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Japan Visa Requirements: A Step-By-Step Guide For Filipino Travelers
As a seasoned traveler, I always find Japan very amusing because of its culture, amazing landscape, and unique cuisine – some of you might agree that it’s also one of the best countries to visit in the world.
However, before visiting the land of the rising sun, make sure to have your passport and JAPAN VISA ready.
Now, if you’re planning to have a solo, couple, barkada, or family trip to Japan, we’ve provided relevant and informative tips to avoid stress, save time, and ensure your visa approval!
![How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos [Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons]](https://outoftownblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2016_Version_of_Japanese_Visa.jpg)
First Step: Decide on what kind of Japan visa you need to apply for
You may submit the required Visa application documents for several purposes of the visit. Depending on your purpose of visit, the Japanese Embassy will examine your documents based on each purpose, and a visa will be issued accordingly.
Find and gather the necessary Japan Visa Requirements.
The second step to obtain a Japanese tourist Visa is to have the documents about your personal identity, nationality, and other data. These include a Philippine passport from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), a complete filled-in visa application form which you can download from travel websites, a 4.5cm x 4.5 cm ID picture, a birth certificate and/or marriage certificate in case, you are married, both from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), a planned daily schedule or itinerary as a tourist, a list if you will be traveling as a group. Here are the additional details about the basic requirements for a Japanese Visa Application:
Valid Philippine Passport
- Make sure your passport validity is not less than 6 months from your intended travel date.
- Your passport must have at least two blank pages available for the Japan Visa sticker and future immigration stamps.
- Also, make sure to attach your signature inside your passport.
- Passports with a broken lamination on its second page (Photo page) will be automatically rejected.
Fill out the Japan Visa Application Form
- Download the Japan Visa Application form in the recommended A4 size (download link).
- Type in your personal details or write them down in CAPITALIZED letters
- If you decide to do it handwritten, avoid erasures and make sure all the information you provide are all accurate and true.
- Write N/A if the information asked is not applicable and avoid blank spaces.
- Here’s a sample Japan visa application form to guide you.
Important Notes:
Advance Flight and Hotel booking are not required, just provide your preferred hotel in Japan and indicate the flight number which you can easily find by doing a flight search online. If you are looking for possible hotels to stay in Japan, visit Agoda for a wide selection of accommodation options.
Japan Visa Photo ID Requirements
- Japan Embassy requires a photo with 4.5cm x 4.5cm or 2 x 2 inches size with a white background.
- Most Photo Shops in the Malls already know the required format; just tell them you need it for your Japan Visa requirement.
Here are some of the additional photo requirements; you can also view them here:
- The applicant is to appear alone, and he or she must be facing forward.
- The photos must be taken no more than 6 months before submission.
- The photos must not be bordered and must conform to the size specifications.
- Photos in which the applicant wears headbands, caps, etc., will not be accepted.
- Photo’s with backgrounds that are not plain and white (free of objects, designs, and shading) will not be accepted.
Authenticated Birth certificate from PSA
- Submit an original copy of your authenticated NSO Birth Certificate. The NSO / PSA copy of your Birth Certificate should be issued within one year. You can easily order online via PSA Helpline.
- A copy of your Birth Certificate is no longer required if you are previously approved, as this is just a one-time requirement.
Marriage Certificate from PSA
If you’re married, you must submit an original NSO / PSA Marriage Certificate issued within a year from your Japanese Visa processing date. If you’ve already got a previous Japan visa during the course of your marriage, you can skip this requirement. Please provide a copy of your passport with the previous Japan Visa sticker.
Itinerary in Japan
The Japanese Embassy requires its Visa Applicants to have a copy of the traveler’s itinerary in Japan. You can easily make one by downloading the form at this link. If you hire a travel agent to make your Visa application, you can ask them to do this for you.
We have several travel guides and things-to-do lists in various Japan key destinations; you can also plan your itinerary by visiting these links: Things to do in Kanazawa / Exploring the historic villages of Shirakawa-go / Activities in Tokyo/ Best Places to visit in Japan / Osaka Travel Guide / Things to do in Kyoto.
One more thing is that you need to declare whether you will shoulder your own expenses or whether there will be a guarantor for your financial support.
If you support your own, the requirements include the following:
- a photocopy of our Income Tax Return (ITR) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
- a bank statement or certificate from your depository bank for at least 3 months
- a certificate of employment though it is optional.
On the other hand, if there will be a sponsorship, requirements include the following:
- a letter of guarantee
- evidence of your relationship with the guarantor
- the guarantor’s bank statement and a photocopy of his ITR.
