japan tourist visa 2022 philippines

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Embassy of Japan in the Philippines

Visa/Consular Services

Important notice, how to apply.

• Inquiries Concerning Visa  
• General Information
• List of Accredited Agencies
• FAQs on Japan Visa
• Extension of Re-entry Permit
• Visa Fee Exemption for Foreigners Visiting Three Tohoku Prefectures

Types of Visa and Requirements

Visa application documents (download).

• 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

Related Links

• Visit Japan Web (to pre-register for airport quarantine, immigration and customs procedures)
• Coronavirus (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan)
• Immigration Services Agency of Japan
• A Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals
• New to Japan? Useful Pages for Foreign Nationals
• Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals
• Introductory Movies on Elementary Schools in Japan (Filipino)      “Nice to Meet You! Let's Be Friends!” / “Tell me about Elementary School in Japan!”
• Recommendation to purchase private medical insurance (Japan Tourism Agency)
• You must not bring any meat products, vegetables or fruits into Japan (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)

Consular Services

For inquiries concerning consular services (except visa).

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How To Get Japan Visa in the Philippines: A Complete Guide for First-Time Tourists

Japan is easily on top of many Filipinos’ travel bucket list, but the idea of going to the land of the rising sun seems too far-fetched.

Apart from being an expensive country to visit, Japan is also known for its strict visa requirements.

Although the Japanese Embassy has stringent rules for visa applications, applying for a Japan visa is actually easier than you’d expect. In fact, Japan has recently relaxed its visa policies for Filipino visitors.

With a visa to Japan, you’re just a few steps closer to experiencing its unique culture and charm—from postcard-worthy cherry blossoms to authentic ramen and all things kawaii !

Having this visa also makes it easier for you to enter other countries. For example, if you have a valid or expired Japan visa, you may easily get approved for a three-month multiple-entry visa to Taiwan.

Sounds exciting, right? So get your Japan visa application started! Let this detailed guide help you earn the right to visit your dream destination.

Related Article: How to Renew Philippine Passport in Japan: An Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

1. determine the type of japan visa you need.

• a. Philippine passport.
• b. Duly accomplished Japan visa application form.

c. ID photo.

D. birth certificate., e. marriage certificate (for married visa applicants)., f. daily schedule in japan., g. list of visa applicants (only if you’re traveling as a group/family)., for applicants without a guarantor., for applicants with a guarantor., 3. find an accredited travel agency, option 1: apply for a japan visa personally., option 2: apply for a japan visa through a representative., option 3: apply for a japan visa via courier., 5. wait for your japan visa application result, 6. claim your passport, 1. for first-time visitors: apply for a single-entry visa with a 15-day or shorter stay, 2. for unemployed applicants: get a guarantor, 3. check your application form and documents multiple times before submission, 4. provide additional supporting documents, 5. submit your application early in the morning, 1. what are the different types of japan visa, 2. what is the best travel agency for japan visa application, 3. how much “show money” should i have on my bank account to get approved, 4. when should i apply for a japan visa, 5. should i book a flight and hotel before applying for a japan visa, 6. can i get a japan visa without an itr, 7. can i get a japan visa without a bank account, 8. i’ll visit japan with my family/friends. is everyone required to be at the agency when submitting our requirements, 9. can i get approved for a japan visa even if i’m self-employed, 10. my japan visa application is denied. what should i do, 11. do all japan visa requirements need to be printed on an a4 size paper, 12. i have an unused japan visa. will i get approved if i apply again, how to get japan visa in the philippines: a 6-step guide to getting approved.

Japan issues several types of visas—for either single or multiple entry—to foreign visitors.

Each visa type is meant for a specific purpose, like sightseeing, visiting friends, or getting medical services, to name a few.

Requirements also vary per visa type. For example, a certificate of employment is required if you’re traveling to Japan for commercial purposes (e.g., attending business meetings, conferences, training, etc.) but not when you’re applying for a tourist visa.

Likewise, you can’t work in Japan with a tourist visa. You’ll need a working visa to get a job legally in the country .

So before you apply for a Japan visa, know the right type of visa you need according to your purpose of visit. This will save you from the trouble of going back and forth to submit the correct documents.

READ: What are the different types of Japan visa?

This guide focuses on a single-entry tourist visa application for Filipinos who will visit Japan for the first time and make their own travel arrangements.

If you’ll go to Japan for another purpose, refer to the official website of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines for more information.

2. Complete the Japan visa requirements

Once you’ve decided to apply for a tourist visa to Japan, prepare all the necessary documents for your application.

The Japanese Embassy accepts only original copies and printed documents on A4-size paper.

Here’s a checklist of Japan visa requirements for visitors from the Philippines, including the specs for each document:

a. Philippine passport .

• Valid for more than six months
• With signature and at least two blank pages
• In good condition

b. Duly accomplished Japan visa application form .

The Japan visa application form can be downloaded from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines website . 

You can also get a form at the entrance of the Embassy of Japan or any accredited travel agency (Check the travel agency list on Step #3).

Take heed of the following reminders when accomplishing the Japan visa application form:

• In case you need help in filling out the form, here’s a detailed guide you can follow .
• Instead of accomplishing the form on the day of your visa application, download it in advance from the Japanese Embassy website and then fill it out. This way, you’ll save time and avoid causing delays to other applicants when you’re applying for a visa.
• You can fill out the visa application form either by hand or digitally in BLOCK LETTERS (or capital letters) and black ink or font.
• If your handwriting is hard to read, you’re better off typing your answers on a computer. It’s easy to add text to the digital form in PDF format and make corrections without erasures.
• When you’re done, print your accomplished digital application form on an A4 paper and sign it.
• If you choose to submit a handwritten form, make sure it is easy to read, is not stapled, has no erasure, and has no blank field. If a question doesn’t apply to you, just write N/A.

• Taken within six months before the visa application date.
• 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm (equivalent to 45 mm x 45 mm as the photo above shows). 
• Centered with plain white background.
• With the applicant’s name and birthdate written at the back of the photo.
• No obstructions to facial features (e.g., headbands, sunglasses, caps, eyeglasses with reflection, etc.).
• Pasted (not stapled) on the designated part of the visa application form.
• Issued within a year by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• If there’s no birth record at the PSA , submit a Certificate of Non-Record from the PSA along with your birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.
• For a birth certificate with late registration , submit your Form 137 from elementary or high school, baptismal certificate, and school yearbook in addition to the birth certificate.
• If the PSA-issued birth certificate is hard to read or lacks information, submit it along with your birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.
• Not required if you can submit your passport with a used Japan visa.
• Issued within a year by the PSA.
• If there’s no marriage record at the PSA, submit a Certificate of Non-Record from the PSA along with your marriage certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.
• Specific details of your entire trip to Japan, including the dates, activities, accommodations, and contact information (of the hotels and tours you’re joining).
• Template and sample schedule of stay in Japan
• You need to submit a duly accomplished List of Visa Applicants form ( download it here ) if you’re traveling as a family or group. Solo travelers don’t need to submit this
• You need to assign a “representative applicant” whose name should be first on the list. This representative applicant can either be one of the parents (if you’re applying as a family) or the one who will sponsor the trip (if you’re traveling as a group)
• Write the names of the applicants as they appear on their passports
• In the “Relationship with the inviting person and guarantor”, write N/A if you’ll travel to Japan as a tourist. Fill it out with the requested information if you’re visiting relatives/acquaintances in Japan
• Print this document on an A4-size paper

h. Financial documents.

If you don’t have a guarantor or sponsor for your trip (i.e., you’ll shoulder your travel expenses), submit the following proof of financial capacity to travel to Japan:

Bank certificate

This financial document serves as the “show money” for your Japan visa application .

• Valid for three months from the date of issue.
• Addressed to the Japanese Embassy.

Income tax return (ITR)/BIR Form 2316 .

• Clear photocopy

Submit these documents if you have a guarantor or sponsor living in the Philippines who will cover part or all your travel expenses:

Guarantee letter

This letter addressed to the ambassador or consul-general of Japan, states that your sponsor guarantees your travel expenses in Japan and your compliance with the country’s laws and regulations.

• Completely filled out and signed by the guarantor.
• Letter of Guarantee template

Proof of the relationship between the applicant and guarantor

• Birth certificate of the guarantor (parent or sibling).
• Marriage certificate (spouse).

Guarantor’s ITR and bank certificate

These documents will prove your guarantor’s financial capacity to sponsor your trip.

• Clear photocopy of the guarantor’s ITR.
• Original copy of the guarantor’s bank certificate.

The Japanese Embassy requires all tourist visa applications to be filed through an accredited travel agency.

The agency will submit your application for you. No need to go to the Embassy of Japan for an interview.

To date, seven travel agencies in the Philippines are authorized to receive visa applications. All of them accept walk-in applications from Mondays to Saturdays.

A few offices located in malls operate on Sundays. Most agencies are closed on Sundays and holidays.

In alphabetical order, here’s a list of Japanese Embassy-accredited travel agencies along with their contact information.

4. File your Japan visa application

It’s best to make a personal appearance when applying for a Japan visa. Go to the office of your chosen travel agency and get a queue number at the entrance. Submit all the Japan visa requirements when your number is called.

The agent will then check your documents. If they’re all good, you’ll proceed to the window for the visa processing fee payment. The Japan visa itself is free, but travel agencies charge a fee ranging from Php 800 to Php 1,500+ for their services.

Here are the Japan visa processing fees per travel agency:

After paying for the processing fee, you’ll be issued a receipt. Keep your receipt, as you’ll use it later to claim your passport (with a visa, hopefully!).

Travel agencies like Friendship Tours, Reli Tours, and UHI don’t accept visa application filed by a representative, except when it’s done on behalf of minors or senior citizens .

If you’ll travel to Japan with children under age 18 or elderly aged 60 and above, you may apply for their visas. Parents or siblings (of legal age) can file a visa application for minors, while children (of legal age) can do so for their senior parents.

Representatives should present a signed authorization letter from the applicant, applicant’s ID, representative’s ID, and any proof of relationship with the applicant such as a birth certificate.

If you live far from any agency and cannot apply for a visa personally, you may send your documents through a courier.

Contact your chosen agency to know what courier you can use and how much it costs. Attic Tours, for example, charges a PHP 300 courier fee.

Japan visa processing typically takes two to seven working days. In some cases, it may even take weeks.

Wait for the agency to call, text, or email you. When it does, the agency either requests for additional documents or notifies that your passport is ready for pickup in its office.

If you’re asked to submit additional requirements, do so within three months to avoid the cancelation of your visa application.

If your passport has not been returned after over a week, you may follow up on your visa application status with the Japanese Embassy through any of the following:

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: (02) 834-7514 / (032) 231-7321/231-7322 / (082) 221-3100/3200

When verifying the status, provide the eight-digit acceptance number on your receipt.

Get your passport from the travel agency’s office only after you’ve been informed that it’s available for pickup. Or you can receive it through the mail. It depends on your prior arrangement with the agency.

If you can’t claim your passport personally, anyone who’ll travel with you can get it on your behalf. Just have your representative submit your signed authorization letter and a photocopy of your ID.

You’ll know whether your Japan visa application is approved or rejected only when you’ve received your passport.

You’ve been issued a visa if your passport has a white sticker at the back. If the sticker on your passport is red, your application has been declined.

Tips and Warnings

First time to visit Japan? Your safest bet is to request for 15 days of stay or shorter on a single-entry visa. This will help you increase your chance of visa approval.

Applying for a longer stay or multiple-entry tourist visa as a first-timer may give the Embassy the impression that you’re trying to find a job in Japan. In that case, you’ll be denied a Japan visa.

You can travel again to Japan after you get approved for a single-entry visa. You might even get approved for a multiple-entry visa with a longer stay on your next application.

To be approved for a visa, you need proof that you can fund your travel in Japan.

But what if you don’t have a job? What if you’re earning irregular income? What if you don’t have enough show money in your bank account?

In any of those cases, you can still get a Japan visa if you apply with a guarantor who will sponsor your trip. Ideally, your guarantor is an immediate family member—a parent, sibling, or spouse—who is financially capable of covering all or part of your travel expenses.

It doesn’t matter whether your guarantor will travel with you to Japan or not. What’s important is that your guarantor’s bank certificate and ITR can prove his or her financial capacity to fund your trip.

You have to be very OC with your Japan visa requirements, as a single mistake or oversight can delay your visa processing. Worse, it may lead to rejection.

Start with making a checklist of all the requirements you need to prepare for your tourist visa application. It helps to write down the status of each document and update it as you go along.

Some important things to do before you apply for a Japan visa:

• Check your passport’s condition and validity. Renew your passport ASAP if it is damaged, has just one or no blank page, or will expire soon.
• Tell the photo studio that you’ll use your ID picture for a Japan visa . This ensures that the studio will follow the specs from the Japanese Embassy.
• Make sure all your printed documents are on A4 paper. If a document is smaller or larger than the required size, adjust the original size to A4 size before printing it.
• Double-check all your documents. Make sure they’re correct and complete.

Allow yourself ample time to prepare and complete your documents for the Japan visa application. This will help you spot anything wrong or lacking and make necessary adjustments before you apply for a visa.

For higher chances of approval, you can provide documents—in addition to the Japan visa requirements—proving you’ll come back to the Philippines within your visa’s validity period.

Your supporting documents may include the following:

• Return flight ticket to the Philippines.
• Certificate of employment.
• Approved leave of absence.
• Photocopy of travel history (including stamps and visas) on old passports.
• Title of your real estate property, land , car, etc.
• Business registration papers.
• Any proof of investments (stocks, mutual funds , etc.) and insurance in the Philippines.

These documents help establish your economic or social ties with the Philippines and assure the Japanese Embassy that you won’t work or settle in Japan illegally.

Queues can get very long at travel agencies, especially during peak periods like the sakura season when tourists flock to Japan.

Agencies also handle tours and visa applications to other countries, so expect the agency’s office to be filled with customers.

Arrive early at the agency’s office so that you’ll be among the first customers in line. The wait won’t be as long as when you go there at a later time.

You also won’t have to go back after lunch or the next day if your queue number didn’t make it to the agency’s cut-off time.

Read our other travel visa guides:

How to Apply for a US Visa in the Philippines: An Ultimate Guide

How to Get Korean Visa in the Philippines: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

How to Apply for Schengen Visa: An Ultimate Guide for Philippine Passport Holders 

How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa: A Complete Guide for Filipino Tourists 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Written by Venus Zoleta

in Juander How , Travel and Leisure

Last Updated September 21, 2023 09:55 AM

Venus Zoleta

Venus Zoleta is an experienced writer and editor for over 10 years, covering topics on personal finance, travel, government services, and digital marketing. Her background is in journalism and corporate communications. In her early 20s, she started investing and purchased a home. Now, she advocates financial literacy for Filipinos and shares her knowledge online. When she's not working, Venus bonds with her pet cats and binges on Korean dramas and Pinoy rom-coms.

Browse all articles written by Venus Zoleta

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I applied for a Japanese tourist visa as an excited returning Japanophile. Here’s how it went

• Japan reopens its borders for tourists. Now all that’s left for us to do is get that tourist visa. Or is that all?

I don’t think there’s ever been a moment in my life when I’ve actually (and hotly) anticipated a day as much as today, October 11, 2022.

For nearly three years since this hot mess of a pandemic dropped on us, I have exercised as much willpower as I could to wait for the day when Japan, one of my beloved travel destinations, would finally open up to the world.

Yes, Japan took its sweet time resuming pre-pandemic border regulations (without the need for package tours and bookings via an agency) but now that the day is finally here, we can all heave a sigh of relief. 

That said, Filipinos still need to secure a visa —contrary to what some may have initially thought after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the announcement in September . But if you have a valid multiple-entry visa, then you may skip to the good part.

What are the requirements now?

Based on my experience reapplying for a tourist visa, it’s still pretty much the same. 

First, prepare the necessary documents. For tourist visa applicants, here’s a refresher on everything you need (with my little notes):

• Valid passport (with at least six months validity)
• Visa application form to enter Japan
• Passport-sized photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) taken within six months then write your full name and date of birth on the back
• Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) within one year (this isn’t required for those who have been previously issued a Japanese visa)
• Marriage certificate issued by PSA within one year (also not required for those who have been previously issued a Japanese visa and only if applicable, of course)
• Travel itinerary or your daily schedule of stay that includes the activities you will do as well as the accommodation/s and contact details. If you’re visiting friends or relatives, there are additional requirements that need to be fulfilled
• Bank certificate that you can request from your bank
• Photocopy of your income tax return or BIR Form 2316

And that’s it. 

