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A Filipino’s Guide to Applying for A Japan Tourist Visa

Rich history, breathtaking landscapes, jaw-dropping architecture, a vibrant pop culture scene, state-of-the-art technology, exciting gastronomy… we could go on forever about why Japan is a must-visit destination that has pockets of surprises for Filipinos with a heart for adventure. However, one might be quick to dismiss the thought of visiting Japan when the subject of tourist visa application is brought up.

Indeed, applying for a tourist visa can be tedious and nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time. But don’t let it get in the way of you trying your luck to see what Japan has to offer!

Here, we crafted an easy guide to applying for a Japan Tourist Visa for employed Filipinos. If you are visiting friends or relatives in Japan or fall under an entirely different category, check out the official website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to find out how to acquire the right visa type for you. 


The Requirements

The documents you will be submitting must be original unless otherwise stated. Also, make sure that the size of your application documents is set to A4. If not, make the necessary adjustments and do not staple or paste the pages together.

  1. Philippine Passport
    See to it that your passport is in good condition, as the embassy will not accept damaged passports. Your passport must also be signed and have at least two (2) blank pages for your visa’s placement.
  1. Accomplished Visa Application Form
    You may get this from accredited travel agencies, at the entrance of the embassy, or you can simply download your own copy here.

You must duly fill out the form. If an item is not applicable to you, write [N/A], as the embassy may not accept application forms with blank spaces. Don’t forget to affix your signature and the date once you’re done.

  1. Passport-size Photo
    The standard size of the photo for Japan visa applications is 4.5cm x 4.5cm with white background. Your photo must be taken within the past six (6) months. Indicate your name and birthdate on the back side of your picture, then paste it on the space intended for it on the application form.
  1. Birth Certificate
    Your birth certificate must be issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) within one year.

Conditions:
-If your birth certificate from PSA is unreadable or has incomplete information, submit the birth certificate issued by PSA together with a birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar.
-If your birth certificate is “late registration,” support it by submitting your baptismal certificate and school record (Form 137) from your high school or elementary school. You may include your school yearbook as well, if possible.
-If you don’t have a record in PSA, submit a Certificate of Non-Record from PSA together with a birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.

  1. Marriage Certificate (only if you are married)
    Like your birth certificate, it must be issued within one year from the PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center. If your record can’t be found, submit a Certificate of Non-Record from PSA with the Marriage Certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.
  1. Daily Schedule in Japan
    You will have to disclose your itinerary when you apply for a visa. This will give the consul reviewing your application a better idea of what you will do when you visit Japan.

You can download the official format here

  1. Financial Documents
    If you will shoulder part of their travel expenses:
    -Bank Certificate issued within the last three (3) months
    -Photocopy of your latest Income Tax Return (ITR) or BIR Form 2316

If a guarantor who lives in the Philippines will shoulder part or all of the applicant’s travel expenses:
-Guarantee letter
-Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor (e.g. birth certificate)
-Original Bank Certificate and guarantor’s ITR (photocopy)

 

Supplementary Documents

Although not required, the embassy encourages applicants to submit other documents that will support their visa application. These documents may be proofs of the applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines or documents that authenticate your urgent reasons to visit Japan like a medical certificate or a wedding invitation.

 

Submitting Your Requirements

Once you have gathered all the requirements listed above, you’re all set to submit your requirements.

Since walk-in applications won’t be accepted, you must course your application through a travel agency accredited by the embassy. You will then be given an 8-digit acceptance number after the agency submits your documents to the embassy.

You can view the complete list of agencies here


Processing Fee

The temporary visitor visa is FREE; however, you will have to pay for the services of your chosen travel agency.

 

Processing Time

From the date of acceptance by the embassy, the processing of your application will take at least five (5) working days. If your passport has not been returned after more than a week, you may verify the status of your application by making an inquiry at the embassy. They will ask for your 8-digit acceptance number, so don’t lose it! No acceptance number, no verification, and thus your inquiry will not be accommodated.

When your passport is ready for pick up or shipping to your address, the travel agency of your choice will contact you.

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