- The following documents must be printed and/or photocopied in A4 paper size.
The complete list of the Japan Visa Application requirements guide is also listed here.
Find an accredited travel agency.
Effective 30th July 2007, Japan visa applications must be coursed through travel agencies accredited by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
Direct applicants for their consular offices in Cebu and Davao are still accepted with valid reasons listed on the Embassy of Japan website. The official list of these accredited travel agencies is also enumerated on their website.
The complete guide for Visa Applications through Philippine Accredited Travel Agencies is listed here.
MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISA FOR TEMPORARY VISITOR
COMMON REQUIREMENTS
- (1) Passport?Holder’s signature required?
- (2) Application Form ??A facial Photo (4.5×3.5cm) must be attached.?
- (3) Request for Multiple-Entry Visa ?
- (4) Itinerary in Japan ?
CONDITIONS AND SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
I. Applicant who travelled Japan as temporary visitor in the last 3 years and has financial capacity
- (1) Used Japanese visa and landing permission as temporary visitor in the last 3 years
- (2) Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR: Form 2316)
- (3) Bank Certificate
II.Applicant who travelled Japan (as temporary visitor) and G7 countries (several times, except Japan)
- (1) Used Japanese Visa and landing permission as temporary visitor in the last 3 years
- (2) Used visas and landing permissions of G7 countries (except Japan) in the last 3 years III.
Applicant with sufficient financial capacity
- (1) Birth Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year)*
- (2) Marriage Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year. For the married only.) *
- (3) Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR: Form 2316)
- (4) Bank Certificate IV. Spouse/Child of “
III” (Applicant with sufficient financial capacity)
- (1) Birth Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year)*
- (2) Marriage Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year. For the married only.)*
- (3) Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR: Form 2316)
- (4) Bank Certificate *
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
If the certificate is unreadable, submit the certificate issued by Local Civil Registrar. – If the birth certificate is “LATE REGISTRATION”, submit Baptismal Certificate and School Record (DepEd: Form 137). – If there is no record in PSA, submit the certificate issued by Local Civil Registrar and Negative Certificate issued by PSA.
| List of accredited Travel agencies |
| A. For ANY visa application | |||
| COMPANY NAME | ADDRESS | PHONE | |
| UHI https://www.universalholidays.com/JapanVisa https://www.facebook.com/UniversalHolidaysInc email: [email protected] [email protected] | Main Office | Ground Floor – Receiving 4th Floor- Releasing Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Ayala Center,1223 Makati City | Direct lines: 02-8859-3857 02-8859-3858 |
| Discovery Tour Inc http://discoverytour.ph/japanvisa/classes/japanese-information-253.html | Main Office https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourmakati/ | Unit301 G/Floor Sagittarius Building, H.V.Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. | 02-8812-3328 0915-320-0780 0999-943-5231 |
| Cebu Branch https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourcebu | Zone 5H Bridge Town Square, Plaridel St., Alnag-Alang, Mandaue City | 032-340-1819 0945-460-6613 0999-420-5556 | |
| Davao Branch https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourdavao/ | G/F Door 109 – 110 Quimpo Blvd. Ecoland Brgy. Bucana, Talomo District Davao City | 082-285-7188 082-321-1315 0915-326-0111 | |
| 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 | |
| Cebu Waterfront Airport Hotel Branch | Lobby, Waterfront Airport Hotel 1, Airport Road, Lapu- Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu | 032-341-2299 032-341-2012 | |
| 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 | 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 | |||
| ADDRESS | PHONE # | ||
| PAN PACIFIC TRAVEL CORPORATION | 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 | |
VISA APPLICATION THROUGH ACCREDITED TRAVEL AGENCIES
Bring and give your prepared documents.
After checking and assessing all the required personal documents, the next step will be to submit everything to your chosen travel agency. The earlier time before your planned vacation date is always better for the long queue and congestion may happen, particularly during the holiday season.
Payment of the transaction fees.
Travel agency fees may arise from Php 800 and above, which vary. The visa application is free, but since the agency’s business is to process and move your papers for your own convenience, there shall be for their existence.
Stay calm and wait for your approved Japanese visa.
Usually, the processing of the Japanese visa may take about 3-5 working days or even up to a week. For others, the time may extend even to weeks. The differences include the peak season of applications, some incomplete documents, and errors in their papers.
Be confident and focused on the travel preparations, or start creating your complete Japan trip itinerary. Your Passport with an approved Japanese visa can be received through the mail, or you may get it at your travel agency’s office, depending on your agreement or package inclusion.