But in case you have a guarantor or someone who will shoulder all or part of your expenses in Japan, you will also need a guarantee letter on top of these basic requirements.

Remember though that confirmed flights and hotel bookings aren’t required . But if you do have them already, go ahead. A certificate of employment also isn’t listed as a required document, but I threw it in as well for good measure. I can never be too sure regardless if I’m a frequent Japan traveler.

What’s my experience like?

Okay, I won’t lie. As soon as Prime Minister Kishida announced in New York in September that Japan will ease COVID-19 border restrictions and resume individual travel, I immediately gathered all my documents so I can apply as soon as possible.

Don’t worry though since documents are valid for 3 months from the date of issuance. So on a sunny Friday morning, I woke up bright and early and went to my trusty travel agency in Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati to submit my application. 

I was there 45 minutes early since they issued a statement on Facebook that they’ll implement a strict opening and cut-off system. After having watched scenes on TikTok of Korean visa applications getting out of hand and spilling over to footbridges and the main streets outside the embassy, I wasn’t going to take any chances.

But when I got there, there were no queues (yet). I was one of the first applicants to arrive. “Okay, this feels nostalgic and just like the last time I applied for one in 2016.” That tourist visa has since expired last year. 

What I did forget though is to grab a queuing number as soon as the doors opened. Instead of being fourth in line, I was demoted to sixth. Fortunately, the agency staff was all fast (and diligent) when reviewing applications and documents. It didn’t take too long for this woman to call out my number and after several minutes of reviewing my and my parents’ applications, she blurted out, “Do you want to consider reapplying for a multiple entry visa?” 

“I could. But I don’t have a letter of request with me right now.”

“I’ll just give you a request form. It’ll just be an additional P300 (a single-entry application costs P1,200) but there’s no guarantee.”

In my head, I was like “That’s life for you. And for me. And for everyone else really.”

“Sure. I’ve come this far anyway.”

And in a span of 30 minutes, I was done. Unfortunately, I’ll need to resubmit my parents’ visa applications since the birth certificate I submitted (since I had the noble job of being their guarantor this time) wasn’t issued within one year. (NOTE: PSA-issued birth certificates have permanent validity as of August.)

So that’s one thing anyone should remember. If submitting a birth certificate as proof of relationship between the applicant (parents) and guarantor (me), make sure it’s issued within one year—even if the website doesn’t indicate it.

When everything is done and dusted, just wait. From my previous experiences, Japan visa applications took anywhere between four to five working days before they got in touch with me that the passport is ready for pickup. But who knows how long it’ll take this time around.

My parting thoughts

Applying for a Japanese visa again after so many years felt great. Not just because I could be traveling again to one of my favorite countries but also for the thrill of retracing your steps that harks back from a simpler time. 

Okay, that was cheesy.

Seriously though, this is just one facet of my potential Japan travel and that there’s plenty more hurdles for me to overcome. But at least Japan has since expanded the vaccines it recognizes to include those approved by the World Health Organization .

Anyway, going back to what I was talking about, I’m at that point in my life (read: age) in which things don’t come easy anymore in the memory department. There are gaps that need to be filled in my Japan memory bank, like remembering the process of navigating the city with my ICOCA card (West Japan Railway Company or JR West’s reloadable prepaid card that can be used on Japan Railway networks and most mass transit systems) or where to exchange the order for a JR Pass. 

And then there are the new shinkansen regulations such as the size limits and reservations for your luggage . The two that would affect me the most are that the total length, width, and height of the luggage must not exceed 250 centimeters and that they must not be more than 30 kilograms.

For someone who isn’t a light packer (overseas), this is going to be an issue. But I’ve found a nifty alternative in worst case scenarios. Then there’s also the fact that the most reliable timetable search service Hyperdia has been discontinued.

But then again, these are all part and parcel of the return to a country I have loved since I first stepped foot on Japanese soil. 

Let’s just hope they want me back real soon, too.

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Pack your bags! Japan Embassy now allows visa application for individual tourists

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FILE PHOTO: Marguerite de Leon/RAPPLER

MANILA, Philippines – Revenge travelers, time to include Japan on your next destination list! 

The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines announced on Tuesday, October 4, that they are now accepting applications for all kinds of visas, including temporary visitor for individual travel, visiting friends, and multiple-entry. 

Previously, Japan only allowed entry to visitors who have package tours arranged by a travel agency. 

According to its website, travelers are also no longer required to register to ERFS – their Entrants, Returnee Follow-Up System, while an inviter’s written pledge is also no longer needed for those visiting friends. 

The embassy said that the issuance of visas based on these eased procedures will start on October 11. Also starting October 11, the suspension of validity of multiple-entry visa and the APEC Business Travel Card will be lifted, while visa exemption arrangements will also resume. 

However, the embassy said that “Philippine nationals are not subject to the visa exemption arrangements and required to obtain an appropriate visa.” 

If travelers need to enter Japan on or before October 10, they have to apply for a visa based on previous procedures. 

Additionally, all Japan entrants and returnees who have three doses of COVID-19 vaccine accredited by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare in their valid vaccination certificates are no longer required to acquire a negative certificate. 

“Other entrants or returnees need to obtain a negative test result for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours prior to departure,” they added. 

Additional details about requirements and process for Japan’s visa application as of October 2022 can be found here . – Rappler.com  

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• Application
• Requirements

Japan Online Visa for Citizens of the Philippines

Japan is popular with foreign visitors for both tourism and business purposes. Citizens of the Philippines who wish to travel to Japan for a short-term stay require a visa .

The most common visa is the temporary visitor visa which grants permission to stay in Japan for up to 90 days . This Japan tourist visa can be used for short-term business trips, visiting friends and family, or for general tourism in Japan.

The New Japan e-Visa: The entry requirements for Filipino Citizens

The Japanese government has introduced a new electronic visa (eVisa). Currently it is only available to citizens of the US and Canada but will eventually be made available for visits to Japan from the Philippines.

The Japan eVisa for Philippine citizens will requires a valid passport, completion of the online application form, as well as other official documents. Since the process is entirely online, applicants no longer have to visit the Japanese Embassy to obtain a Japan visa .

The Japan eVisa application asks for personal details, exactly as they appear on the passport. The applicant needs to provide the purpose of the trip, the dates of travel, port of entry, and the name of the transport carrier. The traveler must also provide the contact details for where they will be staying in Japan.

In addition to providing these details, the applicant has to answer a set of legal questions related to any past criminal history or legal violations.

What are the requirements for Japan tourist  online visa from Philippines

Applicants are responsible for gathering all necessary documents and meeting all requirements for the Japan tourist visa from the Philippines . Please take time to review the list of Japan visa requirements and documents for a visa application.

Applicants need to prepare the following items:

• A valid Philippine passport , signed, with 2 blank visa pages
• The completed visa application form
• A recent passport-sized photo with a white background, which should be pasted on the application form
• An official birth certificate issued from the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA). If a PSA record does not exist, please submit a Certificate of Non-Record from PSA and a birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar
• A marriage certificate (if married)
• Proof of sufficient funds for the trip in the form of a bank certificate and income tax return
• An outline of * *travel plans in Japan with dates, activities, contact person and accommodation

If someone else will be funding the trip, the application need to include:

• A Letter of Guarantee from the sponsor
• Proof of the relationship between the applicant and sponsor
• A copy of the sponsor’s bank certificate and income tax return

If the applicant has been invited to Japan for business or for a family event , the application should include a formal invitation letter.

How to Apply a Japan Tourist eVisa in the Philippines?

It will soon be possible to apply for a Japanese visa from the Philippines only. Currently, the eVisa system is open US and Canadian citizens only.

Once available, eligible travelers will be able to apply for a Japan tourist visa from the Philippines online in 3 steps :

• Complete the Japan visa application form online
• Provide supporting documents
• Pay Japan visa processing fees

Complete the Japan visa application form online Provide supporting documents Pay Japan visa processing fees

Travelers receive their approved eVisa by email, ready to travel from the Philippines to Japan.

Until the eVisa is rolled out, travelers from the Philippines can apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy in Manila or at the consulate offices in Cebu or Davao.

Other Japanese Visa Types for Philippines

It is important to apply for the correct visa depending on the purpose of the trip. The most common visa types issued by Japan are for short-term tourism and short-term business travel. However, review the different visa types carefully to determine which situation fits most closely with the purpose of visiting Japan.

More short-term Japan evisas for Philippine nationals

In addition to the tourist visas outlined above, Filipino nationals may apply for the following short-term visas :

• Business Visa - to qualify for this visa, applicants should be employed at least on a managerial level at a corporation which falls under certain criteria
• Transit Visa - if Japan is simply a stopover while traveling to a different country, Philippine citizens will require a Transit Visa

Long-term visas for Philippine nationals

The Japanese government grants long-term visas for Philippine citizens in special cases:

• The Working Visa and Highly Skilled Professional Visa require that the applicant has a job offer or sponsor in Japan who can produce a certificate of eligibility
• The General Visa is granted for people who will engage in cultural activities. It requires a certificate of eligibility by a regional immigration authority
• A Specified Visa is for Filipino spouses or children of Japanese nationals grants a stay of up to 5 years
• Filipino applicants will need to submit documents proving Japanese ancestry, including a copy of the family register
• Diplomatic and Official visas are intended for government officials stationed in Japan for diplomatic missions

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In the Land of the Rising Sun: Japan Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Jay Pagkatotohan

Konnichiwa! With its ultra-modern cityscapes, well-preserved cultures, delicious cuisines, and warm hospitality, Japan has always been a favorite holiday destination . A trip to this country will definitely give you memories to cherish for a long time. 

But before you get too excited about boarding a plane to the Land of the Rising Sun, you first need to apply for a Japan tourist visa this 2023. It’s a hassle for sure. For those visiting the country for the first time, it can feel scary and nerve-racking.  

But allow us to take the stress away with this guide to Japan visa requirements in the Philippines for 2023. It also includes application steps and a list of accredited travel agencies processing visa applications. 

Take note, though, that this article focuses on the single-entry tourist visa.

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What is a Japan Tourist Visa?

A visa is a document that proves you’re allowed to enter a country and stay there within a prescribed time period. A Japan tourist visa is therefore a short-term stay visa you need to acquire for the purpose of sightseeing or visiting family or friends in Japan. 

A single-entry visa is valid for three months. This means you need to enter the country within three months of the visa’s issuance. If you aren’t able to enter Japan within that time period, you’ll have to apply for a visa once again.

Generally, temporary visitors can stay in Japan for up to 90 days, though the stay period depends on the purpose of your visit. Keep in mind that you can’t engage in any paid work while in the country with a Japan tourist visa.

Read more: Traveling Abroad? Here’s a List of Visa-Free Countries for Filipino Tourists

Japan Visa Requirements in the Philippines for 2023

Don’t worry—it’s not difficult to secure the requirements and follow the steps for getting a Japan visa. Japan tourist visa requirements in 2023 are categorized based on your purpose of visit. Check out the following:

• Valid Philippine passport
• Visa application form [1]
• Photo (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm)
• Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) within one year* (if there’s already a used Japanese visa on your passport, this will be unnecessary)
• For married applicants: a marriage certificate issued by the PSA within one year**  (if there’s already a used Japanese visa on your passport, this will be unnecessary)
• Itinerary in Japan
• If you’re covering part or all of the travel expenses:
• Bank certificate
• Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316); it must include the amount of gross income and a stamp of recipient if tax is not withheld (e.g., self-employed)
• If ITR is not available and there is no average daily balance (ADB) in the bank certificate, you must submit a bank statement proving your transactions for the last three months. 
• If a guarantor in the Philippines will cover part or all of your travel expenses:
• Guarantee letter
• Proof of relationship between you and the guarantor (e.g., birth certificates)
• Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)
• Requirements for the applicant: 
• Visa application form
• For incentive tours given by the employer/company: documents showing an outline of the sponsor corporation (e.g., a photocopy of certificate of business registration, a hard copy of the corporate website, etc.)
• Birth certificate issued by the PSA within one year* (if there’s already a used Japanese visa on your passport, this will be unnecessary)
• For married applicants: a marriage certificate issued by the PSA within one year**  (if there’s already a used Japanese visa on your passport, this will be unnecessary)
• Requirements for the registered travel agency in the Philippines: 
• List of tour participants
• Itinerary of the tour (including flights, hotel, transportation details, addresses that tour participants will individually visit during the tour, and contact numbers in Japan)
• A copy of the advertisement of the tour (e.g., leaflet, website, etc.)
• Round-trip airplane ticket reservation slips (air tickets don’t need to be issued at the time of visa application)
• For trips with a tour conductor: tour conductor’s certificate of employment or employment contract in case the tour conductor is not a full-time employee
• Requirements for the contract Japanese travel agency:  
• Itinerary in Japanese
• Copy of hotel reservation slips
• Copy of domestic transportation service reservation slips (for domestic flights, Shinkansen, express trains, buses, etc.) if applicable
• Requirements for the applicant:
• Birth certificate issued by PSA within one year*
• For married applicants: a marriage certificate issued by the PSA within one year**
• Relatives’ birth certificate/marriage certificates that proves the third-degree relationship between the applicant and the relative/inviter
• If you’re covering part or all of the travel expenses: bank certificate and photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)
• Requirements for the inviter: 
• Invitation letter [2]
• Residence Certificate (Jumin-hyo) of the inviter and guarantor (must describe all household members without omission of description except Individual Number and Jumin-hyo Code)
• Family Registration (Koseki-Tohon) if the inviter or his/her spouse is Japanese
• Copy of Residence Card if the inviter/guarantor is not Japanese
• If the guarantor in Japan will cover part or all of your travel expenses:
• One or some of the following documents (latest copy): Income certificate (Shotoku-Shomeisho), tax certificate (Nozei-Shomeisho; must include the description of the total amount of income), photocopy of Final Tax Return Form (Kakutei-Shinkokusyo), or bank certificate
• Invitation letter (must describe relationship between the inviter and the applicant in detail)
• Proof of relationship 
• For friends: photos, emails, receipt of remittance or parcel, photocopy of passport including stamps of friend’s country, etc. 
• For relatives beyond third degree: birth certificate, marriage certificate, or Koseki-Tohon

*In case the birth certificate is unreadable, submit the birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar. If the birth certificate is Late Registration, submit a Baptismal Certificate and School Record (Form 137). In case there is no birth record with the PSA, submit the birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and a negative certificate issued by the PSA.

**In case the marriage certificate is unreadable, submit the marriage certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar. In case there is no marriage record with the PSA, submit the marriage certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and a negative certificate issued by the PSA.

• Prepare These Requirements for Travel Abroad Before You Fly Out
• Travel Essentials: What to Pack for Your Next Trip

How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa This 2023

Kick off your Japan visa application with the following steps:

• Determine the type of short-term visa you need to apply for.
• Gather all your requirements for a Japan visa. See to it that you have the authentic documents. Don’t forget to check the accuracy of the details.
• Go to an accredited travel agency that will process your application and submit all the Japan visa requirements in the Philippines for 2023. Remember that the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines doesn’t accept direct applications, so this step is a must.
• Sit back and relax. The travel agency will process your Japan visa application. Just wait for a text message, email, or call from them. Note that the standard processing period is five working days from the day after the date of the acceptance of your application.

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Where to Process Your Application for a Japan Tourist Visa

As mentioned, only accredited travel agencies are allowed to process your requirements for a Japan tourist visa. Thankfully, there are a handful of agencies out there that can accommodate your application:

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Japan Tourist Visa FAQs

Got a lot of questions regarding Japan tourist visa requirements for Filipinos? Check out the items below to see the answers you may be looking for.

1. My application for a Japan tourist visa this 2023 was denied. Can I reapply immediately?  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan won’t accept your visa application if you file it within six months of your previous rejected application. Since applicants’ circumstances will most likely not change within six months, the result will turn out the same.

Take note, however, that the ministry or embassy sometimes accepts visa reapplication within six months if the applicant’s circumstances have changed significantly since the rejection.

They also accept reapplications when travel to Japan is necessary for humanitarian reasons. The ministry encourages everyone to consult with the Japanese embassy or consulate before starting the application process.

2. Why is the reason for my visa rejection not explained?  

When applications get rejected, it’s usually because the applicant failed to meet Japan’s criteria for visa issuance. However, authorities won’t give you a specific reason. This is because people trying to enter Japan for illegal purposes might use those details to bypass the visa examination procedure.

