It is easy to get a Japan visa as long as you have all the documents. [Image Credit: JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine]
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How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos

How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos: A Clear Guide

Without a doubt, Japan is one of the countries that people would love to visit over and over again. However, if you have a Philippine passport, you are always required to get a Japan Visa whenever you want to enter the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan Multiple-entry visa application

Japan Multiple-entry visa application

Japan is a popular destination for Filipinos, and the visa application process may seem daunting at first. However, with the right information, the process can be straightforward and hassle-free.

Understanding Japan tourist visa requirements is the first step in the application process. Filipinos need to meet certain eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documents to obtain a tourist visa. The application process involves submitting financial capacity proof, travel insurance, and itinerary, among others. This article will guide Filipinos through the entire process of applying for a Japan tourist visa, from eligibility criteria to creating an itinerary and using social media for visa application.

Here is a quick step-by-step procedure on how you can get a Japan Visa.

Understanding Japan Tourist Visa

Filipino tourists who want to visit Japan for leisure or recreation purposes must obtain a Japan Tourist Visa. This visa allows the holder to enter Japan for a maximum stay of 15 or 30 days, depending on the type of visa issued.

There are two types of Japan Tourist Visa: Single-Entry Visa and Multiple-Entry Visa. The Single-Entry Visa allows the holder to enter Japan only once, while the Multiple-Entry Visa allows the holder to enter and exit Japan multiple times within a specified period.

To apply for a Japan Tourist Visa, the applicant must submit the necessary requirements to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines or to any of the accredited travel agencies. The requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s purpose of travel, but generally include a Philippine passport, completed visa application form, ID photo, and travel itinerary.

It is important to note that the Japan Tourist Visa is not a guarantee of entry to Japan. The immigration officer at the port of entry has the authority to deny entry to any foreign national who does not meet the immigration requirements or who poses a threat to public safety and security.

Overall, obtaining a Japan Tourist Visa requires careful planning and preparation. By understanding the requirements and following the application process, Filipino tourists can enjoy a hassle-free travel experience to Japan.

Eligibility Criteria for Filipinos

Filipinos who wish to travel to Japan for tourism purposes must obtain a Temporary Visitor Visa. To be eligible for a Japan Tourist Visa, Filipinos must meet the following requirements:

  • Must hold a valid Philippine passport with a signature on it.
  • Must have a clear purpose of visit to Japan and have sufficient funds to cover the expenses during their stay.
  • Must have no criminal record and not be a threat to public safety and order.
  • Must have a confirmed round-trip ticket or itinerary, and a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a guarantor in Japan.
  • Must be willing to abide by the laws and regulations of Japan and return to the Philippines before the visa expires.

It is important to note that possession of the requirements does not guarantee the issuance of a Japan Tourist Visa. The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines has the right to refuse any visa application that does not meet the eligibility criteria or is deemed inappropriate.

Filipinos who hold diplomatic or official passports, or are in transit to a third country, may be exempted from the visa requirements. For more information on visa exemptions, Filipinos may consult the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines or an accredited travel agency.

Overall, Filipinos who wish to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa should ensure that they have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria before submitting their application.

Japan Visa Application Guide for Philippine Passport Holders photo by Tianshu Liu via Unsplash
Japan Visa Application Guide for Philippine Passport Holders photo by Tianshu Liu via Unsplash

Visa Application Process

To apply for a Japan tourist visa, Filipinos need to follow a specific process. This section outlines the steps required to apply for a Japan tourist visa.

Visa Application Form

The first step in applying for a Japan tourist visa is to obtain and fill out the visa application form. Filipinos can download the Japan visa application form from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines website. The application form must be filled out completely and accurately. It must be printed on A4-size paper.

Required Documents

Filipinos need to submit several documents when applying for a Japanese tourist visa. These documents include a valid

  • Philippine passport,
  • a duly accomplished Japan visa form,
  • a photo ID,
  • a birth certificate from PSA,
  • Itinerary in Japan
  • Photocopy of Income Tax Return
  • a marriage certificate from PSA (if applicable),
  • Bank Certificate (if you are funding your trip)
  • Guarantee Letter, proof of relationship

Additional requirements may be necessary depending on whether the applicant has a sponsor or guarantor. These requirements may include a guarantee letter, certificate of employment, certificate of non-record, bank certificate, income tax return (ITR), and other financial documents.

