japan tourist visa application form 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

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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JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application for Tourists

Traveling to Japan as a tourist? Here’s our latest visa application guide with the LIST OF JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS and STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS. We added a detailed guide on HOW TO FILL OUT JAPAN VISA APPLICATION FORM. And as a bonus, we also answered some frequently asked questions. Note that this is for those applying as tourists.

Geographically Japan isn’t too far from the Philippines, and a good number of airlines fly to its major cities from Manila. Most Filipinos, however, feel that this amazing East Asian country is far more distant than it actually is. One reason is the visa requirement.

Visas are always a major hurdle for many Filipino travelers. One look at the list of requirements and some already feel intimidated by it. I felt exactly the same when I was new in the travel scene. But over the past few years, the Japanese Embassy has been more forgiving when it comes to visa applications.

Today, getting a Japanese visa is actually quite easy. Here’s a quick step-by-step chronicling of how I got mine.

Important! This visa guide is for those applying for a JAPAN TOURIST VISA (with and without sponsor or guarantor), meaning you will be staying in a hotel and you’re not visiting anyone in Japan. If you’re traveling to visit a friend or relative in Japan, we have a separate post for that. Read: Japan Visa Requirements for Visiting Friends or Relatives

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

LIST OF JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. philippine passport.

• Must have a signature. In new 10-year passports, you’ll find the signature line on page 3 (the page opposite the bio page), just below the big Philippine flag image. In older e-passports, the signature is digitally encoded on the actual bio page.
• Must have at least 2 blank pages. The Japanese embassy attaches a sticker to a page on your passport. Then the Japanese immigration adds an entry sticker on another page upon arrival.
• Must have at least 6 months validity. The standard immigration practice is to reject passports with validity shorter than 6 months. In cases like these, you will not be allowed to exit the Philippines or enter Japan.
• Must be in good condition. Broken and unreadable passports are not accepted.

2. A duly accomplished visa application form.

• You may download it from  here .
• Handwritten and computerized are both accepted.
• Don’t leave any field blank. If a field is not applicable to you, write N/A.
• Print the form on an A4-size paper. Other sizes will be rejected. No, legal (long) and letter (short) sizes are not allowed. Only A4.
• Use a black pen or font. Do not use pencil or one of those erasable pens.
• Avoid erasures. If it can’t be helped, use double line (2 strikethroughs). If there are too many erasures, start over. Never ever use correction tape or liquid.
• If you need help accomplishing the form, we have a guide in another section below.

3. ID picture

• Size: 4.5cm x 3.5 cm
• White background
• Must have been taken within the past 6 months.
• Write your name and birthdate on the back side.
• Paste it on the designated area on the application form. DO NOT STAPLE.

4. Birth certificate from PSA

• Must be issued within the past one year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide). NO, certificates older than one year are NOT ACCEPTED.
• If the birth certificate is marked LATE REGISTRATION, you must also submit Baptismal certificate, School Record (Form 137), and School Yearbook (if applicable). The address of the church or school must be indicated in the documents.

5. Marriage certificate from PSA

• Only if you’re married. If you’re single, ignore this one.
• Must be issued within the past one year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide).

6. Daily schedule in Japan

• This is your daily itinerary in Japan.
• Download the format here .
• Must be printed on an A4-size paper.
• It doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what mine looked like: Sample Japan Itinerary

7. Accomplished list of Visa Applicants

• Only if traveling as family/group. If you’re applying alone, no need to submit this.
• You must have a REPRESENTATIVE APPLICANT , who will be the key person in your application. For example, if you’re applying as a family, one of the parents can be the representative. If one of the applicants/travelers will be sponsoring the rest of the group, that person can also be the representative.
• In the “relationship with the inviting person and guarantor” field, write N/A if you’re applying as a tourist. Fill this in only if you’re visiting friends or relatives in Japan.
• You can download the form here .

In addition, you also need to provide the following financial and employment documents. There is a separate set of requirements for those with guarantor from those who will shoulder their own expenses.

Additional Requirements if WITHOUT Guarantor

If you will shoulder part or all of your travel expenses, you must provide the following:

• Income tax return (ITR Form 2316). They need a clear photocopy of it.
• Bank certificate.  Must be issued within the past 3 months. I’m not sure if they require a receipt, but I submitted the receipt too. To be safe, when you get your bank certificate, ask for a receipt too. There’s no telling how big a fund is “enough” to get approved, but (in case you’re wondering) my account had only a bit north of P100,000. I planned on staying for a week. I didn’t encounter any problem.

Although a Certificate of Employment is no longer on the list of requirements, we still recommend that you provide one showing your start date, salary, and contact persons, especially if you have an irregular ITR (not covering the complete year or issued by your previous employer).

If for some reason, you can’t provide a specific document, you may write a letter explaining why you can’t and submit supporting documents instead. For example, if you don’t have a current ITR because you’re new at your job or you’re working abroad, you can provide copies of invoice or payslip or other tax forms. That’s what I did in one of my applications and they accepted it.

Additional Requirements if WITH Guarantor

If a guarantor will sponsor your trip, you will need to provide the following additional documents. Note that this only applies if the guarantor lives in the Philippines:

• Guarantee Letter . Must explain your guarantor’s relationship to you and their contact details.
• Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor . For example, if the guarantor is a parent or a close relative, submit their birth certificate too.
• Bank Certificate (original) of the Guarantor
• Photocopy of the Income Tax Return (ITR Form 2316) of the Guarantor

Again, documents to be printed out must be done on an A4-size paper. Other sizes will not be accepted.

All birth certificates must be issued within the past year by PSA Main Office or Serbilis Center.

Update: NCov Questionnaire / Form

On 3 February 2020, the Japanese Embassy in Manila announced that visa applicants must answer and submit an additional questionnaire in accordance to the Japanese government’s decision to impose restrictions on travelers who have recently visited areas heavily affected by COVID-19.

All applicants must accomplish and submit this form, in addition to the other requirements.

✅ DOWNLOAD THE ADDITIONAL FORM HERE!

HOW TO APPLY FOR A JAPAN VISA

• Complete the requirements , as listed above.
• Find an accredited travel agency . Except very special cases, the Japanese Embassy doesn’t accept direct applications. They must be coursed through any of their accredited agencies. You will find their very limited list of accredited agencies right here .
• Submit the documents . Go to your chosen travel agency in the morning or as early as you can. These days, Japan travel is so popular, queues can be so long it can sometimes eat up your entire day.
• Pay the Processing Fee . In reality, the visa is FREE, but the agency will charge a processing fee. The rates vary, but it’s usually between P800 – P1600 depending on the agency.
• Wait for your visa . After you have submitted everything to the travel agency, there’s nothing left to do but to wait and hope for the best. If they encounter any problem (e.g. additional requirements), they will let you know. Thus, you must apply not so close to your date of travel. Visa processing normally takes 3-5 days, but sometimes up to 7 working days. For others, it takes weeks. The first time I applied, I received my visa 5 days later. The second time, it took them only 2 days.

Depending on your arrangement with the agency, your passport with the visa (if approved) either will be mailed to you or must be claimed at their office.

That’s pretty much everything! Good luck and enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun!

HOW TO FILL OUT THE JAPAN VISA APPLICATION FORM FOR TOURISTS

We get a lot of questions about the various sections of the application form so we decided to make this guide to help you accomplish it without problem.

Before anything else, take note of these general guidelines:

• THESE SAMPLES ARE FOR TOURISTS. This won’t apply if you’re visiting a relative or a friend. Check this out instead: Japan Visa for Visiting Friends/Relatives .
• Print the application form on an A4 paper only. Other sizes are not accepted.
• Fill out the form either digitally or by hand. Both computerized (typewritten) and handwritten are accepted. But for handwritten forms, make sure that you write in block letters and that they are readable.
• Use a black pen. Do not use erasable pens or pencils! Likewise, if you fill it out digitally, use black font.
• Don’t use correction tape or liquid. Try to avoid any erasure. If something needs to be corrected, use double line (2 strikethroughs). If there are too many erasures, best to start all over with a fresh blank form.
• Don’t leave any field blank. If the item or question doesn’t apply to you, write NA or N/A , which is short for Not Applicable .
• Do not staple the form! The agency will most likely remove them too.

Now that we have those out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the form. You’ll see that the form is quite short and straightforward. It only has two pages.

For the purpose of this post, I’m accomplishing the form using big blue letters just to highlight my answers. But please use BLACK for your application to make it neater and more professional.

• Given and middle names: Write both your given name AND your middle name (your mom’s last name).
• Other names: If you have a nickname, write it down. But I just write N/A all the time.
• Place of birth: Most questions we get about this part are from those born in Metro Manila. They ask what to put if they have no province. If it’s in Metro Manila, write Metro Manila. For example, if you were born in Mandaluyong, write: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines .
• Former and/or other nationalities or citizenships: Write N/A if it doesn’t apply to you.
• ID No. issued to you by your government: You can write down any government-issued ID here like Driver’s License, SSS ID, or UMID. A few times, I wrote the passport number here too, I didn’t have any problem.
• Passport type: Ordinary
• Passport number: Make sure it’s correct.
• Place of issue: You can write the city name. In the case of Manila, you can write MANILA. You can also be specific. I usually write DFA NCR EAST, because that’s what’s on my passport.
• Issuing authority: DFA.

• Purpose of visit to Japan: Tourism. (If you’re visiting a friend or family, write VISIT FRIEND/FAMILY.)
• Intended length of stay in Japan: Number of days including the day of arrival.
• Port of entry into Japan: Name of the airport. It can be Kansai, Narita, Chitose, etc.
• Name of ship or airline: Just the name of the airline or the ship. It doesn’t matter if you’re already booked or not.
• Names and addresses of hotels or persons with whom applicant intends to stay: If you’re traveling as a tourist, write down the name, address and telephone number of your hotel. If you don’t know the exact address or telephone number of your hotel, Google it!
• Dates and duration of previous stays in Japan. Write N/A if it’s your first time in Japan. If you’ve been to Japan before write the inclusive dates of your previous visits and the number of days. If you’ve been to Japan many times and it won’t fit, use a separate sheet and indicate it on the form.

• Your current residential address: If you have more than one address, list them all on a separate sheet.
• Telephone number: If you don’t have a landline number, write N/A.
• Current profession or occupation and position: Be truthful! If your current occupation or position doesn’t match the ITR you’re submitting (for example, you moved to another company), you can write a letter explaining it.
• Partner’s profession/occupation: If you’re single and of legal age, write N/A. If you’re married, write the profession of your partner. If for a minor, write the profession or occupation of parents.

• Guarantor/Inviter Info: Since you’re applying for a TOURIST VISA, just write N/A in all the fields.

• If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, please provide relevant details: If you answered NO to all the questions, write N/A.
• Signature: Sign it by hand. I’m not sure if digital signatures are accepted, but I doubt it. If the applicant is minor, a parent or legal guardian can sign, but the relationship must be indicated below the signature.

JAPAN TOURIST VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I’m visiting a friend or relative. is the process the same.

No, there is a separate set of requirements for those visiting a relative or friend. You’ll find the list of requirements and the application process here: JAPAN VISIT VISA REQUIREMENTS .

I was issued a Japan visa before. I just want to renew. What’s the process?

Still the same. The only difference is you don’t need to submit a birth certificate and marriage certificate. But you will need to submit the passport with your old visas.

Can I apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

The following can apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa:

• A person who has travelled to Japan as temporary visitor within the last three years AND has sufficient financial capability to support their trip.
• A person who has travelled to Japan as temporary visitor within the last three years AND has travelled as temporary visitor to G7 countries (excluding Japan) several times within the last three years. The other G7 countries are: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (USA).
• A person who has high financial capacity (but has not been to Japan in the past 3 years). The keywords here are HIGH FINANCIAL CAPACITY.
• Immediate family member (Spouse/Child) of a person who has high financial capacity.

HOWEVER, if it’s your first time to visit Japan, it’s generally safer to apply for a SINGLE-ENTRY VISA for higher chances of approval.

More information here: JAPAN MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS .

How to apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa? What are the requirements?

We also have a dedicated post for that. You’ll find that here: Multiple-Entry Japan Visa

Do I need a travel agency to apply?

Yes. Unless it’s a special case, all visa applications must be coursed through any of their accredited travel agencies.

Here’s the complete list of officially accredited travel agencies: Japan Visa Travel Agencies .

Do I need to book flights and hotel before applying?

No. It’s not a requirement. However, on the application form, you will have to write down the specific AIRLINE and HOTEL ADDRESS you wish to book (or have booked).

Some travel agencies accept flight itinerary if the applicant is already booked for better chances. Some don’t. In general, it is not a requirement. If you haven’t booked flights yet, don’t. Get a visa first.

How long is the validity of the visa?

Single-entry tourist visas are valid for 90 days upon issue and will usually allow you to stay for no longer than 15 days. So for example, your visa is issued on January 1, you can enter Japan any time between January 1 and March 31, but once you enter, you can stay for only 15 days maximum.

Multiple-entry visas will usually allow you to stay for up to 15 or 30 days, depending on what is given to you. But it’s usually valid for 3 or 5 years. Meaning, you can visit multiple times within 3 or 5 years since the issue date, but every stay must not be longer than 15 or 30 days.

How long does it take to process Japan visa application?

7 working days, if you ask the agencies. That’s their default answer.

In reality, it varies. My first time, 5 working days. Second time, 2 days. Then on my third and fourth times, 7 days and 2 days respectively.

I know people who have waited weeks for theirs. Pretty hard to tell.

How early can I apply for a Japan visa?

As mentioned, the standard single-entry visa is valid for 90 days since issue date, so you can apply as early as 3 months before your travel date. But “3 months before” would be cutting it too close to expiry date. I personally prefer applying 1-2 months before my travel date.

Can I apply 1 week before the travel date?

That’s too close for comfort. Although there are times when results are released only 2 or 3 days after application, for others it can take weeks. Best to apply 1-2 months before.

Some agencies also refuse to accept applications that are too close to the travel date. For example, Reli Tours at SM Megamall has a 7-working-days policy. If the flight is scheduled sooner than 7 working days at the time of submission, they will NOT accept your application. It happened to a relative whom I accompanied at the agency. They turned us away and asked that we apply at another agency instead.

I’m not sure if other travel agencies have the same policy. Call them first if your trip is urgent.

How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?

The Embassy doesn’t explicitly say how much money you should have in the bank. The amount isn’t the only factor. It’s probably on a case-by-case basis.

I have applied for a 15-day stay with only P100,000+ in the bank and my application got approved.

A friend of mine applied for a 5-day stay with only P50,000 and got approved. She has a full-time job.

Another friend applied for a 5-day stay with over P200,000 and got denied. She doesn’t have a regular job.

I think the rule of thumb is: how much savings you have should be proportional to how long your stay is. For example, if you have only P50,000, don’t apply for a 15-day stay because that would obviously raise a lot of questions regarding whether or not you can afford the trip.

Also, I think the Embassy is more concerned about whether or not you have a compelling reason to return to the Philippines, which is why they scrutinize your employment status and travel history.

I am tax-exempt. Do I need to submit an ITR?

You should still have an ITR even if you’re tax-exempt.

Since 2018, workers earning below P250,000 a year (P21,000 a month) are exempted from paying income taxes. But that doesn’t mean it exempts you from having an ITR. If you’re an employee, you can still get a copy of your ITR from your employer even if you’re tax-exempt.

I don’t have an ITR. What can I do?

You need to submit the following:

• A letter explaining why you can’t submit an ITR.
• Other proof of income or employment.

I was able to try applying without a recent ITR during my last visa application. I wrote a letter explaining that I wouldn’t be able to submit my latest ITR because I recently shifted to becoming an entrepreneur and I won’t have a copy of my ITR until the end of the year. I then added that I’m submitting a copy of my ITR for the previous year together with COE from my clients and my business registration docs.

Another workaround is to find a guarantor.

Is Certificate of Employment needed to get a Japan visa?

Technically, no. Certificate of Employment is no longer a requirement.

BUT — and it’s a big but — it’s always a good idea to provide one because it shows your financial capability, stability, and rootedness.

So I strongly recommend that you submit one.

I’m a freelancer. I don’t have a Certificate of Employment. What can I do?

You can try to get a letter from your clients indicating what you do for them, how long you’ve been working for them, and how much salary you get. This will help your application.

I was a freelancer before so I’ve done this and my Japan visa application got approved.

Here’s the format I followed .

I have a guarantor. Do I still have to submit my own bank documents?

NO need. Just submit your guarantor’s bank documents, guarantee letter, and other documents listed above.

I don’t have a bank account. Can I still apply for a Japan visa?

Yes, just find a guarantor. This way, you won’t need to submit your own, just submit your guarantor’s bank documents. For better chances, find a guarantor who is an immediate relative. Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time convincing the embassy why your guarantor is willing to sponsor your trip. It’s still possible, but chances are lower.

Check out the list of requirements above for those applying with a guarantor.

Note, however, that you will still be assessed based on other criteria like employment and travel history.

Can my boyfriend or girlfriend sponsor my trip?

You can try, but no guarantees. If you want better chances of approval, an immediate family member is best to sponsor you. A parents or sibling is most ideal. You will have to submit proof of relationship, which is hard to establish if you’re not married to your sponsor or not an immediate family member.

Note that even if your trip is sponsored by someone else, you still need to provide your own bank and employment documents on top of your sponsor’s.

Can I submit a birth certificate issued more than a year ago?

NO. The birth certificate MUST be issued within the past year. You cannot fake your way around it. The issue date is printed at the bottom of the birth certificate so both the agency and the embassy can easily figure out how old your copy is.

Is personal appearance required for a Japan visa?

YES and NO. It depends on a lot of things: which travel agency you’re applying at, how you’re applying, and what your background is.

For example, based on my experience, Reli Tours and Friendship Tours require personal appearance for walk-in applicants. I have tried applying for my cousin at Reli Tours SM Megamall and they won’t accept the application. Our accountant also tried applying for my mom at Friendship Tours at Dusit Thani Makati but she was told that my mom had to be there in person. She was also told that we could just mail the application if personal appearance was not feasible.

However, on a separate occasion, my cousin was allowed to apply for my niece (a minor) at Reli Tours Southmall even when the kid wasn’t with her. It might be because of two things: because my niece was a minor and because they were traveling together (group).

I’m not sure if it’s the same for all travel agencies or for all branches. IF some of them allow it, make sure you have a signed authorization letter, ID of the applicant, ID of the representative, and proof of your relationship with them.

Best to just call your chosen travel agency to be sure.

Should the application form be typewritten/computerized or handwritten?

Either is okay. I’ve tried applying with both. No problem.

If the question doesn’t apply to me, should I write N/A or just leave it blank?

It confuses applicants because Japan and Korea have different policies, and most designated agencies process both Japan and Korean visas.

But here’s the generally accepted practice: For Japan Visa form, write N/A. For Korean Visa form, leave it blank.

What are the common reasons why Japan visa applications are denied?

I can only speculate, but based on the messages we receive from our followers, the usual reasons are the following:

• You can’t prove that you can financially support yourself on this trip . You probably have insufficient funds or your guarantor is not in a good financial standing.
• You can’t prove that you intend to return (rootedness). You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, unemployed, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you intend to work there.
• Your intention/purpose in Japan is unclear . This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

I plan to submit documents X, Y and Z, and I have been to other countries before. Will my application be approved?

I can’t say. It’s hard to tell. It’s based on a gazillion factors. And even if you send me all the docs you plan to submit, everything we say will still be nothing more than a wild guess. No one and nothing can guarantee approval. At the end of the day, it is completely up to the visa officer evaluating your application. Some are very strict; some are not so much.

I have a friend who has a stellar travel history, lots of money in her bank account, and stable job, but she was denied a visa regardless.

More Japan FAQs

Although there is a big chance you won’t need to pay a visit, here’s the address of the Japanese Embassy in Manila. You will need this address for the bank certificate. Embassy of Japan 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300 Contact No. +63-2-551-5710

Updates Log

2020 February 3 – Added the new questionnaire (related to Hubei Province) to the list of requirements 2020 February 13 – Replaced the NCOV questionnaire with a new version that includes Zhejiang Province.

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

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Quick question. I dont put much money in the bank, I put them in stocks and investment funds. Would the post a problem?

As Anony said in another comment, provide original documentation of your assets. And don’t forget your ITR and Certificate of Employment. :)

Hi! Im a housewife and my sister in sweden like to take me to travel in japan all expenses on her.. I don’t have an ITR.. Any suggestions on how can I apply a japan visa.. Thank you

Question, as per the FAQ I can get a letter from my freelancing clients but I still don’t have an ITR. Well I do have a number but not able to pay as the freelancing is not a regular thing. Let’s say project based work. Would that be a problem?

Write a letter of explanation then provide other proof of income/employment.

Do you need to book a hotel and a roundtrip flight before applying for your visa?

Nope! But you need to know which flight you’re planning to take and which hotel you plan to stay. :)

hi, I’m reading all the comments here. I’m planning to apply for a visa. but my situation is quite different with any of the comments here. my husband is as Navy based in the US. right now he is staying in japan until Nov. I cant apply for a tourist visa because im no longer working so I cant present an ITR. but I can provide bank certificate and I have travelled other Asian countries before. you also mentioned that I can apply for the visa even without getting a roundtrip flight? My husband is based in Misawa and tickets are quite pricey. so it was kinda relief to know that I can apply without a ticket. is that right? do you have suggestions on how I can go through this visa application? any information will be very helpful. thanks in advance

Jp just provide original documentation of your assets and im sure that would help as opposed to providing nothing. Your ITR and certificate of employment from a credible company will also go a long way. Also a history of travel will help

Thanks for the really helpful post! I’m Japanese but born in Canada, living in Manila with my girlfriend. I want to bring her there so bad but we thought it was hopeless with all the procedures. Only hurdle we may have is we’re self-employed (internet marketers/bloggers) so she has no ITR or Employment certificate. Hoping funds in the bank will help. Thanks again though, your outline is helpful and gave us hope to give it a shot!

Hope everything works out fine for you, guys!

I can’t provide ITR but I have employment certificate also I closed my bank account. What should I do?

Hmmm, I honestly do not know how to go about this, but I heard no visas will be needed starting June (not sure). So there’s that…

Can i ask something what if the reason why i need to be there in japan is to take care of my niece because my elder sister is working for how many hours…so she really needs someone who can take care of her daughter…that’s why she really wanted me to be there…

I was reading your blog and others an hour before I received a message from Reli tours, asking me to come over and pick up my passport. I was granted a Japanese single-entry tourist visa! yay!!

I know exactly how the others felt. I thought I didn’t have enough funds. I just have around 11x, xxx in the bank and I’m going to Osaka and Kyoto for 12 days. I thought there was no chance.

I’ve only been with my current company for a little over a year but I have all the requirements. COE, ITR, leave of absence, round-trip tickets, hostel reservations from hostelbookers, birth certificate, bank certificate and itinerary. I spent a lot of time on the fake itinerary and made sure it will not exceed my budget for sightseeing. I even had a walking itinerary. It has the amount I’m going to spend at each tourist destination like entrance fees and stuff. It’s fake since I won’t be following any of it. I’m going with my boyfriend and we planned to do other things like whitewater rafting, canyoning and hiking since we are both adventurous. But he’s a privileged one for having an Australian passport.

Prior to this trip, I went to Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Hong Kong. I started going out of the country since March. Then, sort of became a monthly thing. I was making ipon of the stamps. Too bad HK don’t stamp the passports anymore.

Anyways, I submitted my application last Thursday. the visa was granted on Friday and I received my passport today, Tuesday. To those who are reluctant, if you have all the documents, there’s no reason to get denied. Best of Luck!

Good day… is it possible po ba na aabot ng almost 2 months ang processing ni japan visa… kasi sa pamangkin ko nag submit kami sa agency ng requirements noon feb 26, 2019… hanggang ngayon wala parin feedback…

hi, i hope you will delete the part that you made a fake itin because if Japan Embassy reads this. they might impose stricter rules again for visa application next time. they don’t like cheating

Hi Brian M. As I explained, the only reason why I said it was fake was because I didn’t really follow it. But it’s as good of an itinerary as any other ones presented in the Embassy, if not better. If you have done a lot of travelling, you will know that you would be required for an itinerary when submitting a visa application, not all the time but most of the time. That does not necessarily mean that you have to follow everything in the itinerary as plans change all the time. I am quite happy with the itinerary that I made as I put a lot of effort into it. You can see for yourself.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GejLFDRGNtts3CW1FlQZlETIfRS14ZRbIagjso_ZBvs/edit#gid=0

What I didn’t include in this itinerary was that I went to the Awa Odori festival in Tokushima, stayed in a ryokan in Kyoto, stayed in another ryokan with the monks in Daiein Temple in Koyasan, my trip to Hiroshima as well as the island Miyajima. You cannot say it’s cheating as we are not bound by an itinerary.

Sorry, but I hate the “fake itinerary”. It sounded very unprofessional. I guess the proper term is “pseudo”.

clearly, you are inexperienced. what’s the difference of pseudo and fake? LOL. exactly. quit yapping around and start travelling

Hello wanderlustre! I got my reg tourist visa and flight ko na sa Sat. worry ko lang kasi yung itinerary ko sa Osaka and sa hotel ako magstay (Visa application then approved) but truth is I will stay at my friend’s house. Okay lang ba yun?

Same here wanderlustre! Got my visa after 2 days (submitted on friday morning, got a call on monday afternooon that my visa application was approved, and went to the travel agency on tuesday to get my passport). I had Friendship tours in 2F Dusit Thani Hotel assisted me on the visa processing.

how about for working visa? after po ba na approve, what is the next process?

Hi wanderlustre! Where did you lodged your application? It only took them 1 day to process the visa? So fast!!! Awesome!!

I have a question please if your documents is ready to submit are u the one that will come by your self and submit it or the person that is running it for you will submit it??

Question, I do not have much money on my bank account but I will be going with my parents and will be the one financing the trip, do I have a low chance of getting my visa approved?

[…] http://magnetic-rose.net/2011/05/how-to-get-a-japan-tourist-visa-in-three-days/ – This blog can provide you tips on how to increase your chances of having that Japan visa application approved. I think the blogger already stopped responding to visa related queries, but if you will browse through its long comment thread, you will likely get the answers that you need […]

Hi, do i really need a round trip ticket first and hotel reservation before I apply for a visa? Thanks!

No need. :)

Your site made my Japan visa application preparation and itinerary planning easy and more efficient. I’ll send some additional tips to make everyone’s travel planning easier.

Just came back from my Tokyo trip and I had hella fun. Thank you!

Next stop: Seoul, South Korea and Osaka, Japan. Currently reading your entries about these places.

We are in the process of completing our requirements for the visa. We just found out though that I have two registrations with NSO under two completely different names so I’m unable to get the birth certificate that matches my passport and all my ids etc. We are not aware of the first registration which has me carrying the name of my absentee father hence all my life i carried another name and my mom’s surname (I’m proud to say I was raised by a single mom). We’ve consulted a lawyer already, and I will need to have the first registration canceled which takes about a year since it’ll need to thru the courts. Since our trip is in November already, here are the items I plan to submit:

– passport

– birth certificate from NSO dated 2011 with receipt (late registered – I was born 1983 and was late registered 1988).