3. What are the possible reasons behind my Japan visa application rejection? 

There are a few reasons your Japan visa application may be rejected. Below are some of them: 

• Incomplete requirements for a Japan tourist visa – Failure to provide certain documents, such as birth certificate, or certificate of employment, may lower your application’s chances of getting approved.
• Inconsistencies and inaccuracies in application details – These are major red flags. Before you submit your requirements for a Japan visa, make sure that you’ve double-checked everything. 
• Falsified documents – Your application won’t just be rejected; you may even face legal repercussions.
• Insufficient funds – You need to prove that you have the financial capacity to stay in Japan. Otherwise, your application may be rejected.
• Weak connection with your inviter – You have to prove that you and your sponsor have known each other for a very long time. 
• Suspicion of employment scouting – The embassy may reject your application if they have reasons to believe that you’re flying to Japan to scout for work. 
• Criminal history – A criminal record, especially if it’s related to terrorism and drugs, may result in visa application rejection. 

4. How soon should I apply for a Japan tourist visa before my trip?

You can apply for a Japan tourist visa as early as two months before the date of your trip. If you’re running late, make sure you have enough buffer time. Stay on the safe side by giving yourself at least 15 working days before the date of your trip.

If your departure date is approaching, you cannot rush the embassy to process your application. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, [3] they cannot make a decision regarding your application until the necessary examination has been conducted. Note that they process applications in the order in which they have received them.  

5. I’m postponing my trip. Can I still use my approved visa at a later date? 

A single-entry visa is valid for three months (and only becomes invalid once you enter Japan). If you postpone your trip but the new travel date is within your visa’s validity period, you can still use your visa to enter Japan. 

If you happen to postpone your trip for longer than three months, you’ll need to make another visa application. 

6. How much is the processing fee for a Japan tourist visa this 2023?

A travel agency may charge between ₱900 to ₱2,000, depending on the type of your short-term stay visa.

7. Do I need to present show money for a Japan visa?

According to experienced travelers, the show money for a Japan visa should be enough for your daily expenses within the duration of the trip. So how much show money should you have for your Japan visa application in the Philippines? 

For instance, if you stay in Japan for 15 days, you must have at least ₱100,000 in your bank account. If you’re staying for at least five days, ₱50,000 may be enough.

Keep in mind that your bank certificate shows your account’s average balance. A sudden large deposit might appear suspicious. To avoid troubles, make sure that your bank account is active by making regular deposits and maintaining transactions for at least six months or so.

8. Who should I contact regarding my concerns on my application for a Japan tourist visa this 2023?

If you have some questions or concerns regarding your application for a tourist visa to Japan, reach out to the Japanese embassy in the Philippines' contact numbers and email addresses:

• Manila –  Phone:  (02) 8834-7514 | Email: [email protected]
• Consulate-General in Cebu – Phone: (032) 231-7321/231-7322 | Email: [email protected] 
• Consulate-General in Davao – Phone: (082) 221-3100/3200 | Email: [email protected]

Read more: Konnichiwa! Best Japan Tips for Travelers

Final Thoughts

Japan is now open to Filipinos! But before you get to see Tokyo’s vibrant modernity or taste Osaka’s delicious cuisine, you’ll need to secure a Japan tourist visa.

The application process will go smoothly as long as your Japan visa requirements in the Philippines for 2023 are complete. If you’ve got friends who've been to Japan, ask them about their visa application experience. That way, you can manage your expectations and prepare accordingly.

• [1] Japan Visa application form
• [2] Invitation letter template
• [3] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website

Jay is a marketing communications professional who specializes in short-form and long-form content. He has written ads for TV, radio, print, and digital. He has also produced corporate blogs, magazine features, white papers, product listings, reviews, and press releases for clients here and abroad. When he’s not writing, Jay plays the piano or takes pictures for his visual diary. Follow Jay on LinkedIn.

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Japan Travel Guidelines For Filipinos (UPDATED 2022)

June 8, 2022 by Rei L.

The days are only getting brighter and brighter again in the Land of the Rising Sun. It has been announced that Japan is already reopening to foreign tourists starting June 10, 2022. 

However, the country remains on its toes, as evident in its new tourist entry system that imposes certain restrictions and requirements depending on the nationality. Luckily, Filipinos are among those with more lenient requirements.

Here’s all you need to know.

Overview of Japan’s New Entry System

After taking a massive hit from the pandemic, Japan is still treading the new normal cautiously. On June 10, 2022, the country is reopening its international tourism border but only to small group tours—that means no DIY or solo backpacking trips just yet.

Countries have been classified and color-coded according to the level of risk. Red is for high-risk countries; yellow for medium-risk; and blue for low-risk.

Testing and entry requirements will depend on the color classification. Fortunately for Filipinos, Japan has classified the Philippines as blue or low-risk. This means that proof of vaccination, testing, and quarantine will not be required on arrival. 

Do note that there are still requirements that Filipino tourists have to fulfill, including a tourist visa and testing before departure.

Japan Travel Guidelines for Filipinos (Starting June 10, 2022)

Since June 1, 2022, the country has doubled its foreign arrival quota from 10,000 to 20,000.

Here are the requirements for Filipino tourists planning to travel to Japan from June 10, 2022.

• Philippine passport
• Japan tourist visa (See accredited agencies here )
• Negative result of COVID-19 test (nasopharyngeal swab/nasal swab/saliva/nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs) taken within 72 hours of departure
• Group tour booked through a travel agency – with itinerary, airport and coach transfers, accommodation, and an English-speaking guide

Whether there will be designated travel agencies for the tours or what kind of package tours will be on offer is yet to be announced. 

However, it is worth noting that you can enter via the international airports in various cities:

• Haneda Airport, Tokyo
• Narita International Airport, Chiba
• Chubu Centrair International Airport, Aichi
• Kansai International Airport, Osaka
• Fukuoka Airport, Fukuoka
• New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido (TBA)
• Naha Airport, Okinawa (TBA)

What to Expect in Japan This 2022

Japan has been gradually easing to a new normal, with most businesses and tourist spots now open. Reduced capacity is followed in most attractions, businesses, and public transport.

Basic safety protocols are still strictly enforced, particularly the wearing of face masks and social distancing in public.

Go to KKday for more Japan tour ideas and travel essentials you can book online!

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Rei is a freelance writer and editor with an affinity for all things creative and visual such as photography, doodles, and movies. Solo travel is her drug of choice, where she feels most empowered and liberated. Her favorite cities are Baguio, Takayama, and Jeju. Check out her adventures and say hi at daybookbyrei.com

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What is a Japan Tourist Visa?

Japan entry requirements for filipino citizens, types of japan visa and visa validity.

• Single-entry tourist visa is normally valid for a single-entry stay of up to 30 days . The visa is valid for three months from the issuance of your Japan tourist visa. Filipino travelers planning to go to Japan after the three-month mark will be required to apply for a new visa.
• Multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for 1 to 5 years and allows for stays of up to 90 days per visit.
• Multiple Entry Visa for Business , and Cultural or Intellectual Figures
• Multiple Entry Visa for other Short-Term Stays
• A JFC visa for Filipino parents of Japanese-Filipino children traveling to Japan with their child/children.

How to obtain a Japan Tourist Visa as a Filipino Citizen?

• Fill out the iVisa visa application form with your general and travel details.
• Check your information is correct and pay the visa application fee.
• Upload any supporting documents needed.
• Receive the confirmation email with further instructions for your application process and your interview, if needed and, the rest of the required documents.

Required Documents to apply for a Japan Visa as a Filipino Citizen

• A valid passport that will be valid for at least six months.
• Passport photo
• Financial documents that prove you can support your trip for the duration of your stay. These can be bank deposits, statements, or other evidence of funds or assets.
• Travel itinerary showing your planned tourism activities in Japan.
• PSA birth certificate is required for minors and must be issued within the last year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide).
• PSA marriage certificate is only necessary if you are married. It must have been issued within the last year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide). Travelers are no longer required to register their applications in the Entrants, Returns, and Follow-up Systems (ERFS) , which was a system travelers used to obtain an ERFS certificate before applying for a visa to visit Japan. Without this certificate, travelers couldn’t prove they were eligible for a visa and, consequently, would not be able to enter Japan.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Cost and processing time of a japan tourist visa as a filipino citizen, activities and tours in manila, travel restrictions entering japan from the philippines.

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• Covishield (manufactured by the Serum Institute of India) and COVOVAX are treated as identical to Vaxzevria intramuscular injection/AstraZeneca and Nuvaxovid intramuscular injection/Novavax
• Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Japan
• List of Countries Visa-Free to Japan

Japan Tourist Visa Guide For Filipinos (Philippine Citizens)

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JAPAN VISA : REQUIREMENTS + TIPS + APPLICATION (Philippines)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 13, 2023 | Japan , Visa | 73 comments

Applying for a visa can be nerve-wracking. I remember a few years ago, an airline offered me a roundtrip ticket to Japan, but I never got to use it. The next year, another airline invited me to an all-expense paid trip to Nagoya in Japan, but I wasn’t available. I delayed my dream to travel to Japan because I was scared to apply for a Japan visa. In fact, when I applied for the first time, I was super anxious. So, imagine my excitement when I finally got a Japan visa, it’s like being a given a doll for the first time. I wanted to scream, but there were too many people in the room.

In my experience, applying for a visa in Japan is not as hard as it looks, the Japanese Embassy seems quite lenient recently. I applied 3 times for the past 2 years, and on my third time, I was finally granted a multiple-entry visa. Many factors can be taken into consideration: travel history, financial stability, strong social and economic ties in the Philippines, etc. But then again, no one knows the formula, except the Japanese Consul, and no one can assure you that you will be granted a visa, not even the accredited travel agencies. So best to be prepared, know the Japan visa requirements, obtain them and submit the complete documents.

I finally wrote a Japan visa application blog. I think I explained almost everything you want to know below, so hopefully this will help you. I told myself I will only blog this once I get a Japan multiple-entry visa, and finally, my dream came true. So, without further ado, here’s the list of Japan Visa requirements and visa application process for Filipinos /Philippine Passport holders residing in the Philippines.

Nara, Japan

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JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS

  IMPORTANT :

Whatever form or documents (Japan visa application floor, Japan itinerary, cover letter, etc.) that you need to submit for your Japan visa application, it needs to be printed on an A4  size paper. Some travel agencies will just provide you with a Japan visa application form.

All documents must be ORIGINAL unless otherwise stated.

Here’s the list of Japan Visa requirements

1. Valid Philippine Passport

Philippine passport must have at least 6 months validity and with at least 2 blank pages . Check your passport’s expiration date on the bio page.

Passport must be SIGNED , if you have the latest Philippine Passport with 10 years validity, there’s a space on Page 3 (after your bio page) where you need to sign.

Passport must NOT be broken. Broken passports will not be accepted.

2. A duly accomplished Japan Visa Form

  Download the Japan visa application form HERE  

Print the Japan visa application form in A4 size paper. Fill out the form completely. Do not leave anything blank. Write N/A if not applicable. Avoid erasures.   Ensure the Japan Visa application form is signed and it has a date.

For your reference, see the SAMPLE completed form HERE . 

IMPORTANT: 

  Japan Embassy may deny Japan visa application that is filled out incorrectly or with wrong information.

  You are NOT required to book your flight or hotel yet. You can do that once your Japan visa is approved.  To get the flight number, search for flights (e.g. Jetstar, Cebu Pacific, Scoot, Philippine Airlines, etc.) via the airline’s website. For the address in Japan, you can search for a hotel in Japan and write down the name, address and contact number of the hotel.

Now if you have a guarantor, or you intend to stay in your sponsors house, just write down the name, address and contact number of your guarantor. Make sure you ask permission from them.

3. Photo ID

  Prepare a 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm (45 mm x 45 mm or 2in x 2in) photo with white background. Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months. Write your name and birthdate at the back of the photo and paste it properly on the Japan visa application form.

4. Birth certificate from PSA

Submit a birth certificate that is issued within 1 year from PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) .  Now if the birth certificate from Philippine Statistics Office (PSO) is unreadable, or  has INCOMPLETE information, you need to submit the birth certificate issued by PSA with a birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar.

If your PSA birth certificate indicates “late registration”, submit a baptismal certificate + school record (Form 137) from high school or elementary and School Yearbook (if possible).

If there is no record of your birth certificate in PSA, submit a “Certificate of Non-Record” from PSA with a birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.

If you NEVER HAD a Japan visa before, then you need to submit a birth certificate from PSA. If you HAVE an expired/used Japan visa, no need to submit this, but you need to submit your old passport with your expired/used Japan visa.

5. Marriage certificate from PSA

  If you are married, then you need to submit a marriage certificate from PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within 1 year.  If there’s no record of your marriage certificate in PSA, submit a “Certificate of Non-Record” from PSA together with the Marriage Certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.

IMPORTANT: If you NEVER HAD a Japan visa before, then you need to submit a marriage certificate from PSA. If you HAVE an expired/used Japan visa, no need to submit this, but you need to submit your old passport with your expired/used Japan visa.

6. Daily schedule in Japan

  Now this is really important, so make sure you prepare this properly. You can DOWNLOAD THIS SAMPLE and just follow the format, don’t make your itinerary too complicated.

If you have no idea where to go, I have detailed Japan itineraries here (don’t follow my format there because that’s too detailed already, just follow the sample format on the link above): sample Nara itinerary ,   Tokyo itinerary,   Nagoya Itinerary and Osaka Kyoto Nara sample itinerary .

Nagoya, Japan

ADDITIONAL JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Without sponsor/guarantor.

If you don’t have a guarantor/sponsor for your Japan trip, you need to prove to the Japanese Consul that you can shoulder your trip expenses. You need to submit the following Japan visa requirements.

1.Bank Certificate – The bank certificate must be issued within the last 3 months. You can include the receipt if you want. Now if you ask me how much should be on your bank account. I have no concrete idea but check my suggestion on the Frequently Asked Questions below.

2.Applicant’s Income Tax Return (Form 2316) – Submit a clear PHOTOCOPY of your latest Income Tax Return (Form 2316).

A stable job or business in the Philippines is very important, as this indicates that you have strong ties in the Philippines and you will be returning to the Philippines because well, you have a stable job or business here. So how do you prove that?  You need to submit a proof of income, and the ITR (Form 2316) is one proof. This also means that you are paying your taxes properly. You don’t want the consul to think that you are a tax-evading citizen.

  If you have a job but don’t have an ITR, for example your new to your job or business, or you are a freelancer and you are being taxed in another country, etc. You can write a cover letter explaining why you can’t submit the specific document and attach other proof of income, for example, if you are a freelancer, talk to your employer and ask them to send you a certificate of employer explaining what you do for their company. Then attach copies of receipts of your income or their payments. But then again, as a freelancer, you are still required to pay your taxes in the Philippines.

If you are a new business owner and you don’t have an ITR yet , you can write a cover letter and explain your situation. Attach a copy of your Business Registration issued by DTI/SEC, if you have BIR receipts, include a clear photocopy of that.

What if you are unemployed, a minor or a student? Then, I suggest you apply for a Japan Visa with a Guarantor/Sponsor, who can provide an ITR or proof of income. See Japan visa requirements visa with sponsor/guarantor below.

If you are a student , submit a certificate of enrollment along with a the Japan Visa requirements with sponsor /guarantor below.

WITH SPONSOR/GUARANTOR

  1. guarantee letter.

  If your sponsor is living in the Philippines, and s/he will shoulder your expenses, you need to submit a guarantee letter explaining your relationship with the guarantor and include their contact details (e.g. address, contact number). See the sample template HERE

2. Proof of relationship with guarantor

  You need to provide a proof of relationship with your guarantor and this is crucial. If your sponsor/guarantor is a family member (e.g. parents, siblings, wife/husband), submit documents like PSA birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable).

If sponsor/guarantor is a friend. Submit photos of you and your friend together, screenshots of e-mails and chat conversations, etc.

3. Bank Certificate and Income Tax Return (ITR Form 2316) of sponsor/guarantor.

  Yes, you need to prove to the Japanese Consul that your sponsor/guarantor can shoulder your expenses. Submit the ORIGINAL bank certificate and clear PHOTOCOPY of ITR Form 2316 of your sponsor/guarantor.

Osaka, Japan

HOW TO APPLY FOR A JAPAN VISA

1. determine the type of visa that you need.