You can download these Japanese visa application forms at the official Japanese Embassy website:

Submission Through Accredited Travel Agencies

Filipinos can submit their Japan tourist visa application form and required documents through accredited travel agencies. The list of accredited travel agencies can be found on the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines website. The travel agency will collect the processing fee and provide an official receipt. The travel agency will also provide updates on the visa application result.

List of Accredited Travel Agencies in the Philippines

A. For all kinds of Japan visa application
COMPANY NAME      ADDRESS
PHONE
UHI
https://www.universalholidays.com/JapanVisa
https://www.facebook.com/UniversalHolidaysInc
https://www.instagram.com/universalholidays/
email: japanvisa@universalholidays.com
Main Office Ground Floor (beside Canopy Entrance)- Receiving
3F Floor- Releasing
Dusit Thani Manila Hotel,
Ayala Center,1223 Makati City
  02-8859-3800
Local 3892, 3857

02-7618-2359
0917-634-8280
0917-810-5061(Japanese Staff)

Discovery Tour? Inc?
http://discoverytour.ph/
Main Office
https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourmakati/
Unit301 G/Floor
Sagittarius Building,
H.V.Dela Costa Street,
Salcedo Village,
Makati City.
02-8812-3328
Loc.710, 720
0917-576-8472
0917-181-8472
Cebu Branch
https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourcebu
Zone 5H Bridge Town Square,
Plaridel St., Alnag-Alang,
Mandaue City
032-340-1819
0917-101-8472
Davao Branch
https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourdavao/
G/F Door 109 – 110
Quimpo Blvd. Ecoland
Brgy. Bucana,
Talomo District
Davao City
082-284-4114
0917-111-8472
0917-121-8472
RAJAH TRAVEL CORPORATION
http://www.rajahtravel.com/
Makati Branch 3/F 331 Building,
331 Senator Gil Puyat Ave.,
Makati City
02-8894-0886
0917-529-6774
Manila Branch Room 202, GLC Bldg,
A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw
St. Ermita, Manila
02-8523-8801
02-8523-8802
0917- 854-3628
0917- 854-3614?Japanese?
RELI TOURS & TRAVEL AGENCY
http://www.relitours.ph
Dusit Thani Hotel
Main Office
3rd Floor, Dusit Thani Hotel,
Ayala Center, Makati City
02-7004-3009
0967-446-2000
0995-109-6034
SM Mall of Asia
Branch
South Entrance
SM Department Store,
SM Mall of Asia,
Bay City, Pasay City
0906-513-6777
SM MEGAMALL
Branch
Grand Floor,
Mega Strip A,
SM MEGAMALL, EDSA,
Mandaluyong City
0906-513-6555
ANTEL
Branch
2F Antel Seaview Towers
Condominium, 2626 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
0916-448-7000
0999-942-5000
SM South Mall
Branch
3F Cyberzone,
SM Southmall,
Almanza Uno,
Las Pinas City
0906-513-6222
0917-135-9884
0916-220-3240
Binondo
Branch
FS414, 4F,
Lucky China Town Mall, 293 Lachamber Street, Binondo, Manila City
0927-870-9552
ATTIC TOURS PHILS.,INC.
http://www.attictours.asia
Roxas Blvd.Manila
Main Office
G-05 A Antel Seaview Tower 2626 Roxas Blvd. Pasay City 0917-631-0845
SM MALL OF ASIA
Branch
Unit 126 Level 1,
South Parking Building,
MALL OF ASIA,
Pasay City
02-8252-0868
0917-631-0848
SM CITY NORTH EDSA
Branch
G/F The Block,
SM CITY NORTH EDSA,
SM CITY NORTH EDSA Complex, Quezon City
02-8372-3254
02-8373-2594
0917-898-0905
SM CITY FAIRVIEW
Branch
Upper Ground Flr. Annex 3 Bldg.
SM City Fairview, Quirino Highway cor. Regalado Ave.
Brgy. Greater Lagro,
Novaliches, Quezon City
0916-618-6165
SM SOUTHMALL
Branch
Loc. 343 3F, SM Southmall
Almanza Uno,
Las Pinas City
02-8281-8506
0917-1866-853
SM MEGAMALL
Branch
Unit MS104(A) MEGA STRIP BLDG. A SM MEGAMALL,
J. VARGAS, WACK-WACK MANDALUYONG CITY
02-8706-6030
0906-516-3246
SM CITY CLARK
Branch
Ground Level,
Service Lane of SM City Clark,
Manuel A. Roxas Hwy, Clark Freeport, Angeles Pampanga
045-499-7546
0917-305-4292
SM City CEBU
Branch
2F, SM CITY CEBU, North Reclamation Area,
Mabolo Cebu City
032-239-8435
0956-551-9834
SM CITY
DAVAO Branch
Level 3, SM City Davao,
Quimpo Blvd.,
Talomo Davao City
082-225-8920
0917-321-1328
FRIENDSHIP TOURS AND RESORTS CORPORATION
http://www.friendshipmanila.com
Main Office 3rd. Fllr., Dusit Thani Manila,
Ayala Center, Makati City
02-8810-9622
02-8819-5644
0915-839-4654
Cebu Branch Unit 2-508, 5th Floor, OITC 2 Building, Oakridge Business Park, A.S. Fortune Street, Banilad,
Mandaue City, Cebu
032-345-3459
032-344-4825
0917-724-3373
B. For application WITHOUT documents written in Japanese
COMPANY NAME ADDRESS PHONE
PAN PACIFIC TRAVEL CORPORATION
http://www.panpacifictravel.ph
Main Office 353 E.T. Yuchengco St.,
Binondo, Manila
02-8243-6666
Ermita Branch Space A, Ground Flr. & 2nd. Flr., Pacific Pace Apartelle suite,
539 Arquiza St., Ermita, Manila
02-8521-3141 to 46
Makati Branch LG01, Herrera Tower Condo,
98 V.A. Rufino St. (Herrera St.) cor. Valero St., Salcedo Vil.,
Makati City
02-8810-8551 to 56
Cebu Branch Diplomat Hotel,
90 F. Ramos St. Cebu City
032-254-0343/ 0345/
0347/ 0349