– school form 137

– baptismal certificate

– all govt ids, etc that will show that I did not use any other name in my lifetime .

– letter explaining the reason behind the NSO issue which will hopefully include a petition already to cancel my first registration

– ITR

– COE

– bank certificates (substantial amount from several banks if needed)

– Sunlife MF investment

– Manulife Investment

– Philamlife Investment

– property title

– plane tickets (piso fare, hehe)

Have traveled to several Asian countries already, HK, Sing, Taipei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Korea, Mumbai, Bangkok and Malaysia.

Any thoughts on the items I plan on submitting? Really worried with the NSO issue, funny enough I can’t seem to find anyone similar to my situation.

We are traveling as a famjly as well, my mom, sister and GF. It’ my graduation gift to my sister who’s graduating in a couple of weeks.

Hope someone can help..

Hi, question lng po pwede po b hindi sundin ung na submit na itinerary at sa application form after ma approved ang visa? Kasi sa application narita pero ngaun kasi we are planning haneda para mas malapit then ung araw 5days we change it to 7days

Thank you in advance

Hi Kirstein, pwede naman po basta within the allowed validity period and length of stay pa rin.

what happened to your application? were you able to push your trip?

Hi, great blog you have here. I really got most of the information that I need but I have one problem though, I don’t have an ITR. I can provide a Certificate of Employment, and the reason why I can’t provide the ITR is because I just joined the company last February and this is my first job since I also graduated last February. Would a bank certificate, itinerary and a COE be enough? I plan to go to Japan on the last week of January for 6 days because I want to catch a concert on those dates.

Hi Destiny08? How’s your visa application? Did it push through even though you don’t have your ITR?

Loved reading your piece on how to get a Visa in Japan. One question popped into my mind just now, what if I don’t get a hotel room? I’m planning to get an accommodation via Airbnb instead of a hotel/hostel stay. The reason why I am asking this is that you should include the hotel where you are going to stay.

Will I get a visa if me and my fiance planned to get married in japan? Or are there any possible requirements to get one?

Hi. I would like to ask if an employee, is the BIR Form 2316 required to have a BIR stamped? Because the company i am working with doesn’t give one with bir stamped. Thanks.

Hi! I have a question.. regarding the guarantee letter and invitation letter.. There’s something that says “SEAL” what was that for? because my Fiance is my guarantor and we are not sure what to place there since its not a company who will be helping with my visa.. Can you please help us with this.. thank you!

hi… my biggest concern about going to japan is actually the visa since i am not working right now… with that, i do not have an ITR.. Is there anything that could substitute to an ITR? I read from other blog that she did submit a Certificate of Involvement in a Non-Profit Organization… She got approved…. Since I am not doing any volunteering work, it would be difficult for me to get this certificate… I don’t know if it would matter, but I’ve been to couple of countries already… though most of which are those in the visa on arrival category.. any advice?

How much show money i prepare for it..? I went there 2007 as tourist i dont know if the requirements before are same of now

Hi. I would like to ask. The one will be shouldering my expenses in Japan is my aunt. Though she is leaving here in the Philippines. Can we put it at the visa application form and will they accept if we’ll use her bank certificate instead? Thanks

Hi, i would like to ask what happened to your visa application?

i am married w/ the japanese national since july 30, 2008 but eversince then he never take me to his country… he just coming home here in philippines every after 2yrs.. but as of now he didnt call me for 8months… & id like to go to japan to know how was my husband is…but i dont know how to apply my visa please help me…

[…] I also used other bloggers’ posts as reference. I’ve bookmarked the one by Adventure Accounting and the one by The Poor Traveller. […]

plane ticket needed before application??

Very helpful! Followed your sample iti when I applied for my visa last year.

I don’t have ITR because I’m an OFW.. What do I do about that?

The Poor Traveler.Libre mo ko’

Kaka open ko lang ng bank acct and im planning to go in Jpn on march ? Ok lang kaya un ? Wala po ba magiging prob kung bago lang ung bank acct ?

Mag asawa kayo ng hapun para magka visa kayo.

may isang mali dito, kung wala kang ITR a letter of explanation will suffice bakit wala ka nito

I love to go Japan, how much will it cost for 7 days will full accommodation, city tour including food.

Japan is such a nice place to visit! Best for photography! Food is perfect!

[…] more detailed information, check this well-written blog post. You can also check this website for some helpful […]

The bottom line is, DO NOT OVERSTAY! Follow the rules and be honest!

Hi. It was very kind of you to share your experience. I am planning on going this year and I woukd like to travel with my sister. So, if you are applying for VISA as a family, you just have to submit all the required documents as one set? So, I can just submit one bank certificate for the two of us? Thanks!

Hi Pam! As far as I know, you need to secure for both of you, unless you’re sponsoring your sister’s trip, in which case you need to secure a second copy of your bank certificate (and indicate in her application form that you are her sponsor).

Hello po, just want to ask po, after po na approve ang working visa to Japan, what is the next step po? kukuha pa po ba ng medical?

Hi.ask lang how long naprocessed ang working visa mo? I submitted mine may2 sa rajah travel agency upto now may 23 wala pdin result… ka ka takot magpamedical baka masayang lang po lase. Ty po

Ang comments pls?

Hi po.. question lang po.guys.. how long po to process working visa to Japan? I submitted mine last may 2 on rajah travel until now may 23 wala pdin resulta? Nag ffollow up n kasi ang employer.. Thank you po sa mga ssagot..

hi, i have a question about the bank cert. i dont have a savings account but i do have cc which has up to 100k limit. will that possibly suffice?

Hello!♥ I have a Japanese guarrantor and he invites me to stay in their family house. If I apply for a tourist visa, can I stay longer than the 5 days 4 nights travel package the accredited agencies offer? With tourist visa, we can stay for 15 days right?

yep, 15 days usually.

Hello po I have a question about my NSO birth cert, late registered po ako so meaning I have to provide baptismal cert and form 138? The problem is, I don’t have those docs anymore kasi ilang beses ako nagpalipat ng bahay..

I have a japanese national who will be sponsoring my trip, and I travelled different Asian countries already in the past few years so I guess I will not have a problem with other primary docs anymore except for the NSO thing. Pls. Let me know if there is a chance that the embassy will consider my NSO cert? And aside from that I renewed my passport thrice already and my travel stamps is on those old passports, and I only have Taiwan stamp on my new one, do I need to submit those 2 old passports to prove my travel history?

I hope somebody can help me cuz I am planning to visit Japan this Dec, 2017.

Hello! Can I ask what happened to your birth certificate issue?

You need to get those documents. The agency wont accept your application otherwise.

Hi po, what if I can’t get ITR since Hindi pa po ako nag tatrabaho, student pa po ako but I have money sa bank so I can provide bank certificate. I have my own small business po kasi kaya ako nakaka pag save. Need po ba anG ITR or my other way?

if may business, as far as I know, you have to submit business permit tska BIR ng business.. if you cannot provide that, might as well don’t mention na lang na you have a business po it will sound like you’re a tax evader po. hope it helps

Hi. Question lang po. If magtravel ako in march, pwede na.po ba ako magsubmit ng application sa January? Thanks

Yep. As far as I know, a single entry visa has a 3-month expiry so pwede, aabot naman. :)

[…] Tina! All here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/ […]

Hi! your post is very useful..but I’m having a different situation here..

I hope you could help me..

Me and my son are full blood Filipino (from Philippines) and we’ve never been to Japan. I’m a single-parent and would like to work in Japan.. I want to bring my son with me there so I can enroll him at a daycare/nursery in Japan while I’m at work. Do you think it’s possible to happen?

I’m really having a hard time finding answers to this problem. :( as well as to what type of visa should me and my son apply for.

Initially, my plan is to apply for a tourist visa for both of us and find a job in Japan that can sponsor a work visa for me. The thing is, what would my son’s visa would be if mine would change to work visa? does enrolling him to a nursery will help him get a different kind of visa too?

my mom who is in USA is the one who would give me all the financial support until we can finally settle-down in Japan. She would get an Affidavit of Consent and Support for me and my son stating that she would shoulder all the expenses that we need.

therefore, the requirements such as bank statement (under my name), My own Income Tax Return and my Certificate of Employment will not be needed anymore.. that’s what I think of since I haven’t had a job since I got pregnant up until now that my son is already 1y.o. I’ve been a full-time mom.. but is that correct? Does my mom have to show an American bank statement? How should she provide me the money we need? Via bank or what?

My bestfriend who is a half Japanese lives in Japan, do you think she can do some help for me and my son too?

Thank you! any advise would be very much appreciated!!

hi mikka what happen toyour application?since we have the sme situation.thanks

Me and my friends are planning on going to japan this december, yet i’m the only one who’s unemployed since i’m helping my mom in our business. I don’t have ITR but i have a savings account since my mom put my name in her account. What alternative can i give for the itr? I have investments(stocks) but it’s still there (not going to touch/sell it yet since peso is down). I’m also a partly owner of a newly build business. I’ve been to singapore and SoKor. Would it help in getting a Japan visa?

Business registration docs and investment certificates would definitely help. :)

hi i am applying for a visa in Japan,but the new philippine passport has no signature on it..will it bring problem to the issuance of my visa?thank u

Hi there :-) my japanese husband lives with me here in Philippines, with our 10 year old son, we’re already married for 10 years, and now i decided to separate with him because of marital problems. My visa in japan already expires last 2013, and I’m planning to go back there and live with my son, is it possible for me to get a visa under my son’s name?

Hi, I’m planning to apply for a tourist visa to Japan with a guarantor. Is submitting photos optional? Di pa kasi kami nag meet in person but we’ve known each other for over a year na. Is it okay not to submit photos to prove relationship?

Hi. Im applying a tourist visa for the 2nd time and im not sure if the japan embassy will issue me again a visa due to lack of supporting documents. The 1st time i applied I was enrolled, I gave them my certificate of enrolment ID COM. They gave me 3mos visa. My visa expired last feb. Now, im not yet enrolled, school wont start til august. And I cant provide certificate of enrollment or ID COM. Should there be any concerns?

Hi.. Thank u for your blog.. And now i wanted to know if what category am i.. I have a live in partner and we have a kids.. He has a mother living in japan.. And we decided to visit her mother this sept or october all of us.. So i dont know if i am consider as a close relative because we are not yet married .. Thank u for ur answer in advnce

hi good morning is it possible to get japan visa if someone have Nbi hit.looking forward for the reply thanks

Yep, di naman kasi required yung NBI Clearance. If you were ever convicted or charged, you need to declare it. (I think may tickbox dun sa application form.)

If may kapangalan ka lang naman, wala namang problem, wag mo lang icheck yun.

Hi. Good morning everyone! Is it possible that me & my husband are able to get Japan Visa. We’re both OFW here in PNG. We already have our return plane ticket. Actually, we’re planning to take our vacation on December for only 3days. We booked our ticket from PNG to Tokyo and Tokyo to Cebu. BUT, our problem is…We have those passport with existing working visa in PNG but bearing my family name when i was single (not yet change into my husband’s surname). We just got our marriage certificate last month. By the way, just got married last January 2017 that’s why our current passport and working visa as is when we’re both single. Do we need to declare that we’re married since we have our NSO-marriage certificate on hand or retain single base on our passport. Anyone same problem with us? Looking forward for reply. Salamat ng marami in advance….God bless

Hello Sihn, Did you get an answer to your question? I’m currently in the same situation and about to submit my visa application. My husband and I are travelling together, we recently got married with Marriage Certificate on hand but our passport and ITR still says “single”. Also I’m still under my single surname in all my documents. I’d love to know what you did :) Thanks in advance!

Hi, I’m planning a Japan tour for our family of four next year – at what point do I apply for a Japanese visa? How long is the before a visa granted expires? Hubby is an OFW in Middle East & we don’t know yet when he’ll be granted a vacation. He’ll only be able to apply for a visa when he’s here. Thanks!

Oops, typo error….I mean ” how long does a visa granted effective before it expires?”

Thank you The Poor Traveler! This website is very helpful! I got my Japanese Visa in 2 days time… Lodged it on the 28th of August and got it the next day! :)

Your blog was one of the many that I’ve read when before I applied for my Japan tourist visa. Very helpful and detailed. Got mine last Sept 28. Yey! So excited to visit Japan during Autumn. :-)

Yay! COngrats! Enjoy the autumn colors!

Hi Alecrystine! Basically what emoteranglaagan said. You can submit all your past passports because it will help.

As for the birth cert issue, it would be best to contact the agency through which you plan to apply if meron pang alternatives. :)

for the Birth Certificate it says there that you ‘must’ submit the following documents (baptismal and form 138) so i guess, these are badly required.

To heighten the probability of approval, much better if you’ll include your 2 expired passports.

Hi, do you have an idea if they look through credit card debt of an applicant? Not past due though and being paid monthly.

Hi! I don’t think they do, unless you submit your credit card bills.

Do i have to buy our tickets to the agency that will process our visa.

Flight tickets are not a requirement po.

Hi Yoshke, thanks for this blog. One question, you mentioned :Birth certificate from NSO. Must be issued within the past one year.:

I have an NSO Birth Certificate that was issued like 8 years ago, so I need to request another one?

Yep, you need to get a new one from PSA.

Thank you so much guys, your articles helped me a lot! Please allow me to contribute too for those who are also dreaming of visiting Japan?

Applied for Japan visa on Sept 25 (Mon) at Reli Megamall, by Sept 29 (Fri) got a text message that the passports are ready for pick-up. By Sunday, we picked up our Japan Visa. Yay!!! (price increased from 900 to 950) We were there on a Monday at 10am. Nagkaproblema lang kasi yung 2 shops for ID picture sa magkabilaang dulo Tronix and Photoline will take 30min-1hr daw to warm/fix their machines. So better make sure instead na nakaprep na lahat. Back at Reli ng 11am, mabilis lang! About 10-20 minutes.

Here are some notes on the documents we submitted: 1. Passport – Ours are renewed in 2016, completely blank because we have not travelled

2. visa application form – I used both the guide from the Japan embassy website and from Reli. Noticeable difference is how the names are written, so I followed what’s in the Japan embassy site – that is, LASTNAME FirstName MiddleName. With Reli, it’s all capslock

3. ID picture – we sbumitted 2×2 (and not 4.5cm x 4.5 cm). I didn’t paste it on the form yet, just wrote name and birth date at the back. I didn’t even see the Reli staff paste it on the form

4. Birth certificate from NSO – I tried to include the receipt from NSO, but the Reli staff returned it to me. NSO copy was blurred, so I also submitted a clear photocopy of a clearer original

5. Marriage certificate from NSO – the Reli staff only took 1 copy for both my husband and me, because she said it will be submitted together

6. Daily Schedule of Stay – I’ve spent literally months on researching and planning our trip and have an excel file, so this was a piece of cake. The itineraries are real and what we will really follow. The hotel is just tentative for intended accommodation. I followed the guide and wanted to submit 2 copies: one has “Name of Husband and 1 other”, and one “Name of Wife and 1 other”. I was concerned when the Reli staff only took one. Turns out, paranoia was all for nothing.

7. bank certificate – we submitted 2, each on our own names, both have xxx,xxx amount. I tried to include the receipt for it, but Reli staff returned it to me

8. ITR – we submitted photocopies only

9. Certificate of Employment from the company/employer – I think this was helpful. It shows our employment start date and compensation

Good luck! :)

Thanks for sharing, Liz! I think it’s time to update this guide again. Haha.

Hi Yoshke! After our Nov 2017 trip, we realized why you guys keep going back to Japan. Sobrang WOW, as in. Himeji was the highlight of our trip. So, babalik kami sa May (so soon) haha c/o Jetstar seat sale. Hoping ma-grant ng multiple visa hihi.

By the way, I messaged you guys dati sa fb kasi I was concerned na 2 visa nakadikit sa passport namin that time, yung isa may stamp na void. Hindi naman kami nagkaproblema about it.

Yay! Glad you have a great time! Balik ka na ulit soon. Pabalik ulit kami next week! :)

When you applied for your Japan visa, was it the first time for you to travel abroad? If not, how many countries have you been to before Japan? I’ve heard it’s difficult to get approved for first time travellers. I have ITR for the past 5 years, I have a stable job and sufficient bank savings but it’s my first time to leave the country, will that be a cause of a visa application denied?

Hi Peachy! Japan has been much more lenient than before. I personally know friends who have no international travel history but was approved. Just make sure you fulfill all the other requirements.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE TO MUCH MONEY IN MY BANK ACCOUNT?

Get a guarantor.

how can you consider a passport “broken” i want to show my passport to you i’ve went to DFA this morning but they said i need to call their hotline. which i did prior in going to DFA.

Hi, Ivan. I’m replying on this year as I had the same situation wherein my newly renewed passport had water marks due to a typhoon. I first called the DFA hotline. I was told that if I was able to use my passport to other countries despite its situation, there is a probability that I can still use it for more stricter countries like Thailand, Europe or USA. However, they recommended in going to any DFA offices to personally present my passport for further assessment. Thus, I visited Ali Mall DFA, and I was informed by their Customer Service that my passport is already considered mutilated regardless if I was able to use it in traveling to Vietnam. So, I was skeptical at first, but I decided to proceed in renewing my passport again, but it was tagged as mutilated/new passport application. I had to submit additional documents such us explanation why it got mutilated and it needs to be authenticated. Then I had to pay 350 on top of the renewal fee as a penalty even if I didn’t intentionally soaked my passport in the water. I was told there is 15 days “cleansing” (their term) period, but I was able to get my 10-year passport for just 14 days. Also, the mutilated passport needs to be surrendered and will no longer be provided back to you. Since I learned my lesson, I will ensure to keep my passport in a much safer vicinity to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

Hi. We already booked a flight to Japan for August. I will be submitting requirements for Italian visa this month, and Im thinking if I can already apply for Japan visa to maximize the validity of my documents. Thank you!

Single-entry Japan visa has only 3 months validity, so you won’t be able to use it in August if you apply now.

I submitted all my requirements last saturday with my fam.. Some of our documents are not in A4 size. Would that matter? I read on the Japan Embassy website that documents must be submitted on A4. I worry about it. Also, My husband’s application form has 1 erasure, he use a line as instructed by agency.. I hope we won’t have a problem!

Hoping for your feedback!

Hi Dom! May I know if your husband’s application got approved?

Hi Yoshke, does the erasure and document size matter? Please help, thank you

Yes. All printed documents have to be A4 size. Try to avoid erasures. If there’s just one or two, you can use double strikethrough to correct something. But if there are a lot of erasures, better start over.

Not sure whether or not it would affect the application, but at this point, there’s nothing you can do but wait. :) Do keep us posted!

Hi! My best friend from London invited me to go to Japan with him and he will shoulder all expenses. I dont have a bank account or ITR and im still a student. Will it e possible for me to still apply for a visa? Will they allow a friend to shoulder all your expense? Becasue ive read in their website that a relative can shoulder your expenses but they didnt say anything about a friend shouldering your expenses. Thanks!

Hi Marko. I honestly don’t know the answer to this, but I can imagine it would be much more complicated because they would also probably ask you to prove your relationship with your friend (as they do with relatives, hence the birth certificates).

hi, would like to ask if the certificate of employment must also be issued in the past 3 months as well? thank you

Hi. You mentioned that passports should have 6-months validity. Is it 6 months upon the visa application or the date of the trip? So if my passport expires in July and my trip is on May, but I apply for a visa this month, will it be fine?

Hi Yoshke. Great post, thank you for this. I would like to ask this. This is my first time to travel overseas and I’m planning to travel to Japan this November 24. Like you said I need to include the date of arrival to my number of stays. I’m planning to stay for 15 days. Does this mean I need to get back to the Philippines on December 8 or can I extend my stay until December 9 since that will be my return flight?

Also, may I ask if I should return to the Philippines after my Japan visa expired or can I travel to another country? I’m planning to go to Taiwan next after Japan. Sorry for the long questions, I hope you can enlighten some of my confusions. Thank you so much for reading. Will await for your further correspondence.

Hi Reiko, as far as I know, you should be able to make it past Japanese immigration on or before December 8. You can double check with the agency to be sure.

You can visit Taiwan straight from Japan if that’s what you want. Just make sure you meet Taiwan’s immigration requirements.

Hi Vec, if your passport expires in July, you can’t leave the country in May. The Immigration Officers won’t allow you to exit the country because you need to have 6 months validity left for you to get through.

Also, if your trip is in May, the earliest you can apply is February because a single-entry visa is only valid for 3 months. This means that, for example, you’re granted a visa on January 30, you can only enter Japan until April 30. :)

Hi Mr. Yoshke,

Good day! Thank you for posting this informative article. I’ve been reviewing your blogs for almost a year. I’m a Filipino who was born and raised in the Philippines. I’m planning to visit Japan on April 2 for 15 days. This is going to be my first time to apply. I work as a Virtual Assistant, Freelancer as of the moment. I have a Japanese friend living in Japan who will serve as my guarantor for this trip.

I saw on the list of requirements that “Submission of supporting documents not listed above is encouraged (e.g. applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines, urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation).” I learned from reading many blogs that others had submitted documents such as ITR, COE, Company ID, Leave of absence, and other proof that they have a strong indication to come back to the Philippines. Normally, those who I notice that submit those documents apply for a tourist visa without a guarantor.

Unfortunately, in my case, I don’t have such documents to show any proof. I have a been working as freelancer online, and my two bosses are based in the US. I can ask a boss of mine who is currently in Dubai to send to me a document proving that I work for her, although it might take a long time to wait for the documents to arrive here (I don’t know if a digital signature would be accepted by the Embassy that’s why it must be hand-written). Do you think that I really need to submit those documents or not? I’m wondering how can I address this matter.

Thank you very much. Looking forward to your response. :)

Hi Adi, based on experience — I’m the one who took care of my mom’s visa application last year — if the applicant has a guarantor who will sponsor the trip, no need to submit your COE or ITR. But you need a Guarantee letter, Income Certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho) from City Hall, Tax return certificate (Nouzeishomeisho: Form 2) from Tax office (Kakuteishinkokusho Hikae), and Bank Certificate of your guarantor in Japan.

Hi! I and two of my friends are going to visit Japan for 6 days, I only have 75k bank balance, do I have a chance of being granted a visa? I have a pretty stable job and my investments are in bonds and stocks. I am to submit a COE and an approved leave of absence. Would really appreciate some tips from you! Thanks in advance..

Hi Aiyen. Yep! We have friends who have similar amount in their bank accounts and they got approved probably because they have stable jobs. :)

Hello Sir Yoske, Your blog is very helpful and the comments too! I am planning to go there by Golden Week with my son, and Im 25weeks pregnant as well at that time. I am not married yet and the dad is in Japan na i-vivisit namen (he’s on 1-year training by their company) questions po: 1. I have COE, ITR, Bank cert (which i think is enough to cover me and my son in 12days – xxx,xxx) with me – do i need to send guarantee letter? Or inivitation letter lang? 2. Would the immigration folks (sa airport) question my profile kasi mag tour ako with 1.5 year old son then pregnant?. This worries me a lot..

Hope to hear from you soon sir!. Godbless and more power!.

1. In your case, only the invitation letter will do (no more guarantee letter). But don’t forget the residence cert and proof of relationship (you can use your son’s birth cert + the dad’s birth cert as proof).

2. I don’t know the answer to this. :(

:) Good luck!

Thank you so much for your quick response :) Appreciate it!.

Thank you so much for your quick response :) Appreciate it!. More power!.

hi, I want to apply for a Japan Visa, I don’t have an ITR since I’m a housewife. How can I apply? Thanks

Have your husband or any other family member as a guarantor and submit the necessary requirements (for those with guarantors) as listed above.

Hi everyone, Do you have and idea if the Japanese Visa is still valid with Maiden Name, then nag change ka na ng Married name (kaka renew lang ng passport) Valid pa ba ang Visa? i hope someone could enlighten me.

Hi! My husband has just been to Osaka last week for an academic conference. He was given multiple visa entry. We are planning to go there by the end of this year together with our 5 year old son. He was sending messages to the travel agency that processed his visa application regarding the visa requirement for me and my son as we are his dependents but he hasn’t received any response from them yet. Would you happen to know the requirements for us? Thanks in advance.

Hi Sarah, not familiar sa process if ganyan. Have you tried calling Reli Tours? Dun kasi kami nag-aapply.

Hi, gud pm..mgask lng aq, pg senior mgaaply ng japan visa at housewife lng xa tas aq sna mggarantor s knya ppunta nya dun pro dto nq nktira at ngwowork s taiwan, either uuwi aq ng pinas tas sbay kming pupunta ng japan or hiwalay kmi ng departure tas s japan mgkikita, nid p b nyang mgpsa ng garantor letter pra ipasa s travel agency? tas nid p b nya ng show money? kc housewife lng xa kya no ITR or COE..tia..

Yep, kelangan pa rin ng letter from guarantor and ITR or equivalent ng guarantor. Pa-check na lang po ng requirements pag may guarantor sa taas.

Hi Sir, I have a question. Medyo paranoid na kasi ako coz its been 1 week since me and my spouse applied for tourist visa (no guarantor). Do we need to have an inidividual copy of marriage certificate on both of our applications? 1 for him and 1 for me? We submitted the application at the same time and hindi naman ako hiningan ng 2 copies of marriage certificate sa Reli. I only realized today that I just submitted 1 copy and it’s making me paranoid :( Hope you can answer my question. Thank you

Hi Jey, not sure. If tinanggap naman ng Reli, baka pwede naman. Usually sinasabi naman nila if kulang.

Hello yoshke! Ask kulang sna kung ang 5 year old ba need dn ng visa kung yung mother nya e mero na. Slaamt

Hello Sir Yoshi sorry to interrupt. I am planning apply for visa this comming March, my question is, do I need to make a photocopy of my passbook including the bank certificate?

You need ORIGINAL bank certificate, not photocopy. Photocopy of passbook is not necessary unless they request for it.

hi! ask ko lang po ano yung best explanation bakit di makapag provide ng Shotoku Shomeisho yung guarantor ko, di po kse nabayaran ng 1st company yung tax nya and kasama po sya sa tax ng asawa nya which is baka asawa nya hanapan ng Shotoko shomeisho hindi magprovide asawa nya kse separated na po sila. yan na lang po talaga last requirement na hinahanap sakin para ma process na yung visa ko. thanks po.

Hi Taylor, naku, pasensya na, di namin alam kapag ganyan ang situation. :(

pinapagawan na lang po kami ng explanation letter.

Hi! If my trip is on Oct 19-28, and my passport expires on Mar 25 of next year, is it invalid? I thought it should only be valid for 3 months. I’m confused now. TT_TT

No, you won’t be allowed to exit the Philippines. You should renew your passport.

is it allowed to change the date of visit to japan specified on your submitted itinerary as long as it is within 3months from date of issue of the visa?

Yep, basta within the validity period ng visa.

Hi, I have a question po. I am a US resident for almost 4 yrs now. My boyfriend And I were planning to visit japan in october. He is a filipino citizen. I am planning to be his garantor. He is also currently working but just started work in may. Is that a good idea? Or suggestions. Thank you.

I’ve applied for visa ldays ago, but I did not fill up the not applicable information. For examplen other names, date or previous stay in japan, former or other natianalities, current profession. I felt all of these blank as there was nothing to write. Do you think they can deny me visa because of this? Please help!!!