First, you need to know the type of visa that you need. This Japan visa blog is only intended for applicants for a JAPAN TOURIST VISA for FILIPINOS/PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDER residing in the Philippines. Meaning, you only intend to go to Japan FOR TOURISM and NOT to go to Japan to find a job.

Now, once you’ve made up your mind and you are applying for a Japan tourist visa, you need to decide whether you will  apply for a  Japan tourist visa WITH a sponsor/guaranto r or  Japan tourist visa WITHOUT a sponsor/guarantor , see the Japan visa requirements above.

2. OBTAIN AND PREPARE THE JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS

  It’s important to complete the Japan visa requirements before you lodge your Japan Visa application. Otherwise, the travel agency may not accept your application or they may accept it, but your chance of getting approved is slim.

  3. CHOOSE AN ACCREDITED TRAVEL AGENCY FOR JAPAN VISA PROCESSING

The Japan Embassy DOES NOT accept direct applications unless it’s a special case.

You can only apply for Japan Visa via an accredited travel agency. You can find the accredit travel agencies for Japan Visa application HERE .

4. SUBMIT YOUR JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS AND PAY THE PROCESSING FEE

Now once you’ve picked an accredited travel agency to process you visa, go to their office. Submit your COMPLETE Japan visa requirements. I suggest you go there early as line can be quite long in some travel agencies.

Service fee will be collected by the travel agency processes, the fee depends on the travel agency, could range from PHP 900 – PHP 1,600. The fee is NON-REFUNDABLE regardless of the granting/withdrawal/denial of your Japan visa application.

Don’t leave without the receipt, you need that to claim your passport.

  All original documents submitted will not be returned by Japan Embassy. So, for documents like SEC/DTI, ITR, DSWD Clearance, Parental Consent and Certificate of Eligibility, you are allowed to submit a clear photocopy. Bring the original copy for verification purposes.

WAIT FOR YOUR JAPAN VISA

  Once you’ve made your payment and the travel agency accepts your Japan Visa application you will have to wait for their SMS/text message whether your passport is already ready for collection. Take note that they will not tell you whether you were approved for a Japan Visa or denied. You need to claim your passport. So, don’t lose your payment receipt.

Japan Visa processing period depends on the type of  visa. Usually, it takes 7 to 10 business days, but during may last Japan visa application this year, it only took 2 business days. It may take longer in some cases especially if there’s a need to verify some documents. That’s why I suggest applying at least a month before your planned travel date.

A white sticker at the back of your passport indicates that your Japan visa is approved. A red sticker means your Japan visa was denied.

JAPAN VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What’s the earliest date i can apply for a japan tourist visa.

  About 2 months before your intended travel date.

  IS THERE AN INTERVIEW FOR THE JAPAN VISA?

What’s the address of japan embassy in manila.

Japan Embassy

2627, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines 1300

SHOULD I APPLY FOR A SINGLE OR MULTIPLE-ENTRY JAPAN VISA?

  It’s really up to you. But I suggest that if it’s your first time to apply for a Japan visa and you don’t have an established travel history yet, go for the Japan single-entry visa. If your Japan visa is approved and you want to return to Japan to travel again, then you can try to apply for the Japan multiple-entry visa.

I also suggest that if it’s your first time applying for a Japan Visa, you keep it down to 15 days.  Requesting for a 30-day single-entry Japan visa when it’s your first time to apply may look suspicious.  This may be seen as an indication that you will be staying that long in Japan to look for a job. Unless of course you can explain it well and back up your explanation with proper documents.

Now if you already have a Japan visa before (and you returned to the country without overstaying in Japan), you have complete documents and you think your bank account has enough funds to prove your financial capacity to fund your Japan trip, try to request for a Japan multiple-entry visa. I will write a separate blog for Japan multiple-entry visa application soon.

HOW LONG IS THE JAPAN VISA VALID?

  The Japanese Embassy can grant 15, 30 and 90 days of stay. So ensure you won’t make an itinerary for over 90 days.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE JAPAN VISA TO BE RELEASED?

The Japan visa application processing time really depends because sometimes the Japan Embassy may need to verify some documents. The travel agency told me though that normally, the process takes about 7-10 business days. But for my latest Japan Visa,  it was processed within 2 business days, and I got the text message to claim my passport after 3 business days. I strongly advise to apply for a Japan visa at least a month before your travel date to avoid any hassle.

WHAT DOES THE JAPAN VISA LOOK LIKE?

CAN I SUBMIT OTHER JAPAN REQUIREMENTS OTHER THAN THE DOCUMENTS MENTIONED ABOVE?

  Yes. For example, you want to further prove that you have strong economic ties in the Philippines and you will submit proof of your properties, cars, land, etc. You can do that, anyway, the travel agency will just return it if not needed.

For my recent application, I submitted proof of payments from clients. I was applying for a multiple-entry Japan visa. The staff at the travel agency returned some of them. I asked why when those he returned where much bigger payments. I told him what if I get declined and I asked him why? He said, “Just trust me. This is enough”. I asked him why, he didn’t answer. He just smiled.  When I claimed my passport, I got approved for a multiple-entry Japan visa.

SHOULD I BOOK FLIGHTS AND HOTELS ALREADY? WHAT IF MY APPLICATION GETS DENIED?

No, you’re not required to do that. You can book your flight and your hotel once your Japan Visa is approved. You need to write down the flight number and the address and contact number of your hotel. For the Flight number, go to the website of the airline, search for flights and copy the flight number.

SHOULD I STAY IN THE HOTEL OR FLY WITH THE AIRLINE I MENTIONED IN THE APPLICATION FORM?

  No, not necessarily. You can book a different flight and stay in a different hotel

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I HAVE IN THE BANK?

  I have no concrete idea, I am not a Japan visa expert. But based on my personal experience, here’s how I usually calculate it:

Estimated LOW budget daily expenses in Japan for a single traveler is roughly JPY 7,000/PHP 3,384. With this budget, you need to stay in an inexpensive dorm room, eat in convenience store and fast food restaurants and visit FREE attractions (e.g. FREE temples, shrines and parks).

Estimated MEDIUM budget daily expenses in Japan for a single traveler is about JPY 10,000/PHP 4,834– JPY 15,000/PHP 7,252. With this budget, you can stay in a dorm room or single room in a budget hotel, eat at restaurants near the shopping areas and visit some attractions with admissions of around JPY 100/PHP 48- JPY 500/PHP 241.

Estimated HIGH budget daily expenses in Japan for a single traveler is around JPY 15,500/JPY 7,493 above. Meaning, you can stay in mid-range hotel, eat at restaurants near shopping areas and visit attractions with entrance fees of JPY 100/JPY 48– JPY 1000/ PHP 483.

*Now take note that transportation is not yet included in these estimated budgets.

So, based on the approximate Japan budget daily expenses for a solo traveler above, you can multiply the daily expenses by the number of your intended stay in Japan. For example, you intend to travel in Japan for 5 days. Aim for at least the estimated medium daily budget in Japan, which is as I mentioned above is roughly JPY 10,000/PHP 4,834– JPY 15,000/PHP 7,252.  So, if that’s the case, for a 5 day stay in Japan, your estimated expenses is roughly JPY 75,000/PHP 36,248.

Again, this sample budget does not include the transportation cost . So, if you haven’t booked your airline ticket yet, consider that in your calculation too. Also, this is just based on my experience, to give you an idea of you the cost of travel in Japan, may experience may be different from your experience. Do not treat this as a bible.

Once you’ve calculated your estimated expenses for the duration of your Japan trip, add more to it, just enough, not too much. Because sometimes, if you have way too much money on your bank account, especially if you are just a regular employee and your ITR doesn’t match or can’t explain why you were able to obtain that much funds on your bank account, it can be suspicious and you might get declined. It may be seen as a reason for you to overstay in Japan.

The money in your bank account is just 1 of the many factors for determining if you will be granted a Japan visa. You can have a large amount of money in your bank account, but still be declined. See my discussion below on Possible Reasons  for a Denied Japan Visa.

I DON’T HAVE AN ITR, what will I do?

  Maybe you are new to your job or your business, you are a freelancer (freelancers need to pay taxes by the  way) but you haven’t processed your ITR yet so you can’t submit it. You can write a letter explaining this.  However, I would strongly recommend you to attach additional proof of income if that’s the case. For example, business registration, receipts for payments from clients/employer, certificate of employment, etc. If you are a freelancer, try to request for a certificate of employment from your client/employer, include the name and contact details of your employer and make sure it is signed. Basically, you need to prove your strong ties in the Philippines so that the Japanese consul will be convinced that you will be returning back to the Philippines.

CAN I SUBMIT A COVER LETTER SO I CAN EXPLAIN SOMETHING (E.G MISSING DOCUMENTS)?

Yes, you can write a cover letter. I’ve done this before because I’m missing an ITR since my business is new. But then again, I attached copies of receipts from payments from clients as supporting document.

CAN SOMEONE SUBMIT THE JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR ME?

  Yes. I’ve done this twice because my first 2 Japan visas where processed by the PR for airlines because our trip was sponsored. I submitted a signed authorization letter, ID and photocopy of my ID.

I WILL BE TRAVELING WITH MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS, ARE WE ALL REQUIRED TO BE THERE AT THE AGENCY?

No, however, ensure that your forms are duly accomplished. While applying for a Japan Visa recently, one of the applicants had to call her husband over the phone to tell him to go inside the travel agency because there was something missing on the form. Avoid this. If only one of you will go to the travel agency to file the Japan visa application, make sure all the documents are complete and the application form is dully accomplished. Also bring a signed authorisation letter as well as the ID of the applicant.

CAN I SUBMIT THE REQUIREMENTS VIA COURIER?

If for example you are in a remote province and you can’t personally apply for a visa, maybe the flight to Manila from your place is expensive, you can submit the Japan visa requirements via courier. Contact the travel agency for more information.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY VISA WAS DENIED?

  Once you collect your passport from the travel agency, that’s the only time you’ll know. However, neither the travel agency will know why your application was denied. Japan Embassy doesn’t disclose it.

MY JAPAN VISA WAS DENIED WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

  You can re-apply again after 6 months. Read my Japan Visa tips below. Avoid doing the same mistake.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR A DENIED JAPAN VISA?

  We don’t know for sure because as I said the Japan Embassy doesn’t disclose that. But here are some POSSIBLE reasons and TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF JAPAN VISA APPROVAL

Fake documents: Never ever submit fake documents, even birth certificate.

You don’t have an established travel history: Maybe it’s your first time traveling abroad and you can’t prove your strong economic and social ties in the Philippines. Again, there are many factors, I know someone who got approved even if it’s his first time to travel abroad. But he was able to prove his financial capability to fund his trip. Another one got approved even if it’s her first time to travel overseas, but she has a sponsor.

I recommend building your travel history first, travel to visa-free countries for Filipinos, return to the Philippine and never overstay in another country, and once you have some stamps in your passport, try to apply for a Japan visa. Previous travel history can help in your visa application.

You don’t have strong  social and economic ties in the Philippines:   I’ve heard of many visa horror stories before, especially for Filipinas traveling alone. Now, when it comes to applying for a visa in general, I often hear this “If you are a female, and you are single (meaning not married), you don’t have kids, your chance is slim.” That’s because they might think you are traveling there to find a husband or find a job since you are not married here. I hope this is not true, but it seemed to have happened to some women I know.

Another possible reason for weak economic ties is if you just resigned from your job, you are new to your job or your business is new.

Again, the Japanese Embassy doesn’t disclose the denial reason, so we don’t know for sure. But if ever, you need to prove you have a steady source of income, again, I mentioned this above, submit copies of payments/receipts from clients. I  also suggest, aside from the Japan requirements, you submit other supporting documents, like if you have a title of your real property, land, car, etc. Or if you have other investments, stocks, insurance, etc.

Your bank account is questionable: Maybe you have enough or big money in your bank account, however your ITR or other documents can’t explain how you were able acquire that fund. This will raise a red flag. Depositing a sudden large amount of money in your bank account for the visa application is NOT recommended. This may be seen as a red flag by the Japanese consul.

You are unemployed or you don’t have enough money in your bank account:   If you find yourself in this situation, apply with a guarantor. Make sure the guarantor has the financial capacity to fund tour trip. See the Japan visa requirements above under WITH GUARANTOR.

You applied for a visa WITHOUT a guarantor, but you wrote down that you will be staying at your friend’s place or family member’s house: If you are applying for a visa without a sponsor, write down a hotel address. Otherwise, the Japanese consul may ask for additional proof that your friend or family is residing in Japan legally and this can delay the process or worse, your visa might be denied right away.

Too many erasures and wrong information in your application form: Again, ensure that your application form is complete, correct and neat!

You requested the wrong number of days for your Japan visa:   Again, the Japan Embassy can only grant  Filipinos 15 days, 30 days or 60 days visa. For example, if you intend to stay there for over 15 days, do not write down 15 days on your form. Request for 30 days.   If you plan to stay over 30 days, then put 60 days in your request. If you plan to stay over 90 days, then you have a problem, because maximum stay in Japan is up to 90 days only. But then again, be careful about your request for over 30 days or so, you need to submit additional documents to validate your reason for staying that long in Japan.

Too complicated Japan itinerary: Again, do not complicate things. Just follow the template above and make sure your itinerary is doable.  

That’s it. Hope this blog is able to help you prepare for your Japan visa application! Good luck, and I would really appreciate if you leave a comment below regarding your experience to help other readers as well. If you find any errors in the blogpost, please let me know so I can correct immediately. If your Japan visa is approved, do let me know in the comment sections!

OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)

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73 Comments

Thank you for this guide! I bookmarked this for future reference. I always thought it was hard to get one but your guide makes it seem easy! Thank you so much!

Hi, thank you for this useful information. Just to be sure, for those without sponsor do we only need to submit a bank certificate and no need for bank statement (or list of transactions for the past 3 months)? Also, the ITR doesn’t have to be a certified copy from BIR, right?

Thank you for the very useful tips. This is very timely for me as I planned to go to Japan within this year.

Hi, would it be necessary that all of the family members have a bank account to travel to japan? What if my parents are with me and theyll be the one who will fund for the trip?

Please read the FAQ section above.

Thank u ..so helpful cayse im.planning to visit japan…

You have given complete information about the japan and visa requirements. Its good to see you enjoying there.

Hi! I will travel to Japan this November is it safe to travel solo? Isn’t it hard to communicate with Japanese people? And is it safe for female traveler?

Yes, very safe. You can use Google Translate. The Japanese are really helpful, when you ask them for directions or questions they will really try to help you despite the language barrier.

Hello! Any idea what to do if the sponsor is from outside the Philippines? Thanks in advance.

Hi, what if my guarantor is OFW(Mom) and she will not join me in my trip. What requirements/documents should I pass to get a Japan visa? I think OFW’s dont have ITR.

Hi. Regarding bank certificate, need ba na may ADB ( average daily balance ) na indicated on the certificate? Since banks don’t usually include that unless you specifically request for it. And another question is, since bank certificate lang naman (and not bank statement) ang needed. How do they know na may one-time large amount kang dineposit? They cannot check if there is no bank statement submitted.

No need for ADB balance. I submitted a bank cert only. 🙂

I am a housewife and will be travelling to Japan with my mother and sisters. I do not have income of my own but my husband is a full time government employee. He will be providing for my travel expenses. What doc will I submit? Will his ITR be required?

Only Japanese guarantor was mentioned on the embassy’s website, best to inquire at the travel agency. But just in case that’s allowed, usually for visa application, an ITR of the guarantor is needed. Also, they might ask of your husband is traveling with you

Hi! I am an OFW who plans to treat my mum, dad and sister with a trip to Japan. I don’t have the ITR as I work overseas, so what requirements should I provide instead? Thanks!

Can you get an employee certificate and maybe proof that you are on OFW? Perhaps you can submit other documents proving you are working abroad and write an explanation letter. Better yet, inquire at the travel agency, not so sure about that situation.

Ok thanks for the info appreciate it 😊

welcome. goodluck sa visa!

The sample form are not filled out.

scroll down

Hi, thank you for your post, it was really helpful. I just have one question. I will be submitting my documents next week for japan visa processing. However, in the flight itinerary and hotel reservation, I have 2 friends with me. They already have their visas with them. Do you think that will cause me any problem since it was stated in the website of Japan embassy that if you are travelling in group, you should apply together? Thank you.