Processing Fee and Time

The processing fee for a Japan tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay.

The processing fees are around 3,000 yen for a single-entry visa 6,000 yen for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa.

The processing time for a Japan tourist visa is typically around five working days. However, the processing time may be extended if additional documents are required or if the application is incomplete.

Financial Capacity Proof

One of the requirements for a Japan tourist visa application is to prove financial capacity. The Japanese embassy wants to ensure that the applicant has enough funds to cover the expenses of their stay in Japan.

To prove financial capacity, the applicant can provide a bank certificate. This document shows the balance of the applicant’s bank account and serves as the “show money” for the visa application. The bank certificate should be valid for three months from the date of issue.

Aside from the bank certificate, other documents can be submitted to prove financial capacity. These include income tax returns, payslips, and business permits. It is important to note that the documents submitted should match the information provided in the visa application form.

The Japanese embassy does not specify a minimum amount for the show money. However, it is advisable to have enough funds to cover the applicant’s travel expenses, accommodation, and daily expenses. It is also important to have a stable financial status to increase the chances of approval.

Visiting Friends or Family in Japan

If the purpose of your trip to Japan is to visit friends or family, you will need to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa. The requirements for this type of visa are similar to those of a regular tourist visa, with a few additional documents.

One important document that you will need to submit is a letter of invitation from your friend or family member in Japan. This letter should include details such as the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay, and the relationship between you and your guarantor. The guarantor should also provide a copy of their residence card or passport.

In addition to the letter of invitation, you will also need to provide proof of your relationship with your guarantor. This can be in the form of a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any other document that proves your relationship.