What if your visa got approved on June 20, 2018, stated on your itinerary is August 19 – 25, but you have decided to go 5 days earlier or 5 days later. Is it still ok as long as within 3 months from date approved? please answer ASAP. thanks.

Yes, basta within the validity period nung visa.

What if Im late registered in birthcertificate? Do i really need to submit my original baptismal certificate? Or kahit photocopy lang? Kase wala na akong original nun if ever na ibigay ko sa agency yon

Best to contact the agency kung saan ka apply na lang po.

Hi I’m an OFW before for 4 years and just went home for good last August 2017. Currently, I’m a fulltime mother to my 6 year old daughter and with my live in partner. We are planning to go to Japan in January 2019. Will we be considered as family? I don’t have a job now only my live in partner has. Does it mean we will be submitting documents with him as our guarantor right? Do you have a sample Guarantee letter? My cousin will be flying with us and she is a first time traveller without work. So my live in partner will also be her guarantor if ever or does she needs to find other guarantor? Your insights about this will be of great help, Thanks!

Hi! How true is the news that the visa for Filipinos travelling to Japan has been eased?

True, for business travelers and those traveling for cultural purposes.

Saan at anong agency po pinuntahan mo? Thanks

Reli Tours, Megamall.

Hi! I’m planning on taking a trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido. On the application form, should I indicate my intended flight going to Tokyo from Manila and also going to Sapporo from Tokyo or should I just include the flight number of the flight to Tokyo from Manila? Only one airline has a direct flight from Manila to Sapporo and it’s pretty expensive, so I am opting for a connecting flight. Thanks!

Hi Jaime, ako I just put the Manila-Tokyo flight number when I applied. Not sure if that’s the right thing to do, but that’s what I did. haha. Naapprove naman.

Hi, the poortraveler! I have been reading your blogs lately, I just want to ask my chances of getting a Japanese Tourist Visa, I only have 3X,XXX on my bank account. I have a stable job, I work in the Government. I will only be staying in Japan for 4 days. Will it be enough? Hoping for your response. Thank you!

Hi Janran, baka mababa? I have friends though na nag-apply na 40K or 50K yata yun, naapprove naman. Pero wala pa ako alam na 30K.

What I recommend is to have a guarantor/sponsor para mas safe. This way, you won’t need to submit your bank details. Yung sa guarantor na ung isusubmit. Mas okay if immediate relative mo ung guarantor.

I would like to know Po If is it okay to submit 2 Bank account Certificates? I just opened a joint dollar account last July 23,2018. And we will be travelling to Japan on October 2018. I have also my peso account which has already 50k but was last updated on May due to opening of my dollar account. In my dollar account I have also 50k.

Hi Janine, yep, okay lang na dalawa. :)

Hi Yoshke, just for clarrification, only Bank Certificate is required right? No more Bank Statement?

Hi Mei, yep, certificate lang.

Hi Yoshke! I just want to share my experience on Japan Visa. This site is very helpful to us and I am very grateful. Applied Visa Last July 17, 2018 at Attic Tours and got Approved!!

So here is our status: I will be travelling with my mom and aunt I have a travel history in Hong Kong last September 2011 pa whereas my mom had a travel history in HK and Singapore. But the thing is nawala yung passport niya so parang first out of the country yung kaniya. Parehas kami walang stable job( being a fresh graduate and a housewife) kaya nagpaguarantee kami sa dad ko who owns a business. Siyempre napakaparanoid ko kasi nga last 2011 pa out of the country ko and nawala pa old passport ng mom ko but naapproved padin kami. Patunay na lenient na talaga at relaxed ang Japan Visa ngayon. Kaya wag kayo matakot as long as complete papers kayo

Thanks for sharing, Ralph! Saan kayo sa Japan punta? We have travel guides to most major cities in Japan, too!

Hi! We’re going to Tokyo and Osaka. I already read your guide since last year pa hehehe. I really want to go to Tottori talaga because I am an avid fan of Detective Conan. Sana next year hehehe

My friend and I were planning to go to Japan next year January 2019, When can we apply japan visa? Can we apply visa already even if its still 5 months from our trip?

The validity of the visa is 3 months, so ideally, apply 1-3 months before.

Hello! What do you suggest that we submit as proof of relationship if my sponsor is my boyfriend? Photos po ba?

Thank you in advance po sa pagsagot.

Hi Joan, no idea. :(

How to get ITR if I’m working abroad?

You can submit the equivalent tax document instead.

HI! Your post is really helpful. I am planning to apply for a visa this year, but I am new to my current job. The ITR that I currently have is from my previous company. Is that OK? Thanks.

yep, that’s okay. It happened to me before. The agency asked me to write an explanation letter saying that I just moved to another company.

Hi! Can I still travel to Japan even if my passport validity left is one month? My visa expires on 2020 and multiple entry

You can still use the visa but you need to renew your passport. Kailangan at least 6 months ung validity ng passport eh. So pag may new passport ka na, you need to bring both the old and new passports pagpunta mo ng Japan.

Hi, no need to request/process a transfer of the multiply entry visa to the new passport?

No need. Just bring both passports when you travel.

Hi! If we are going on a multiple city tour, how do we fill out the “hotels or persons to stay with”? Do we need to list all in that field or can we just include 1 and the other is included in the itinerary. We are planning to visit Osaka and Tokyo.

Also, Is Certificate of Employment no longer necessary? Thanks!

Hi Mau, you can write just one and list all on a separate sheet or on the daily schedule.

Good day! This post has been really useful and its been my main resource for preparing the documents I need for my visa application. I actually have an ITR which I got from my employer in January 2018. The problem is I only joined the company in October 2017 and since I had only been paying taxes for 3 months before I got my ITR, there isnt much on it except for the 3 months of my contributions and taxes before the year ended. Would this be a problem for my application? I was thinking that maybe the embassy would think that I’m not financially capable and might reject my application? Any help would be appreciated! :)

Hi Jaime, that’s okay. Just write an explanation letter, saying you joined the company only last October so the ITR reflects that.

You can also submit ITR from your previous company if you used to work for another before. :)

Hello, what if you are unable to provide ITR from the previous employer? Do you think it will be an issue? Same scenario, got a new job and my ITR only reflects Oct to Dec from my current employer.

Hi Faye, can’t you request a copy from your previous employer? I think that’s possible.

Hello, will it be okay if the bank certificate that I will be using is from an account which was opened in April 2018 and I will apply this month? thank you

Hi Clau, I think pwede naman kasi na-reach naman ung 3 months na coverage. Pero syempre mas maganda pag older ung account.

Ah I see. Meron po akong older account but with less money in it. Pwede ko naman po ipasa pareho? Thank you po

Hi Clau! Yep, pwede pareho. :)

Thank you very much! :)

hi, is it possible na kumuha na kami ng visa as early as now kahit ang travel date is on August 25-30 2019?

Im married. Do i need to write my full maiden name on “other names known by”? Thanks

Hi Gggweng, I don’t know. But I’m publishing your comment in case other readers know the answer.

Hi! I would like to get your opinion: do you think it’s possible to get a visa with 30k show money in the bank for a tentative stay of 5 days? Given that I’ve already been to Japan twice? Thank you!

Hi Therese. I’m not sure. I know friends who applied with just around P50,000 and were granted a visa, but not P30,000.

hi Yoshke.. do u think i can get a visa? i have a sponsor which is my british husband he can provide bank certificate and employment certificate but no itr as he is working in other country not in England. weve been to different countries since 2012 but its a visa free. thanks!

yep. if no ITR, he can submit similar tax document in England. I’m sure they have an equivalent to ITR.

Hello. Can somebody help me on my concern? I had late registration in my birth certificate. I have a baptismal certificate. Do I need to submit school records (Form 137)? Thanks

Same situation for me when I applied last November 2017. What I did was – I provided my school record (Form 137) and an Affidavit of Loss (for my baptismal certificate because it’s nowhere to be found). Tinanggap naman ng Reli yung docs ko at naapproved naman ang application ko.

My comment might be a little too late but I hope this helps other people here.

Hello po sa inyong lahat,

Paano po kung walang Baptismal Certificate kasi hindi naman nag-i-isyu nun ang religion ng isa? Ano pong magandang gawin? Meron naman po akong School Form 137, at i-ta-try ko pong i-locate yung School Year Book ko nung elementary (I remember meron sa aming ibinigay na ganun). Maraming salamat po. :)

Hi Edgar, di ko sure pag ganyan pero submit mo pa rin ung School Form and then write a letter explaining bakit walang baptismal cert.

To be sure, call na lang ung agency kung saan mo balak mag-apply.

Little details I’d like to clarify: 1. Is a Certificate of Employment necessary, even if I already have ITR? 2. I’m going to use my SSS UMID ID and in the application form, there is an ID number field. What number should I input? My SSS number or the number on the UMID card that starts with CRN? 3. It is said that passport must be signed, where exactly in the passport should I sign? 4. Do I have to submit copies of my payslip?

1. Di required ang COE. Although kung kaya mo naman magprovide, pwede mo namang idagdag. We still recommend na magprovide ng COE.

2. UMID card that starts with CRN

3. If you’re holding an e-passport, there should already be a digital signature on your passport. No need to sign anything.

4. It is not a requirement, you can submit if you like.

15days lang po visa ng pamangkin ko dito sa japan,pwede po ba sakto 15days gamitin,kasama ang mga araw ng pag byahe nya.?at kung gusto pong pa extend kailan po kami pwede pumunta sa immigration office.?

Hi Rowena, yep, okay lang na sagarin anf 15 days basta wag na wag syang lalagpas kahit oras lang.

No idea sa extension.

Hello ask ko lang po if magkaka problem ako kasi naalala ko un sinubmit ko na ITR is different sa amount ng COE ko. Nag karoon kasi kami ng mga increase comes 2018. Dapat ba nag pasa ako ng explanation letter para don?

Usually sinasabi naman ng agency if concerning yun. Pero feeling ko okay lang. Maluwag naman na yung embassy lately.

Hi, I have a question. I have my salary bank account where my employer puts money and I also have my own peso savings account. Do I need to provide both bank certificates from these banks? Also, do I need to submit bank statement from my own peso savings or bank certificate will suffice? Thank you.

Mas okay if you can submit both accounts. Certificate lang.

Hello. I would like to thank you for answering all my queries. You responded so fast and informative. Got my visa approved last week and you were one of those who helped me when I was still gathering my requirements. Continue inspiring and helping others. Cheers :)

Yay! Congrats on your visa! Enjoy Japan! :)

Hello. My son is coming with me, I wonder about his visa requirements as a grade school student. Going to Japan this December to spend the holidays. TIA! :)

Same requirements as when applying with guarantor.

I think even if you are only staying for 5 days, you have to write 15, 30, or 90 days only for the duration of stay . Also for number 19, Partner’s profession ( http://www.relitours.ph/sample_af_tagalog.pdf ) it says there that it’s about the guarantor in Japan so. I just want to clarify.

Hi Kate, I don’t think so. If you’re staying for only 5 days, you have to write 5 days. You don’t need to write 15 days. It will cause a confusion. And hindi magiging consistent yung documents mo since sa Schedule of Stay (Daily Schedule), 5 days yung isusubmit.

Dun sa Partner’s Profession, NO, it’s not about your guarantor in Japan. It’s about your partner (if you have one). Nalito ka lang kasi yung legend ng Reli Tours (blue and red na legend) ay nasa taas ng part na yan. The legend does not refer to that specific part of the form. It refers to all their answers in blue or red sa sample nila.

Hi! Thank for this informative post! I’m an OFW in the Middle-East and I’m planning on a 21-day trip to Japan next March 2019. I will be applying for a visa here in the Middle East. According to your post, the Embassy only issues single-entry visas up to 15-days, however I’ve also come across people who received 30-day single-entry visas according to their itinerary.

I’m conflicted now as to how I should plan my itinerary. Is it advisable to plan for a shorter trip instead to ensure travelling? It will be my first time travelling to Japan, but I have traveled to 4 other countries with my current passport.

Hi Z. Hmmm, I’m not sure about the process if you’re applying in the Middle East. I think the procedure and list of requirements change per mission.

But yes, here in PH, it’s always safer to apply for a visa for a shorter trip especially if it’s your first time to visit Japan because there’s always that risk that you’ll be granted a 15-day visa only.

Hi! Do I need the documents aside from the Application form to be in A4 size? (e.g. daily schedule and explanation letter, cover letter)

Yes, daily schedule and letters have to be in A4

Hi, saan agency ka nagpaprocess?

Reli Tours Megamall, madalas. Pero natry ko na rin sa Reli Tours Southmall and Friendship Tours Makati.

Hello Yoshke Dimen

Pwedeng patulong yong kasal namin mali ang nakalagay na birthday ni Mrs. April 26,1958 Peru nong lumabas ang NSO certificate ay May 1,1958 ok lang ba na may pinagawa kaming Affidavit of Dicrepancy isama ko sa marriage certificate namin ni Mrs.thank you God Bless.

Hi Asterio, you can ask po the agency kung saan kayo mag-aapply directly. Mas makakatulong po sila kasi for sure, may nahandle na silang case na similar. :)

Not sure where my previous comment went- apologies if this doubles up

Hi !thank you so much for this post. I plan to be a repeat visitor this year but this time , I am planning to go with my stepdad ( us passport holder )my mother,and my brother.

My stepfather will act as guarantor , providing his bank cert 1,***,*** My mothestepfather, currently a housewife will also provide hers 1**,***

That being said,I just have a few queries ,ma’am 1) we’re planning to stay for 15 days, booked a flight for nov 20 – dec 5 ( maxing out the 15 day stay ) I was just wondering whether or not it would be better to submit our roundtrip tickets and indicate that we intend to stay for 15 days given our financial background? Or will it be better to stay on the safe side and apply for a 7 day stay first instead para less analysis of finances for them?

2). Is it true that they approve applications as a group ( specially family ) more easily? :)

Thank you so much

My stepfather will be sponsoring our trip,he is set to come with us

1. Yes, there’s a bigger chance of approval if you apply for a shorter stay so they won’t set the bar too high re your funds. The only risk there is if they ask you for a flight itinerary, you’re gonna have a problem. But it rarely rarely happens. They don’t usually ask for flight booking.

Hi ! Sana po masagot nyo Questions ko. Pupunta po kasi ako ng Japan next year at duon kami magkikita ng BF ko pero taga Taiwan sya Tourist lang din sya..Wala din po akong ITR Dahil sa bahay lang po ako. Ano need ko Gawin?

Thank you so much po

Hi Krissel, dunno kapag foreigner ung sponsor. :(

Hi, me and my mom is planning to go to Japan this December. My mom is a housewife, no work but has bank cert. What does she need to provide in lieu of the working documents needed?

Best to find a sponsor na relative para yung dun sa sponor ung isusubmit. :)

Me & my husband are going to apply for a japan visa. Were both senior citizens & retired.what documents are we going to submit aside fr.the bank certificate & do we hv to buy our tickets to the agency that will.process our visa? Thanks…

For seniors, ito po yung additional docs:

– Photocopy of Senior citizen card – Original copy of marriage contract – If retired, retirement documents – If dependent, Affidavit of Support

No need for a plane ticket pa po at this point. Ticket is not a requirement for visa application.

Hi Yoshke! I’m quite paranoid regarding the hotel we will stay at because in the application form, it is required to indicate a specific hotel, address and its contact number. i haven’t reserved a hotel yet though i wrote down a name of hotel and its address and contact. does the japan embassy really contact the hotel and ask if i have a reservation there? a friend of mine said they do. (not sure if it’s true) because i had the same situation regarding my korean visa and it was not a problem.

Hi Anna, based on my experience, no need for a hotel reservation. I just wrote down kung saan ko plan mag-stay kahit wala pang booking.

Hi, pag na approve na yung visa ok lang ba na mag book ng hotel upon arrival sa Japan or mahaharang ka sa immigration pag walang booking sa hotel?

Mas malaki ang chance na maharang ka sa Immigration ng Pilipinas or Japan if wala kang proof of accommodations.

I would like to ask if there is a specific requirement kapag nagwowork sa Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) for Visa? Thanks.

Hi Che, sa Saudi ka ba mag-aapply or sa travel agency sa PH?

Yoshke, I have a question din regarding sa Visa application… should I indicate all the hotels/hostels that I intend to stay in? Kasi sa schedule of stay nandun talaga lahat, pero sa visa app form? Lahat din ba or yung unang hotel lang? Since maliit lang yung space provided

Yung ginawa ko one lang sa form tapos the rest nasa Schedule of Stay naman. :)

Hello thepoortraveler, Thank you so much. Got my japan visa approved. Sobrang laking tulong niyo po para sa tulad kung first time kumuha ng VISA. Sinunod ko lng po lahat ng TIPS dito sa blog niyo. Ayon 2 days lng po yung process. :) Maraming salamat po :) Hooray.

Yayyyy! Congrats! Enjoy Japan! Nasa Japan din ako right now. :D

Hi! I couldn’t fit all the hotel addresses in one form (i’m travelling to three cities, so I’m staying at three different hotels). What do you think I should do? Should I just put one?

Hi Jessica, I put just one. Then the rest sa schedule of stay ko nilagay. :)

Hi! My children are planning to go on tour in Japan( 3 to 5 ) days only. Both are working in an IT field field,, a consultant and programmer, They want to bring me with them to treat me,. I am a housewife , and have been separated for 7 years now..What documents should i submit. Will i have a slim chance of being approved? 18 yrs ago me and my kids went to S.Korea (15 days)courtesy of my husband.Then last year i was able to travel to HK & Macau courtesy of my old aunt Kindly respond Thank you!

If sagot po kayo ng anak nyo, same lang po ng nasa taas. Yung basic requirements + yung WITH GUARANTOR. :)

Salamat! kailangan ko bang i submit yung NSO copy ng b. cert at marriage contract ko pati yung b.cert ng mga anak ko.? Promo seat sale lang ang bibilhin nilang tickets to make the most of their money . If March ang nakuha nilang booking kailan dapat mag apply ng visa. At kailangan bang i attach ang proof of booking?

Yes po, requirement ang PSA birth certificate (issued within the past year) and PSA Marriage cert if you’re married.

The validity of a single-entry visa is 3 months from the date of issue, so you can apply as early as 3 months before your trip. I usually apply 1 month before.

My brother and I were planning to go this month Nov 26-Nov 30. Our parents both have business and they will sponsor our trip. However, we would need your further advice of the ff:

1.) It is my brother’s first time and he’s currently studying, (are there any requirements needed of him aside from the above mentioned requirements?)

2.) I have been issued Japan VISA 9 years ago (but it was for business/commercial purpose). Do I need to attach my old passport with the said VISA as proof that I am returning (but as Tourist?)

3.) We are planning to book our flight ahead (as additional proof of our return). Would you recommend this option?

Currently gathering requirements as it is just a short notice.

Thanks in advance. :)

Hi AJ! Greetings from Japan! (I’m currently in Hiroshima with family!)

1. I took care of the visa application of my niece who is a student. Although we brought an enrolment certificate and a copy of school ID, the agency didn’t get these copies. But our application is still approved. I would still recommend that you have these docs handy, though. Just in case.

2. Yep. I always submit my old passport with past visas when I apply.

3. If you’re confident that there’s a big chance it will be approved, go for it. However, some agencies don’t accept the flight itinerary since it’s not part of the requirements. Some do. Best to call the agency where you plan to lodge your application first before booking.

Hello Yoshke,

Thank you for all the helpful points, at least we learned there are other things/documents that should come handy just in case.

Grateful to have found your blog. Enjoy autumn in Hiroshima with the fam! :)

No prob! Good luck with your application!

Forgot to update. Got our VISA! I was able to be granted with multiple (maybe they have considered my previous visit 9 years ago). Although I didn’t ask my agent if she submitted all of my previous passports. She just told me that she tried to apply a multiple for us. When the passports arrived my bother was granted single entry (maybe because he’s a first-time visitor) I have attached the above mentioned enrollment certificate and school ID of him as well. Very glad to have them secured prior submission to the agent and avoid late hassle of approval. Thanks Yoshke! Your detailed tips helped alot. Merry Christmas! :)

Yayyyyy! Congrats sa inyo ng brother mo. Enjoy Japan and Merry Christmas din sayo! :)

Good afternoon Sir, Are there additional requirements for government employees?

Hi Rachelle, ang alam ko same lang din naman nung nasa taas.

Pero sa immigration na, you need Travel Clearance.

Hello! my question is: * if a minor is applying for a visa together with her parents, does the minor need to submit original documents of Bank Certificate, Certificate of Stock, etc since the parents are submitting the original documents?

Thank you in advance.

Hi Chryss, according to the members of our Support Group who experienced applying with family, no need for the minor to have original copy of parents’ bank docs if the parents are also applying. But don’t forget Guarantee Letter for the minor.

I have a question about this, I got a 90 days visa (single entry). and I stay in Japan from 87 days, I got no problem. what do you mean that even I got a visa valid for 90 days, I can only stay in Japan for 15 days maximum? it is quite misleading

Single-entry visas are USUALLY valid for a stay of up to 15 days. But you can only use it within 90 days from the issue date. The number of days you’re allowed to stay is indicated on the visa under “FOR STAYS OF.”

If you’re saying that you’re able to stay for up to 87 days with no problem, then you probably have a visa that allows you to stay for up to 90 days. Good for you.

But yours is not the usual case. The usual case is, first-time applicants are only allowed to stay for up to 15 days.

October 17, 2018 na-received ni Japan Embassy yung application for tourist visa until now (November 12, 2018) wala pa din

Tatlo kami nag apply – 12 days – paid flight na po MNL to FUK, FUK to OSK, OSK to MNL

Sa November 27 na sana lipad namen kaso wala pa kami visa

Lahat naman kami working at may ITR. Yung friend ko na isa at ako may letter of intent pa, yung isa wala sinubmit na letter.

Bank certificate:

Me – 180k with 98k ADB Friend 1 – 126k Friend 2 – 106k

Travel History: Me: HK 3x, Macau, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu / Kuala Lumpur), Japan 9days (2018) Friend 1 – HK, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu / Kuala Lumpur) Friend 2 – HK, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu / Kuala Lumpur), Japan 9days (2018)

PS: Recently I was granted with Canada Tourist Visa (October 2018) Multiple Entry until my passport expiry

Ang sad until now wala pa decision samen tatlo

Ay hala, ang weird na wala pa rin. Wala namang sinasabi ang agency kung saan kayo nag-apply?

Kaka-apply ko lang for my family around a week before you applied, nakuha namin after 5 days.

Sobrang weird talaga, hindi ko ineexpect na ganito katagal.

Galing kami ni Friend 2 sa Japan last year October 27, 2017 for 9 days. Hindi naman kami nag overstay. At kung ano yung pinasa na COE namen last year e ganun pa din this year, I mean hindi kami lumipat ng work, same company pa din.

Si Friend 1 dati namen officemate pero nagresign tapos nagmmasteral ngyon at employed din naman.

Ilang beses nako email at tawag sa mismo Japan Embassy, we were told na “Under Verification” pa din.

Alam nyo po ba anong bina-background check nila?

Hi Andrea, may I ask ano nangyari sa case mo?

Approved yung Single Entry ko

Friend 1 – approved Friend 2 – denied (with travel history japan 2017)

Natuloy namin ni Friend 1 yung Japan Tour

Ngayon nag aapply ako ng ME. Submitted docs sa agency last Monday July 29, 2019

Hi Andrea, no idea. Sorry. :( They’re usually very fast eh and I don’t think they normally do background checks. Bihirang lang yung ganyan katagal.

Sana magkaupdate na kayo and sana approved yung visa! Good luck!

Just an update, tumawag ako Japan embassy kanina (November 14, 2018) for decision na daw appplication namen tatlo and anytime this week makukuha namen yung decision and passport.

Hoping na approve kami, grabe ang stressful :( Gusto lang namen kumaen ng ramen sa Ichiran at makita ulit ang Harry Potter :(

LOL at Ichiran. Naku, sana nga approved. Balitaan mo kami kung anong mangyari. :D

Hi. last time na punta namen binigyan kame ng 90 days na visa so akala namen 90 days is 3 months so nagoverstay kame ng 2 days. June 12 expiration sakto namimili kame nakita namen passport namen june 12 expiration so nagpanic kame tumawag kame agad sa immigration tapos pinapunta kame kinabukasan sa immigration. nagbayad kame then may sticker na void sa passport namen then this month nag apply ulit kame for visa pero nadenied kame so ask kolang if ano kailangan gawen sa next na apply namen para dina kame madenie ulit. thank you in advance :)

Hi Liza, naku, di ko alam. :( Try to call na lang yung agency kung saan ka mag-aapply. For sure mas may mabibigay silang tips.

hi, I’m travelling first time to Japan but my mother as a guarantor. okay lang po kaya yun? kahit na employed ako pero not enough funds for the trip. ma-accept pa po kaya visa ko? 65k laman ng bank acc. for 5 days. hope you can help me po sa supporting docs and application. thanks po.

Hi Rio, pwede yun. Mas okay din yun pag mas maganda yung docs ni mother.

Hi we are planning to gon to Japan this march 2019, with my husband and he is also my guarantor. Kelangan pa ba namin mag submit ng guarantor letter? And may bank acct din naman ako kelangan ko pa din ba i submitt bank certificate ko or sa husband ko na lang? Thank you for your help.

Di ko lang alam kapag mag-asawa. Pero in general, if may guarantor, need ng guarantee letter. No need na for your own bank cert. Just submit the guarantor’s.

If you can afford naman to support your trip and you have complete docs (ITR, etc), that’s easier and safer than having a guarantor.

Hi, Ive read from a different blog that there’s no need to submit a birth certificate if I have an expired Japan visa already. Is this true?

Also, can I submit an ITR from 2018? I need to apply for visa this coming January 2019 and my company usually provides a copy of our ITR late February. Will travel to Japan second week of March.

Hi K-anne, if as a tourist (not visit relatives), no need for birth cert kung may visa ka na dati.

Yes you can submit pa yung ITR for 2017 (released in 2018) kung January ka mag-apply.

Hi I don’t have an ITR here in the Philippines since I’m a US permanent resident (Green card Holder) but I’m currently here in the Philippines for vacation. I still have a Philippine passport because I’m still a Filipino citizen. My issue is I don’t have an ITR here but I do have an tax declaration form in the U.S., You said we can write a letter to the embassy to explain this, can you show me the format of that letter? Thanks! :-)

Yes, you can write an explanation letter and submit a copy of your US tax declaration form instead.

No, I don’t have a format for it. It was simply a letter explaining why I can’t provide an ITR and what I’m providing instead.

Hello, Yoshke! :) May kasabayan kasi ako for Japan next year. Job order ang status ng employment nya pro more than a year na. Pwde kaya sya sa multiple entry visa application?

Hi Matessa, naku di ko po alam. :(

I am an OFW and i dont have ITR. I work for US NAVAL Base as a contractor . I have been in the company for the past 18yrs now. Since i dont have an ITR you think Certificate of employment would do ? I can also provide the some documents like land titles ,car registration and bank accounts. I also have records / history of ravel for the past couple of yrs . You think i can make . Or my chance is slim since i dont have an ITR?

Hi Anne, if you can’t provide ITR, you can write an explanation letter instead.