Not sure about that, but perhaps you can write a letter explaining that. Provide their name, passport number and visa number. To make sure, when you submit that, inquire at the travel agency. Anyway,they will tell you if that’s needed or not.

hi! a foreign boyfriend-but not japanese, guarantor living in the philippines will do?

Not sure about that, only Japanese guarantor was mentioned in the website. Best to inquire at the travel agency.

Thank you for the guide. I have a few questions / clarifications and I hope you can enlighten me. Thanks in advance. 1. My PSA birth certificate was issued more than 1 year ago, does that mean I need to request for a new one? 2. Documents must be in A4. Does that mean ALL documents, including ITR, bank certificates, etc? So they need to be photocopied and resized? 3. Is there no specification on the dress code in the photo, like top with a collar? Just plain white background? Is the applicant allowed to smile (showing teeth) in the photo? 4. As for ITR (Form 2316) my latest copy was for last year 2017 as I understand they are given yearly, can I use it or do I need to request for a new one, for 2018?

PSA Birth cert must be issued 1 year ago, according to the embassy’s website. Bank certs and ITR doesn’t really need to be in A4. Photographer said, smiling is not allowed, so I just followed that. You can use the 2017, the 2018 will be issued next year as far as I know.

Hi, thanks for this blog of yours. uhm, is it okay if your guarantor was an OFW in japan and she asked you to visit japan and aside from that. is the japan embassy would denied my japan visa about it?

Not so sure about the OFW guarantor. I cannot guarantee that. You can inquire at the travel agency to make sure.

Hi, thank you for your blog, this really helps alot. I visited Japan last year and I had 15days single visa entry. I want to go back this year and I want to apply for multiple entry visa this time. My question is, since you got your multiple visa and I dont want to screw mine, I’m just curious, what were the reasons you put on the “reasons for requesting multiple entry visa”?

You can write, I want to return to Japan and explore Japan during _ season (e.g. autumn, winter, spring, summer). I also wrote that I plan to explore other prefectures of Japan. Good luck! 🙂

Hi . Thank you for you blog .. I also have few questions.. 1. I would like to ask regarding sa number of days , we are applying for 90days visa and my garantor was the one who made my “daily schedule” exact 90days talaga ginawa nya . Do I need to put 60days sa application form ko kahit 90days yong nakasulat sa daily schedule? 2. Is it necessary to apply 2 months before my travel date ? What if less than 2months ?

I hope you can help me . Thank you so much 😊

1. Write 90 days. 2. That’s fine. Basta wag lang less than a week before your trip. You can try 1 month before your planned departure.

I am a fresh graduate and will be travelling to Japan with family and cousins. I do not have any source of income, for I’m currently taking a gap year before i pursue med school and my parents will shoulder my travel expenses. What document should I submit? Do I have to make a letter? Thankyou!

Yes, make a cover letter explaining that and include your bank certificate. If your traveling with your parents, they need to submit the above requirements.

This is super duper helpful for first-timer like me. I’ve been looking for a step-by-step process on how to apply for Japan Visa over the internet , and I can say this is the most detailed, and easy to follow. This will help us to lessen the chance of us getting denied visa request. Thanks again.

Glad to hear that. Goodluck on your visa application. And enjoy Japan! 🙂

Are retired senior citizens also required to submit an ITR or is it possible to submit only your financial capability to finance the travel?

You can submit a bank certificate and other proof of financial ties in PH. Then write a cover letter na lang po explaining s/he is retired already.

Hi there your Blog is very informative. I just want to ask. Me and my husband wants to apply for visa. Do we need to apply Individual Application for the Visa? or 1 must apply only? hope to hear from you! Thank You!

You both need to apply po, mention mu na lang na you’ll be traveling with your husband.

thank you for the tips Ms. Gael~ I would just like to inquire.. first time ko po mag-travel abroad.. my Japanese Guarantor would like me to stay there for 30 days.. concern lang po ako baka high chance na madecline ang visa application kung ganun katagal mag-stay since most of the blogs i’ve read.. nirerecommend nila na for first timer.. stay only for 15 days.. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.. Thank you in advance.

Yes, lalo na kung wala ka pang travel history, I suggest limit it muna sa 15 days, dear.

Hi, What if we apply Visa ng July pa lang then November/December ang travel date. ok lang po ba yun? Currently working kami sa Middle east then sa pinas magaaply para ksama na family, sabay sabay na. THANK YOU! 🙂

Please read the guide above. That’s too early po.

thank you sa article na ito. very helpful. btw, i got approved same day na pagkalodge ng application sa embassy. naloka ako. i was sure na madedeny pa nga dahil I don’t have work at all. just bank certificate and old passports (travel history)

welcome. congrats and enjoy Japan! 🙂

Hi, my only bank account is the one that was provided by my company for my payroll (BDO). Will the bank certificate from it fulfill as a requirement for the japan visa application? Thanks.

Yes, you can submit that. just make sure you have enough money there to fund your trip.

Hi there. I’ve never been out of the country. I saw a seat sale in Cebu Pacific today for Fukuoka. Overall the roundtrip ticket will be around PHP7,700. I didn’t add any add-ons just to save ‘coz I’m planning to do a backpacking kind of trip and I’m planning to do a 24hr in trip in Fukuoka. I booked June 29-30- will be arriving at night and for return it will be a night flight too. I actually haven’t pay yet through payment centers ‘coz I still have doubts. Well, I’m just an average Pinay…not rich and I am not earning big. My salary is good enough just to provide my basic needs and wants. I would say I’m really frustrated to work in Japan. I’m not really the type who prioritize travelling. Spending days or weeks will only make me crave for Japan more and spending lots of money for travel is kind of unwise for me specially I can’t really call myself yet financially stable and I’d rather spend that money to venture in a low-cost business. But with that mentality…it’s harder for me to put colors on my Japan dream. I just wanted to really have a let’s call it a preview on what is Japan like or just a glimpse of it rather than just watching it on Youtube or imagine it through blogs I read. I know this might sound crazy to have 24 hour trip in Fukuoka and it’s not even a business trip. I see people who travelled abroad and it inspires and motivates them to find a job in that country. I even took basic Japanese class last year and will register for JLPT this year. I chose end of June, a week before the exam, thinking that it will motivate me more. If this all goes well, if I’ll be able to go there then I can share to other folks like me that it’s possible to go to Japan in a very tight budget. I know it’s AMBITIOUS but I’ll never know unless I give it a try.

I’ve been part of my current company for 2 years and 5 months now. My questions are 1.) For bank statement, is it necessary to submit a BS of my own bank account or can I use my payroll bank account? 2.) For itinerary, since it’s my first time and it’s gonna be DIY, is it necessary to book or contact a hotel before applying for a visa or just provide the details of my target hotel? I’m eyeing a capsule hotel if there’s one in Fukuoka. 3.) Lastly, as an experienced traveller, what is your say about this? Or any suggestions/recommendations. I know you’re very busy and I will deeply appreciate in advance your response. Thanks a lot.

1. Yes, you can submit your payroll bank accnt. 2. I suggest you book ahead. It’s cheaper online. 3. Wait for my Fukuoka travel guide, I was just there a few weeks ago. Will write travel tips and itinerary.

Hello, once i applied and granted po ba, is there like a certain amount of time where i should travel na agad before sya ma void? like pwede po ba after 3 months pa.

there is. check the visa, it should be listed there.

Hi, just want to ask if Bank Certificate should also be printed in A4? Thank you for this blogpost! I’m about to apply for Japan visa on July.

Depends sa bank, whatever they give you can submit that. D naman po required na A4 din ang paper nung bank cert.

Hi. All your blogs are very helpful. This is my go-to site when I am doing DIY travel. Thank you! I have multiple hotels in my planned Japan itinerary. I will be going to Tokyo and Fukoroi. Which one should I write as Japanese address and contact number? Thanks

I usually write the 1st hotel I’ll be staying in.

I’m super nervous, It’s my 2nd time in Japan (if granted again) my 1st tourist visa was 4 yrs ago, came only after 3 days, now it’s still not coming out and it’s already 5th day now. Normally pag matagal daw na dedeny. 🙁 complete docs naman ako except for ITR because i work from home. and just submitted a letter of explanation… ung 1st visa kasi i have a sponsor, 1st time ko mag apply ng tourist without sponsor ngayon. and with my husband and sure have enough funds sa bank! nakaka kaba, wala pa kasi ako narinig na success story na inabot ng more than 5 days ang release na na grant! hayy halos di ako makatulog, nabook na kasi ang ticket dahil sa promo fare 🙁 still praying for a positive result tho’.

Sorry, I just read this. How was it? Did you get your visa? I think one time (I applied 3 times before I got the multiple visa) I received mine after 10 days, and it was approved.

hello! i have a ticket for tokyo already for the first days of november (which i hope is peak of autumn?). I will fund my own travel po. So far, i have been to 5 visa free countries (last 5 yrs) and will be going to korea next month then surely another non-visa trip on sept. i plan to apply for a jap visa po after nun. Also, solo female traveler lang po ako so medyo natatakot po ako dun sa stereotype na baka i might come off as naghahanap ng asawa sa japan. Anyway, ok na po ba ito kaya as travel history, will these count po kaya as proof of rootedness sa Philippines? Medyo kinakabahan po ako eh. Also, ok na po kaya yung 30k difference from ADB and then yung total projected expenses sa trip? Thanks po!

You can give it a try since you already have a travel history. In my experience, it wasn’t as hard as I thought to apply for a Japan visa. I was super scared too when I first applied. Just make sure you follow the steps above and submit the required documents. Goodluck!

Just a quick question, I recently transferred work last January 2019. I only have the ITR from year 2018 which were processed with the name of my previous company.

1. Can I still submit this ITR 2018 from my previous company? 2. If not, are letter of intent with proofs of transfer of employment be enough? (Payslip,etc)

You can use the ITR for 2018, there’s no ITR yet for 2019. And yes, include the supporting documents you mentioned on #2. I suggest you write a cover letter as well explaining that.

I was excited to hear from you regarding tours to Japan. I’m currently working in Saudi Arabia, and some of the requirements like ITR, I cannot obtained instead employment certificate, pay slips and online OFW exemption letter to justify that I am working outside Phils. I am planning to apply japan visa in Philippines via travel agent for 15 days or less. I had experienced denial visa twice in Qatar (5 Years ago) & Saudi Arabia (2 years ago) that’s why I plan this year to apply in Philippines during my annual vacation. Does japan embassy will trace up my previous denial visas which can reflect to my current visa application? I’m scared of applying again for the third time. hope u can enlighten my mind and give some insights. I had lots of travel histories also like Russia, France, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Austria, Georgia, Armenia etc.) and holding multiple 5 Year visa in Europe countries. Thanks and God bless! Nico

You can give it a try here in PH. Just make sure you provide the required documents. If you can’t provide an ITR, write a cover letter explaining why and provide the supporting documents that you mentioned. Anyway, the travel agency will double check your documents before submitting to the embassy. Goodluck!

Not sure about that. Kindly inquire at the accredited travel agency for Japan visa because I think if that’s the case there should be a document that needs to be submitted proving that the husband/wife passed away already.

Yes. Just bring the old passport and show your visa there.

Hello! I just want to ask if we can apply first for visa before we purchase the tickets? Thank you

My boyfriend is Indonesian and their country requires visa too. We are planning to meet here in PH and then fly to Japan together. I’ve been to 4 countries already (Asia) and have a stable job. I am planning to apply for visa alone. Do I need to wait for my bf’s visa to get approved in Jakarta and ask for a copy of it to support my application? You know, I don’t want them to see me as a solo female traveler. I can also submit our flight with our names in it.

Hello po! ask ko lang po sana kung pwede po na yung guarantor ko is grandmother ng friend ko kasi may Job siya and malaki ang income. pero wala kaming picture magkasama. Posssible po bang maging guarantor ko siya. salamat po!

Not really familiar with the Japan visa application with guarantor. Best to inquire at a travel agency that processes Japan visa. I guess you can try that, however, generally for guarantor you would need proof to prove your ties with her/him, as well as some of her/his personal information – copy of passport, etc. Again, inquire at a travel agency like Universal Holidays, Friendship Tours, or Reli Tours.

Hi! Ask ko po sana if okay lang itong profile namin ng bf ko :<

– 23 and 24 years old – only started working Dec. 2022 and Jan. 2023 – both have 70k sa bank (for 4 days trip SE, for a concert, already have concert tix and flights booked) – both no travel history

If a bit risky po, hoping for some tips to strengthen our application hehe. TYIA! 🙂

Hi Joanne, it really depends sa consul. But since you have work naman and money on your bank account, I think may chance naman kayo ma-apprrove. Basta submit lang all requirements. My sister did not have a travel history when she applied for a Japan visa. But she’s been working for a long time sa company nila. Na-approve naman. Once you submit your Japan visa application sa tour agency, they will advise you din if you’re documents are good or may need pa kayo i-provide. Goodluck and enjoy Japan! 🙂

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Japan Visa Application Requirements for Filipino Tourists in Manila, Philippines (Single / Multiple Entry)

by Aileen Adalid Japan , Visa Guides & Immigration 524 comments

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Japan is, without a doubt, one of the foreign countries that I would LOVE to visit over and over again! However, as a third world passport holder from the Philippines, we are always required to avail of a Japan visa whenever we want to enter their country… and I’m not gonna lie: it can be quite a hassle!

As a Filipino, surely you might be thinking that it’s hard to get one… but I can tell you from experience that it’s actually NOT that difficult!

In fact: it was easy , and by the second time that I applied, I got myself a multiple entry tourist visa to Japan which now gives me the chance to visit for as much as I want without having to apply for a visa beforehand. ( UPDATE : As of 2018, the Embassy is now issuing 10-year visas!)

RELATED READ : – Tokyo Itinerary – Top Things to do in Tokyo (Per District) – Japan Itinerary Ideas and Travel Guide – Best Japan Spots to Go to During Cherry Blossom Season

What to Do in Japan…?

Come and check out this list of the  top things to do in Japan  which features the best activities and tours to do in places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and more!

The application process for a Japan visa was EASY and hopefully, with the help of this guide, you can get to visit Japan soon!

…But first, a disclaimer :

NO ONE can give you a guarantee of your Japan visa’s approval — not even a lawyer, a consultant, a travel agent, or an embassy employee. Anyone who says otherwise is most likely going to be a scammer.

That being said, what I can offer you here is a comprehensive guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that Japan Visa.

Top photo by: Shutterstock

Table of Contents

ApplicationProcess for Japan Visa

Step 1: determine the type of japan visa you need to apply for.

There are, of course, various types of Japan Visas out there that you can apply for: a visa for medical stay, a visa for business, a visa for transit, a visa for being a spouse, etc.

For this particular guide, I will only be discussing the requirements for a tourist visa and visits to a friend or relative since they are experiences that I’ve gone through myself (both for single and multiple entry types as well as if you’re visiting with or without a guarantor/sponsor).

If, however, you have a different situation or purpose of visit, it’s best that you head over to this page of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines for more information.

– – –

Step 2: Prepare the required documents for your application

Depending on your circumstance, click the symbol ‘ + ‘ below to view the corresponding requirements for each section.

• Make sure that you have authentic, original (if required) , and complete documents at all times — preferably ALL in A4 size. Take note though that the embassy does NOT return any of the following documents that you’ll be submitting. If you have an original document that you want to be returned, please submit a photocopy of it too, and a note that the original must be returned.

(Section A)  Japan Tourist Visa WITHOUT Any Guarantor/Sponsor

• Philippine Passport. If your photo has broken lamination, it will NOT be accepted. Make sure as well that your passport is valid for 6 months prior to your intended travel date, it has your signature, and has at least two (2) blank pages. .
• Print the Japan Visa Application Form in A4 size.
• Download the application form from here (you can see a sample filled-out form of this here ) . It is possible to type your information on this form; otherwise, if you’re going to fill it out by hand, make sure there will be NO erasures. Best to write in print or in capitalized letters too.
• Do completely fill out the form properly and ensure that you have signed it with your signature. Put “N/A” in all spaces that are not applicable, especially on the 2nd page.
• To view, a sample filled-out Japan Visa Application Form, see here .
• There are sections here that ask for your airline and hotel name…

This does NOT mean that you are required to book your airline and hotel beforehand because the embassy does NOT require applicants to book it before approval and the embassy also does NOT require you to submit documents related to it. That being said, just write here your intended airline to book with and the hotel that you plan to stay in should your Japan visa be approved. If you’re going to stay in multiple hotels, just pick one to write on the form. . If in case you want some “peace of mind” and still want to book a hotel to show to the embassy, it’s best to do it with Booking.com or Agoda.com . With them, you can reserve a hotel with NO pre-payment and you can even cancel the booking a day before your arrival with NO cancellation charges at all. . For flights, you can easily get a flight reservation online with OneWayFly for a small fee of only Php 1,000~. I highly recommend them because they are fast, easy, and legitimate; plus, I have been using them for years for all of my visa applications! (Read here for more info). . When it’s time to book your final roundtrip tickets, my go-to platform is Skyscanner for the best flight deals.

