visa fees and prepare your payment accordingly. Make sure to also comply with all the other requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visa application process.

In case you’re wondering what the difference is between a travel agency and a tour agency, this section is for you.

While both offer similar services, there are some key differences.

• Services Provided : Travel agencies primarily focus on providing services such as flight and hotel reservations, visa assistance, car rentals, and travel insurance. Tour operators, on the other hand, specialize in providing complete tour packages that include transportation, accommodation, guided tours, and other activities.
• Customization : Travel agencies offer a greater degree of customization as they allow travelers to pick and choose the services they need for their trip. Tour operators, however, typically offer pre-packaged tours that may not be as flexible.
• Expertise : Travel agencies are knowledgeable about travel services and can assist in booking various travel components. Tour operators, on the other hand, specialize in certain destinations or types of travel and have more expertise in those areas.
• Pricing : Travel agencies can offer competitive pricing as they can shop around for the best deals on flights and hotels. Tour operators, however, may have fixed pricing for their tour packages.
• Customer Support : Travel agencies typically provide ongoing customer support before, during, and after the trip. Tour operators also offer support but tend to focus more on the on-the-ground support during the tour.

Tips on Choosing the Right Japan Visa Travel Agency

Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the visa application process. Fortunately, there are travel agencies that can help make things easier for you. Here are some tips on choosing the right Japan visa travel agencies in the Philippines:

Before choosing a travel agency, do your research and look for reviews or recommendations from previous customers. You can also check if the travel agency is accredited by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) or the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. This ensures that the agency is recognized and authorized to handle visa applications.

Different travel agencies offer various visa services and fees. Some may offer additional services such as document processing or delivery services, which may come at an extra cost. Compare the fees and services of different travel agencies to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.

It’s important to work with agents who are knowledgeable and experienced in handling Japan visa applications. Ask the agency how long they have been handling visa applications and how many they have processed. This will give you an idea of their expertise and level of service.

Choose a travel agency with excellent customer service. They should be responsive to your inquiries and able to provide clear and accurate information about the visa application process. This will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Consider the location and accessibility of the travel agency, especially if you need to submit your application in person. Look for an agency that is convenient for you to travel to and has accessible parking or public transportation options.

Choosing the right Japan visa travel agency in the Philippines involves researching and comparing different agencies based on their reputation, visa services and fees, experience, customer service, and location. With the right travel agency, you can have a stress-free visa application process and focus on planning your trip to Japan.

If you’re a Filipino traveler planning to visit Japan in February 2023, then this video guide is for you! In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to apply for a Japan tourist visa from the Philippines.

We’ll cover everything from the necessary documents, visa fees, and the application process to help make your visa application as smooth as possible.

You’ll learn what you need to do to increase your chances of getting approved for a Japan tourist visa, along with tips on what to do during your trip to Japan.

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned adventurer, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know to prepare for your dream trip to Japan.

So get ready to discover the beauty and wonder of Japan, and start planning your adventure today!

Frequently Asked Questions

A Japan visa travel agency is a company that specializes in assisting travelers with their visa application process to Japan. They are authorized by the Japanese Embassy to handle visa applications on behalf of their clients. You need a travel agency to help you navigate through the visa application process and ensure that all the required documents are in order.

You can find the list of accredited Japan visa travel agencies in the Philippines by checking the website of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. You can also search for the list online or ask for recommendations from friends or travel groups.

Using an accredited Japan visa travel agency can make your visa application process faster and more convenient. They can assist you with filling out the application form, gathering the necessary documents, and submitting your application to the embassy on your behalf. This can save you time and reduce the risk of errors in your application.

No, accredited Japan visa travel agencies in the Philippines may have different fees, services, and expertise. It’s important to research and compare different agencies to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Yes, most travel agencies charge a fee for their services, which may vary depending on the agency and the services you require.

Yes, you can apply for a Japan visa on your own by submitting your application directly to the Japanese Embassy. However, using a travel agency can make the process more convenient and help ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

You will need to prepare the same documents as when applying for a Japan visa on your own. These include a valid passport, visa application form, photo, and supporting documents such as flight and hotel bookings, financial statements, and itinerary.

The processing time for a Japan visa application through a travel agency may vary depending on the embassy’s workload and your application’s completeness. However, it typically takes 5-7 business days for the embassy to process a visa application.