However, check with the agency if may additional requirements kapag employed by military to be sure. :)

We are planning to visit Osaka from 02/28 – 03/05 (tickets already booked). When is the most ideal time to submit our visa applications? Also, I am travelling with my wife and 7 y/o boy, are there any other docs that we need to provide for my son’s application aside from application form, passport, ID picture, and PSA Birth Certificate?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Russell,

January is most ideal. :)

Don’t forget the “list of visa applicants” used for group application.

Hello. My husband and I are planning to visit Japan on Apr 2- Apr 7. It is our first international tour. Is there a chance that our visa application will be denied just because we don’t have any other outside the country visit before? But we are both employed and could provide ITR and history of employment. By the way, is the visa application are we going to apply is the one for “group application”? Lastly, since we’re married is it ok to submit only the bank statement of my husband? Thanks in advance :)

Hi Arianne,

Parati namang may chance na madeny. Depende din kasi yun sa strength ng documents na isusubmit mo. Pero di ibig sabihin na pag first time mo abroad, denied agad. Mas considerate naman ang Japan embassy compared sa iba. :)

I think pwede ung group sa inyo. I-fill up mo lang ung List of Visa APplicants na form.

If bank statement lang ni husband, make sure na ilalagay mo na meron kang guarantor sa form mo (which is your husband). Pero pwede un basta yung laman ng account is enough to support both of you. :)

Hello Yosh,

bawal po bang magkaroon ng changes sa total savings na indicated sa bank certificate na sinubmit while the visa application is in progress?

Pwede naman. Nagwiwithdraw pa rin naman ako kahit ongoing ung application. Normal lang yun. Usually, di naman nila chine-check ulit unless in rare cases na pede sila humingi ng mas updated na document. So to be safe, wag lang yung sobrang laki nung mawawala from the account.

Sana po mapansin niyo to. :( tanong ko lang po sana kung bawal po ba mabawasan ung laman ng savings ko after ko kumuha ng bank certificate habang di pa po naapprove ung visa?

Thank you in advance! :)

Hi Fhaye, normally, they won’t check the bank details again unless in special cases. But to be safe, kung mabawasan man, dapat hindi malaki ung mawawala.

Thank you very much. I appreciate your prompt response :)

I’m a government employee, usually when travelling abroad I bring with me this letter of authority to travel issued by our HR Dept. as a clearance that we are free of any accountabilities before leaving the country. It is a must if ever the bureau of immigration would ask for it. The question is, Do i need to secure a letter of authority to travel to be attached in my requirements for visa application in japan?

Hi toto I would like to ask if your question was already answered? I have the same concern din kasi.

Hi Toto! Hindi ko alam, pero I don’t think so. I think sa Immigration sya talaga.

You can ask other members of our Support Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/

Do you know if requirements are same for senior citizen? My mom is already retired. so no itr or ceo.

We will submit it by 1st week of Feb na! hehe

Ay, di ko po sure. Ask na lang po the agency kung saan nyo balak mag-apply.

Hi! My wife and I want sana to bring the yaya of our son to japan for a vacation. would you know if it will be hard for us to get her a visa since she doesnt have most of the requirements needed? (bank certificate, itr etc. she does have a passport tho. Thank you

Hi Paolo, won’t you be shouldering her expenses? You can be her guarantor para you can submit YOUR documents instead.

Hi! Would you know if kailangan pa ng employment contract of the yaya or sponsorship letter and explanation na lang sa cover letter? thank you!

Hi Maureen, I think the employment contract can help. I think it can serve as proof of relationship, so best to have it. I mean, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Hi yoshke, tanong kulang kung ang 5 year old need paba ng japan visa kung ang mother e meron naman na . Salmat

Ang alam ko, yep, kailangan pa rin.

Hello! May sample explanation letter po ba kayo dun sa walang ITR? OFW kasi ako and ako yung magiging guarantor ng Tatay ko at Step-Mom for Japan Tour, both senior citizen na sila. Nakakuha na kami (family – husband and daughter) ng Japan Tourist Visa dito sa Dubai. Yung parents ko naman kukuha sila sa Pinas. Hope you reply. Thanks!

Wala po eh. Kahit magbigay ako ng sample, ung bulk ng letter kasi ay yung reason bakit walang ITR and ikaw lang ang makka-explain nun nang maayos. Simple lang naman yun, kahit straight to the point lang.

My fiancee from australia is attending japan business expo this march and planning na isama nya ko but im still in philippines is it possible kya na pwede nya ko isama ksi uwi xa ng ph this march and gusto nya sabay kmi punta pwede kya un ksi wala ako work now but before ofw ako,..thanks in advance

Yep, ang alam ko pwede. Finance documents ng fiancee mo ung gagamitin.

Hi, We recently got married last December and we decided to have a late honeymoon vacation this March. Basically, wala pa kaming PSA na Marriage contract. Can we just declare sa application form na Single pa din kami instead of Married?

Hi Mau, naku, di ko po alam pag ganyan kasi outside my experience. Consult na lang po a travel agency. :(

I thought you were supposed to write 15 days even if you only plan on travelling for 5 days. Isn’t that the rule before to only put 15, 30, or 90 days so Japan Embassy will approve? or bago na yung ruling na ilalagay talaga yung exact days of stay in Japan? This is confusing, please let me know the answer. Sorry :(

I read this in one of the travel blogs also. I remember the blogger saying, one of the reasons bakit daw naddeny is because they do not put 15, 30 or 90. Thank you for this clarification.

Nope. I’ve experienced applying many many times for myself, friends and family, I never wrote just 15, 30 or 90 days. I write the ACTUAL number of days I intend to stay in Japan. Never had any problem.

Even the sample accomplished forms by Reli Tours have “10 days” as sample, not 15, 30 or 90.

I think writing 15, 30 or 90 is not ideal because if you only intend to stay for 3 days, writing “15 days” will just make things more confusing.

Hi, I am planning to applied for a visa and my mom’s husband (Japanese) is the one will sponsor my trip. I already have a one way ticket. Is there a need to have a return ticket though I still don’t know how long am I gonna stay there?

Hindi required ang ticket sa visa application.

Pero malamang hanapin yan sa Immigration.

Hello! Thank you very much sa post na to. But i still have questions po sana hope po ay matulungan niyo ko.

Teacher po ako, planning to apply visa by february para sa April for 7 days. Kasama ko mother ko to visit Japan, retired principal and senior citizen. Nag-apply na po kasi ako mga 5 years ago na denied, di ko po sure if ano reason. Do i need to get permit from DepEd and submit COE attached to my requirements?

Also, ung mother ko po ay yung guarantor ko sana. Kasama ko rin sya, ano po kaya ung financial standing dapat meron sya? So hindi napo ako magpapasa ng bank certificate? How about ITR po?

Thank you very much! Sana po matulungan niyo ako.

Hi Ma’am Diane, usually di naman required ang COE although makakatulong talaga sya sa application.

Di ko rin po sure kung ano requirements kung ang guarantor ay retired. Kasi usually, need na isubmit ng guarantor yung ITR.

May napili na ba kayong travel agency na magpoprocess? Best na tawagan nyo na lang po sila para sure.

Thank you po sa response.

Bali meron po kaming ipapasa na Bank Certificate at ITR ng mother ko since may business naman po sya. Ok lang po ba na sya ang guarantor ko tapos kasama ko sya sa travel?

Reli Tours po sa SM Megamall, meron po ba kayong updated contact number nila para makapagtanong, Bulacan papo kasi kami.

Salamat po talaga, laking bagay ng response niyo. Godbless Sir!

Hi Diane, yep, okay lang po yun basta ok yung funds nung account.

Yung contact number ng reli, yung andito lang po alam ko: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/08/japan-visa-travel-agency-official/

Hello sir, i’m currently filling out form po. Yung sakin at sa mother ko. May ilang questions po. Pasensya na po pero napakareliable po kasi ng answers niyo kaya po para masure ko lang po na tama details ko. Sana po pagbigyan niyo pong sagutin. Thanks in advance po.

1. Teacher po ako, pero may guarantor which is my mother na retired principal pero currently merong business at kasama ko din magtravel, ITR lang po niya ipapasa namin? yung ITR ko po hindi na po?

2. *Partner’s profession/occupation (or that of parents, if applicant is a minor) – sa form ko po N/A (Single and legal age) – sa form po ng mother ko? Byuda na po sya. N/A din po ba?

3. Guarantor or reference in Japan – mother ko po guarantor ko, retired principal, sa profession or occupation and position ano po ilalagay ko? pwede po ba na OWNER?

4. Nationality and immigration status – FILIPINO (ano po sa immigration status)

5. Inviter in Japan – “same as above” po ba lalagay ko? Wala po ako inviter from Japan, may guarantor lang po.

Salamat sir! Hoping po na matulungan po ninyo kami. SALAMAT PO TALAGA.

Hi Ma’am Diana,

As much as I want to help, I can’t answer your questions for sure kasi I have never applied for someone na retired, and my knowledge is limited to my personal experience. Best to call yung agency kung saan po kayo mag-apply.

Thank you very much po sir! Godbless po. Sana maaprove kami.

Hello, do I need to make a letter of explanation for not using a granted single entry visa to japan, on the given valid dates on the visa?

Hi Joy, naku, I don’t know. Best to contact the agency kung saan ka mag-apply.

Hi po! Share ko lang po :) Religiously kong binibisita ung blog niyo about tourist visa application. Interested lang ako noong 2016 at ngayong 2019, pinush ko na talaga mag-apply. January 18, 2019 po nang magsubmit ako sa Reli Tours and Travel. It made me so anxious kasi wala pa talaga akong travel history at all tapos single at babae pa po ako. Bago lang din ako sa trabaho last March 2018. ITR lang ang kulang ko pero may explanation letter naman. Ung amount sa bank ko nasa 6-digit naman since 3 years na akong nagtatrabaho. Though wala pang result, I wanted to claim na makakakita na ako ng cherry blossom during my birthday. Positive or negative ang kalalabasan, nagpapasalamat ako sa step by step guide ng application sa blog niyo :) More powers po!

Salamat for using our guides! Good luck with your application! Sana maapprove. Balitaan mo kami! :)

/Hi, when filling out the form do you have to put the flight number or just the airline name. I have a flight booked already.

Just the airline.

HI, I would like to ask, my husband is a British and we live here since 2014. We planned to travel in Japan and we have plane ticket already. The only thing we need to do is to apply Tourist Visa. With his case, he has ACR ID as Phil permanent residence from immigration and he works as online teacher, and paying tax in BIR quarterly. With this we can used his Phil ID ACR and ITR-BIR as other form of documents for the approval of his visa? Above stated that we need to have a Birth certificate. My husband have copy from UK and we can request marriage contract in PSA.

Our trip will be on May, what is the best month to apply for a visa?

Hi Grace, I have no idea po pag ganyang case kasi limited po sa personal experience ang alam ko. You can try contacting the travel agency kung saan nyo balak mag-apply para sure.

Hi, Just to reiterate re: bank certificate— “Must be issued within the past 3 months” Does this mean, for example, if I requested for a bank certificate on February, I can use it for Japan visa application on March (until May)? Thanks!

Hello! (1) My passport is under my maiden name. But my bank accounts and other assets are under my married name. Would that be okay? (2) Also, the bank account where I keep the savings are in my husband and I’s joint account, will that be a problem? I appreciate the response. Thanks!

Same situation here. How did it go with your application? Did you face any issues? Hoping to hear from you. Thanks!

Hi Mary, I think okay lang basta may marriage certificate ka rin na isusubmit. Ask na lang the agency po.

Ask ko lang kung ano ilalagay sa “Name of Employer” kung self-employed professional? – BIR registered (no business name / no DTI — Occupational Tax Receipt yung meron ako) – yung nakalagay sa COR ko is Name ko lang, then nature ng work.

Please advise.

Same concern. How did your application go?

Hi Michelle, naku, di ko alam pag self-employed professional. Yung sa akin kasi ay registered sole prop, so may business name ako tapos yun ang nilagay ko. Tawag ka na lang sa agency para sure sure sure.

I’m also a freelancer and I would just like to ask what I should write as my occupation. Should I say “freelance marketing specialist” or just “marketing specialist”? It’s my first time to apply for a Japanese Visa and I’m just worried na if I write “freelance” it may affect the approval. I have COR and ITR btw.

Your blog has been super helpful and I hope you can answer my question. Thanks! :)

Hi! How did it go?

Hi Kathleen, in my case, when I was a freelancer, I just wrote “Marketing Consultant.” Di ko na nilagay na Freelance. Pero nagsubmit ako ng letter from my clients explaining ano arrangement ko with them.

Ask ko lang po kung lahat po ba ng document na ipapasa should be in a4? Including the bank certuficate?

Binigay sa akin ng BDO ay naka short.

Hi Jericson, yung bank certificate, I think, di kailangan na A4. Yung A4 ay para dun sa mga docs na ikaw ang magpiprint. :D

Hello. My Auntie from Ireland together with her family is planning to visit Japan for 4 days and isasama nya kasi ako. She will shoulder my hotel stay and yung ibang gastos dun, airfare lang yung sakin. I have a full time job nman. Do i still need to get their bank statement kasi parang sila ung sponsor ko for that trip? I still have enough money in my account too.

Hi J, if idedeclare mo na sponsored ng iba yung trip mo, yes, you need to get their bank docs.

If hindi naman, you need to submit yours.

Hello Mam! I found your blog and it’s very informative especially when applying for Japan visa. I am an OFW working in Bahrain as an executive assistant sa CEO ng company namin. Me and my fiance (who also resides in Bahrain) are planning to tour Osaka this July 2019, after our wedding. But we are applying as unmarried since plan namin sa May 2019 mag pasa ng application at di pa kami married. Is it okay?

Also, we are concerned since yung bank account ko dito sa Bahrain is only a salary account and I am putting all my savings in my peso account for a long time na. Will it suffice kung bank statement lang ang i submit ko for my peso account? Kasi i checked with my bank sa Pinas, they said for them to issue me a certificate, I need to be there to fill out a form. But they can provide me bank statement and they can send it to me sa email ko. Is it acceptable kaya for Japan visa? Do i need to request the bank to send me through courier the original document or scan copy will be okay?

We are really concerned coz naka book na kami ng ticket for July 2019.

Appreciate your feedback, and God Bless you! :)

Hi, I just renewed my passport this month and I’ll be applying for a visa, would you know if I can give my old passport along with my new one to show my travel history? Thanks!

1. I think okay lang. Di ka pa naman magpapalit ng passport? If di pa, I think wala pa namang magiging problem since same pa rin yung name mo sa passport and sa visa.

2. I think okay lang din na form another country yung account. Gawa ka na lang ng letter explaining na you’re based in Bahrain but temporarily in PH. And yes, dapat original yung bank document.

If mapapansin mo, puro ako “I think” kasi hunch ko lang din talaga ito ha. Hindi ko alam for sure. Ang best talaga na gawin is i-ask yung travel agency kung saan ka mag-apply kasi mas alam nila. Baka kasi may additional requirements na di ko alam kasi outside my experience ito.

Hello! Question on bank certificate. Does it needs to be printed in A4 size paper? The bank issued me a bank cert in short bondpaper. Is it okay?

Hi Jean, as far as I know based on experience ko, okay lang. Yung mga nasa control mo lang yung A4 like app form, guarantee letter, schedule of stay, etc.

Hi! I wanted to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa. However, I am resigning from my current job and will be starting a new one last week of February. Will this post a problem with my application? What can you suggest? Thank you.

Hi Denise, apply now if you haven’t resigned yet so your COE and ITR still match. It just makes things simpler. :)

But if you’re applying after you resign, that’s possible too. I’ve done that before. My ITR was different from my COE, so I wrote a letter explaining that I have just switched companies recently.

Hi Yoshke, do you have a sample somewhere of that letter you wrote? Thanks!

No, unfortunately.

I just wrote it by hand at the travel agency’s office upon the staff’s suggestion.

Hello! I would like to ask if it is okay to put our booked accommodation via Airnb in “Name and address of hotel” instead of hotel room for visa application form? Thanks!

Hi Gian, di ko sure kasi pa ako nag-AirBnB sa Japan. I think okay lang, i-indicate mo na lang na AirBnb?

Or i-blank mo muna tapos ask mo na lang yung agency pag nagsubmit ka para sure. :)

Another question, if you applied in a group, and then may isa na di qualified or di approved, will everyone in the group be affected? Or siya lang ang maddeny?

Ang alam ko, individually naman ina-assess yung application kahit part of a group.

Hi po, married po aq s Malaysian at d2 npo aq nkatira s Malaysia. My husband and my son d n nila klangan ng visa to visit Japan aq lng. I’ve been to japan twice 16 yrs ago as legal worker. Maging grounds kya to pra ideny nila application q.

PS. I’m not employed so my husband will shoulder all the expenses for 15 days in japan.

Hi Shireen, sorry po, di ko po alam. :(

just got my 5 year multiple entry visa and i’m so excited to use it next month. Thanks for all your tips, big help talaga. One thing that i can share if you can prove your capability to travel to japan even though you have friends or relatives to visit better not to declare them. Also make sure that your application is neat and no erasure para presentable. I love japan more than any other countries in asia (coz i never been to US or Europe. Haha.)

Thanks for sharing these tips! Congrats!!!

Okay lang na hindi ka pa nag US or Europe. Kami nag-Europe na pero Japan pa rin fave namin. hehe

Hi, okay lang ba na ilagay ko yung address ng friend ko for my accommodation itinerary. Visa form ko is no guarantor. May chance ba na madenied? at Kaka open ko lang din ng bank acct ko and planning to go in Japan this April na ? Ok lang kaya ba yun ?

Hi Sarah. Just wanna ask how your application for visa went? Did you went ahead for “Visit Friend” type of visa and wrote your friend’s address sa accommodation itinerary? I have the same case as yours po kasi. I have no guarantor din coz I can shoulder my own expenses naman. Thanks in advance.

Hi Sarah, are you applying for a TOURIST visa or a VISIT FRIENDS/RELATIVES visa?

These are two very different things and it’s one of the reasons why people get denied. They apply for tourist visa but write a person’s address in the form. This post is about TOURIST VISA though.

If you’re applying for a TOURIST VISA, you must enter a hotel/hostel name and address. You can’t write a friend’s address.

If you’re applying for a VISIT VISA, yes, it’s okay to write your friend’s address. More info about VISIT VISA here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-requirements-with-guarantor/

Hi Yoshke. Your blog really is helpful. Just got our visa (whole family)! Thank you for answering my queries.

Thanks, Crizel

Congrats, Zel! Enjoy Japan!

Hi. I”m so lucky to have found your blog. I find it very informative. My family will be going to Osaka on Apr 9-14. We do not have our visas yet. Questions: 1. Among my 3 children, one is already working but we will pay for her trip. In her visa application, do we indicate that she is working? 2. If yes, what documents does she need to support her visa application? 3. She has a bank account also, does she need to submit a bank certificate? Certificate of Employment, etc? 3. how much is the visa application?

Thank you very much in advance and more power..

1. Yes. If she’s employed, she should declare that she is. It will help her application.

2. ITR, as stated in the post above. Pwede ring magsubmit ng COE as additional supporting doc.

3. If she’s declaring that you will be shouldering the expenses, no need for her bank certificate. But she needs to submit the your (the guarantor’s) ITR and bank docs.

4. Depende sa agency. May iba na P800, may iba na P1000+. Nadiscuss din po sa post sa taas.

Hello po ~ ask ko lng po kung included sa number of stay yung day of arrival? Fukuoka airport po kase eh gabe na arrival. TIA !

Ang alam ko po, kasama yung day of arrival sa count kapag Japan. Di ko po sure, pero ganun yung ginagawa ko.

Just want to ask if same ba ng requirements and ng application form kapag transit visa lang ang iaapply? I’m going to the US kasi and connecting flight ko is sa Narita. I’m a non revenue passenger so stanby lang ako and possible na next day ako mkasakay if puno ang flight that is why I need a transit visa.

Hi Sam, naku, wala po akong idea pag transit visa.

I’ve just renewed my Philippine passport recently. This coming March we have an scheduled tour in Tokyo. And my concern is our unexpired 5 years visa is in my old passport. Can we get through the immigration by presenting both the new and old passport with visa or is there a need to get another visa for our new passport? Help me out.

Yep, you can bring your old passport with the visa and present it together with your new passport. The visa remains valid kahit expired na yung passport.

I’m not expecting an immediate response and I’m all set to go to Japan Embassy today for an inquiry. It’s good I’ve checked out your site first before proceeding. Thank you very much for being around helping people fixing our travel concerns.

No prob! :)

Hello, Balak ko pong kumuha ng tourist visa attend conference and mag sightseeing with a group pero ako lang yung may guarantor (boyfriend dito sa Pinas). Medyo takot lang po kasi first time.

1. Nung nag fifill up po ako ng visa application need ng ID no. Passport lang po yung valid governement ID ko, pero meron po akong TIN ID pwede na po ba yun o yung passport nalang din lagay ko? Yung student id ko po kasi walang validation date and for this term hindi ako enrolled so wala akong pero may remaining unit pako.

2. Pwede na po ba yung kahit certificate from school lang para ma prove na student ako ? *Sobrang kabado lang.

3. Mas ok po ba na as unemployed nalang kaysa student ang ilagay ko?

1. I have tried writing my passport number there a few times, tinanggap naman. I think okay lang din ang TIN.

2. I think okay lang ang certificate from school. Di ko sure though.

3. If I were in your shoes, I’d state student.

Hi, ask ko lang po regarding sa situation ko. Bali housewife po ako and can present bank certificate (joint account with husband), Pero No ITR, and COE. Kailangan pa rin po ba ng letter of guarantee kahit joint account na yung sa bank?

yung usually sinusubmit ko na bank account, joint account din with a family member, pero since no ITR and COE, baka best na ideclare na sponsored ka ni husband pa rin. For that you will need his documents. Pero not sure if nag-apply ang Guarantee Letter pag mag-asawa. I think need pa rin. Call na lang ung agency kung saan ka mag-apply to be sure.

Hi. What if the birth cert falls under delayed registration, apart from the supporting documents like, baptismal cert., school record and year book, what other pertinent papers can be submitted in lieu of the above-mentioned docs? Thnk you.

Hi Zenie, di ko po alam, contact na lang po the designated travel agency kung saan kayo apply.

Hi, planning to fly Manila-Sapporo, stay there for three days, then fly Sapporo-Osaka to stay there for three more days before going home Osaka-Manila. Is that ok to do on a single entry visa? Or do i need a multiple entry visa kasi pag arrive sa Osaka it’s considered as another entry?

Hi Inna, single entry is okay. :)

Your blog really helped me a lot! I have been obsessing over it for the last few months. I recently booked a discounted plane tix via PAL to Japan. Late October pa naman to Tokyo, but nagpreprepare na ako this early.

I just wanna ask if Jap Embassy is strict with SOLO FEMALE travelers? I have been to the usual Macau, HK, SG and Korea. I also have a valid 3yr multiple entry visa to the latter. I have a stable job as a lawyer (private), and I can provide naman all required documents plus COE. Do you think I should also submit an approved leave of absence? Sorry, medyo paranoid lang ako sa chances ko :P

Second, do you recommend Reli Tours in Makati, Dusit? I have read that you use this agency, but in Megamall. I live in Makati kasi, so hassle pumunta ng Megamall. Meron din Friendship dun sa Dusit, but I read one horror story hear that it took almost one month yun processing (no reply kung nakuha nila on time yung visa).

Finally, I’m planning to apply in August 26, 2019 (my trip in on October 20). Is that too early/late?

Thanks for all your hard work! Nakabookmark na sakin yung mga itineraries mo :)

In general, the Japanese Embassy is more lenient than, say, Schengen embassies or Korean Embassy.

At Dusit, I’ve tried Friendship Tours twice, and both times were pretty smooth and I liked my experience. :)

Hi! I would like to ask, I plan to bring my sister to Japan for a vacation next year. This will be her first travel abroad. We already have our budget and other requirements ready but is there a chance that her visa application will be denied since she has no travel history yet? Thanks!

Hi JM, there’s always that chance, but travel history is not a requirement. You can be a first time international traveler and still granted a visa.

Although the safer way is to visit non-visa countries first.

Hello Yoshke, thanks for the reply! Also, my boyfriend and I plans to have our honeymoon in Japan. Travel month is same with wedding month, we should put single on our visa application, right?

Hi! Good Day! I’m currently having a problem with documents. I’m employed with near minimim wage salary for less than a year and my father would sponsor my trip who is currently working abroad (not in Japan) which means he doesn’t have an ITR. I was told to submit tax exemption which needs affidavit as the requirement. However, for it to be notarized, they said it must have red ribbon. Is it really necessary for tax exemption? Because some only submit letter of explanation as to why they don’t have an ITR. Do I still need to submit my own ITR? (I also don’t own bank account because the company is still giving my salary by cheque)

Thank you so much! And your blog posts have been helpful for my past trips! Thank you!

Hi JD, di ko po alam yung process pag nasa abroad yung sponsor. Pero ang alam ko, tumatanggap naman ang embassy ng tax documents ng ibang bansa, yung equivalent ng ITR sa bansang yun. Di ko lang sure kasi di ko pa naranasan.

Usually, pag sponsored yung trip, di na need magsubmit ng sarili mong ITR.

I see. Thank you so much for the reply! I got the tax exemption certificate. Hopefully it’ll serve as the valid excuse for not having ITR. Also another question, is it necessary that we are booked at the accommodations I put in the daily schedule? Or I can just put them as the assumed accommodation? Thanks again!

No booking required. Just the accommodation where you plan to stay. If hotel, you just need the hotel name, address, and contact number.

hi my sister, my mother and I will apply for tourist visa and my sister will be the guarantor living in PH my question is if do I need to provide her birth cert, ITR and her bank cert if we are applying together and travelling together?

Thank You so much in advance.

Hi Dianna, you will need to provide your sister’s ITR and bank docs if sya yung guarantor.

If group application, based sa experience ko nung nag-apply ako with family recently, kahit 1 copy lang, okay na. Just fill out the List of Applicants na form.

hi me, mom and dad will travel to japan. my dad will shoulder my mom’s expenses or he’ll be her guarantor. on the 2nd page of the form, about the guarantor, should i write the name, address of my father?

See FAQ #1 in this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-application-form/

Hi! What if I have unused Japan visa? And I’m planning to apply again?

Hi Den, according to some of our readers who had similar experience, you need to write a letter explaining why you weren’t able to use your visa.

Hi, I’ve a question regarding the bank certificate. Would you know if there’s a standard format for that? I’m planning to get a bank certificate from BDO and am wondering if it would include ADB? If yes, would it also be possible to request the bank to not include it and would this be accepted by the agency/embassy? Thanks.

Hi Klar, each bank has their own standard format. The new BDO format doesn’t indicate the ADB. And yes, that will still be accepted by the agency/embassy.

Noted. Thank you very much for the quick reply! :)

No worries. Good luck with your application!

It was really wonderful. This blog was very informative and useful. I am planning for an abroad. Thank you very much for posting this really helpful

Hello po Ask ko lang po regarding my situation. I am applying for a student visa but I am not enrolled this sem. Can I submit my registration form last semester instead?