• The photo must be taken in the past 6 months.
• Photos that are pixelated or of low resolution will NOT be accepted.
• Please also write your name and birthdate on the backside of the photo before pasting it. .
• If your birth certificate is “Late Registration”, submit your Baptismal Certificate (it must have the complete address and telephone information of the church) and School Record [Form 137] from high school or elementary (it must have complete address and telephone information of the school).
• If you have NO record in PSA, please submit a “Certificate of Non-Record” from PSA together with a birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.

A birth certificate is NOT required for submission IF you have already been issued a Japan Visa before (old or still valid). However, if you are going to take a guarantor/sponsor that is a member of your family, you will still need to submit it as proof of your relationship.

• NSO Marriage Certificate. Of course, this is only if you’re married. Make sure that it has been 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 Non-Record” from PSA together with the Marriage Certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.

This is NOT required for submission IF you have already been issued a Japan Visa before (old or still valid).

• Along with this, I usually attach a cover letter explaining the purpose of my travel to Japan. To see an example, go here .

• Meanwhile, do take note that your bank certificate will often show the monthly average balance of your savings account; therefore, depositing a sudden large amount of money in order to assist you in your visa application is NOT really a good idea.
• ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE ON A GUARANTOR/SPONSOR FOR YOUR APPLICATION? Then submit his/her bank certificate instead. .
• Latest ITR (Form 2316) clear photocopy in A4 paper with the receipt stamp from BIR (or if you used e-Tax, please submit the receipt notification).
• If you do NOT have an ITR, explain in your cover letter why you’re unable to submit it ( examples: you’re newly employed, etc. ) and ensure that you also submit Bank Statements for the last 3 months.
• Certificate of Employment specifying applicant’s position, period of employment, monthly (or annual) income, and certifier’s name and contact information
• If you’re a freelancer, provide your latest ITR (Form 1701A) clear photocopy on A4 paper.
• If you own a business, submit the company ITR and a copy of the Certificate of Registration issued by DTI / SEC.
• I’ve been using them for years now and it has been such a time-saver. Come sign up with my code AILEEN and you can get a 10% discount on all their subscription plans!
• Provide tax exemption form from BIR.
• Certificate of Employment (or contract of employment)
• Given the way the Embassy of Japan presents its requirements for visa application, it’s best that you acquire a guarantor/sponsor who can provide an ITR and help support your financial standing. .
• There is a section in the form that asks for a “Relationship with the inviting person and guarantor”, just write N/A here because you’re only applying as a tourist. This is only applicable if you’re visiting friends or relatives in Japan.

* * * * * *

(Section B)  Japan Tourist Visa WITH Non-Japanese Guarantor/Sponsor LIVING IN the Philippines

This kind of application is applicable for students, minors, unemployed persons, spouses (if one of you can’t submit a bank certificate), and even self-employed persons/freelancers (who can’t provide an ITR and have no strong reason why they can’t submit it) . This also applies to anyone who has a company/agency to sponsor their trip.

For submitting the necessary requirements, simply submit the requirements listed in section (A), numbers #1 to #6 and when it comes to (#7) Bank Certificate and (#8) Proof of Income , ask these from your guarantor/sponsor — it could be your mom, dad, brother, sister, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, relative, company, etc. who is living in the Philippines.

Take note, however, that there are NO guarantees of approval if your guarantor is NOT a family member of yours. In fact, it is said that it’s a lot better to have a direct family member sponsoring you.

For other documents, you should also submit the following…

• Under “Seal”, this is supposedly for companies who will sponsor you. If it’s an individual who does not have a seal, he/she can just put his/her signature there.
• For multiple applicants who have the same guarantor, please write the name of the representative and “ Others names, see attached list ”. Then, don’t forget to fill out the “List of Visa Applicants” document mentioned in #10 in Section A above. .
• If your guarantor/sponsor is a foreigner or foreign national, please also provide a photocopy of his/her identity card (I-CARD) or AEP (Alien Employment Permit). .
• For your cover letter , it helps to explain why the said person is serving as your sponsor or guarantor.

ADDITIONAL NOTES :

• Submit your Certificate of Enrollment and/or school record (Form 137). .
• If he has NO account in any of the local banks in the Philippines, he/she can provide a photocopy of his/her bank statement with contact details.
• Providing payslips will help.

(Section C)  Japan Tourist Visa WITH Japanese Guarantor/Sponsor LIVING IN Japan

If your guarantor or sponsor is a Japanese person living in Japan, aside from the requirements listed in section (A), numbers #1 to #6, you should also submit the following:

• Residence Certificate. Called “Juminhyo”, this must be issued within the past 3 months. Please submit a certificate with a description of all household members. However, it should be without Individual Number (Kojin-bango) and Residence Certificate Code (Juminhyo-code). .
• Income Certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho) from City Hall
• Tax Return Certificate (Nouzei-shomeisho: Form2) with Gross Income from Tax Office
• Kakutei-shinkokusho Hikae or Bank Certificate (Yokin Zandaka Shomeisho) copy with an acceptance stamp of the tax office (if you used e-Tax, please submit Notice of receipt or Jushin-tsuuchi together with the copy of the Final tax return forms or Kakutei-shinkokusho)._
• The following are NOT accepted: Gensen ChoShusho , Nouzeishomeisho Form 1 , and Soushotoku (without annual income)
• The above items must be issued within 3 months. Submission of Withholding Slip (GENSEN-CHOSHU- HYO) in lieu of the above documents is unacceptable. But take note that the guarantor’s Income Certificate etc. is important in measuring their capability to support you; therefore, submission of more than one document is allowed and encouraged.

In addition to numbers #7 to #9 above, if you’re invited and are intending to stay in your Japanese guarantor/sponsor’s residence in Japan who is a DIRECT (parent, sister/brothers, aunts/uncles, or niece/nephews) or DISTANT relative (cousins, etc.), you must submit:

• As to the purpose and background of the invitation, please fill in the concrete activities you are planning as well as the background/circumstances of the invitation in detail. Any vague descriptions such as “ Sightseeing ”, “ Visiting Acquaintances ” or “ Visiting Relatives ” will not be accepted so please indicate specific contents of activities.
• Please do not submit a copy of your Individual Number Card (“My Number Card”) or your Medical Insurance Card in Japan. If it ever shows on any of the documents you’re submitting, ensure that it is concealed. .
• Family Registration. Called “Koseki Tohon”, this must be issued within the past 3 months

Alternatively , if you’re invited and are intending to stay in your Japanese guarantor/sponsor’s residence in Japan who is a FRIEND only (non-family), you must submit:

• Proof of Relationship. This can be photos of the 2 of you together, screenshots of chat conversations, or emails.

(Section D)  Japan Tourist Visa WITH Non-Japanese Guarantor/Sponsor LIVING IN Japan

If your guarantor or sponsor is a non -Japanese person living in Japan, aside from the requirements listed in section (A), numbers #1 to #6 , you should also submit the following:

• Foreign Registration Certificate. Alien Card acquired from the City Hall must be issued within the past 3 months. .
• Photocopy of Passport. All pages must be photocopied. .
• Photocopy of Residence Card. Both sides of the card. Or their Special Permanent Resident Certificate (both sides). .

In addition to numbers #7 to #11 above, if you’re invited and are intending to stay in your non-Japanese guarantor/sponsor’s residence in Japan who is a DIRECT relative (parent, sister/brothers, aunts/uncles, or niece/nephew) , you must also submit:

• Parent – Child : You and your relative in Japan
• Brother – Sister : You and your relative in Japan
• Aunt/Uncle – Niece/Nephew : You, your relative in Japan, and the parent of your relative in Japan
• Niece/Nephew – Aunt/Uncle: You, your parent, and your relative in Japan

Alternatively , if you’re invited and are intending to stay in your non-Japanese guarantor/sponsor’s residence in Japan who is a FRIEND only (non-family), you must submit:

• Please do not submit a copy of your Individual Number Card (“My Number Card”) or your Medical Insurance Card in Japan. If it ever shows on any of the documents you’re submitting, ensure that it is concealed .

(Section E)  Japan Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

The Embassy of Japan has updated its requirements for this type of tourist visa since 2018. First of all, they have the following conditions for granting a multiple-entry visa and it is only applicable to the following individuals who have ANY of these characteristics…

• An applicant with a history of travel as a temporary visitor to Japan in the last three (3) years and has no known violation of Japanese domestic laws nor had a problem with immigration regarding entry and status during the period of stay — and he/she must also have the sufficient financial capacity to support expenses for travel and stay.
• An applicant with a history of travel as a temporary visitor to Japan in the last three (3) years and has no known violation of Japanese domestic laws nor had a problem with immigration regarding entry and status during the period of stay — and he/she has several histories of travel as temporary visitor to G7 countries (excluding Japan) in the last (3) years. These other G7 countries are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (USA).
• The applicant has abundant financial capacity.
• The applicant is a spouse or child of someone who has abundant financial capacity.

As for the requirements…

• Check only which applies to you in any of the items from 1 to 4. .
• Philippine Passport. This should be an ICAO standard MRP or IC ordinary passport. If your photo has broken lamination, it will NOT be accepted. Make sure as well that your passport is valid for 6 months prior to your intended travel date, has your signature, and has at least two (2) blank pages. .
• Download the application form from here (you can see a sample filled-out form of this here ) . It is possible to type your information on this form; otherwise, if you’re going to fill it out by hand, make sure that there will be NO erasures. Best to write in print or in capitalized letters too.
• Completely fill out the form properly and ensure that you have signed it with your signature. Put “N/A” in all spaces that are not applicable, especially on the 2nd page. .
• The photograph must be taken in the past 6 months.
• Please also write your name and birthdate on the backside of the photo. .

Additionally, the following are some other special requirements. If under the conditions, you…

• Proof of travel to Japan in the last three (3) years (old or recent passport with used temporary visitor visa and landing permission stamps)
• Latest Income Tax Return (clear photocopy)
• Proof of financial capacity (applicant’s bank certificate, or dividend certificate of stocks, etc. as proof of sufficient economic status) .
• Proof of travel as a temporary visitor to G7 countries excluding Japan in the last (3) years (old or recent passport with entry visas and immigration stamps) .
• Birth certificate issued by PSA within 1 year
• Marriage Certificate issued by PSA within 1 year
• Latest Income Tax Return of your guarantor/sponsor (clear photocopy)
• Guarantor/sponsor’s proof of financial capacity (applicant’s bank certificate, or dividend certificate of stocks, etc. as proof of sufficient economic status)
• Birth certificate issued by PSA within 1 year and/or Marriage Certificate issued by PSA within 1 year

** Feel free to provide additional documents to support your eligibility depending on your kind of work .

NOTE: It seems to be customary that if you’ve already visited Japan before, you’ll be automatically granted a multiple entry visa by your 2nd application (even if you didn’t specifically request for it — but it could be a case by case basis). . But feel free to also apply for a multiple entry tourist visa even if it’s your 1st application since there are those who have already been successful in doing so. As always though, just ensure that you have complete documents with you for submission and are properly eligible for this as per the conditions above.

NOTE : If in case you are a Philippine national living or residing in a foreign country and you wish to avail of a Japan tourist visa, kindly inquire with the appropriate Japanese Embassy in the country that you’re living in.

On my first visit to Japan, I applied for my tourist visa at the Embassy of Japan in Brussels, Belgium, and the application was fairly easy — the requirements were almost the same as the above (maybe even less).

Step 3: Choose an accredited travel agency to process your application

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines does NOT accept direct applications (unless you have a very special or dire case).

So what you need to do instead is go to an accredited travel agency — submit your documents to them and they will process your application for you!

A Japan Visa is FREE , however, these travel agencies charge for the service that they offer of processing/sending your application, and their corresponding single-entry Japan tourist visa without guarantor fee are as follows (for fees on other types of tourist visas, kindly inquire with them or check their website).

• Universal Holidays in Makati = Php 1,200
• Discovery Tour in Makati, Cebu, & Davao = Php 1,200
• Rajah Travel in Makati & Ermita = Php 1,500
• Reli Tours in Makati, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Binondo and Las Pinas = Php 1,200
• Attic Tours in Pasay & Cebu = Php 1,500
• Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation in Makati & Cebu = Php 1,200
• Pan Pacific Travel only accepts visa applications without a Japanese guarantor

Which is the best travel agency to go to if I want to increase my chances of approval?

There really is NO best travel agency out there when it comes to visa approval because they have NO control whatsoever over that matter. Again, these accredited travel agencies simply ensure that the documents you are going to give are complete — after which, they just pass it to the embassy who makes the analysis and final decision.

If however, it’s about the best in price, or the one closest to where you live, then yes, it will be easy to see who’s “best”.

Personally, I applied to Universal Holidays because they were closest to my address at that time. They’re located in Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati alongside Reli Tours and Friendship Tours, but I ended up picking Universal Holidays because they didn’t have a long line. Once I was in, the overall process of submission was streamlined and easy!

NOTE: Only pass your documents to the accredited agencies above! If you’re located far away, it’s also possible to send your documents by courier or through a representative. Just inquire with the travel agency that you’re interested in to see if such is possible.

Step 4: Wait for the results of your Japan visa application

After you submit your documents to an accredited travel agency, you’ll just have to wait for their email/call/text message that notifies you about when you can pick up your passport, or when you still need to give them additional requirements. (Again, be aware that submission does NOT guarantee the issuance of a visa.)

Visa processing normally takes 2-5 business days — I got mine in just 2 days with Universal Holidays.

Also, I was told that if there’s a red sticker at the back of your passport upon pick-up, it means that your application has been denied. (Mine had a white sticker, which was approved).

Looking for Japan Itinerary Ideas?

Come and check out my ‘ DIY Japan Itinerary Guide ’ post which features detailed day-by-day activities that you could do, no matter the length of your stay!

» Top Japan Activities «

Kimono Rental Try out Japan’s traditional kimono for a day!

Robot Restaurant Show See this famous show in Tokyo!

Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

Looking for more travel tips for Japan?

Check out my other detailed Japan travel guides !

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

As a temporary visitor, the Embassy of Japan only grants 15 or 30 days of stay.  (If you’re visiting a relative, they can allow up to 90 days).

Single-entry : 90 days upon issue BUT once you enter Japan, you will only be allowed to stay for 15 days only (unless otherwise stated on your visa). Multiple-entry : 3 to 5 years (sometimes 10) BUT once you enter Japan, you will only be allowed to stay for 15 or 30 days, as dependent on the info stated on your visa.

There seems to be NO existing rule for a “break period” when you want to enter Japan again — however, take note that if you enter the country again too soon, that will raise questions and the immigration might not let you in. Also, take note that you should NOT spend more than 180 days total in a year in Japan as a tourist.

You can apply no earlier than 60 days (2 months) before the date of your intended departure.

To be safe, apply at least 15 working days before the date of your intended departure.

The same process mentioned above. The only documents you don’t need to resubmit are your birth and marriage certificates (unless you are going to apply with a guarantor/sponsor who is a family member, then you will still need to submit a birth/marriage certificate as proof of relationship).

Like I’ve mentioned above, it can take 2-5 working days. I got mine in just 2 days.

Nope. The travel agencies are only there to collect and check your documents. However, it is possible that the Embassy of Japan will request that you visit them for an interview after they receive your documents — but I’ve never heard of such a case when applying for a tourist visa only.

The embassy does NOT require applicants to submit BOOKED roundtrip flight tickets and hotel(s) before applying for a visa. But if in case you want some “peace of mind” and still want to book a hotel to show to the embassy, it’s best to do it with  Booking.com or Agoda.com . With them, you can reserve a hotel with NO pre-payment and you can even cancel the booking a day before your arrival with NO cancellation charges at all. For flights, you can get a flight RESERVATION from OneWayFly for a small fee of only Php 1,000~. I highly recommend them because they are fast, easy, and legitimate; plus, I have been using them for years for all of my visa applications! (Read here for more info).