FAQ
Q1: In what cases can I apply for a multiple-entry visa?
A1: For visas for short-term stay, there are multiple-entry visas for tourists (maximum visa validity: 5 years) and multiple-entry visas for cultural or intellectual figures (maximum visa validity: 10 years). The latter can be used as a tourist or for visiting relatives/acquaintances from the second visit. There are also multiple-entry visas for spouses of Japanese nationals. Please refer to the relevant items in the “Types of Visa” section, such as items 16 and 17.
Q2: How can I apply for valid multiple visas?
A2: When applying for a multiple-entry visa, you must submit a form “Reason for requesting multiple entry visa”. Depending on the purpose of the trip, applicants must submit additional documents to show that they are qualified for a multiple-entry visa. Please refer to the relevant items in the “Types of Visa” section, such as Items 16 and 17. Please note that submitting a form “Reason for requesting multiple entry visa” does not guarantee the issuance of multiple visas. In the case where a multiple-entry visa is not issued, if required documents for the application of a single-entry (or double-entry) visa are submitted, the examination for the visa will also be made accordingly.
Q3: I obtained a multiple-entry visa (30 days stay) valid for 5 years and traveled to Japan for tourism/pleasure purposes. Is it possible to use this visa when traveling to Japan next time for commercial purposes?
A3: If you wish to stay within 30 days and your activities are within the scope of “Temporary Visitor” (Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, inspection tours, participating in lectures or meetings, business contact or other similar activities during a short stay in Japan), you can use this visa to travel to Japan. However, when you arrive in Japan, you must submit an immigration card stating your purpose and be examined by an immigration officer.
Please note that there are certain activities which are not permitted as a “Temporary Visitor”, such as remunerated activities. If you wish to go to Japan to engage in such activities as paid/remunerated activities, please get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying for a proper visa.
Q4: If I apply for a “Temporary Visitor” visa for the first time, can I only apply for a maximum stay of 15 days?
A4: The periods of stay for a short term visa is either 15 days, 30 days or 90 days. The examination will be made according to your purpose and schedule.
Q5: If I have two or more purposes for the travel to Japan such as “tourism” and “commercial”, how should I apply?
A5: Please prepare the documents required for the primary purpose of the trip. However, if you prepare and submit the required documents for each purpose, the examination will be made for each purpose for the travel. The appropriate visa will be issued if the criteria for the issuance of visa is met for one of the purposes.
Q6: Is it possible to get a visa even if I have been deported from Japan before?
A6: The examination of visa applications is based on individual circumstances, and past deportation does not automatically mean your visa application will be denied. If you have violated laws and regulations in the past or have been deported, your application will be examined based on such facts. The application form has a space for the history of deportation and violations in the past, so please properly fill out the form in detail.
Q7: Is it necessary to submit original documents? What can I do if I cannot prepare the original documents?
A7: For documents that are possible to obtain repeatedly, it is necessary to submit the original. However, for pictures and old documents which you wish to keep the original, you may submit a copy and attach a letter explaining why you cannot submit the original. If you cannot prepare any required documents, please submit a letter explaining why you cannot do so.
Q8: I have an application for a Certificate of Eligibility in Japan. Can I apply for a short-term visa while waiting for the result of my Certificate of Eligibility?
A8: No. You have to apply for your visa after obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility.
Q9: Why does the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines accept visa applications through accredited travel Agencies instead of directly accepting them?
A1: Before the system of filing through agencies was implemented, visa applicants had to queue and wait for a long time at the Embassy. Also, there were cases where applicants were made victims of buying and selling fraudulent documents by fraudsters in front of the embassy. Because of these situations, in July 2007, the Embassy of Japan started the system of visa application through accredited travel agencies.
However, there are cases where visa applications may be filed directly at the Embassy of Japan.
For details, please refer to https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/00_000251.html 1. (2) [General Information for visa application].
Japan Visa Hotline
JAPAN VISA INFORMATION HOTLINE (24 hours / 365 days)
English : (+63-2) 8271-2259
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
English/Filipino: 02-8834-7514
Japanese: 02-8834-7508
Email: [email protected]
Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu
https://www.cebu.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Tel: 032-231-7321/7322
E-mail: [email protected]
Consulate-General of Japan in Davao
https://www.davao.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html
Tel: 082-221-3100/3200
Email: [email protected]
Also Read:
- Traveling To Japan Made Easier: Japan Decides To Relax Visa Requirement For Filipinos
- Where to Buy JR Pass in the Philippines
- How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa for Filipinos