Hi Kim, sorry po pero wala po kaming alam about student visa. :(

Please help po, yung agency po na mag-pprocess ng visa application namin is requiring me and my cousin to submit a school certificate. My cousin graduated from senior highschool while I graduated from college.

Recent lang ba yung graduation nyo? This year lang?

Aaah. Baka kaya nila hinihingi kasi to prove that you just recently graduated.

Good day po, late registered po ang aking birth certificate, pwedi po ba ang TOR (Transcript of Record) ? salamat

Hello! May I ask what happened to your application?

Hi Kim. Di ko po alam if pwede ang TOR. :( Call nyo na lang po yung agency.

My wife and I are planning on traveling with my son who’ll be 1yr old. My wife an I both have JP visas already, do we just apply for our son a separate visa application with guarantor?

Yep! It will also help to write an explanation letter stating that you, the parents, already have your own visas and then attach a copy of your visas. :)

Late registered Birth Certi ko, can I just provide by Transcript of Records instead of Form 137?

Hi.. I have a friend and the problem is she doesn’t have a middle name since she is using her mother’s surname. Is it really a big problem not having a middle name going to japan? She was told that she cannot take the interview because of it. Please reply. I badly need an answer and some advice. All her papers are done except for the intrview. Thank you.

Hi Kharen, wala po akong idea sa ganyang cases. Consult a travel agency na lang po or call the embassy directly.

Hi, got denied sa Japan Visa last October 2018, then i got approved sa Korean Visa last February 2019. Been there this April. and now i am planning to apply for Japan Visa again. Do you think this time mas may chance na ma approve ako sa Japan Visa? TIA.

3 Yrs employed btw :)

Axel, it can improve your chances, but it’s really hard for me to assess without any other information. But yes, improved travel history helps.

This post might help too: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/08/visa-denied-reasons/

Hi Yosh! Have you tried applying for a Japan Visa for your niece/nephew? Im planning to take my nephew again on a trip but this will be his first Visa trip. Im assuming the DSWD Travel Clearance is required and maybe the affidavit of support from his parents.

My common law and I will be applying with my nephew. If one of us gets denied, to the best of your knowledge/experience, does everybody get the same decision?

1. Yes, I’ve applied for a Japan visa for my niece and nephew a few times now.

2. Yes, you will need a DSWD Clearance for Immigration. But it’s not required for visa application. Here’s how to get one: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/04/dswd-travel-clearance-minors-application-requirements-frequently-asked-questions/

3. Yes, you will also need an Affidavit of Support. Here’s a sample: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/affidavit-of-consent-and-support/

4. I’m not sure, but as far as I know, applications are assessed individually so it is possible for one of you to be denied while the others are approved. :)

Thank you Yosh!

We did the Travel Clearance before for HKG. We just need to replicate the steps for Japan this time. As far as Visa application is concerned pala, there is no need for the travel clearance or affidavit? Sorry just making sure my understanding is correct. What docs did you submit for your niece and nephew?

Thanks again!

Yep, di ako nagsubmit ng clearance for visa application. In fact, lagi ako nauunang mag-apply ng visa before DSWD clearance kasi takot ako ma-deny, sayang bayad sa clearance, haha.

As far as I can remember, same lang din ung requirements ng what’s listed above. May additional lang na birth certificates to prove ung relationship ng sponsor sa mga bagets tapos ung Guarantee Letter, Invitation Letter, etc.

I am planning to apply for a Japan tourist visa and to travel alone this May/June. I am still a student (but I am not enrolled this sem so I don’t have a valid student ID/school certificate) and my parents will pay for my trip. Based on my case, what are my chances on getting a visa? And what are the requirements that I need to pass?

Hi Trix, okay lang naman yun. Yung sa pamangkin ko, di naman kinuha ng agency yung school docs. If okay naman ang employment and financial status ng parents, ok pa rin naman ang chance na maapprove.

By the way, how old are you?

I’m 23 yrs old na po. Is my age a red flag?

Btw po, I already applied and submitted my requirements (Apr 24). Hindi na rin po ako hiningan ng school docs. I put my mom as my guarantor so I submitted her (Actually, ‘our’ bank certificate (7 digits) because it’s a joint account with me & my dad). Hopefully, having my name in the bank certificate would increase my chance.

Hi Trix, good luck.

I just asked yung age to check if nasa typical age ng students ka and if mas believable for them.

Hello! i hope u can answer my question po. we are family of 4 applying for japan visa me, my husband, son and my mom. me and my husband are ofw in dubai and we will all apply in manila. both of us will be the guarantors for this trip. our bank here provides what they call ‘balance certificate’ and not bank certificate. on top of the certificate its written ‘certificate of balance’. tho the certificate indicates my name, type of acct, acct# and the current outstanding balance in number and words (dirhams currency). there is signature and stamp from bank. can this be accepted as bank certificate as well? thank you in advance!

Hi Lou, I can’t be sure because this is beyond my experience, but I think this is acceptable naman.

Thank you very much. I got my visa few days ago now and everything was fine. I am a vietnamese citizen.

Congrats! Enjoy Japan!

Thanks for the tips, I actually use your blogs as my reference when applying my Japan visa. I’ll be travelling to Japan this May and it’s my first time. I got a multiple visa entry for 5 years :)

Thank you again :)

Thanks din, Shy! And enjoy Japan! :)

For everybody’s peace of mind. I was granted a japan visa kahit 28k lang nasa bank cert ko. Just make sure you present all requirements.

Hi!! This is awesome! May I ask if how long is your stay? And how long is the validity of ur visa?

Wow! Thanks for sharing, Tabeloka!

Hi Yoshke! Your content is very informative! I am planning to visit Japan in December. I will be visiting my boyfriend (a filipino) however he doesnt have enough requirements yet to support my application. I’ve read that 50k is acceptable for 5 days stay, and I think that is the possible way for me getting a visa. However, I wanted to maximize my vacation so I’m planning of staying there for 12 days since everything will be at my boyfriend’s expense. Will it be possible if I will apply for 5 days (for the sake of getting a visa)? But will be really staying for 12 days? Thanks in advance!

Yes, that’s possible. The standard length of stay that Japan allows is 15 days, even if you apply for only 5 days.

Is it really possible? hindi ba magiging TNT yun labas mo once na ang na approve sayo is only 5 days? but you stayed 15 days?

Yep, nagawa ko na po yan na longer than what I submitted yung stay ko. Basta hindi ka nag-overstay. Basta hindi longer than the allowed number of days, okay lang.

Hi!! Its me again :D i’m gonna try to apply for tourist visa w/o guarantor with mentioned situation above. However, it’s my first time to travel. I am nervous i might get denied. Is it okay if I include “meet up with a friend” in my itinerary though i dont have any invitation from that person? Thank you!

If you’re applying as a tourist, best to not mention the friend.

This is noted. Hoping to get approved :D Thanks so much!

Hello! My sister only started working last December (she’s a fresh graduate) so she doesn’t have enough funds in her bank account (less than PHP50,000). My brother has signed a work contract but he hasn’t started working yet and he doesn’t have enough funds in his bank account as well. My father is unemployed and I am still a student. We are planning to apply for Japan visa this May because we’re set to leave at the end of July. My mother already has a multiple entry visa. I was just wondering if it’s a good idea to have my mother as guarantor for all FOUR (4) of us? Her annual net pay is around 1,xxx,xxx. Thank you so much!

Hi Paponei, that can work. Your mom is currently employed right now?

Yes, she is. Thanks a lot!

Yes. Thank you! :)

Hi! My middle name consists of ñ but in our PH passport, it became n. Will this be a problem when I apply for a Japan visa? If the answer is no, what should I put in the application form, n or ñ? Thank you!

Hi Alex, naku, di ko po alam pag ganyan. :(

Just want to ask. Hindi ba magiging conflict yun sa bank certificate ko if Joint Account or naka OR account samin ng sister ko? possible ba na ma approve ako? Thanks

Hi Ayan, nakapag-try na ako a few times (including ung first time ko) na joint account (OR din) with my nanay ang sinusubmit ko. Naapprove naman.

Is it possible to have 1 guarantor (my mother) for 4 single-entry tourist visas (my father, brother, sister, me)?

Depende po sa funds sa bank and sa ITR kung malaki ung income.

Hi po. May problem ako kasi hindi ako makakuha ng copy ng Form 137 ko since bakasyon sa school ngayon. Hindi ko din alam pano ko irireach out yung guidance counselor dun. Okay lang kaya na mag send na lang ako ng letter of explanation? Tsaka ano po kayang pwede kong gamitin na other proof? Thank you po.

Hi Mitchelle, best to consult a travel agency since you will be coursing your application through one anyway. Mas alam po nila yung gagawin.

A greetings of peace. Gusto ko po ask if mag submit ako ng credit card statement of account copy should i put a black mark para ma cover yung account number details ko? I am worried po kasi.

Hi, gusto ko sanang mag tanong kung ok lang bang mag apply uli ng tourist visa ang isang may record na ng overstaying? Na deport kasi sya last August 2010, naka pasok sya ng Japan July 2007, almost 3 years overstay, so it is almost 9 years na mula na ng na deport sya pauwi dito sa Pinas, As fas as I know 5 years ang blocklisting period para pde uli mag apply, Tama po ba? They are planning to go back to Japan with his husband, ok naman po un mga documents ng husband nya, but mejo natatakot lang baka ma denied because of her overstaying case. di bale yung husband nya ang mag susupport ng finances plain housewife lang sya kasi ngayon. Please advice po. Thank you

Hi Robert, naku di ko po alam. Best to consult na lang po a designated travel agency.

Hi just need an advice, I plan to travel in Japan maybe Jan and my bank account had always been ready. I have at least 100k plus save for the past 4 years that I’ve been working. But due to better opportunity I might change my job soon, so will my chances to get approve with a Japan visa still be high even if I’m just employed for 6 mos? Coz that’s what holding me back for resigning I’ve always wanted to visit Japan and that’s my motivation for saving a lot. Thanks

I would still go for it, if I were in your shoes. Japan isn’t as strict as before and your switching companies can easily be explained.

I had a sort of similar experience. I had to explain in a letter why my ITR was from a company that is different from my current employment. I simply explained that it was a better opportunity and should not be a concern and that I had traveled to other countries before and returned each time.

Hi, Yoshke! Question lang. I just renewed my passport, and I’ll be applying for a Japan visa next month. Is it possible for me to submit my old passport as well to show my travel history? Super fresh kasi nung new passport, and it has no stamps pa. :)

Hi Gelo, when I apply, I always submit my old passport. Sometimes the agency accepts, sometimes they return it to me. My advice is to just bring your old passport and let the agency decide.

Hi Yoshke, thank you for sharing this! I used your article as a reference when I was consolidating my documents (it’s my first time to apply for a Japan Visa on my own). This was really helpful. :)

Just want to share this also to others (kasi I learned this today the semi-hard way haha): you don’t need to submit a birth certificate if you already have an old Japanese visa, regardless of when it was issued. In my case, I got my old visa last 2010. The agency (Reli Tours) accepted it and returned my birth certificate to me. Sayang yung perang pang-apply sa PSA haha.

Now I’m just waiting for the result. Hope my application gets approved.

Thank you for the tips!

Thanks, Dee J!

Re birth certificate, yep, no need for it if you had a visa before. We discussed it in the FAQs! You might have missed it. :P

Ahaha, I wasn’t expecting they’d still accept my 2010 visa, kaya I got a birth cert just to be sure. So yeah, lesson learned the hard way. ^^;

That’s okay! You can still use it for another visa application! Maybe another country? :D

hello sorry makikisali lang hehe. can I still use my old visa in replacement for Birth cert kahit na nabasa sya sa tubig? nasama kasi sa labahin hahahaa

Hi Ash, di ko po alam pag nabasa. Readable pa rin ba?

The bank certificate that BDO issued me doesnt account number. Is this ok?

Hi Joshua, yung saken and relatives ko nung last na nag-apply ako, wala ring account number. BDO rin. Name lang and ung finances na.

hi! the bank cert issued by my bank is not in A4 size paper. would that be okay?

Hi Ash, in my experience, tinanggap pa rin kahit di A4 ung bank certificate. Basta yung mga ikaw mismo ang magpoproduce like application form, schedule, etc., dapat A4.

HI, NAG COMMENT NA AKO DITO BEFORE PERO WALANG SAGOT. SANA MAPANSIN MO. YUNG GUARANTOR KO KASI IS MY SISTER WHO IS A SEAWOMAN SA ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE. WALA SILANG ITR EH. ANO PWEDE ALTERNATIVE DOCS SA ITR? PAYSLIP? CONTRACT? HOW?

rude. kelangan naka caps. bat di ka mag tanong mismo sa agency. parang obligado pa yung blogger na sagutin ka ora orada.

Nasagot na po kasi yung question dito sa isang post kung saan kayo nagcomment. https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-application-form/

And please refrain from using all caps po kasi para kayong sumisigaw.

OK lang ba na back to back yung application form nung naprint ko?

Hi! The day po ba ng pagpasa nung visa, counted as day 1 un? Because I haven’t heard from the agency since I passed it last May 24, 2019 (Friday). It’s already June 4 na… Sa Reli Tours Dusit Thani ako ngpasa.

Hi Den, medyo di ko gets ung question. Counted as Day 1 ng validity ba? If yun, hindi naman magsastart ang validity ng visa on the day of submission. Usually the validity starts on the date of issue (kung kelan nila inapprove).

Note na iba ang validity period sa length of stay na allowed.

I mean the processing of the visa. Kasi day 7 na kahapon (June 4) tapos sakto pa walang pasok today (June 5). Dami ko kasi nababasa 2-5 days nakukuha na nila and they are approved. Nakakaba pag ang tagal sakin.

Iba-iba sya. Maraming factors kasi. Minsan depende sa case, minsan baka malaki lang yung volume of applications.

My first time, 5 working days. 2nd time, 2 days. 3rd time, 7 days. 4th time, 2 days.

I’ll be going to Osaka, end of July! Thank you for this helpful blog! More power! First time ko nakapasa kaya super saya ko, sorry! Haha (Ako pala ung todo tanong sayo about schengen visa). Try and try lang! :)

Maganda yung Arashiyama bamboo forest pag summer kasi green na green. :D Medyo mainit lang so mas okay if maaga ung start ng day lagi. :D

Hi Yoshke! Just an update! I’m approved! (YAAAAAAAAS) 1 day processing lang. Pag hindi pa nagtext sayo yung agency na sinubmittan mo ng application after 5 days, call them! Unresponsive sa mobile number nila ang Reli tours, so always call them via telephone number.

Haha, thanks for sharing, Den!

Congraaaats! San ka sa Japan punta?

Hello! I would like to ask kung my difference ba kung maliit lang yung gross income ko sa ITR when applying visa? Ex. 91,000 gross income from my previous work but i resigned and changed where i’am currently working right now.

Thank you for sharing this. Maeexpire kasi yung passport ko on March 29, 2020. One of the requirements is dapat 6 mos valid yung passport (September 29, 2019). I was planning to apply for a visa next week kasi pupunta ng Japan sa long weekend ng August (7 mos valid pa naman yung passport ko by that time).

Do you think safe pa rin ba na mag-apply ako ng visa? Lahat kasi ng stamps ko nasa passport ko ngayon kayo ayaw ko pa sana ipa renew para may proof ako ng travel history.

Hi Bielle, yep, pwede pa yan. Tatanggapin pa rin ng Japan Embassy yang passport mo. :)

Thank you Yoshke! :)

Naapprove na yung visa ko! Ang bilis within two days narelease na agad passport ko. Thank you sa infos dito sa blog mo. ☺

Yayyy! Congratulations! Enjoy Japan!

*pupunta kami

Just wanted to share my experience! Applied at Reli Tours SM Megamall.

1. I printed my own application form. Ok lang na back-to-back. 2. I was told by the visa consultant in Reli that I need to have my 2×2 photo replaced kasi masyado daw naka-smile so hindi na kita yung mata ko. Buti may Tronix imaging sa 5th floor ng Mega A :) 3. Paid Php500 initially for the consultation fee. After that, went to Tronix to have my new 2×2 pic taken. 4. Went back after an hour to submit my new photo. No need na pumila ulit. Then paid the balance of Php450. 3. I prepared all requirements, even COE and copies of hotel/flight bookings. COE lang yung tinanggap ng Agency the rest binalik na lang sakin.

I submitted my requirements last June 8! Stil waiting for the text/call that my passport is ready for pick up. The anxiety is real :( hahaha hopefully ma-approve.

Thank you for this blog! Laging kayo reference ko when making an itinerary. All the best!

Na approved ka?

Thanks for sharing, Arnel! Very helpful!

Sana ma-approve! #TiwalaLang #FingersCrossed

Hi! I’ll be travelling with my husband. I do have a job but the salary is just little-above-the minimum and I am afraid that my application would be denied. My husband though is a businessman. I am thinking of putting him as the guarantor so I dont need to provide an itr. Would that do? Or should I still submit an itr and COE? We do have US and Korean Visas.

Hi J, if you have a guarantor, you don’t need to submit ITR. That req shifts to the guarantor, as mentioned in the post. :)

Oh. Sorry for missing that one out! This very much helped ease out my worries! Thank you so much!

Hi Yoshke! Thanks for sharing! I have questions regarding list of visa applicants form.

1. Sorry dumb question. For nationality, would that be Filipino or Philippines? I saw different answers on the web.

2. Visa applicant (representative applicant) – Can I put my name here? Since I’m the one who will be applying for the rest of us.

3. Then the rest will be my husband’s details and my kids?

Thank you! All the best!

1. Ako, I always write Filipino. Never naman ako nagkaproblem.

2. Yes, you can be the representative applicant.

Thanks so much! :)

Hi Yoshke :) Paano kung ang guarantor ay hindi Filipino? From Slovenia kasi sya and makakuha lang ako ng spouse visa(schengen) sa Japan, China and India. Napili namin ay Japan. Same requirements pa rin ba kahit na hindi pinoy ang guarantor? btw, sya nagsend ng link sakin about sayo hehe :)

Hi Irene, di ko po alam. Sabi po ng iba same lang, ung equivalent lang nung documents sa kanila. Pero di ko po sure kasi di ko pa natry.

Ohhh wow I got a response from you! ^_^ Okies sige, will email the agency na lang. Your blog is really informative and big help to sa pag-asikaso namin ng papers. Thank you for sharing~~~

Hello, just want to ask your advice. Me and my husband are planning to apply for japan visa this coming july. Here’s the situation. My husband has ITR, can provide bank certificate BUT unemployed for now (will start a new job on july). Does he need to have a guarantor (me) or he will submit a letter explaining that he is new in his company? Which do you think is better for higher chance of visa approval. Thanks!

Hi Rejean, yung sa case ko po dati, inexplain ko lang na bagong lipat ako ng work and why yung ITR ko na sinubmit is iba sa current company ko. Wala namang naging problem.

Hi, I am still allowed to apply for a Japan Visa 1month before my travel date? Or doest it really need to be months before? Thanks!

Hi Ryan, pwede pa yung 1 month before. :)

hello, ask ko po sana pwede kayang Business permit pero walang ITR ? possible kayang magrant ng visa?balak ko sana mag apply ng visa para sa Nov. at least 3 days mag tour sa tokyo.

Usually pag walang ITR, pede pong magsulat ng letter explaining bakit wala. Pero dapat valid ung reason. Chinecheck din ng agency ung reason.

Hi. we have Japan incentive trip c/o by company. I don’t have bank cert and my new passport has no history of travel, though its not my first time abroad. Can we still have chances na ma deny ung visa application?

do i need to provide bank cert (which i dont have namn) pero with itr 350k and coe and trip will guarantee by company since incentive trip namn cya.

Thanks to your blog I was able to plan & go to 3 Asia trips within the last year! Super helpful. I’m now planning to visit Japan, but I’m a bit torn if I should apply for a Tourist visa or Visiting a Relative. My sister lives in Japan, but she doesn’t really have the financial capacity to “guarantee” someone (low balance in bank account).

Should I apply for a tourist visa instead? My bank account I think can support me naman (80k+).

Hi Andi, if I were in your shoes, I’d apply for a tourist visa instead because it’s easier, cheaper, and less complicated, and because di rin naman ako igua-guarantee ni sisterette. You have a stable job naman and ITR right?

Hi Yoshke! Thanks for answering.

Yup! I’m a full-time regular employee at an international tech firm but I’ve only been here since October 2018. I already have a consolidated ITR (the one with both previous + current employer).

Another question, though: I’m planning on staying with my sister for some nights to save money. I understand that this wouldn’t affect my visa application (because I can just write down a hotel/airbnb) but do you think this would affect me at immigrations? Kasi wala akong hotel/booking documents? What can I do kaya?

I’ve tried this in 2017. I applied for a tourist visa because I was supposed to go to Nagoya. But when I was already issued a visa, my sister suddenly asked me to visit her first in Tokyo, so I used the visa to visit her in Tokyo instead. I didn’t have any problem with the Immigration naman. Not sure if I just got lucky. Haha

Hi Yoshke! Got my visa approved pala :D Thank you for your help! So excited to finalize our itinerary, gonna look at your other posts pa!! :D

Hi Yoshke! It’s me again. Haha.

Just need a second opinion re: which Bank Certificate to submit:

Option 1: Personal savings, low ADB (20k+), 6 year maturity Option 2: Payroll account, medium ADB (40k+), just turned 1 year

Both have 160k+ balance. Thank you so much! :)

Hmmmmm. Normally, I would say, submit both.

Pero bakit biglang taas nung current balance compared sa ADB? Pwedeng pagdudahan yan.

Thank you for answering! :D I’m gonna go with the tourist application na lang. Hehe.

Hello. I am trying for Japan work visa. What is the process I want to do.how much it cost .can I get your number.

No idea about work visa, sorry. :S

It seems that you have visited Japan a couple of times already. I could only assume that you were granted 4x single entry visa base on “HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS JAPAN VISA APPLICATION?” part. I just want to ask if you already tried applying for multiple entry? If yes, how did it go? I have visited Japan 2 years ago and planning to apply for multiple entry that’s why I’m curious. =) Thank you.

Two of my Japan visas (my 2nd and 4th) are multiple-entry visas. Been to Japan 17 times! :D

We have a separate article for Multiple Entry Visa: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/japan-visa-multiple-entry-requirements/

Oh wow! Thanks for clarifying that. Such a poor traveler indeed hahaha! Thanks for sharing the article. =)

Hi po would like to know po if mataas po ba chances ko if being approved. Will be applying for SE visa with guarantor.

Applicant: 22 y.o, female Licensed professional (with PRC ID) Currently enrolled in med school

Guarantor: My mom Bank cert – 300k+ Licensed Nurse Works in government owned company (23 years)

Will not be traveling with my mom.

I will be applying alone, since my travel companion (friend) already has her ME visa.

What do you think po? Thank you so much!

Hi Ro! Yes, I think okay naman. Just make sure to submit birth cert ng both sayo and sa mom mo to prove relationship.

Thank you for your response! I’m nervous since it’s my first time to apply, and my only travel history is HK. Hope it turns out fine.

I am applying for a tourist visa would it help if I attach my mother and father multiple japan visa photocopy?

Thank you looking forward for your reply!

Hi Jan Ace, are they joining you sa trip? If so, isama mo na lang din. If hindi naman pwede ay tatanggalin nung taga-agency.

I have a stable job, annual income is around 350k. I have a personal bank account with 150k pero nagdeposit kasi ako ng malaki last April (before April, stale lang siya at 50k for months) but have been depositing consistently until today in prep nga for the Japan trip. Do you think they’ll find that big deposit suspicious?

Given above, what are my chances of getting approved without guarantor or mas malaki chances if I have my mom as a guarantor na lang?

Hi Jim, naku, hard to tell. :S

My friends and I will visit Japan for an 8-day trip this September. Question regarding the section ng application form regarding “Names and addresses of hotels or persons with whom applicant intends to stay”, since we will visiting 4 cities in Japan and we will stay in different hotels during the entire tour, should we just write the info of the first hotel that we will be staying in the form or should we provide the info of all the hotels that we will be staying in a separate sheet? Thanks in advance for your great help!! :)

What I usually do, I write the first hotel on the app form. Then the rest, I make sure I include in the Daily Schedule that I will submit. :)

What if 50-50 ang hatian namin ng mother ko sa expenses? Possible ba yun? Tnx :)

Di ko po alam. Pero baka mas nakakalito kapag ganon.

In regards to the Bank Certificate, this is only for the ADB, right? There is no requirement for the Bank Statement? I am planning to use my Security Bank account instead of my other bank accounts since this is where I currently put some of my savings. My only concern is that I was not using this account for a year and I only got like Php 10,000. I deposited Php 500,000.00 last March for my US Visa Application but eventually withdrew it by May 2019. I had series of deposits by the succeeding months and currently have more than Php 200,000.00 as my savings.

My question is, will this be a problem on my end if I apply for Japan Visa this October 2019?

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Harry

HELLO! I just want to clarify the ITR part, kailangan pa ba pumunta sa BIR branch or anything? Or straight print nalang yung form sa bahay along with the email confirmation? Thank you po!

Hi Thea, yung sa akin piniprint ko lang.

Sir yong about sa itr, need ba may receipt ng banko? kasi tax exemted ako, paano ba yon?

Hi Will, kahit naman tax exempted ay dapat may ITR pa rin po.

When I applied po, di naman po hinanap ung resibo.

thank you sir..

lastly sir; yong itr na pinasa mo ba sir wla din tatak galing bir?

Grabe sobrang detailed. i really love your page. this is definitely my go-to page everytime I travel. Sobrang helpful. Keep it up! I also enjoyed watching your Youtube videos. Will do my first ever solo travel to Japan this December and this post is really a great help. On behalf of all your readers, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Yehey! Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with us. Happy to know we get to help others! :)

Saan ka sa Japan punta? :)

I came from the Japan trip (Osaka) last July, me and my friends got lucky to booked a seat sale to Tokyo next year, spring. Pwede na ba ako magapply ng visa (multi-entry) sana?

I suggest up to 3 months before your travel trip pa rin. Even if you apply for multiple, there’s still that chance they’ll give you a single entry visa. So the safest is still up to 3 months before.

tanong ko lang po, if guarantor is outside the country? and they shouldered all my expenses, purpose ko po sa Japan is pumunta ng Lithuanian Embassy to process my working visa in Lithuania? need ko padin po ba ng guarantor residing here in Philippines? complete naman po papers ko, contract, commitment letter from my employer, and working permit. Sana po masagot nyo tanong ko, nalilito din kasi employer ko kung need ko mag guarantor dito sa Pinas. Thank you.

Hi Eric, naku, di ko po alam :(

Hi Yosh! (wow, close? lol)

How are you na? Haha. I dunno if you already have come across this question but I’ll give it a try. Hehe. Do they need an original copy of the form 137? I requested a copy from my elementary school but, they can only provide a photocopy. I have my baptismal certificate though.

Thanks a bunch, Ming

Hi Michelle, di ko po alam if pwede ang photocopy lang. :(

Hi! Can I put sa List of Visa applicants regarding sa relationship with the inviting person/guarantor na Girlfriend’s Mother or Friend? Sponsored kasi kami ng mama/step father nya.