If it can support your application even further, then sure! The Embassy encourages that, especially if it can help provide proof of your economical or social ties within the Philippines (example: pay slips, real estate properties, land title, etc.).

It’s not required, but it’s good practice to provide one. After all, if you can’t provide an ITR or if you’re planning to apply for a multiple entry visa, it’s important to write a letter to explain your situation.

Yes, I have. Check it out here.

Just be honest and explain why. Just make sure you have a strong or reasonable explanation as to why (example: you’re new to your job, you are just newly registered to BIR, etc.) . But if you’re nervous about not being able to submit an ITR or if you’re unsure if your reason is enough, you can then choose to take on a guarantor/sponsor for your Japan Visa application. . However, if you’re a self-employed individual or freelancer who works in the Philippines, it is your obligation to register yourself with BIR to get ITR forms later on. For this, I suggest registering with Taxumo because they can take care of literally everything for you: tax forms, payments, and submissions. I’ve been using them for years now and it has been such a time-saver. Come sign up with my code AILEEN and you can get a 10% discount on all their service plans!

The Japan Embassy did NOT mention any minimum balance requirement, but I have surely heard of someone  (and some others) who was (were)  granted a visa even with only Php 50,000 in the bank (with a trip that spanned for 5 days) — so let’s use that as a standard. Meanwhile, do take note that your bank certificate will often show the monthly average balance of your savings account; therefore, depositing a sudden large amount of money in order to assist you in your visa application is NOT really a good idea.

Kindly provide an Affidavit of Discrepancy.

It’s not really required. Besides, some travel agencies provide the option of submitting your documents and/or receiving your passports (after application) via courier. Whereas there are travel agencies that may want you all to be there upon submission, and if in case one of you can’t personally come, just provide an Authorization Letter and photocopy of that person’s valid ID.

Sure, but take note: this would mean that he/she should have enough financial capacity and income to prove that he/she can shoulder each and everyone of you.

If you haven’t heard back from the travel agency in 5 days, feel free to call them to follow up.

When a visa is not granted, the reasons for the denial will never be disclosed (yes, even the travel agency would NOT know why). Regrettably, I can’t find any information about making an appeal to the Embassy of Japan. You can, however, apply again after six (6) months with the same purpose of tourist visit — unless there are emergency / humanitarian reasons, or if you want to apply for a different purpose (work, study, etc.).

NOTE: If you’re not a Filipino citizen, you can check this Japan online visa application website for tips!

As you can see, applying for a Japan Tourist Visa is relatively easy — and I hope the process of preparation becomes absolutely hassle-free with this visa guide.

Let me know how it goes… good luck!

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Hi Aileen, I plan to go to Japan with my husband and sister. My husband and I are funding the trip as my sister’s income is lower than ours. We are applying for visas together–does she still need to provide documents such as ITR, COE, and bank certificate? She doesn’t have any savings so the latter probably won’t help our case. Do I need to serve as guarantor for her and provide a guarantee letter, etc? Thank you!

Yes, it will help if you will serve as her guarantor! It’s not required (since you’ll already serve as her guarantor/sponsor), but it will also often help to provide those other documents (COE, ITR, etc.) even if her income is low as it will also help prove to the embassy that she has strong ties in the Philippines, and won’t overstay in Japan. It will also be helpful to accomplish the cover letter so that you or her can explain her situation. Hope this helps!

Hi Aileen, just wanted to say thank you for this updated guide. I really appreciate it! And it helps so much of us.

Thanks again!

Hi Aileen, regarding the requirements for visa application to Japan, do I have to pass my physical passport? Thank you so much!

Hey Faye! Yes, you must submit your passport when applying for the visa :)

Hello.. as of this date, do we still need to book our flights and hotel via travel agency?..or we can book on our own?

Hey there, there NEVER was a requirement for you to book your flights and hotels through a travel agency — this was NEVER required by the Japan embassy either. You are always free to book your own.

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A guide on how to apply for or renew your japan tourist visa.

2023 is the year of travel, especially now that Japan has opened its borders to tourists! It’s likely that you’ve seen your friends, your relatives, and the celebrities you follow spending their holidays in the Land of the Rising Sun and it’s made you go green with envy. Don’t fret; you’ll make it there soon too! Just follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply for or renew your Japan tourist visa.

View of Niseko Hokkaido Japan during Summer (Photo provided by Hotel101)

How to Apply for or Renew Your Japan Tourist Visa

Note: This guide is for those who are not applying to join a group/package tour (doing DIY travel)

Requirements:

• Valid passport (with your expired Japan tourist visa, if you’re renewing)
• Application Form
• Passport-size photo with your full name written on the back (note: double-check with your agency what photo size they require)
• PSA-certified Birth certificate obtained within one (1) year (note: not required for those renewing their visas)
• PSA-certified Marriage certificate obtained within one (1) year, if married (note: not required for those renewing their visas)
• Itinerary in Japan
• Bank Certificate
• Photocopy of Income Tax Return / BIR Form 2316
• Guarantee Letter
• Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor (e.g. Birth Certificates)
• Guarantor’s Bank Certificate
• Guarantor’s photocopy of Income Tax Return
• Multiple Visa Request Form (if applying for multiple-entry visa)
• List of visa applicants

How to fill up your application form

You can download the tourist visa application form here . There are two ways to fill it up: by accomplishing it electronically or by printing it out.

Remember to write in black ink and block letters. Don’t leave anything blank. If not applicable, write or type “N/A”. Make sure you check with your agency what photo size they require (some will ask for a passport-sized photo while others will ask for a 2×2).

Other notes:  It’s okay if you still haven’t booked your airline ticket or a hotel when renewing your tourist visa. Just make sure that the date you are putting down as your intended travel date is within three (3) months from the date you are applying for it. For example, if you are applying in January, it’s best to put a travel date that’s scheduled for March even if you really aren’t going to travel in that month. You can also put down a random hotel as your accommodation. Take note that these tips are just for those renewing their visas and not applying for one for the first time.  If you are a first-time applicant,  it’s still best to apply for a visa strictly three months before the date you  really  want to travel, just in case you are granted a single-entry visa instead of a multiple-entry one.

How to fill up a sample itinerary

You can download the Japan itinerary form here . Accomplishing your sample itinerary is easy as it doesn’t have to be super detailed. Here’s a format you can follow:

How to fill up a multiple-entry visa request form

You can download the multiple-entry visa request form here . The conditions for being granted a multiple-entry visa are as follows:

• Requirements: used Japan visa and landing permission as a tourist in the last three years (you can submit your expired passport if your current one does not have your old visa), photocopy of Income Tax Return / BIR Form 2316, and Bank Certificate
• G7 countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States
• Requirements: used Japan visa and landing permission as a tourist, and/or used visas and landing permissions in any of the G7 countries in the last three years (you can submit your expired passport if your current one does not have your old visas)
• Requirements: Birth Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year), Marriage Certificate if married (issued by PSA within 1 year), photocopy of Income Tax Return, and Bank Certificate

The processing fee for a multiple-entry visa application is much more expensive than if you are only keen on applying for single-entry. However, in the event that your request is denied and you are only granted a single-entry visa, your agency will refund you the difference. So, might as well already apply for a multiple-entry visa!

How to obtain PSA-certified forms

If you don’t have the time to go request your birth and marriage certificates yourself, you can conveniently do so online and have them delivered to your doorstep. We wrote a guide on how to do that here.

(ALSO READ: You Can Now Use GCash When Traveling to Singapore, Japan, and More )

And that’s it! Submit the complete requirements to your chosen accredited agency and hope for the best! If you aren’t sure about certain requirements, it’s best to ask for help from the agency.

Also note that the tips listed above are based on personal experience from renewing my Japan tourist visa last December 2022.

You can check the complete details and more about obtaining a Japan Visa here .

Are you excited to go back to Japan this year? Tell us all your plans in the comments below!

Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at  [email protected]  or send us a direct message on  WhenInManila.com Facebook Page . Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at  WIM Squad ! We also share our stories on Viber, join us !

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Japan Visa Application: A Guide for Philippine Passport Holders

• by traveledictorian
• October 7, 2023 March 24, 2024

This article, ‘Japan Visa Application: A Guide for Philippine Passport Holders,’ details the visa application process for Japan. It has a comprehensive list of requirements essential in obtaining a Japan visa.

Disclaimer :  Some information in this guide changes too often. If you continue reading this article, you agree to cross-check information with the concerned authorities. Please read the site’s full Terms .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. And I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you for the purchases made through these links. Thank you!

Introduction

As of this writing, Philippine passport holders can travel up to 37 visa-exempt countries and territories, including Singapore . However, Japan is not yet on the list thus, Filipino citizens need to apply and secure a Japan visa.

Did You Know?  The Japanese passport is among the most powerful passports in the world. Holders of Japanese passport can travel to more than 140 countries and territories without a need for a prior visa.

My plan to visit ‘the Land of the Rising Sun’ was long-overdue because of fear of entry refusal. However, the fear turned into immense joy and fulfillment after the approval of my long-awaited Japan visa application.

The global tourism was disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, on September 2022, I applied for Japan tourist visa when the country reopened its doors to foreign visitors.

Applying for a Japan visa is not as complex as some other visa applications. Moreover, personal interviews is not even required as long as your purpose of travel is supported by valid and complete requirements. Here is an in-depth guide for Japan visa application process:

1. Decide the type of visa to apply

The Visitors International Stay Admissions, or VISA, is an official endorsement placed in a passport. It grants permission to the bearer to enter, leave, or remain within a length of time in a foreign country.

Like in many other countries, Japan also offers various visas depending on the purpose of the travel. Hence, foreign citizens may apply for a tourist, transit, student, work, business, and etc. as entry requirement to Japan.

This article is intended for Filipino citizens, residing in the Philippines who have intention to travel for tourism in Japan. While Japan also grants multi-entry tourist visa, single-entry visa will be the focus of this guide.

2. Gather all visa requirements

Application for a Japan tourist visa does not require in-person interviews unless advice to do so. However, an applicant must ensure that all the submitted visa requirements are bona fide, complete, and accurate.

Insufficient and erroneous documentations may impede the application process and in worst case visa denial if fraudulent requirements are detected. Here are essential Japan tourist visa requirements to gather before the intended trip.

The Philippine Passport is an official document issued by the government of the Philippines to its citizens, which indicates the bearer’s identity. It authorizes holders of a Philippine passport to travel to a foreign land under its legal protection.

As the primary requirement for Japan visa application, it is important that:

• The Philippine passport must be in its good condition or in the absence of any damages such as tears, folds, tampers, markings, etc.
• It must be valid for at least six months from the intended departure.
• The passport book must have at least two remaining blank pages.
• Signature of the bearer must be affixed on the third page of the passport.

Application Form

The ‘Visa Application Form to Enter Japan’ is a documentation, which records the applicant’s personal and travel information. Data requested on the form are the applicant and guarantor’s details and background checks.

As for multiple applicants, like family members traveling as a group, applicants data must be reflected on the ‘List of Visa Applicants’ form. Either of the parents, or any members who can finance the travel, may serve as representative. Download ‘List of Visa Applicants’ .

The Japanese are keen to every details. Thus, make sure that all information asked in the ‘Visa Application Form to Enter Japan’ are completely and rightly answered. Here are some important reminders.

• It is necessary to print out application form, or the duly accomplished form, in A4 size bond paper. Third-party travel agencies also provide a printout of the form. Otherwise, download the ‘Visa Application Form to Enter Japan.’
• Handwriting is allowed. However, the details must be written legibly using a black ball pen, and as much as possible free from erasures. Moreover, the texts are capitalize and don’t use erasable pens.
• Put the abbreviation ‘N/A’ in all fields if the items are not applicable or non available to the applicant. Do not leave each items blank.
• Affix signature and the application date once the form is carefully filled out.
• In case of multiple accommodations, list the names and contacts in an A4 size bond paper.

A sample of a duly accomplished ‘Visa Application Form to Enter Japan.’ 

The applicant’s headshot photo is an essential requirement when applying for the Japan visa. A copy of which will be used for Japan visa sticker once the visa application is approved. However, the applicants must conform with the photo specifications.

• The photo must be recent and taken in the past six months.
• Dimension of the headshot photo must be  45 mm x 35 mm, or 2 in x 1.4 in.
• Photo must be in color and taken in a plain white background.
• The image must be high resolution and not pixelated.
• Write down the applicant’s complete name and birth date at the back of the photo.
• Do not staple the photo. Instead, attach the photo on the upper right corner of the ‘Visa Application Form to Enter Japan’ using a glue.

Birth Certificate

An applicant must secure a copy of his/her birth certificate for identification purposes. Here are few guidelines.

• Obtain a copy of certificate of live birth from Philippine Statistics Authority, or PSA, Main Office in Quezon City. Or, in any PSA Serbilis Centers nationwide.
• It must be issued within a year.
• This document must be a PSA-certified true copy.

Japan visa application tip:  The applicant may also submit supporting evidences if certificate of live birth is found;

• Unreadable or incomplete – forward a copy of PSA-issued true copy of birth certificate and a certificate of birth from the local civil registry.
• Late Registration – provide a baptismal certificate and academic records with complete contact information such as address and telephone numbers of the concerned institutions.
• No record found at PSA – submit a PSA certificate of no record and copy of the birth certificate from local civil registry.

Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is among the essential Japan visa application documents for married applicants. An applicant must comply to these guidelines.

• Get a copy of marriage certificate from PSA Main Office in Quezon City or any PSA Serbilis Centers.

In the absence of records, applicant needs to submit a copy of certificate of no record from PSA. In addition, secure a copy of the marriage certificate from the local civil registry.

Japan visa application reminder: A birth certificate and certificate of marriage is no longer required once issued with a Japan visa. But the latter is necessary if you are re-applying for Japan visa through a sponsor or guarantor as evidence of relationship.

Prepare a summary of planned activities that includes the things to do and sights to visit. It is important to prepare a simple and easy to understand day-to-day schedule of your events. Hence, to prove that the trip is solely for leisure.

The details of flights and accommodations are relevant in the itinerary. However, you don’t have to book or make your reservation yet. Instead, you may search for the details of the intended flights via Skyscanner and check availability of accommodations through Agoda .

Download ‘Itinerary in Japan’ form and check a sample Daily Schedule of Activities for Japan . Moreover, read our comprehensive 9-Day Japan itinerary, commencing from Osaka .

Bank Certificate

Japan is among the countries with highest cost of living. Hence, it is essential that the applicant has resources or the financial means to support his/her travel. Unless, he/she has a sponsor or guarantor.

A bank certificate is an evidence of applicant’s financial capacity. However, it must satisfy the following requirements.

• It must be issued in the last three months.
• A copy of the bank certificate must be original and signed.
• The certification must state the holder’s name and account number. In addition, the account opening date, recent available balance, and the average daily balance must specify in the document.

Japan visa application tip:  The Embassy of Japan does not vouchsafe a minimum sum of money one must-have in a bank. But the sudden deposit of a large amount of money is deemed suspicious, which could possibly resort to the application’s refusal.

Income Tax Return

Employees, professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners must provide a copy of their BIR annual income tax return. This certification serves as proof that applicant has an income source and has intention of returning to his/her home country.

Employed individuals must submit a copy of BIR Form 2316, or the Certificate of Compensation Payment/ Tax Withheld.

• It must be the most recent issued copy.
• Make a clear photocopy of the form in A4 size bond paper.

Japan visa application tip: All Employed individuals without an income tax return must submit a certificate of employment and latest salary slips. The employment certificate must indicate the position held, service length, salary, and contact details.

Although not required, it is important to have a supporting cover letter, asserting the reason/s of the ITRs absence.

Professionals, entrepreneurs, proprietors, and independent contractors are required to submit their BIR Form 1701, or the Annual Income Tax Return.

• The annual income tax return must be the latest one.
• Provide a clear photocopy of the form in A4 size bond paper.

Japan visa application tip: All business persons who are unable to provide their income tax return must submit supporting documents. These includes DTI-issued business registration and permits, SEC registration certificate, and transactions receipts. Moreover, accompanying letter is important to detail the absence of the ITR.

Moreover, independent contractors such as freelancers must provide copies of their transaction receipts and pay slips. In addition, the applicant may also attach a letter of explanation if unable to submit an ITR.