Using an accredited travel agency can provide many benefits, such as saving time and reducing the risk of errors in your application. It’s essential to do your research and compare different agencies to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.

With the list of accredited Japan visa travel agencies in the Philippines, you’ll have a head start in finding the right agency for you. Remember to prepare all the necessary documents and follow the embassy’s guidelines to increase your chances of getting approved for a Japan tourist visa.

With the help of a trusted travel agency, you can focus on planning your itinerary and enjoying your trip to Japan.

READ NEXT: How to Apply for Work in Japan (Even Without Experience)

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PURPOSE： Applicant made the arrangements for the travel or tour in Japan. If applicant request a multiple-entry visa. Please attach the request letter.

※Please refer to PDF file of The Japanese Embassy. Please Click Here & Download

〇 All documents must be in A4 size. Documents of other size must be copied into size A4 and please submit together with the original.. 〇 Photo size is 45×35mm(2×1.4in). Application form and photo size were revised.　Please use revised application form and photo(45×35ｍｍ）. 〇 Please DO NOT USE FRICTION ERASABLE PEN in visa application form and in all documents. 〇 Please make sure all documents legally obtained and DO NOT SUBMIT FALSIFIED DOCUMENTS. 〇 WE FREQUENTLY GET QUESTIONS ON “HOW MUCH” money should be indicated on the bank certificate. Although the embassy did not release any guidelines on this or any minimum amount. 　It is best to show your biggest but truthful balance. Please call for personal appearance, requirements and others. 〇 Please DO NOT PURCHASE any form of travel arrangement prior to the release of your visa application results. Delays and Denials do occur.

【REQUIREMENTS】 All documents must be original unless otherwise stated.

1: PHILIPPINE PASSPORT Broken passport is not accepted. Passports must be signed and must have at least two(2) blank visa pages.

2: VISA APPLICATION FORM Application Form Size: A-4 size (21.0×29.7cm) Application form should be filled out all items correctly. If items is not applicable, please fill in [N/A]. Application form without date of application, signature and with blank item will not be accepted. For the date of application, please fill in the date of submission to RELI TOURS AND TRAVEL (or to the embassy in case of direct application). Embassy may deny the application that is filled out incorrectly or wrong information. Please do not used Friction Erasable Pen in Visa Application Form and in all documents.

3: PHOTO Size: 4.5×4.5cm, with white background. Photo must be taken within 6 months. Please write applicant’s name and birthday on back side of the photo. Photo must be pasted on the application form. — Please put on glue each corners

4:BIRTH CERTIFICATE -ORIGINAL- It must be issued within one year from PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center(Nationwide). If the birth certificate from Philippine Statistics Office(PSA) is unreadable, or has incomplete information, please submit the birth certificate issued by PSA together with a birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar.

If the birth certification is “late registration” , please submit in addition, a Baptismal Certificate and School Record(form 137) from high school or elementary and School Yearbook(if possible). If there is no record in PSA , please submit a “Certificate of None-Record” from PSA together with a birth certificate from the Local Civil registrar.

5:MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (if the applicant is married) -ORIGINAL- It must be issued within one year from PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center(Nationwide). In case there is no record in PSA , please submit a “Certificate of None-Record” from PSA together with the Marriage certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.

*”4″, “5”: AUTHORIZATION LETTER to JAPAN EMBASSY for PSA

AUTHORIZATION LETTER to Japan Embassy for PSA , Fill in and Attach with other required documents. ※If the applicant can submit old / valid passport with used Japan Visa, They allow to exempt submission their Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate and Authorization Letter above.

6:DAILY SCHEDULE IN JAPAN (TAIZAI NITTEIHYO) SAMPLE: For TOURIST VISA (PDF)

【If applicant will shoulder part or all of his/her travel expenses】

7:BANK CERTIFICATE -ORIGINAL- Validity of Bank Certificate is three (3) months from the date of issue. ※Your own account / Company certificate is not accepted

8:APPLICANT’S INCOME TAX RETURN(ITR) (Form 2316) clear photocopy(latest). Applicant’s Personal name If applicant is business owner and submits the ITR without applicant’s name, please attach the copy of Business Permit from city hall.

【If Guarantor who lives in the Philippines will shoulder part or all of the applicant’s travel expenses】

9:GUARANTEE LETTER

10:PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN APPLICANT AND GUARANTOR (e.g.Birth Certificate etc.)

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Moscow metro of the last 20 years

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case).