Hi Renz, di ko alam alin ang better na ilagay between Girlfriend’s mother and friend. :S

Do you have any sample itinerary that we can use for our Osaka trip this December? This will only be a 5-day trip. Your help is much appreciated.

We have sample itineraries here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/what-to-do-in-osaka/

and here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/09/osaka-kyoto-itinerary-days/#OSAKA-KYOTO_ITINERARY_5_DAYS

Great! Thank you so much Yoshke! Hope you’re having a good time on your Thailand trip.

I live in Spain. My siblings in Philippines and I want to visit Japan. We are planning for a group tour. Can I apply for Japan tourist visa with them in Philippines or should I apply in Spain?

Thanks, Juna

Hi Junalyn,

Not sure. I think okay lang na isabay mo na sa family application mo dito sa Pinas. Pero di ko sure. Best to get in touch with a designated agency.

Hi Yoshke, This is my first time to apply a tourist visa in Japan, My Friend is asking me to visit him, he is Us Navy, i don’t know if i can get ITR here in Philippines because i am working overseas, plus i don’t have 50,000pesos, Please assist me of what i supposed to do to process my self?

Good day .. Tatanong ko lang po sana kung pano po kung first country to visit ko po ang Japan . pwede po ba ko mag apply ng visa? Possible po ba na maapprove?

Hi Dess, pwede naman. May mga first-timers naman na naaapprove. Mas malaki lang talaga yung chances pag may travel history na.

And make sure na maayos ung mga requirements.

First I’d like to thank you for sharing all your experiences in applying for travel visas. This is my go-to blog for anything related to visa applications!I went to Japan last year and fell in love with Japan, especially with the autumn season!

This November I will be going to Japan and this time, with my mom who is a senior citizen. You mentioned that you also applied for your mom’s Japanese visa. Can you please share your experience and what additional documents did you submit? We will be going to Japan for 10 days and our itinerary will include Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka. I paid for her airline tickets and will also be paying for all our hotel bookings (i’ve set aside money for this already), but she has her own pocket money and bank account so she will NOT have a guarantor. Her bank account has over 140K. She is a retired government employee and as of July has been receiving her monthly pension. Here are my questions and I would be grateful if you can share your thoughts.

1) Since she has no ITR, we will submit a letter explaining that she is already retired. In addition to the letter, I am planning to send a copy of her official retirement document, which contains information on the monthly pension she receives. She will also be sending a bank certificate. Do you think these docs are enough? Are there any additional documents she can share? 2) Should I send a photocopy of her senior citizen ID? 3) As I’ve said, she has over 100K in her bank account and also receives a monthly pension (25K++ monthly). For a 10 day trip in Japan, do you think it is safer if she can get a guarantor, or those figures are okay? 4) We just came back from a 5 day trip in an Asian country which is her first time ever. So if she will be granted visa, this will be her first time :-)

Do you think she has a strong shot at getting a visa? What other documents/letters do you think should help?

Thanks and would really appreciate if you can share your experience when applying for a senior citizen. Thank you and more power!

1. I think these are sufficient. 2. Yes. We submitted my mom’s senior ID before but I don’t remember if the agency took it. haha 3. Yep. That should be fine. If you’re a bit nervous about this, you can shorten your declared length of trip. They’re not gonna ask for flights anyway.

I think retired seniors on family trips have greater chances of approval because they don’t really tend to overstay. Do you have your own visa na? If not yet, best to apply at the same time and submit the “list of visa applicants” with you as the representative applicant. It will paint a better picture of your trip.

My wife just renewed her passport and changed name (married name) as well. But her old passport has multiple visa (expiring 2022) under her maiden name. Can we still use it? Anyone here have done this?

I have been told and read online that we can still use it provided that we supply it with marriage certificate. Also, during visa application she also noted her married name on the “other names known by”

Thanks in advance and appreciate any help or feedbacks.

Hi Josh, yun din ang alam ko, need ng marriage cert. Pero di ko alam for sure. :(

does Japan embassy verify flight bookings before approval of visa

They don’t expect you to book flights before application.

Filipino here, wanted to apply for Japan Tourist Visa but my guarantor is residing in other country (Canada), what could be the requirements I will ask from the guarantor? Thanks!

I dunno for sure. I think the Canadian equivalent of the docs? But it’s best to contact the agency where you plan to lodge your application.

I’m an OFW in Saudi, I guaranteed my mom when we applied Japan visa last January 2019. Aside from guarantee letter form from Embassy website that you need to fill up, i also submitted a letter explaining why i guarantee my mom and why i want her to join me in Japan. To support the guarantee letter, I also submitted my Saudi bank statement, my Saudi Employment Cert.,my Saudi Residence ID copy, and ofcourse my passport and my PSA issued Birth Cert and my mom’s Marriage/Birth cert. to prove family relation. The agency (Reli Tours) accepted it and her JP visa got approved after 2 days.

Hi HunterPM! I’m also an OFW here in KSA (Abha)..my wife and I are planning to visit Japan on Jan 2020..I have a few questions if u don’t mind..

1. Nasa Pinas ka ba nung nag-apply ng Japan visa? Kc ako I’m planning to ship my passport and documents to PHL, then my wife will submit the application to the agency (Attic Tours)..sabi ng Attic tours ok lang naman na ipasa ko mga docs ko while nasa KSA ako.

2. Hahanapin kaya ng embassy yng Exit/Re-entry visa? Balak ko kc ipadala yng docs ko sa PInas by 1st week of November, and sa tingin ko hindi pa ko mabigyan ng exit/re-entry visa ng company ko since it’s too early.my flight to PHL is on Dec 17

Appreciate your prompt response bro :-)

Thanks for sharing! It’ll help our other readers for sure!

Hi! Do you have any sample on how to fill up the letter to guarantee? Also, regarding the bank certificate, should I submit one copy per applicant even if 2 of them have the same guarantor (my father who will not travel with us will be my mom and sister’s guarantor)?

Hi Micaeluh,

Wala po kaming sample ng Guarantee letter for Japan. Pero madali na lang yun kasi may format naman.

Nung family trip namin, we produced 1 copy of bank certificate for EACH, pero 1 copy lang talaga ang kinuha ng agency. So yung copies ng iba eh nasayang lang, haha. Pero tawag ka na lang sa agency to be sure.

I’ve been reading your blog almost everyday since me and bf are planning to go to Japan this end of November and I find your blog very informative and helpful. Meron lang po akong question, we are planning po na Osaka/Kyoto/Nara > Tokyo kami and balak namin is 10 days pero idedeclare lang namin sa visa is 7 days because not sure po kung enough na yung tig 100k kami sa bank. Is it okay po ba na di masunod ung days na nilagay namin sa application? hindi po ba kami maquequestion pagdating namin sa immigration? Thank you po in advance! :)

1. yep, ok lang.

2. normally hindi naman.

3. okay lang.

pero if nabobother ka, declare nyo na lang yung totoo. :)

Hello can you please email me and I need help for my Japan Visa Letter. I will further explain it through email. thank you

Salamat po! Will update you sa result ng application namin 1st week of Oct. ☺️

Hi po sorry follow up regarding dun sa question ko, aside from the days, okay lang po ba na ang ideclare namin na pupuntahan is just around Osaka pero mag Tokyo din kami if ever? Thanks again

Hi! ask ko lang po i got single entry visa, and we are travelling to tokyo and osaka. From tokyo to osaka we will take by plane kc mas cheaper sya compare sa train. Are we allowed to entry to Osaka after Tokyo? Thank you!

Hi Janice, yep, if direct naman from Tokyo to Osaka, pwede. Basta domestic, pwede, kasi di ka naman dadaan sa Immigration nun.

Hi! I just want to ask if paano kung ung guarantor ko doesn’t have an ITR because my mom is a businesswoman. Is there any document na pwede ireplace with ITR as per guarantor’s requirement?

Pag businesswoman, usually may ITR pa rin dapat.

If wala talaga, you can write an explanation letter and submit other proof of income. Another option is to find another guarantor na mas maayos ang documents.

Im planning to travel japan this december before christmas alone , Ive been in japan last 2 weeks as japan entertainer / talent , i was there 2 times same as entertainer . and i hAve 150k or less on bank account and my account is new , is this acceptable ? , and im planning to get multiple visa entry . my concern is if i have a chance to get my visa before the target date of my travel , and what requirements i need to get ?

Di ako familiar masyado kapag ganyang case. :S

Ask ko lang po about working in Japan po. first timer po kasi ako, but i have my adopted family po kasi sa japan pero wala akong corresponding documents to see na adopted parents ko sila pero sila na po ang tumaong magulang ko. gusto ko sanang pumunta sa kanila and then maghanap nang work. Is that possible? Thanks sa info.

Hi Andre, I have no idea about working in Japan.

Hello! Magkaka problem ba ako if magkaiba yung address sa ITR at COE ko? Lumipat na kasi kami ng building but the registered address sa BIR is still yung previous.

You can write an explanation letter.

for itinerary need ba pati oras ?

Hi Yoshke. Great post, thank you for this. I would like to ask a few questions since I’ll be applying for my visa next month. This is my first time to travel overseas and I’m planning to travel to Japan this November 24.

Like you said I need to include the date of arrival to my number of stays. I’m planning to stay for 15 days. Does this mean I need to get back to the Philippines on December 8 or can I extend my stay until December 9 since that will be my return flight anyway? Or would that be an overstay of 1 day already. I’m planning to max out the 15 days since I’m meeting with my Japanese boyfriend. My mom is my guarantor.

Also, may I ask if I should return to the Philippines after my Japan visa expires or can I travel to another country? We’re planning to go to Taiwan next after my stay in Japann flight is December 9. Is this allowed or should I go back to the Philippines after my stay in Japan?

Sorry for the long questions, I hope you can enlighten some of my confusions. Thank you so much for reading. Will await for your further correspondence.

Hi Reiko, i already answered this question.

As far as I know, you should be able to make it past Japanese immigration on or before December 8. You can double check with the agency to be sure.

You can visit Taiwan straight from Japan if that’s what you want. Just make sure you meet Taiwan’s immigration requirements.

If we are to stay at multiple hotels (cos will be travelling to Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto within 8 days), do we need to indicate the names and addresses of all our hotels, or just pick one with the longest duration we will be staying?

Hi Jerome, I usually just write the first hotel sa form tapos I clarify na lang sa Daily Schedule.

Not sure if tama yun, but that’s what I usually do for myself and for friends/family na nag-aapply. So far wala pa namang naging problem.

Thanks sa blog mo, really helpful!

However, i’ll ask a question that might be irrelevant sa blog pero i’ll ask na rin just in case alam mo. I’ll be travelling to Japan next month kasama Mom and niece ko na 9 years old. Cut the long story short, would you know if pwede siya magtravel without her parents? May consent letter naman from both of the parents kaya lang kasi sabi ng agency baka daw hingian kame ng DSWD documents and other stuffs pagdating sa immigration.

Hope you know or just an idea about it. Thank you!

If a minor is traveling without either parent, they need a DSWD Travel Clearance. I travel with my nephew and niece a lot without their parents, a DSWD is required.

We have a separate post about DSWD Clearance here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/04/dswd-travel-clearance-minors-application-requirements-frequently-asked-questions/

Hello Yoshke!

I will be travelling to japan this march 2020. One of the requirements mentioned is a bank certificate. I have yet to open a bank account so by the time I will apply for a VISA it will be approximately a 5 month old bank account. I have a job and have been with the company for 4 years already I can give my ITR and perhaps the Statement of account of my payroll account which i dont leave any money in it. will it be a red flag in terms of financial capacity? or is it better to accompany a letter of explaination as to why i have just opened a bank account? I am quite bothered due to my poor financial decisions in life.

If I were in your shoes, I’d submit both the accounts and add a letter of explanation.

Another way is to find a guarantor.

Hi po Sir Yoshke,

Ask ko lang po re dun sa mga documents na kailangan ipasa for Japan Visa Application, kase po my Company yung tito ko tapos ginawa nya po ako isa sa mga stockholder. Kailangan ko pa po ba magpasa ng ITR ko (2316) oh yung sa Company nalang namen yung (1701)? Incase po ba yung ITR kailangan my tatak ng BIR? Kase po yung binigay samen ng accountant namen is wala daw po talaga tatak ng BIR. I hope po matulungan nyo po ako. Thanks in advance

Which is better depends highly on kung ano ang laman nung 2316 and nung 1701.

Pero in general, less complicated kung yung employee ITR (personal).

Naranasan ko na mag-apply as employee, walang stamp, ok lang. Nag-apply na rin ako as self-employed pero may stamp ung sinubmit ko, so di ko alam if okay lang na wala pag self-employed.

Great article! Very informative and orderly. I just want to be sure on the subject about ITR. My mom is a senior citizen but she still teaches. My sister and I are split between getting her an ITR. I believe she needs it because she is still working and my sister believes she doesn’t need it because she is a senior citizen. I have contacted the travel agency already but I would appreciate your help on this as well. Thank you and I look forward to your reply. Keep up the fantastic work!

I would still submit the ITR, if I were in your place.

Hi, its been a week now since I haven’t heard my visa application. Me and my friend applied together last week, that was wednesday. The agency send our application by thursday to the embassy and my friend got texted by the agency the ff day that she can pick up her passport. While in my case I haven’t got any updates. Is it possible umabot pa til next week akin? I’m a little worried kc.

Anong sabi ng ng agency? Wala pa rin daw sa kanila?

They said to wait for the text lang kaso no news yet? I guess it’ll be the 8th day na. Although I read the Japan Embassy website na if wala padin after a week I’ll call them directly sa embassy na.

Hi! I am a fresh graduate, and I am applying for Japan Visa. What should I write in the occupation part of the application form. “Unemployed”? If I write “student”, would they ask for my school documents like Certificate of Registration? Tho, my Mom will be my guarantor for my trip.

Hi! For my Document 2316 there is a part there that reads: “to be accomplished under substituted filing” Kailangan po bang signed ung signature ng HR sa part na un ? Digitally signed na po kasi ung main part ng ITR pero yung sa part na “to be accomplished under substituted filing” wala pong sign.

Hi Paolo, di ko po alam. Pero hopefully alam ng ibang makakabasa.

Passport ng mga bata required ba may signature din?

Pwede ba ang white shirt sa picture? For korea or china kasi nakaspecify talaga sa website ng embassy na white shirt is not allowed. Pero sa jaoan embassy wala naman nakaspecify. Pero may ibang travel agency ayaw tanggapin pag naka white shirt

Is airbnb stay recommended in fukuoka?

I will be travelling in Japan with my family (3 kami) and I am also their guarantor, will the visa application be approved, we’ll stay for 4 days? I have a full time job naman, but only 200k in my bank.

PS. What is the weather in Fukuoka during end Jan to Feb? :)

1. Ok lang naman AirBnB sa Japan. Legal naman. Just make sure malapit sa train station para madali lang magexplore.

2. I think ok lang naman ang 200k for 3 pax. Basta low-cost carrier ilagay mo na airline sa application form.

3. For the weather, best to check apps like Accuweather. :D

Hi! I freelance on Upwork and registered as a self-employed professional with BIR. What should I put in line 18? Self-employed? How about the name, address, contact no? Because you said it should reflect on what’s stated in my ITR.

Ay, di ko alam pag professional. :( Yung saken kasi is as sole proprietor so ung name ng business ung nilagay ko. Best to leave it blank tapos dun mo na ifill up sa agency para sure. :D

BTW, pwede kaya mobile no. na lang sa part 18? Wala kasi kaming landline kasi di naman talaga namin need.

:( I see. Sige po. Thank you. :)

Hi! I will be sponsoring 2 in the group (we’re a group of 5), they’re my titas. Do we put my name in their application forms, under “Guarantor or Reference in Japan”? There seems to be no field to write for Filipino Guarantors specifically, not Japanese. Or do we leave it N/A and just attached the Guarantee Letter? Thanks!

Hi Marky, iba-iba ang sinasabi ng agency about that.

see FAQ1 here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-application-form/

Hello! Ask ko lang po if enough na po ito.

I have 15k balance in my account, pero I still have my mother as my guarantor. She has 110k on her bank. Bale tatlo po kami sa trip, ako, my mother and brother. Bale mother po namin magssponsor ng trip kasi student palang po yung kapatid ko. Nakabili na din po kami ng roundtrip ticket so bawas na siya. Plus sa Osaka po yung trip namin and listed a cheap hotel. Do you think it is workable po? Thank you!

Yung 110K tapos 5 days, if one or two people lang, feeling ko ok pa rin ang chances na maapprove.

Ang approval/denial ay depende sa napakaraming factors ha, hindi lang sa funds. Pero assuming na everything else is OK, I think yung 110K for 5 days for 1 or 2 pax ay ok pa rin ang chances pa rin na maapprove.

Pero for me, parang malabo na pag 3 people na. Masyado na syang maliit for 3 pax, I think.

Di ko alam if makakatulong kung ieexplain mo pa yung parating na 13th month. Nagiging complicated kasi tsaka mahirap panghawakan kung wala pa. Yung bookings naman, you can try na isama ung mga proof ng mga nabook nyo na pero di ko alam if ok din yun. May nagsasabi kasi na iba na minsan tinatanggal yun ng agency.

Ang best talagang gawin is to consult a designated agency kasi mas alam nila ang dapat gawin.

Ilang days ang trip nyo?

7 days po all in all pero 5 days ang libot po namin sa Japan. First day is arrival, Second day is Kyoto tour sa mga free tourist spots lang since New Year non and baka sarado yung establishments. Third day is Nara Deer Park, Fourth day is rest day since Sunday and baka around the guest house lang kami. Fifth Day is Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Sixth day is Namba and shop ng pasalubong. Sixth day is alis

Note ko lang din po na 6th month ko palang po sa work and nilagay ko sa letter na i’ll still add more than sa 15k since may sweldo pa ng december. For transpo naman po, hiwalay yung bayad namin doon and ibang money nakin gagamitin since bibili kami ng kansai thru pass and osaka amazing pass (may nangutang po kasi kay mama and babayaran this dec)

all in all po kasi 6 days (7 days kung kasama arrival), pero sa itinerary na sinubmit namin, 4 days lang kami gagala since sa first day of arrival, accommodation lang and sa last day is alis na ng hotel and derecho flight bale eto po kasi yung itinerary namin

Day 1: Arrival sa evening Day 2: Day trip Nara Day 3: Day trip Kyoto Day 4: Rest day since Sunday po siya, baka bumisita lang kami sa nearest shrine and eat Day 5: Tour Dotonbri and Shinsaibashi Day 6: Tour Namba and baka dito na po kami magstart mamili ng pasalubong Day 7: Departure na

Bukod po kasi sa show money na 110k ni mama at 15k ko, may nakalaan na kami for transportation (like may iba kaming pangbili ng Kansai Thru Pass at Osaka Amazing Pass [w free attraction passes] – may nangutang po kasi sa amin na kamaganak and this december niya po babayaran at yun po pambibili namin doon through Klook)

And I said din po sa letter na I’m still planning to add funds on my 15k since there would be a bonus and 13th month pay on December. 6 months palang po kasi ako sa work

Hi, my guarantor which is my Tita is currently living in Sweden and also a british citizen, is that possible for her to be my guarantor? I’ve also been there (SWEDEN) last year for a month and she all paid for my expenses.

Hi Karrenrrt, sorry, I have no idea. :(

Thanks for the informative post! It really helped me when I was gathering my requirements for my tourist visa (w/o guarantor). I just submitted mine yesterday.

I must say, I would be screwed if it weren’t for this. Haha I actually forgot to write my name and birthdate at the back of my picture! good thing I checked this before going to the agency.

You’re probably tired of answering questions again and again. But I just wanna ask a few things (they kinda dawned on me after passing my requirements). I apologize in advance as it’s gonna be a long one. Hopefully you could give me your insight/opinion.

1) Would it matter if I didn’t specify what type of tourist visa I was applying for (single or multi) in my cover letter?

2) Would it matter if I didn’t state that I’ll be traveling with friends? I’m actually traveling with some friends, but I also forgot to mention that too, again, in my letter. I just submitted a copy of our confirmed tickets, hotel bookings, even our JR pass confirmation . We weren’t able to apply as a group due to personal reasons (1 already has ME visa, 1 is still waiting for the elusive 13th month pay, 1 is still in the middle of passport renewal). I’m a bit worried about this part as I was not able to explain it.

3) I’ve been to Japan before, but under the Engineer’s visa. Stayed there for 2 years (with occasional uwi sa Pinas because luto ni nanay and Jollibee ) so I included that in my application form, passed my old passport too. My question is, wouldn’t the embassy think that I’m going back just to look for a job? I mean, I did pass my ITR from my previous employer and a CoE from my current employer and stated that my purpose is for tourism only in my letter. I also explained why my ITR doesn’t match as I just started working for my current employer last May 14. I submitted copies of my payslips too, together with my bank certificate. Would these be enough proof of my ties here in the Philippines?

Again, sorry about this. I don’t know if I’m being anxious over nothing. I travelled to other countries before, but this is my first time applying for a tourist visa.

I just submitted mine and my partner’s application this Monday, November 25 in Reli Tours. Our travel date is on December 13, 2019 and I am a bit anxious if we can still get our visa on time. Both of us are first time travelers to Japan. I have my previous China, UAE, South Korea, and US Visa but my partner has no visa yet. He has traveled to 4 non-visa countries this year but he was denied of South Korean Visa last year.

I applied for the both of us and we share the same itinerary in Japan. Is it possible that we get our visa before our scheduled travel date?

I asked Reli Tours and they told me that it normally takes 7 to 10 working days but my friends got theirs within 4 days only.

If you’re asking if it’s possible that you will get your visa before December 13, yes, it is possible. Like what your agency said, the normal processing time is 7-10 days.

It’s only been 3 days! I think it’s too early to be worried.

Hi Yoshke. We got our visa by November 28. It was issued in November 26. That was really fast! Thank you.

Just an update, got my visa today, 3 days after I passed my requirements, and it’s approved!! Single entry for 15 days :)

Guess I was worrying over nothing hehehe.

Anyways, thanks to this blog! It really helped a lot.

Hello there. You’ve mentioned that all documents must be printed in A4 paper only. Does that really include the 2316 form too? I mean, it is sized way more than A4, and impossible to photocopy without leaving out bits from the header and trailer.

Hi Yoshke Dimen

I would like to ask a questions which you could answer.

Do they accept my bank certificate to show around 400k to up more than 100k for single-entry visa?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hi good day! I would like to ask about the A4 size in all documents, is the birth certificate should be size A4 as well?

Many Thanks

Hi Ayesha, Di need na A4 ang birth certificate.

The A4 rule only applies to documents you have control over (schedule, application form, etc.).

Good day! I have a question with regards to a minors passport. My nephew is 8 years old and Japan embassy requires signed passport. As per agency, its okay for either parent to sign but DFA site says it must be left blank for 12 years old and below. Though ive read somewhere na she asked dfa baguio and said its ok to sign din daw.

So i had my brother sign his son’s passport. The thing is i am getting paranoid if there will be a issue with immigration since i will be travelling with my nephew without his parents. We have dswd clearance. Have you been in this situation with your niece/nephew wherein a parent signed their passport but neither is travelling with the minor?

Hi Jennica,

Sa experience ko po na mag-travel kasama yung niece ko na below 12 years old without her parents, may signature po ng parent yung passport. Wala naman pong naging problem sa amin.

Okay sige il ask din sa DFA pero medyo nagka-hope naman ako na walang issue. I have DSWD din and naka-travel na kami twice this year. Yun lang wala kasi signature yung passport nya before kasi di naman required.

Hi Yoshke, salamat sa reply! Either parent di nyo kasama? signature lang ba? Kasi sabi sa isang nabasa ko nilagyan nya ng (father) sa gilid. E natatakot ako tuloy sulatan na ng kung ano yung passport ng nephew ko.

ay sorry na-slow ako! without her parents pala. Thank you!!! Signature lang? Wala ng kahit ano? Ganun na lang din gagawin ko :)

Dun sa passport? Yep, signature lang. (Pero may dala akong DSWD clearance pa rin.)

I’m just sharing our experience ha. We’re not sure if it’s the same for everyone. Best to contact DFA pa rin.

Sa list of applicants, since we have more than 5 people in our group, can we just print 2 copies of the form?

Hi Regina, not sure but I think that should be fine.

Thank you so much!

Hello Jennica!

I’m also worried about this. Did you ask DFA? Ano po ang advise nila?

Hi, Is it okay if maglagay kame ng any hotels sa application form? we have not decided yet pa sa final. We are going to process na kase our Visa . THanks

Yep, yung target pa lang naman na hotel. Hindi need na naka-book na.

If we have osaka and tokyo hotels, how do we write it down in the application form? sample i’ve done – Names: Cross Hotel osaka AND Dai-ichi Hotel annex Telephone: No.1 AND No. 2 Addresses: address 1 AND address 2

Is this ok?

I’m not sure if this is correct, but what I always do is, I just write one hotel in the form. Then I write the complete list of hotels in the Daily Schedule.

Hi! My in-laws are planning on travelling to Japan with our Family (me, my husband and son) this April.

My questions are:

1. I don’t have a bank account yet but my husband does. Will it be okay for him to be the guarantor for me and my son? Or is it safer if we convert his account from sole to joint? 2. Can my in-laws be our guarantor(for me and my son)?

This will be our first out of the country trip so we are really clueless and I would really appreciate answers. Thanks in advance! God Bless!

1. Yes, you husband can be the guarantor for you and your son, provided that he has the funds and source of income. :)

2. Yes, that’s okay too, again provided that your in laws have enough funds to support you too. :)

Hi, regarding your answer above (FAQ section), you said that the date of issuance of Birth Certificate is indicated below the document. Can you be more detailed where and what portion of it? I have a PSA Birth Certificate but I forgot when it was issued. I was thinking it was issued still within 12 months but I’m not certain anymore. It would be difficult for me to acquire a new one. Thank you.

If you got your birth certificate from PSA, you will see a barcode at the bottom left corner of the certificate. It has a string of numbers below the barcode. Towards the end of the sequence is the date. You can spot it by looking for the year first. Something like 20180202, which means it was issued in 2018.

Thanks Yoshke. I dropped by our nearest PSA satellite branch in our city but when I checked the newly-issued Birth Certificate, the number below does not even have the “2020” number to indicate that it was issued just this year. I asked the staff and she said that the only determining factor to estimate the date of issuance is the color of the security paper used. She said that the color is being changed from time to time and PSA informs different agencies the current color used.

Hmmmm. Baka depende sa lugar.

But whenever I apply for me or for my family/friends dito sa Manila, they check the numbers sa barcode sa baba.

My visa is expiring in feb 19 2020 can i still use it for my trip jan 25-feb 2, 2020

By the way, last question, when I submit my completed requirements to the accredited agency, will they check all the documents? How can I be sure that my personal info/details will only be known by Japan’s Embassy? I’m afraid that these documents might be copied or used elsewhere fraudulently. Where should I put the documents in? Brown envelope? Folder? Thank you.

when I submit my completed requirements to the accredited agency, will they check all the documents? — Yes, they’ll check in front of you. If they see something that needs to be amended/corrected, they’ll tell you on the spot. At least, sa experience ko, ganun lagi.

How can I be sure that my personal info/details will only be known by Japan’s Embassy? — You can’t. There is always that risk when applying for a visa via agencies. But I don’t think there is any other way.

