How to get a Japan Visa for Filipinos

Japan is often a dream destination for many Filipinos. The country has a storied past, delicious food and many attractions. It also has four seasons that Filipinos would like to experience (especially winter, spring and autumn!).

If you're applying for a TOURIST visa WITHOUT a guarantor, read on.

Applying for a Visa

Getting a visa is straightforward, here are the requirements you'll need to submit.

• Valid passport that's valid for 6 months, has 2 blank pages, has a signature and must be in good condition.
• An accomplished application form (get it here). It can be handwritten or computerized. It must be A4 size paper. The font color must be black so use a pen if you will write, don't use a pencil. Avoid erasures, start over if you need to make corrections.
• An ID picture that measures 4.5cm x 4.5cm with a white background and was taken within the last 6 months. Write your name and birthday on the back. Paste the photo on the form DO NOT staple.
• Birth certificate from the PSA issued within the past year. If your certificate has a LATE REGISTRATION mark on it, you need to submit a school record form 137 and baptismal cert. The documents must also indicate the address of the school or church.
• Married applicants must submit a marriage cert issued by the PSA within the past year.
• Filled out authorization letter to Japan Embassy for PSA. Include it with other required documents. If you still have your old/valid passport with a used Japan Visa, you don't have to submit your birth certificate. You can download the form here: authorization letter
• Submit a daily schedule about your activities in Japan. This can be as simple as listing the places you'll visit and things you'll do per day, no need to go into so much detail.
• Income tax return form (ITR Form 2316), provide a clear copy.
• A bank certificate issued within the last 3 months. There's no definite number on how much you'll need in your account, some say P100,000 others have P50,000 or less, it's a case to case basis. Bank certificate must include ADB or average daily balance. If the bank certificate doesn't include ADB, you must submit a bank statement (3 months).
• ADDITIONAL BUT NO LONGER REQUIRED: Certificate of employment that indicates when you started, salary and contact details.

*If for some reason you can't submit a certain document, you can write a letter stating the reasons you don't have it, and provide supporting docs instead.

Submitting the Application

After completing the documents and requirements, it's time to submit your application.

• Look for an accredited agency to handle your application, you can find one here. The Japanese Embassy DOES NOT accept direct applications. I used the services of Reli Tours in Dusit Thani.
• Go to your chosen embassy; go as early as possible to avoid lining up for the entire day.
• Pay the processing fee that ranges from around P900 to P1600+++ depending on the agency you chose. You can pay an additional P500+++ to apply for a multiple entry visa. The embassy will refund this amount if you don't get a multiple entry visa.
• After paying, all you need to do is wait for your visa. The agency will inform you, if you need to submit additional requirements. The waiting time can be as short as 2 working days to 7, in some cases it may take longer. You'll either have to pick up your passport with visa at the office of the agency or they can deliver it to your chosen address for a fee.

You Can Apply for a Multiple Entry Visa If....

• If you haven't been to Japan within the last 3 years but have a substantial amount of money in your account.
• If you've been to Japan within the last 3 years as a temporary visitor and have more than enough money for your planned trip.
• If you've been to both Japan and G7 countries (USA, Canada, France, Germany, UK and Italy) within the last 3 years.

Some Tips

• The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before your trip. I recommend applying that early or at least a month before departure.
• DO NOT buy tickets or pay for accommodation before you get the visa.
• Have more than enough money in your account for the number of days you applied.  

Links to My Posts about Japan

• Japan
• Budget and Itinerary for Osaka
• Budget andItinerary for Fukuoka and Nagasaki
• Budget and Itinerary for Nagoya
• Budget and Itinerary for Tokyo
• Budget and Itinerary for Kyoto

If You Plan to Make an Early Reservation

You don't have to book anything in advance, you can wait until you get your visa.