It is important to note that your guarantor must be a Japanese citizen or a foreign national who is a resident of Japan with a valid visa. If your guarantor is a foreign national, they must also provide proof of their legal status in Japan.

Travel Insurance

It is highly recommended for Filipinos to purchase travel insurance before traveling to Japan. This will provide them with financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen luggage.

When purchasing travel insurance, Filipinos should ensure that the policy covers their entire trip duration, including any planned activities such as skiing or other outdoor sports. It is also important to check the policy’s coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles.

Filipinos should also consider purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for COVID-19 related expenses such as medical treatment and quarantine costs. With the ongoing pandemic, it is crucial to have adequate coverage in case of any unexpected health issues.

There are various travel insurance providers available in the Philippines that offer coverage for trips to Japan. Filipinos can compare different policies and prices to choose the one that best fits their needs and budget.

Creating an Itinerary

One of the requirements for a Japan tourist visa application is a detailed itinerary of the trip. This document should include a daily schedule of activities and accommodations while in Japan. A well-planned itinerary will not only help with the visa application process but also make the trip more organized and enjoyable.

When creating an itinerary, it is important to consider the purpose of the trip and the interests of the traveler. For those interested in sightseeing, Visit Japan Web provides a comprehensive guide to the top tourist attractions in Japan. Tokyo, the capital city, is a popular destination for tourists and offers a variety of cultural experiences.

The time of year can also affect the itinerary, especially for those interested in seeing cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom season typically occurs from late March to early May and attracts many visitors to Japan. It is important to plan accordingly and book accommodations and activities in advance during this time.

When creating a daily schedule in Japan, it is recommended to include a mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and free time. This will allow for a balance of structured activities and the flexibility to explore the city on one’s own. It is also important to consider transportation between activities and accommodations, as Japan has an extensive public transportation system.

Japan Visa Application by Paul Davidson
Japan Visa Application by Paul Davidson

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a Japan tourist visa application for Filipinos?

Filipino citizens who wish to apply for a Japan tourist visa must provide the following requirements:

  • Valid Philippine Passport
  • Accomplished Japan Visa Form
  • Photo ID
  • Birth certificate from PSA
  • Marriage certificate from PSA (if applicable)
  • Daily schedule in Japan
  • Bank certificate
  • Income tax return (ITR) form or certificate of tax exemption

Additional requirements may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances, such as a certificate of employment or business registration.

How much does a Japan tourist visa cost for Filipinos in 2023?

As of 2023, the cost of a Japan tourist visa for Filipinos is PHP 950. However, this fee is subject to change without prior notice, so it is advisable to check with the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines for the latest information.

What is the Japan visa application process for Filipinos?

The Japan visa application process for Filipinos involves the following steps:

  1. Gather all the required documents.
  2. Contact one of the accredited travel agencies that handles Japan Visa Applications.
  3. Submit the application form and documents.
  4. Pay the visa fee.
  5. Wait for the visa processing to be completed.
  6. Claim the visa.

The processing time for a Japan tourist visa application is usually 5 business days, but it may take longer depending on the volume of applications received.

What is the validity of a multiple-entry Japan tourist visa for Filipinos?

The validity of a multiple-entry Japan tourist visa for Filipinos varies depending on the discretion of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. However, the maximum validity for a multiple-entry visa is 5 years.

Is a Guarantee Letter required for a Japan tourist visa application for Filipinos?

A Guarantee Letter is not always required for a Japan tourist visa application for Filipinos. However, if the applicant is unable to provide sufficient proof of financial capability, a Guarantor Letter may be required.

Can Filipinos apply for a Japan tourist visa online?

Filipinos cannot apply for a Japan tourist visa online. The application must be submitted in person at the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines or one of its accredited agencies.

Will there be an interview at the Japanese Embassy?

No, they normally don’t require an interview, and the travel agencies will only collect and check your documents. However, it is possible that you will be requested to visit them for an interview after they receive your documents.

Osaka Travel and Tour Packages

To help you plan your visit to Osaka, we listed places and other amazing activities in Osaka, Japan. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, and excellent flight deals and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Osaka hotels and resorts via Agoda Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Osaka, Japan? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

Also read:

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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