Where should I put the documents in? Brown envelope? Folder? — There is no prescribed container. I’m not sure if it’s the same across all agencies, but sa lahat nang napag-applyan ko, no need for folder or envelope. Tinatanggal lang din ng agency. Isusubmit sa kanila as a bare pile lang then they will check in front of you. When everything is good, iro-rolyo nila or kung ano man ang system nila.

Hi! My mom and I are planning to visit Japan, are we considered as travelling as a family? Also, my mom is a plain housewife, I will shoulder all the travel expenses, I am currently confused on what are the additional documents I need to submit. Hope you can help me with this. Thank you!

Yes, you can be considered family. Just submit your applications at the same time.

The list of requirements in the post above applies to both of you. (Including the docs under WITHOUT GUARANTOR for yourself and WITH GUARANTOR for your mom)

In case of overlapping documents like bank certificate & birth certificate, only one copy is enough. Just make sure you’re applying as a group.

My passport and all my bank accounts and government IDs are still under my maiden name but I am expecting to receive our PSA marriage certificate some time mid 2020 (i got married Nov 2019). My flight to Tokyo with my husband is on October 2020. Can I still apply for a visa to Japan without changing any of my IDs to my married name but still submit my PSA Marriage certificate? Or should we just apply as Single or is that a bad idea? I plan on updating my name in my ids and bank records next year or end of the year. My passport expires 2022 so i was thinking of not renewing it yet

Hi! Can I apply with a guarantor even if I have a full time job?

And my father wants to be my mother’s and sister’s guarantor however he is an OFW and is still abroad. What can we do in this situation? Like how can he put his signature on the letter of guarantee?

And if I computerize my application letter, can the date of application be left handwritten?

Hello. I have a question. My kids and I are planning a trip to Japan with my parents and sister. I am a housewife. My husband is an OFW (in short, he doesn’t file ITR). He will finance our (kids and me) trip but he won’t be going with us because he can’t go on vacation yet. What do I need to submit? We have a joint account here as well as checking account and investments under my name and our kids’ names.

Hi peaches,

If walang ITR, write a letter lang explaining that your husband, who will finance the trip, works abroad so walang ITR. Then submit other proof of employment ni hubby.

You can submit yung bank certificate nung joint account, okay lang yun basta may sufficient funds. :)

I have a question for bank cert. I have eastwest opened since Aug or 2019 with 6 digits funds (me and my younger brother since i’ll sponsor him) and we plan to travel on March 2020. I have other banks na opened more than 5years na but the funds is only 5 digits. is it ok na eastwest lang i submit ko or to be safe do i need to get bank cert for my other banks as well?

Hi Nica, best to submit din even yung old. Makakatulong din yun. :)

Hi! My multiple entry Japan visa is expiring on Dec 2020, i booked a Japan trip on June 2020. Do i still need to renew my visa prior to my Japan trip?

No, valid pa rin naman yung Japan visa mo. :)

Followed the tips here. I got a ticket from ceb pac on a seat sale last November with travel date of February. I applied visa last week attaching my roundtrip ticket. It got approved in just two days. My bank cert adb is low 5 digit however my final balance was 6 digits due to the bonuses and 13th month. I will try for multiple visa naman after this february trip. Maybe during autumn naman.

Tip: make itinerary simple and hotel accommodations cheap. Like hostels or inn.

Thanks for sharing, Gabrelov!

Hello! Ask ko lang: Magapply kasi kami ni bf ng Japanese Tourist Visa this Feb para sa travel namin on April 4-11. May travel history ako sa Japan pero last 1995-1996 pa sya (around 5 years old ako). Do I need to present yung old passport ko kahit more than 20 yrs na sya? Do I need to submit PSA birth cert too? Thanks in advance!

Good day! Our Travel date is March 1 to 6 this 2020.We already have plane ticket as well as hotel .all are paid na po.Visa nalang kulang. However, ma la late and uwi sa pinas yung husband ko dahil nasa port sila ng China.Hndi sila pwede umuwi dahil sa corona virus.So Sa australia pa sila uuwi.bale 23 or 24 pa sila lalapag ng pinsa.Mag apply kmi kinabukasan or that day mismo. possible po kaya na makuha namin agad yung result ng visa application namin kung sa last week ng february kami mag apply?Sayang namn kasi lahat is ready na Visa nalang:(((

Hi Mhara, medyo tight. Usually within 1 week makukuha na yung result. Usually. Pero may mga agencies na hindi na tumatanggap ng ganyan ka-tight na timeline.

Thank you po sa reply. We will move nalang po ng 2nd week ng March para sure.We will rebook nalng our plane ticket. Sa hotel naman okay lang kasi i got it on sale for 1600 pesos only(6days na yun).Sayang but thats fine.Mas sayang kung di tanggapin application namin haha.Thank you Sir.You helped me a lot.More power!!

No prob, Mhara!

Actually another way is to declare a much later date, but we don’t recommend that coz it will still be pretty risky.

Hi! I just want to ask, diba you will submit a sample itinerary sa visa application? What if you put there 5 days lang but in reality you plan to stay in Japan for more than 5 days? Like make the most of the 15 day visa approval. Pwede ba yun?

Huhuhu Yoshke, di mo nako nareplyan hehe. :)

Hi CG, sorry, nagta-travel din kasi ako ngayon so hindi ko mareplyan lahat.

Re your question, maraming gumagawa nun. Syempre kami, we can only encourage to be truthful. Pero may mga gumagawa nung ganun na hindi naman nagkakaproblem kasi once you’re granted a visa, ang nagmamatter ay basta within the allowed length of stay and validity.

Thank you, Yoshke! Appreciate it!

Hi! Your blog helped me a lot with the tips you have! I just have a few questions since we’re still a bit confused.

We’re applying for a Japan visa this month and we’re just getting all the necessary documents.

About the bank certificate, do we need to address it to the Japan embassy instead of the agency who will be handling our application? We’re just curious, because if the bank certificate will be directly sent to the Japanese embassy’s address, will they read and keep it despite not accepting direct applications? I mean, don’t we need to address the bank certificate to the agency instead since sa kanila naman po dadaan yung papers before sa embassy? Not sure what to put in the address po kasi.

Also, I read somewhere that one of the reasons why the visa application may get denied is not putting a guarantor but entering a home address from a relative. My aunt in Japan is no longer working and so is her husband so we can’t really add them as our guarantors since they cannot provide tax certificates. We stayed there last 2006 for a month but my mom threw our old passports away since she didn’t know back then that it can become handy.

I hope you can acknowledge this po. Thank you!

When I apply for a visa, all my documents are addressed to the embassy, not the agency.

Regarding your second question, hmmmm, if you’re applying for a TOURIST VISA, then yes, it is fishy to declare you’re staying with someone. Pag tourist, generally, dapat hotel address kasi may separate stream sila pag may dadalawin, which is VISIT VISA.

Thank you po! Just a follow-up question po. We decided to stay in a hotel nalang po to prevent complications. Can we put the address of the hotel on the application form maski na hindi pa kami nakabook sa hotel? Kasi we’re thinking na baka may makita pa kaming mas mura na hotel while waiting for the visa results so baka maiba yung address ng hotel by the time ng alis namin.

Yep, okay lang kahit di nyo pa na-book. Yung target nyo pa lang na hotel, okay lang yun.

OK, thank you! Last na po, is it possible to just put the targeted hotel on the application form pero magstay there for around 2 days lang tapos the rest of the days (4 days), dun kami makitulog sa tita ko? Will the embassy check on our hotel info or other info about the place we will be staying in that may cause problems with our departure?

Hi! Is 500k bank cert enough to cover 3pax for ME visa application? Pero under guarantor po kaming tatlo ng mom and brother ko. My dad will be the guarantor but he will not coming with us to Japan. Or should we increase the amount pa? Thank you.

Hi Chloe, how long is the trip?

Hi! It will be for 9 days but I think we’re only declaring 6 days :) or should we declare it as 9 days instead?

Hi! I just want to ask kung mabibigyan ako ng multiple entry visa since nakapagbook ako ng RT tickets MNL – KIX – MNL for July 2020 and MNL – NRT – MNL for Dec 2020 naman i have 130k+ sa bank. Employed for 2+ years. Downside is I only travelled outside of PH once. Second country palang ang Japan. Thanks.

Hi! It’s hard to say kung mabibigyan ka ng multiple entry. Meron namang nabibigyan ng multiple entry on their first try, pero generally safer ang single entry for first timers. Best to ask the agency pag nagsubmit ka ng docs.

Okay lang po ba na ang ilagay sa purpose of visit ay TOURISM (HONEYMOON)?

Hello! Your blog is very informative! Thank you for providing all the details. By the way, I have a question. I want to invite my family here in Japan. My husband will be the guarantor. I want them to apply for the SOFA visa for Japan. Since my husband will be the guarantor, I’m planning to let my family submit my MC as proof of relationship. Kailangan din ba na newly released or 1 year valid din yung MC ko from PSA? Or the rule for PSA documents validity only apply to the applicant?

Hi Angelique,

Di ko po sure. Ang alam ko dapat within 1 year pa rin.

Hi po ask ko lang po if possible na b ako mag apply ng visa on last week of march 2020 kahit ung flight ko is on JUNE 1 , 2020????

Basta within 3 months before your travel date, pwede.

Hi ask ko lang po about bank certificate , sabi ” Must be issued within the past 3 months.” feb po ako nakakuha ng bank cert kaso medyo may delays lang kasi yung guarantor ko is sending pa his documents thru lbc , question is , til when po valid ang bank certificate ko ? TIA

If Feb po kayo nakakakuha, within the past 3 months pa rin naman po yun.

Thanks po , medyo narealize ko na , isa pa pong question, im married po sa isang american citizen and he will sponsor everything , ano po ba ang need marriage certificate namin or birth certificate nya ? problem po kasi sa US ndi sila basta basta nag iissue ng birth certificate agad agad unlike dito anytime pwede kumuha, meron naman ako birth certificate nya kaso medyo luma na , base po kasi sa nabasa ko dito pag married ” marriage certificate lang ang need tama po ?

Hi! Naku, di ko po alam if paano pag ganyang case. :S

thanks in advance po

btw, eta ng documents is around feb 26.. so sa tingin nyo po valid pa yung bank cert ko ?

Hi. Is it ok to apply for Japan visa 45 days before the travel date? Thank you.

Good PM! Ask ko lang po sa contact box ng schedule of stay form, whose contact/number do i write if i’m staying in a hotel? Tama po ba na phone number ng hotel and NOT my mobile number?

Contact number ng hotel. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/11/sample-itinerary-daily-schedule-of-stay-japan-visa-application/

Thank you very much for your reply.

Sir, one last thing…sa id number issued to you by your govt…need pa po ba ilagay what kind of id? ex: SSS 123-456-789 or just the numbers without spacings?

Nilalagay ko rin po yung type.

Thank you very much. God willing ma-approve visa application ko. God bless!

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/27/20/japan-scraps-visas-issued-in-philippines-10-other-countries-over-virus-fears-report

Question: Is the invalidation of visa temporary (i.e. visa is not valid within a specific timeframe) or do existing visa holders need to reapply again?

According to GMA News, it’s only temporary, possibly until the end of April but still subject to review.

Good day Sir.My visa was granted February 12 to May 12. Supposedly, my flight should be on March 18, but due to Covid 19 crisis, my flight was cancelled. I am now planning to rebook my flight within this year but it would be done after my visa expires.Do i need to apply for another visa with regards to the ongoing crisis? Thank you so much.

Hi. My question is, while us children have money of our own, for visa application purposes we’ll put my mother as guarantor. My father passed away, leaving us some his assets. My mother doesn’t work. However, she manages the real estate assets left behind by my father. Is is enough to be stated in guarantor letter without her ITR, with only her bank certificate?

I NEED AN AGENCY THAT CAN HELP ME APPLY FOR A TOURIST VISA TO JAPAN

Question lang po. Ok lang po ba reason yung planning to get married to the person I’m inviting Here in Japan?

Hi Joey Anne, naku, di ko po alam if may implications yung ganun sa application.

Hi TPT, we’ll travel to Japan this coming May 2023, spending 2 nights in Tokyo, 1 night in Kawaguchi, 2 nights in Kyoto and 2 nights in Osaka. Can I use only one IC card (Suica) for all of those places we are going to visit? Is Osaka Amazing Pass still worth buying for the Osaka leg of the trip if I already have IC card?

Hi Arki, SUICA (and PASMO) CANNOT be used to cross regions (e.g. Tokyo to Osaka).

You can use them WITHIN certain areas (for example, within Tokyo or within Osaka or even from Osaka to Kyoto). But NOT when crossing regions.

What if po is Sponsor po sa my bf is we want to meet halfway in japan for first time and need po ba return ticket? Pag sa IO na?ano po need need po ba CFO and affidavit of support?

hello po, may question lang po ako. confused ako kung anong visa ang kukunin ko. tourist or visiting a friend. kasi hindi ako nagbook ng hotel, sa friend ako magsstay. alin po mas safe?

If you’re staying with a friend, VISIT FRIEND visa po.

Hello, I have a family member in Japan, specifically Nagoya but my main purpose is really for tourism. I don’t intend on staying with them but I can meet up with them if they want to provided that they will travel to Osaka which will be our entry point. I’m wondering if I should apply for a visit visa instead of tourism? I am traveling with my boyfriend and we will shoulder all our expenses. None will be taken from my family in Japan. I hope you could help me with this. Thank you.

If you’re spending your nights in a hotel and your family member will not shoulder anything, I think better to apply for a Tourist Visa so it won’t get complicated.

Hello, good day. We are applying as a family of 3 (husband, wife, kid). We have uploaded a marriage certificate as required. Does it mean that we also need to submit 2 PSA copies of marriage certificate to the agency or embassy?

My visa was denied. The agency didn’t tell me the reason. What is the possible reason?

Hello po,   Question. This is my international travel, is there a chance na hindi ako ma approve? I can submit all of the documents it’s just that natatakot ako ma disapprove. Also the reason why I’m travelling to Japan is to accompany my Auntie. My cousin will go in Japan and kami ng Tita ko dito sa Pinas ay pupunta dun to meet him and para makapagtravel na din si Tita kasi gusto ng cousin ko nga makatravel din si Mama. My Tita and my Cousin are both have US Passport so no need na for them to get a Japan Visa.

Yung sa akin lang winoworry ko. If in case na gagawin kong guarantor si cousin, ilalagay ko ba ang details nya under “Guarantor or reference in Japan”?

Thank you sa maka sagot. March pa kami aalis pero I need to prepare for this kasi first time ko. 

Hi Keen, si cousin po ay anong status sa Japan? Nagwowork po ba sya doon? Resident po ba sya dun?

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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

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!

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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!

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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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How to start a successful blog, 524 comments.

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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How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa: Requirements & Process in the Philippines

The process of applying for a Japan tourist visa can be broken down into two: preparing the requirements and contacting an accredited travel agency for filing. The full details are provided in this blog post, as well as some guidelines on how Filipinos can obtain a multiple-entry Japan visa and tips for those without an ITR.

• If you are a Philippine passport-holder who intends to travel to Japan for sightseeing or leisure, you must apply for a tourist visa.
• The basic Japan visa requirements include an accomplished application form, picture, birth certificate, and Schedule of Stay (or daily itinerary).
• If you will shoulder your travel expenses, you will also have to submit your personal Bank Certificate and Income Tax Return (ITR).
• If someone will sponsor your trip (application with a guarantor), you must submit their financial documents.
• In case you have no ITR to present or would like to explain something about your circumstances, you may write a cover letter to the Embassy. A sample is linked below.
• Assign one person to fill out the List of Visa Applicants form if you plan to travel with your family. The download link is also provided below.
• Should you want to apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa, you will need to satisfy any of the given conditions for issuance and fill out a request form.
• Once your requirements are complete, contact an accredited travel agency in the Philippines for processing. Fees vary per travel agent.
• The Embassy of Japan typically observes a 5-day processing time for visa applications. If you’ll be issued a single-entry Japan visa, it will be valid for 90 days following the date of issuance. Most first-time visitors also get a maximum period of stay of 15 days.
• If, at this point, you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the information, breathe in! You got this. Meanwhile, start checking out some travel essentials like this tourist pass in Osaka and this subway ticket in Tokyo that you can book from WAUG — the #1 travel activity booking platform from South Korea! Download the app here .

Explore more:  Top Things to Do in Osaka

UPDATE as of March 21, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines has limited their scope of visa application processing for the following applicants only: 1. Those traveling with official government purpose 2. Those with urgent humanitarian reasons Eligible applicants are encouraged to call the Embassy at 02-8834-7514 before applying.

1. Japan Visa Types for Filipinos

Let’s start here. If you are a Philippine passport-holder who’s thinking about traveling to Japan, know that the Embassy issues temporary-stay visas according to the applicant’s purpose. There is a visa for those who want to engage in leisurely activities (tourism), those who want to visit people that they know (family, distant relatives, or friends), or those who simply need to transit through Japan. Most Filipinos apply for the tourist type, and I’m pretty sure that you’ll do the same, especially if your plan is to try authentic Japanese food , visit Universal Studios Japan™ , have a relaxing time in this kind of onsen , and the like. However if you want to know more about the visas that you can apply for, check below for the descriptions:

Japan Tourist Visa 

This is for Filipinos who will arrange their travel activities and tours in Japan by themselves, i.e. without availing a tour package from a travel agency. 

In other words, this is for FIT’s (free and independent travelers) and DIY tourists who will travel alone or with a group under the same itinerary.

Japan Visa for Visiting Relatives

This is for Filipinos who will primarily visit their relatives (up to the third degree) who reside in Japan.

Japan Visa for Visiting Friends or Distant Relatives

Apply for this type of visa if you will mainly visit a friend, acquaintance, or a relative who’s beyond the third degree, i.e. your Great-Great Grandparent, Great Aunt or Uncle, First Cousin, Great Niece or Nephew, or Great-Great Grandchild.

Japan Visa for Filipinos Joining Package Tours Organized by Registered Travel Agencies

If you’ll avail a package tour that’s advertised, organized, and facilitated by any of the following registered travel agencies (as of October 7, 2019), you can get this type of single-entry Japan visa without having the need to present financial documents:

• Amkor Travel and Tours Inc.
• Attic Tours Phils. Inc.
• Discovery Tour Inc.
• Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation
• Golden Eagle Travel & Tours Inc.
• Grand Holidays Travel and Tours Inc.
• H.I.S. Philippines Travel Corp.
• JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.
• Luxury Vacation Holidays & Tours Inc.
• Multi Destinations Inc.
• Pan Malayan Express Inc.
• Premiere Travel and Tours Inc.
• Rajah Travel Corporation
• Reli Tours & Travel Agency
• Sparkle Holidays & Travel Corp.
• TravelServices Inc.
• Universal Holidays (UHI)

To avoid confusion, it should be noted here that these are travel agencies that are REGISTERED to organize package tours. The list of travel agencies that are ACCREDITED to process Japan visa applications are found in the succeeding sections of this guide.

Japan Visa for Transit

This type of visa may be applied for if the purpose of travel is to transit through Japan or make a quick stop on the way to another country.

Other types include the Japan visa for commercial purposes, medical stay, and participation in a conference. The Embassy notes that if you have multiple reasons to take a trip (for example, commercial and tourism), you may submit one application that covers only your primary purpose. However, you can also prepare application documents for several purposes of visit; an examination will be made for each. 

2. How to Apply for a Japan Visa in the Philippines

Whatever type of visa you may want to apply to, here are the two steps to keep in mind:

• Prepare the requirements according to visa type.
• Contact an accredited travel agency for processing.

Yes, the application process is actually pretty simple! However, along the way, you may face some slight difficulties, such as when you are stuck in an item as you fill out the Japan visa application form or when you see the need to write a cover letter to the Embassy. No worries, though! We’ve listed some tips and links to our other guides in this blog post.

Before viewing the list of requirements, consider the following guidelines from the Embassy:

• As a rule, apply together if two or more applicants will travel at the same schedule and for the same purpose.
• If you cannot prepare any of the required documents, please submit a letter of explanation .
• If a document can be obtained repeatedly (like a birth certificate), then you must submit the original for your requirements. For pictures and old documents that you wish to keep (like your school yearbook, if applicable), you may submit a copy and attach a letter that explains why you cannot submit the original. 
• If the document/s submitted for application is found fake or tampered, no visa will be issued.
• Submitted documents will not be returned.
• Applicants are given three (3) months to hand in additional requirements, if requested by the visa officer.
• Submission of requirements does not guarantee issuance of visa.

3. Japan Visa Requirements for Tourists

Let’s get on to it. Here are the documents that Filipinos need to submit to obtain a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines (Remember that all documents must be ORIGINAL unless otherwise stated!):

3.1 Philippine Passport

Submit your original DFA-issued passport that is valid for at least six (6) months from the date of your departure. For example, if you plan to travel to Japan on October 30, 2020, your passport must at least be valid until April 30, 2021. If you do not meet this guideline, most likely you will not be able to get past our Immigration. (You can renew your passport at least a year before it expires.)

Moreover, your passport must be duly signed, be in good quality condition, and have at least (2) blank visa pages.

3.2 Japan Visa Application Form

This is a 2-page document that seeks to know your basic information, travel plans (like your Date of Arrival and Intended Length of Stay in Japan), your travel history, and details of your guarantor or inviter, if any.

A few important things to remember: print your accomplished Japan Visa Application Form on A4-size papers only. Do not leave any items blank and do not forget to affix your signature and date of application.

Refer to this guide to download the form: How to Fill Out: Japan Visa Application Form [Sample Included!]

3.3 Picture

Your Japan visa application photo must meet the size requirement of 4.5 x 4.5 cm. It should also have been taken within the past six (6) months prior to your application. Write your name and birthdate on the back side of your I.D. picture before pasting it to the designated portion of the form. (A photo that is stapled will not be accepted.)

3.4 Birth Certificate from PSA

Submit your original Birth Certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA that has been issued within one (1) year from the date of your application. For example, if you were to apply for a Japan tourist visa on May 15, 2020, your birth certificate should have been issued on or after May 16, 2019.

However, if you have already been to Japan and are able to submit your used visa/s (either from your previous or current passport), you are exempted from submitting your birth certificate.

If your PSA Birth Certificate was issued more than a year ago: Get a new one. You may perform an online request from PSA via their website or a walk-in application at the PSA Main Office for same-day processing.

If your PSA Birth Certificate is unreadable or lacks information: Submit your Birth Certificate from your city’s Civil Registrar together with the one issued by PSA.

If your PSA Birth Certificate is tagged as ‘Late Registration’: Also submit a baptismal certificate, School Record (Form 137) from your Grade School or High School, and, if possible, a copy of your School Yearbook.

If you have no record in PSA: Submit a Certificate of Non-Record from PSA together with the Birth Certificate from your local Civil Registrar.

3.5 Marriage Certificate from PSA, if applicable

If you are married, submit your original Marriage Certificate from PSA. Similar to the previous requirement, your Marriage Certificate must have been issued within one year prior to your application. However, if you have a used Japan visa from your old or valid passport, you are exempt from submitting this requirement again.

If you have no record in PSA: Submit a Certificate of Non-Record from PSA together with the Marriage Certificate from your local Civil Registrar.

3.6 Daily Schedule of Stay in Japan (Taizai Yoteihyo)

This is your tentative daily itinerary in Japan that shows the dates of your trip, planned activities, accommodation, and contact number/s. 

To download the Japan visa itinerary form template and sample, read: How to Fill Out: Schedule of Stay in Japan [Sample Daily Itinerary]

3.7 List of Visa Applicants Form, if applicable

If you will travel to Japan as a family or a group, one person must fill out the List of Visa Applicants Form. You can download the template here .

Here’s a sample of the form when filled out:

3.8 Financial Documents: ITR, Bank Certificate, and others

All Japan visa applicants in the Philippines must submit documents that prove their personal or their guarantor’s financial capacity, whichever applies. Here are the requirements:

3.8.1 For Japan Visa Applicants who will shoulder a part or all of their travel expenses

If you will cover the cost of your trip (partial or full), submit these two documents:

• Original Bank Certificate
• Clear photocopy of latest Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)

For the Original Bank Certificate: Request one from your branch of account. Your personal bank certificate must have been issued within the past three (3) months.

For the ITR : Make sure to submit a clear copy of your latest ITR. 

3.8.2 For Japan Visa Applicants with a Guarantor in the Philippines 

If you have someone in the Philippines who will sponsor your travel costs (like your parent or sibling), you need to prepare these requirements:

• Guarantee Letter
• Proof of Relationship between the Applicant and Guarantor
• Original Bank Certificate of Guarantor
• Clear photocopy of the latest ITR of Guarantor

For the Guarantee Letter : Download the template that’s provided by the Embassy he r e . Fill it out and print on A4-size paper/s. Here’s how the upper portion of the Guarantee Letter looks like:

For the Proof of Relationship between the Applicant and Guarantor: Supply a document that demonstrates your ties with your guarantor. This can be a birth certificate, among others.

For the Original Bank Certificate of Guarantor: This must have been issued within the past 3 months.

For the ITR: Make sure to submit your Japan visa guarantor’s latest ITR (clear photocopy).

3.9 Additional Documents, as needed

On February 3, 2020, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines announced that all visa applicants are required to accomplish and submit a questionnaire that seeks to know if they have travelled to (or have plans to travel to) Hubei Province in the People’s Republic of China within 14 days before arriving in Japan.

With regard to this notice, you may download the required questionnaire here and print on an A4-size paper. It is not clear how long this will remain a requirement, but you may contact any of the accredited travel agencies below to confirm if you still need to comply with this document.

4. Japan Visa Requirements for Filipinos Who Will Visit Friends and Relatives

In case your purpose of travel is to be with your friends, acquaintances, relatives, or distant relatives, here are the requirements:

4.1 Visiting Relatives

• Philippine Passport 
• Japan Visa Application Form
• Birth Certificate from PSA
• Marriage Certificate from PSA, if applicable
• Daily Schedule of Stay in Japan ( Taizai Yoteihyo )
• List of Visa Applicants Form, if applicable
• Bank Certificate 
• Photocopy of latest ITR
• Guarantee Letter 
• Income Certificate ( Shotoku Shomeisho ) from City Hall, Tax Return Certificates with Gross Income ( Nozei Shomeisho: Form 2) from tax office, or Bank Certificate.
• Letter of Invitation of Guarantor from Japan
• Family Registration ( Koseki Tohon ), if relative in Japan has a Japanese Spouse or relative
• Residence Certificate ( Juminhyo ) of the relatives in Japan and of the Guarantor
• Copy of Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident certificate of relative in Japan
• Additional Documents, as needed

For the financial documents of the guarantor: The income documents are important in measuring the guarantor’s capability. Hence, submission of more than one (1) document is allowed, e.g. Income Certificate and Bank Certificate.

For the Letter of Invitation from Guarantor: You may download and use the template in Japanese or English .

For the Family Registration ( Koseki Tohon ): This must have been issued within the past three (3) months.

For the Residence Certificate (Juminhyo): This must have been issued within the past three (3) months and must describe all family members without omission.

For the Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate: Submit a copy of the front and back sides.