With regards to individuals such as minors, students, seniors and out of a job spouses, you may apply for a sponsorship. A sponsor, or guarantor, is an individual or institution who has resources and capacity to finance someone’s travel expenses. Moreover, adheres to Japanese laws and directives. They can be an immediate member of the family, friend, relative, partner, or company.

Here are additional requirements for individuals, applying for a sponsor or guarantor.

Letter of Guarantee

A Guarantee Letter for Japan is a written form in which a person, or an institution, warrants to be financially liable and legally accountable on behalf of the grantee. This form set down the personal data of the applicant/s and guarantor, including their relationship.

• The duly accomplished form must be printed in an A4 size bond paper. Third-party agencies provide a printout of the form. Or, download ‘Letter of Guarantee’ form.
• Otherwise, accomplish the form using an indelible black ink pen. But, the details must be readably written and as much as possible erasures free.
• Place the abbreviation ‘N/A’ in the spaces provided if the items are not applicable or non available. Avoid leaving an item blank.
• Affix signature, or stamp the company official seal, and the application date once the form is correctly filled out.

A sample of a duly accomplished ‘Letter of Guarantee’ form.

Proof of Relationship

An applicant must provide an evidence, or proof, of your relationship with the guarantor. If the sponsor, or guarantor, is family related, furnish a recent copy/ies of his/her birth and/or marriage certificate.

• Certifications must be issued within a year.
• The documents must be a PSA-certified true copy.

Moreover, submit photos and screen grabs of a long-established chats or emails if the sponsor, or guarantor, is a friend or partner.

Proof of Financial Capacity

The sponsor, or guarantor, must prove that he/she has the capabilities to fund someone’s travel expenses. Thus, the applicant needs to submit a most recent and original copy of the sponsor, or guarantor’s, bank certifications. In addition, provide a recent and duplicate copy of the guarantor’s income tax return to prove his/her financial capacity.

3. File the requirements

The Embassy of Japan in Pasay City does not accept in-person visa applications, except for special instances. Thus, requirements must be submitted through an accredited third-party travel agency, including Attic Tours Philippines, Inc. and Reli Tours and Travel Agency. These agencies are authorized to administer collection and processing of visa applications.

Although a Japan visa is free, these agencies charge a handling fee, from PHP 950.00 per applicant. Regardless of the result, the amount paid cannot be refunded.

Want worry-free online processing of your visa and other travel documents, visit iVisa.com to know more!

Japan visa application reminder:  Bring original copies of duplicated documents such as ITR for verification purposes. But, keep those copies as the Embassy of Japan will no longer return all submitted documents.

Moreover, the agency will also let you sign an ‘Authorization Letter,’ authorizing the embassy to conduct validation on the PSA submitted documents

4. Wait for the Application Result

The processing time for single-entry tourist visa application is five to seven business days. However, processing time may shorten if there are no arising issues. Moreover, a request for further requirements may prolong if documents are inadequate and/or inconsistent.

Thus, it is essential to proceed application at least a month before the planned travel. Expect a text message, phone call, or electronic mail from the agency once your passport is ready for pick up.

5. Claim the Passport

Besides the black and white barcode label attached at the back of the passport, a visa sticker on the page indicates visa approval. On the other hand, a barcode label in a red background signifies visa denial. In case of unsuccessful application, an applicant can re-apply after six months.

The Embassy of Japan does not disclose the causes of someone’s ineligibility of getting a Japan visa. Other than insufficiency of funds, unsteady employment status and inconsistent documents; the absence of travel history likely contribute to visa refusal. Thus, establish travel history and visit first to visa-free countries and territories; Thailand , Vietnam , and Hong Kong .

A sample of a Japan visa sticker placed in the passport page. 

Here are additional information:

What is the application process for Japan visa?

• Decide which type of Japan visa you wish to apply, e.g. tourist visa.
• Gather all essential visa requirements.
• Submit all the documents to preferred agency who will process the application and pay the corresponding handling fee.
• Wait for the application result.
• Claim the passport.

When is the earliest time to apply a Japan visa? Two months before the intended travel is ideal to commence your application. This is to ensure that you have a considerable leeway to correct arising issues with your application while in process.

What is the period of validity of a Japan tourist visa?

The period of validity for a visa is the interval between the issuance and expiration of a visa. Applicants for a short-term stay visa such as tourist visa are granted certain amount of time to stay in a country.

• Single-entry Japan tourist visa. Grants entry to Japan once within a period of 90 days, commencing from the day the visa was issued. However, you are only permitted to stay for a maximum of 15 days.
• Multi-entry Japan tourist visa. Allows you to enter Japan more than once and effective for 3 or 5 years from the day the visa was issued. A visitor can only stay not more than 15, 30 or even 90 days – a discretion of the embassy

Japan visa application tip:  There are no certain rules as to how often a multi-entry visa holder can visit Japan. But, it is a rule of thumb to travel intermittently so that the immigration cannot cast doubt on the specified travel intent.

Can I attach other documents besides primary requirements?

An applicant may provide other documents like stock certificates, land titles, insurance policies, and etc. to support their financial capacity. A student may submit a certificate of enrollment and any academic records to prove ties in home country.

Is cover letter required for submission?

No. However, writing an accompanying letter is beneficial to discuss further details about any concerns in your application. E.g. explaining the reasons of unsubmitted documents.

Can the first-time visitor to Japan allowed to apply for a multi-entry Japan tourist visa?

Yes, as long as the applicant is eligible. The applicant, or person’s next of kin, has a strong financial capacity and overmuch resources. An established travel history also increases one’s chance of getting a multi-entry Japan tourist visa.

However, I suggest applying for a single-entry visa when visiting the country for the first-time.

Is it necessary to purchase flight tickets or make hotel reservations prior to application?

At your discretion. However, the Embassy of Japan does not encourage buying a plane ticket or make a hotel reservation prior to the visa application. The embassy will not be held liable for the unused flights or hotels once a visa is denied.

What is the required amount of money one must have in a bank?

While financial capacity is a consideration when applying for a Japan visa, the Japan Embassy does not disclose certain amount. Make sure that the money you have in the bank is sufficient to cover your expenses during the entire trip.

Japan is an expensive Asian destination. Hence, funds must correspond with the country’s high-cost of living. Also, savings must be dependent on number of intended days to spend in Japan.

If traveling as a group, is it necessary that all the applicants are present when filing for visa applications?

Not necessarily. Designate your representative applicant to file the applications in behalf of the group. However, make sure that all individual requirements are complete and accurate so as to avoid the hassles upon application.

For applicants who cannot attend the filing of applications, prepare authorization letters and valid identification cards.

Can I submit requirements via a courier?

Yes. You may submit all requirements through a courier. For further information, contact the preferred travel agency.

In a nut shell, the Embassy of Japan has laid out important considerations other than the physical visa requirements. It is not enough that the applicant is capable to provide the required documents. But proving someone’s eligibility to obtain a Japan visa is a different story. 

But before departure, passengers must undergo stringent immigration procedures. Read the article, ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at the Philippine Immigration?’

About the Author

J. Sac is the author of ‘Japan Visa Application: A Guide for Philippine Passport Holders.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-crafted travel content. 

His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore parts of Asia and soon the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his future travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!

P.S Subscribe to our newsletter for the newest travel guides and the latest updates in the travel industry. 

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Standard Procedure For Visa Applications

Foreign travelers who need entry visas to travel to the Philippines should file their applications at least two weeks before their intended departure from Japan.

Completing the Application Form

Visa application forms are to be fully and legibly completed by the applicant in English, and his/her signature (and seal/inkan/hanko, if one is available) must be affixed in the form where required. Only properly filled-out visa applications with complete supporting documents will be accepted.

• For 9a visa applications, accomplish the Online Visa Application System ( Link to OVAS Advisory ) (Note: Photo to be uploaded in OVAS should be white or off-white background, neutral facial expression, no eyeglasses/accessories)
• For non-immigrant visa applications, accomplish Form F.A. No. 2: https://tokyo.philembassy.net/downloads/visa-nonimmi.pdf
• For non-quota immigrant applications, accomplish FA Form No. 3: https://tokyo.philembassy.net/downloads/visa-immi.pdf

Personal Appearance

As a general rule, visa applicants are required to appear in person at the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy for interview, evaluation, and assessment of their visa applications. To secure an appointment for personal appearance, click here: https://tokyopeconsularappointment.setmore.com/bookappointment

Visa applicants applying in-person through agents and/or representatives, must execute a Letter of Authority.

In addition to the visa requirements, visa applicants must also submit a self-addressed letterpack (JP Post 520) which will be used to send their visas once processed.

Mail-In Application

Visa applicants who cannot appear in person for the submission of their application must have the visa application notarized by a Japanese notary public before it can be accepted by the Visa Unit. They may still be required to appear for interview at the discretion of the Visa Officer.

Procedure for Visa Application via Mailing

• For 9a visa applicants, fill-out application form through OVAS: [Link to OVAS Advisory]
• For other visa applicants, accomplish the non-immigrant visa application form (FA Form No. 2) with visa applicant’s signature • All ENTRIES must be true and accurate • Details in forms must be type-written or hand written • The form must be printed in A4-sized paper • Non Immigrant Visa form link:  https://tokyo.philembassy.net/downloads/visa-nonimmi.pdf
• For pre-evaluation purposes, email the accomplished application form, including all requirements, in one (1) pdf file, to visa@ DELETE philembassy.net, with email subject: FULL NAME_Visa-Pre-Evaluation (e.g. YUKI SATO_Visa Pre-Evaluation);
• Once your application has been pre-evaluated and cleared for mailing, have the visa application (OVAS or FA Form No. 2, whichever is applicable) notarized by a Japanese Notary Public. There is no need for an Apostille Certification;

Philippine Embassy – Tokyo, Japan 5-15-5 Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537 (c/o Visa Unit)

• For monitoring purposes, e-mail proof  of delivery and/or payment to visa@ DELETE philembassy.net under the following email subject:FULL NAME_Visa Application Payment (e.g., YUKI SATO_Visa Application Payment)
• Upon receipt of documents and payment, the visa will be processed and released through mail.
• The application(s) with deficiencies may be returned to the applicant(s);
• We do not accept applications by international mail;
• The delivery address should be an address in Japan. We cannot process visa applications from abroad;
• Visa applications by mail will also be released by mail;
• Please indicate your email address and phone number where you can be reached as we may contact you to correct any deficiencies in the documents.

Minor Applicants

Visa applicants below eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the application may have their parent/legal guardian sign the application form and submit the pertinent supporting documents on their behalf. The minor applicant, not an infant in arms, may be required to appear and be interviewed by the visa officer, along with the parent/legal guardian.

Foreign minor children below fifteen years of age traveling to the Philippines unaccompanied by, or not joining a parent, will not be allowed entry to the Philippines unless a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) is issued by Philippine immigration authorities in favor of the minor child. Please see the corresponding details about the entry of foreign minors and the WEG in the appropriate subsection in this website.

Processing Period and Releasing

Visas are normally ready for release after seven (7) working days from the date of acceptance and payment of applicable fees, except for visa applications requiring clearance and approval from Manila as determined by the visa officer, which needs a lead time of at least 10 working days (but averaging to 12 days).

All visas will be released by mail. Thus, all applicants, whether in-person or through mail-in application, must submit a self-addressed letterpack (JP Post 520) which will be used to send their visas once processed.

Processing Fees

Applicable fees are non-refundable and vary per category of visa being applied for, pursuant to existing bilateral and/or multilateral agreements between various countries and the Philippines, and in accordance with regulations of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Refer to this link for the applicable visa fees:  https://tokyo.philembassy.net/docs/Schedule-of-Fees.pdf  Regular Processing : 7 business days  Expedite Processing : 5 business days (additional fee of JPY ¥1,400) 

Additional Information from Other Documents

The visa officer may require additional supporting documents not listed herein, refuse a visa application, or deny its issuance as warranted in accordance with existing rules and regulations, consistent with Philippine law.

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Biden to Host Japan's Kishida, Philippines' Marcos as Security Fears Mount

Biden to Host Japan's Kishida, Philippines' Marcos as Security Fears Mount

Japanese and U.S. Flags fly side by side in front of the White House ahead next week’s State Visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Washington, U.S., April 5, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

By David Brunnstrom and Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden hosts the leaders of Japan and the Philippines this week to boost economic and defense ties as the allies seek to offset China's growing might and manage risks ranging from North Korea to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Biden's bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday will bring an upgrade in defense ties with Japan, Washington's cornerstone ally in the Indo-Pacific region and an increasingly important global partner.

War in Israel and Gaza

Kishida, beleaguered at home, will be greeted in the United States with great fanfare, with Japanese flags already festooning Washington lampposts and a glittering White House dinner with some 200 guests.

On Thursday, he will become only the second Japanese leader to address a joint meeting of Congress after his assassinated predecessor, Shinzo Abe, gave a speech in 2015.

Political analysts say the visit is a chance for Kishida to boost dire domestic popularity ratings ahead of a September leadership contest in his ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

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The U.S. will hail Japan as a vital regional and global ally and Kishida will be able to bask in praise for defense reforms that have taken Japan further from its post-war pacifism.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday the three countries had "increasingly convergent strategic objectives, interests and frankly concerns in areas like the South China Sea."

"We're going to look to find ways to continue to deepen the collaboration with our closest partners again to ensure a free open, prosperous secure Indo-Pacific," Kirby said.

Overshadowing the visit is a controversy over the planned $15 billion acquisition of American steel maker U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, a deal some say is "on life support" after criticism by Biden and Donald Trump, his rival in November's U.S. election.

Also looming are Japanese concerns that in any second Trump term he might seek a deal with China that could destabilize the region.

SUPPORTING THE PHILIPPINES

On Thursday, Biden holds a bilateral meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos, whom he welcomed in Washington just last year, before the two join Kishida for a trilateral summit expected to focus on countering Chinese pressure on the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea.

"Close cooperation between Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines is crucial for a free and open order based on the rule of law and for economic prosperity in the region," Kishida said on Friday.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said on Monday China was constantly using "coercion" and pressure on countries including Japan and the Philippines, and his counterpart, Japan's ambassador to the U.S., Shigeo Yamada, said the overall approach to Beijing would be among the issues discussed.

Yamada told the same think tank event Kishida would emphasize to the U.S. Congress that Japan is ready to work collaboratively on global issues. He said Japan would continue to support Ukraine's efforts to defend itself and keep its economy going - another issue the leaders could discuss.

U.S.-JAPAN MILITARY COORDINATION

With concerns that Russia's Ukraine invasion might embolden Beijing to move against Taiwan, a strategic self-ruled island that produces the world's most advanced semiconductors, the leaders are expected to discuss plans to upgrade the U.S. military command structure in Japan to make it better able to work with Japanese forces in a crisis.

Biden and Kishida are also expected to announce steps to allow more joint development of military and defense equipment, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said last week.

Under Kishida, Japan has pledged to double defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product, which could make it the world's third-biggest military spender. Its plans include acquiring hundreds of cruise missiles that can strike targets 1,000 km (620 miles) away.

Japan has also become important to the U.S. as a potential production base for munitions, including Patriot PAC3 anti-missile systems that will be re-exported to Ukraine, and for its shipyards.

The Biden-Kishida summit is expected to address Japan's future involvement in the three-way AUKUS defense pact between Australia, Britain and the United States, but officials and experts say obstacles remain given a need for Japan to introduce better cyber defenses and stricter rules for guarding secrets.

Britain, the United States and Australia said in a joint statement on Monday they are considering working with Japan on advanced capability projects in AUKUS and Britain said talks between the partners and other nations, including Japan, would start this year.

Japan last year delivered air defense radars to the Philippines and is negotiating a reciprocal-access agreement that would make it easier for Japanese troops to train there.

U.S. officials emphasize interactions with the Philippines will cover more than defense, with "consequential" outcomes in energy and economic security.

"It's a really important moment for us to hear from the Philippines about what kinds of support may be most useful," a senior U.S. administration official told Reuters.

Amid the Nippon Steel controversy, U.S. officials aim to highlight other Japanese investment in the U.S. Deals in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, aviation and construction will contribute "to good-paying, strong American jobs," the U.S. official said.

Space is another focus, with Japan hoping to land its first astronaut on the moon with the U.S. Artemis project that envisages returning humans there by 2026, as competition with Russia and China intensifies.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington, Timothy Kelly and Sakura Murakami in Tokyo and Karen Lema in ManilaEditing by Don Durfee, Lincoln Feast and Matthew Lewis)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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