4.2 Visiting Friends and/or Distant Relatives

• Proof of Relationship
• Residence Certificate ( Juminhyo ) of the friend, acquaintance, or distant relatives in Japan and of the Guarantor

For the financial documents of the guarantor: The income documents are important in measuring the guarantor’s capability. Hence, submission of more than one (1) document is allowed, e.g. Income Certificate and Bank Certificate. Just ensure that they have been issued within the past three (3) months. 

Moreover, submission of a Withholding Slip ( Gensen-Choshuhyo ) in lieu of the Income Certificate, Tax Return Certificates with Gross Income, and Bank Certificate is unacceptable. 

For the Proof of Relationship: Submit pictures, phone call details, receipts, passport copies, and a letter of explanation that proves the relationship of the visa applicant with the friend, acquaintance, or distant relative. The Embassy provides some guidelines for photo submissions here .

For the Residence Certificate (Juminhyo): If your friend or acquaintance is a foreign resident in Japan, submit a copy of their Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident certificate (both sides). Moreover, the Juminhyo must be issued within (3) months and described all family members without omission.

5. How to Apply for a Multiple-Entry Japan Visa

Here are the guidelines and requirements if you want to apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa in the Philippines:

5.1 You must meet ALL the eligibility criteria.

Filipino applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

5.1.1 The applicant must be a Filipino national with a Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or ordinary IC passport that meets ICAO standards.

If you have a Philippine passport that was issued in 2007 onwards, you are eligible.

5.1.2 The applicant must intend to engage in activities corresponding to those permitted for Temporary Visitors.

Temporary Visitors are those whose stay in Japan is less than ninety (90) days. Their primary purpose is any of the following: sightseeing, visiting family members, visiting friends or acquaintances, and/or business (non-remunerative).

5.1.3 The applicant wishes to apply for a multiple-entry visa for short-term stay only.

If you won’t be engaging in work or profitable activities and do not intend to stay for more than ninety days, you should be eligible.

5.2 You must satisfy ANY of the conditions for issuance.

Aside from meeting all the criteria, you must satisfy ANY of the following conditions for issuance of a multiple-entry Japan visa:

Condition 1: You have traveled to Japan in the last 3 years.

You are a visa applicant with a history of travel as a temporary visitor to Japan in the last three (3) years. You have no known violation of domestic laws of Japan nor had a problem with immigration regarding entry and status during your period/s of stay. You have sufficient financial capacity to support your travel expenses.

Condition 2: You have traveled to Japan and other G7 countries.

You are an applicant with a history of travel as a temporary visitor to Japan in the last three (3) years. You have no known violation of domestic laws of Japan nor had a problem with immigration regarding entry and status during your period/s of stay. You also have an extensive travel history as a temporary visitor to any of the following G7 countries (excluding Japan) in the last (3) years:

• United Kingdom
• United States

Condition 3: You have sufficient financial capacity.

You are an applicant with an abundant financial capacity, as the Embassy describes. (No exact or minimum amount was given.)

Condition 4: You are a spouse or child of a Japan visa applicant who meets Condition 3.

You are either a spouse or child of an applicant with an abundant financial capacity.

5.3 Submit the Multiple-Entry Japan Visa Requirements

If you meet all of the eligibility criteria and any of the conditions for issuance, go ahead and prepare the following documents to apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa for Japan:

Basic Documents

• Accomplished Request Form for Multiple-Entry Visa

For the Request Form for Multiple-Entry Japan Visa: Download the form here and check all the items that apply. Also provide the reason for the request.

Aside from the basic documents, you must also submit the set of requirements that pertain to the condition that you meet:

Condition 1 Requirements

If you are an applicant who has a travel history to Japan in the last three (3) years and has sufficient funds for your travels, submit the following documents:

• Proof of travel to Japan in the last three (3) years, i.e. your old or recent passport/s with used temporary visitor visa/s and landing permission stamps
• Clear copy of your latest Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Proof of your financial capacity, i.e. bank certificate, stock certificate, etc.

Condition 2 Requirements

If you are an applicant who has a travel history to Japan in the last three (3) years and has been to Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and/or the United States (other G7 countries), submit the following documents along with the standard set of multiple-entry Japan visa requirements:

• Proof of travel to any G7-member country in the last three (3) years, i.e. your old or recent passport with entry visa/s issued by a G7-member country and immigration stamps.

Condition 3 Requirements

If you are a Japan visa applicant who has an abundant or sufficient financial capacity, hand in the following documents:

Condition 4 Requirements

Those who meet the fourth condition to get a multiple-entry Japan visa must prepare the following:

• Clear copy of your spouse’s or child’s latest ITR. (They will be considered as your guarantor.)
• Proof of guarantor’s financial capacity, i.e. bank certificate, stock certificate, etc.

6. Can I submit other supporting documents for my Japan visa application?

Yes, you can! In fact, the Embassy of Japan encourages you to send in other unlisted documents that demonstrate your economic and/or social ties in the Philippines. This may be your Certificate of Employment for employees, work contracts or invoices for freelancers, medical certificate, and others.

7. Is writing a cover letter for my Japan visa application necessary?

Not at all! It is completely optional. Most Japan visa applicants write a cover letter only if they are missing a requirement like the ITR or have something to explain about their personal or professional background.

If you decide to write a letter of explanation, remember to print it on an A4-size paper. You can refer to our template here: Sample Cover Letter for Japan Visa Applicants [No ITR]  

8. Accredited Travel Agencies that Process Japan Visa in the Philippines

Once you have finalized the required documents for single-entry or multiple-entry Japan visa, you may contact any of the following travel agencies that are accredited by the Embassy to process your application (arranged according to location):

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in CEBU:

• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (SM Cebu City)
• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (Waterfront Airport Hotel Cebu)
• Friendship Tours and Resorts Corp.
• Pan Pacific Travel Corp.

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in DAVAO:

Travel agencies that process japan visa applications in las piñas:, travel agencies that process japan visa applications in makati:.

• Rajah Travel Corp.
• UHI or Universal Holidays Inc.

Travel agency that processes Japan visa applications in MANDALUYONG:

Travel agencies that process japan visa applications in manila:.

• Pan Pacific Travel Corp. (Binondo)
• Pan Pacific Travel Corp. (Manila)

Travel agency that processes Japan visa applications in PAMPANGA:

Travel agencies that process japan visa applications in pasay:.

• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (Roxas Blvd. Main Office)
• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (Hotel Jen Branch)

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in QUEZON CITY:

• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (SM City North EDSA)
• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (SM City Fairview)

Note that it is mandatory to transact with a travel agency, unless you will apply for any of the following:

• Diplomatic or Official visas
• Visas for direct invitees by the Japanese government and independent administrative agencies of Japan
• Visas for direct invitees of a local government of Japan or national/municipal educational institutions to participate in educational, cultural and youth exchange programs
• Visas for awardees of Japanese Government Scholarship
• Visas for commercial purpose of employees of a joint venture company or local subsidiary of Japanese enterprise listed in the Japanese Stocks Exchange or of companies that are members of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines
• Visas for special cases requiring humanitarian consideration, such as serious illness of a relative in Japan.
• Visas for applicants who have custody of the biological child of Japanese National and whose purpose is to raise the child in Japan.  

Furthermore, all of the accredited travel agencies listed in this section can process all types of Japan visa applications. (But if you have any document that is written in Japanese, you may contact any except for Pan Pacific Travel Corp.)

9. How much does the Embassy of Japan charge for processing?

Nothing — it’s free! Filipinos don’t have to pay anything to the Embassy of Japan for processing of a temporary visitor’s visa. However, note that travel agencies charge a fee of ₱1,000-1,500 for their service, give or take.

10. How long does processing of Japan visa applications take?

The Embassy of Japan usually takes five (5) working days to process an application. However, there are some cases when it could take longer, especially if the visa officer needs additional documents from you. (If you think it’s taking too long, say more than a week has passed already, you may get your 8-digit acceptance number from your travel agency and use it to inquire directly to the Embassy.)

Of course, the average processing time of 5 days does not factor in the additional time that your agency needs to submit your documents and claim your passport, so you might have to wait for 7-10 business days. During the waiting period, keep calm and hope for the best! You’ll get to Japan soon enough (claim it!).

When you finally get your passport back, check if the details found on your visa are correct. If any information is wrong or misspelled, inform your travel agent right away.

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

A single-entry Japan visa expires 90 days or 3 months after its date of issuance. For example, if the issue date on your visa is December 15, 2020, your visa will be valid for use until March 15, 2021. Say you want to apply for another tourist visa after taking your first Japan trip, you will need to undergo the same procedure as described in this blog post.

A multiple-entry Japan visa for tourists is valid for 3 or 5 years. If found eligible, some applicants may even get a 10-year multiple entry visa.

12. How long can I stay in Japan?

According to the Embassy, the periods of stay for a short-term visa is either 15, 30, or 90 days and is determined by the applicant’s purpose and submitted Schedule of Stay. However, most first-time travelers to Japan who are given a single-entry visa usually get 15 days, and multiple-entry Japan visa holders typically get 15 or 30 days.

To confirm your allowable duration of stay and document validity period, check your Japan visa.

13. If your Japan Visa Application is APPROVED

Congratulations! Now all you have to do is finalize the bookings for your trip! Here are some tours and travel essentials that are popular among WAUG members who have been to Japan:

Top Activities and Travel Utilities in Osaka

• Kansai Airport Transfer – around ₱830, if not discounted
• Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory – around ₱870, if not discounted
• Osaka Night Club Pass – around ₱470, if not discounted

Top Activities and Travel Utilities in Tokyo

• 4G/LTE Japan SIM Card – around ₱600, if not discounted
• 4G/LTE Japan Pocket Wifi – starts at around ₱400, if not discounted
• SUICA IC Card – around ₱1,210, if not discounted

Top Activities and Travel Utilities in Fukuoka

• Fukuoka Tower Observation Deck – around ₱360, if not discounted
• Fukuoka Subway Pass – around ₱300, if not discounted
• SUGOCA IC Card – around ₱1,200, if not discounted

14. If your Japan Visa Application is DENIED

You can still apply after six (6) months. Unfortunately, you will not be given a reason for rejection nor be allowed to appeal immediately. 

We recommend that you get input from your travel agent about what went wrong in your application. This will help you prepare if you decide to re-apply. (Meanwhile, you can check out these activities in Boracay , Singapore , Bali , and Taipei for alternative vacation plans!)

15. Tips from Successful Japan Visa Applicants

To help you with your Japan visa application, we have some tips from Filipinos who were successful in theirs. We got these posts from this private Facebook g r oup , whose members are more than willing to share their experiences. However, please note that there are some opinions and recommendations in the following post screenshots that are not considered general guidelines. As such, they may not be accurate, useful, or effective for other applicants ( personal details were blurred out for privacy ):

15.1 Does having an unused Japan visa affect future applications?

The post reads:

For example, if ma-grant ako ng [single-entry] visa, then hindi ko nagamit because may urgent stuff that required me to cancel my trip, would an unused SE visa hurt my future visa applications? Thanks.

The comment reads:

[It] happened to me (medical emergency) [na hindi] ko nagamit yung [SE visa] ko. Just gave a photocopy of my medical abstract and a short note nang nag-apply ako ulit. Wala namang problema.

15.2 Can first-time applicants request for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

Question lang po. Kapag po ba denied sa multiple-entry visa request, pwede gawin ng Consul na single-entry lang o [automatically denied na po]? Gusto ko po kasi sana mag-apply ng multiple-entry pero first [application] ko po sa Japan, and South Korea lang po ang travel history ko. Pero babalik-balik po ako ng Japan. Tingin niyo po. ano po ang chance based sa experience ninyo? Thank you po. Solo traveler lang po ako. Thank you.

One comment reads:

Apply po muna kayo for SE. Mas [lax ang Embassy of Japan] sa pagbigay ng visa compared sa [Embassy of South Korea], pero mas okay na doon tayo sa sigurado. Mahirap ma-red flag lalo na kung first time kayo papasok sa Japan. Unless, iyon nga, considered as frequent traveler na kayo. If South Korea pa lang napuntahan ninyo, I don’t think considered siya as frequent traveler. If you want to take the risk, you can apply for multiple-entry. If qualified, ibibigay naman iyan sa iyo. If not, single-entry. Worst, denied.

To answer the question, here’s a relevant note from the Embassy: “In the case where a multiple-entry visa is not issued, if required documents for application of a single-entry (or double-entry) visa are submitted, the examination for the visa will [also be] made accordingly.” 

15.3 Approved Japan Visa: NO ITR and Late Registration of Birth

The post (not in its entirety) reads:

APPROVED VISA (Birth Certificate Late Registration, No Baptismal, NO ITR, and 1st time in Japan. [It’s a] dream come true sa kanila.

• Late Registered Birth [Certificate]
• No Baptismal

Documents submitted:

• Visa Application Form
• Birth Certificate (Late Registered)
• Marriage Certificate
• Explanation letter kung bakit walang baptismal
• Photocopy ng college yearbook
• Lumang Form 137 kasi hindi na makakuha ng bago dahil sa province pa nag-aral
• Driver’s License (ID to prove birth date)
• Certificate of Employment with compensation
• Guarantee Letter (Wife as guarantor)
• Photocopy ng passport ni Wife and multiple-entry visa
• Explanation letter kung bakit walang ITR si guarantor (freelancer kasi)
• Bank Certificate ni Guarantor
• DTI ni Guarantor
• Daily Schedule in Japan

15.4 Approved Japan Visa: Freelancers, No ITR, and No COE

The happy post reads:

JAPAN VISA APPROVED!

We are so happy and grateful! Dream talaga namin pareho na makapag-travel sa Japan and it’s more memorable for us because it’s for our honeymoon, and it will be our first trip as husband and wife in March.

• My fiance and I are both FREELANCERS.
• With travel history

Visa: SE [Single-entry]

Purpose: Honeymoon

Agency: UHI

• January 15, 2020 – shipped the required documents to UHI Makati office through Lalamove
• January 16, 2020 – received an email that our visa application has been lodged at the Japan Embassy
• January 17, 2020 – passports ready for collection
• January 21, 2020 – received our passports from the courier

We highly recommend UHI kasi ang bilis ng processing at super responsive ng staff nila. We’re so excited to visit Japan! Time to create our itinerary.

15.5 Approved Japan Visa for the Family!

Hi, everyone! Sharing our approved single-entry visa from Friendship Tours! [We are a] family of 18. 

Thank you to everyone who helped us here sa group! Super laking tulong po ng mga answers niyo sa mga previous post ko po. If ever may questions po kayo, just PM me mo. I will gladly share po. Travel date: March 1, 2020. Sana po wala na pong NCOV para sa safe po mag-travel.

15.6 Approved Multiple-Entry Japan Visa for 10 years: NO ITR

Hello, mga ka-JFD! Thank you for all the help! Kinikilig pa rin ako. I just got my 10-year multiple entry tourist visa for stay(s) of 90 days. Please see the full visa application guide on the link below.

My profile:

• Probationary Employee (private, 5 months)
• Frequent Traveler (East Asian countries only)
• Recent passport
• Visa application form with photo
• Certificate of Employment
• Bank Certificate with ₱70k only
• Explanation Letter for no ITR
• Request for multiple-entry visa form
• Photocopy of PRC ID

Accredited agency: UHI Cebu (₱1,000 [processing] fee)

Timeline (1 week processing):

• Submission of documents to UHI Cebu: January 23, 2020
• Documents forwarded to UHI Makati: January 24, 2020
• Lodged to Embassy: January 27, 2020
• ME Visa Approved: January 28, 2020
• Claimed passport in Cebu: January 31, 2020

Step-by-step guide: If you want a copy of the explanation letter and/or reason for ME request for for reference, comment your email address here: https://wp.me/p8biSQ-3ht

15.7 Japan Visa Application was DENIED

Hi! We were denied. Why do you think we were denied? Applied [via] UHI. Single. Have been to 2 countries while my friend has been to South korea. More than 2 years sa private companies. Submitted all requirements plus airline booking and hotel bookings. ₱60k+ sa bank. 5 days pero yung 5th day, eh balik na lang. No paid activities.

One user commented:

Don’t lose hope, sis. Try na lang po ulit, and dagdag siguro nang kaunti sa bank.

Another comment reads:

May kakilala ako na nasa ₱50k+ bank certificate niya and 7 days in Tokyo. Pero last year pa ito. It could also be dahil sa company kung saan ka employed, monthly salary, etc.

16. Got questions and visa application stories to share?

If you have any questions, you may refer to the website of the Embassy for guidance. You may also contact any of the travel agencies that are accredited to process Japan visa applications. Of course, if you have any personal experiences to share, comment them below so other Filipinos may learn from you!

All the best!

Good luck with your Japan visa application in the PH! Remember, you just have to prepare all the requirements and contact any of the accredited travel agencies for processing. You got this!

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My Japan Visa Application Approved — Here are 5 Steps for Filipinos

Yay! You don’t know how happy I was when I got my Japan tourist visa. It only took three (3) working days for me to claim my Philippine passport with an attached single-entry Japan tourist visa. I know how overwhelming it is to complete the Japan visa requirements, especially for first-timers. So, I’ve come up with an easy-to-follow Japan visa application guide for Filipinos who wish to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun!

Step 1: Know your visa type and gather your Japan visa requirements

There are actually a number of Japan visa types , each with different sets of Japan visa requirements. As for me, I applied for a Japan visa for Tourism (Temporary Visitor).

Japan tourist visa requirements that I submitted are:

• My Philippine Passport (with more than 6 months validity)
• Japan Visa Application Form
• Photo  (4.5cm × 3.5cm, with white background and taken within 6 months)
• PSA Birth Certificate (issued within one year)
• Daily Schedule in Japan (download this Schedule of Stay form )
• Bank Certificate
• Cover Letter to explain my Japan visa application without ITR
• Certificate of Employment (optional)

See complete list of Japan visa requirements for tourism (short-term) purposes.

Step 2: Fill out the Japan visa application form

Download this new Japan visa application form and fill out the required fields such as complete name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, nationality, passport number, etc.

Sample Japan visa application form provided by the Japan Embassy:

Step 3: Submit your Japan tourist visa requirements to an accredited travel agency

Submit your Japan visa requirements to any of the accredited travel agencies in the Philippines . As for me, I chose RELI Tours & Travel in SM Megamall since this was the nearest location by the time I applied for my Japan visa. They have 6 branches in Metro Manila: SM Megamall, SM Mall Of Asia, SM Southmall, Hotel Dusit Thani, ANTEL, and Lucky Chinatown.

Once you are in the travel agency office, get a priority number and wait for your turn. A travel agent will then thoroughly check your Japan visa requirements and ask for clarifications when needed before you pay the Japan visa handling fee.

Step 4: Pay the Japan visa fees

Actually, the Japan visa fee for Filipinos is gratis , meaning it is FREE. What you will be paying is the agency’s handling fee, which varies from ₱800 to ₱2,000, depending on the travel agency and visa type. RELI Tours & Travel charges ₱950 for a single entry or multiple entry Japan tourist visa without guarantor (1-B), and ₱2,000 for those visiting friends and distant relatives in Japan (1-A).

Step 5: Wait for the Japan visa processing time and claim your passport

The estimated Japan visa processing time takes about five (5) working days. Surprisingly, the travel agency texted me that my passport was ready for pick up after three (3) working days from my date of application.

Japan visa FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. can someone process my japan visa application on my behalf.

If you are unable to process your own Japan visa, you may ask someone to apply for you given he or she has an authorization letter with your signature and ID as proof. Direct family members such as parents and siblings can also process your Japan visa without an authorization letter.

2. Do travel agencies offer courier services for my Japan visa?

Yes, some travel agencies offer a courier service for your Japan visa. RELI Tours & Travel has this option. Please check their Japan visa courier service for more information.

3. Are flight tickets and hotel bookings needed?

Proofs of confirmed flights and accommodations are not required for your Japan visa application, but they can be part of your supporting documents. Also, you will have to indicate your planned airline and hotel addresses in the application form even though you haven’t made any bookings yet.

Tip: You can reserve your Japan accommodation from Klook or Agoda . Some hotels offer flexible cancellation arrangements where you can cancel your booking free of charge. So if your Japan visa gets denied, you can be at ease knowing you haven’t spent anything on your hotel bookings yet.

RESERVE JAPAN HOTEL

4. What other supporting documents can I submit?

Other supporting documents you may submit are credit card statements, proof of owned properties or businesses, a cover letter, and certificate of employment.

5. Should I buy a JR Pass ahead and submit it as one of my supporting documents?

The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is not a required document. I would recommend that you buy it once your visa is approved. As the train system in Japan is quite expensive, it is ideal to buy the JR Pass before you enter Japan and NOT before your Japan visa application.

Tip: Klook offers different kinds of JR Passes, but if you intend to cross different regions in Japan, I suggest that you buy the JR Whole Japan Rail Pass (Consecutive 7, 14, or 21 Days) . We somehow regretted not purchasing the JR Pass online before travelling to Japan. It could have minimised our total travel cost in Japan.

BUY JR PASS HERE

6. If I completed all requirements, will this guarantee my approval?

Submission of complete requirements does not guarantee the issuance of your Japan visa. However, this will give you higher chances of approval. You may also read our tips on how to increase your chances of visa approval .

7. If my Japan visa requirements are incomplete, will I get denied?

Not all the time. Some applicants still get approved with incomplete documents. It is a case-by-case basis.

8. Can I still apply for a Japan visa without ITR (Income Tax Return)?

Yes you can. Just like what I did, you can write a letter of explanation on why you have no ITR for your Japan visa requirements. See my Japan visa without ITR sample letter of explanation . Also, here’s how I got my Korean visa without ITR  for your reference.

9. Can I DIY my Japan visa application?

No. All Japan visa applications must be coursed through an accredited travel agency. Here is a complete list of accredited travel agencies by the Japan Embassy .

10. Can first-timers apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

Yes. First-timers may apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa if eligible. Check out the multiple-entry Japan visa requirements for tourists.

11. When should I apply for a Japan visa prior to my travel period?

While the Japan visa processing time can only take up to five (5) working days, it is safe to apply for your Japan visa a month or two prior to your intended travel dates.

12. Will there be an interview?

In some instances, you may be called for a personal appearance, especially when the embassy has clarifications about your application.

13. When can I follow up on my application?

You may follow up on your application if your passport has not been returned after more than a week. Get an 8-digit acceptance number from your travel agency and inquire about the status of your Japan visa application at the embassy itself.

14. Can I get back my Japan tourist visa requirements after the application?

No. All submitted documents will not be returned to you regardless of the outcome. Only your passport will be returned to you with a Japan visa pasted on one page if approved.

15. If I get denied, when can I apply for a Japan visa again?

You can only re-apply after six (6) months.

16. Can I still make an appeal to reconsider my Japan visa application?

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines clearly states that you can only re-apply for the same purpose after six (6) months. However, I found a Japan visa appeal story in 2017 and another one in 2019  wherein both applicants appealed in less than a month, transferred to a different travel agency, and submitted a letter of appeal and additional supporting documents such as confirmed flights , hotel booking , and guarantee letter. Do note that as of this writing, there are no recent accounts saying that an appeal is plausible.

There you have it. I hope you find my Japan tourist visa guide useful. Good luck in your Japan visa application! Let us know how it goes by connecting with us on Facebook ,  Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube .

By the way, before you travel to Japan, secure your Japan SIM card or pocket WiFi , Suica Card , and Welcome Suica . You may also want to read our Japan spring itinerary and our Japanese food favorites .

Disclaimer: While I was granted a single-entry Japan tourist visa on my first application, this does not guarantee the same outcome for your Japan visa application. It is still on a case-by-case basis. I highly suggest that you complete your Japan tourist visa requirements set by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to avoid any complications.

Japan Tourist Visa Requirements & Application Process

• Post author: escapemanila
• Post comments: 0 Comments
• Post last modified: January 15, 2024

Japan is a fascinating destination with a unique culture, delicious food, and stunning scenery that attracts tourists from all over the world. If you’re a Philippine passport holder planning a trip to Japan, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa before you can enter the country.

The process of obtaining a Japan tourist visa may seem daunting at first, but with proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, it can be a straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to help you get a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines , so you can start planning your dream trip to this beautiful country.

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

Before you start the visa application process, it’s important to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for a Japan Tourist Visa . You must be a Philippine citizen or a foreign national legally residing in the Philippines for at least six months. You should also have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of your intended departure from Japan. Additionally, you must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Japan and a clear purpose for your visit.

There are many types of Japan Visa you can get but for this post, I’ll only talk about the Japan Tourist Visa for tourism and leisure purposes.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents

To apply for a Japan Tourist Visa , you will need to prepare the following documents:

• Philippine passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended departure from Japan. Your passport must be signed and have at least two(2) blank visa pages.
• Visa application form – You can download the visa application form from the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines or can download it from here . It must be printed on A-4 size paper. The application will ask for your flight and hotel details so just put your desired date of travel and a possible hotel that you will be staying in. You do NOT need to purchase a ticket or book a hotel when applying for a Japan Tourist Visa. (You can see a sample completed application form here .
• Photo – You will need to submit a recent 4.5cm x 3.5cm (45×35mm or 2×1.4in) colored photo with white background.
• Birth certificate – If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to submit your original PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) birth certificate with a photocopy. This is no longer required if you have an expired Japan Visa. However, if your visa is on an expired passport, you will have to submit your old/expired passport along with your new passport.
• Marriage certificate – If applicable, you will need to submit your original PSA marriage certificate with a photocopy. This is not required if you have an expired Japan visa.
• Bank certificate – You will be required to submit an original bank certificate issued within the last three months, showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses.
• Income tax return (ITR) – You will need to submit a photocopy of your ITR from the previous year. If you do not have an ITR, you need to submit an explanation letter stating the reason why you don’t have it.
• Daily itinerary – You will need to submit a detailed daily itinerary of your trip, including the places you plan to visit and the activities you plan to do. You can download the template here .
• Proof of Relationship between the applicant and the guarantor   (e.g.Birth Certificate etc.)
• Bank Certificate of the guarantor
• ITR Form 2316 of the guarantor
• Multiple-entry visa request form – you can get the form from the agency. You’ll have to pay an extra Php500 if you will request a ME visa (for Reli Tours) not sure with other agencies.

Please take note that all documents must be on A4-size paper except for the bank certificate and ITR.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application through an accredited travel agency.

List of Accredited Travel Agencies

UHI – UNIVERSAL HOLIDAYS, INC.

Ground Floor – Receiving / 4th Floor- Releasing Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Ayala Center,1223 Makati City

Website: www.universalholidays.com/JapanVisa FB Page: www.facebook.com/UniversalHolidaysInc email: [email protected] or [email protected]

• 02-8859-3857
• 02-8859-3858
• 02-8859-3859
• 02-8859-3860
• 02-7618-2359
• 　0917-634-8280
• 　0917-530-2998

DISCOVERY TOUR, INC.

Website: http://discoverytour.ph/japanvisa/classes/japanese-information-253.html

Main Office: Address: Unit301 G/Floor Sagittarius Building, H.V.Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City Contact Number: 02-8812-3328 / 0915-320-0780 / 0999-943-5231 FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourmakati/

Cebu Branch Address: Zone 5H Bridge Town Square, Plaridel St., Alnag-Alang, Mandaue City Contact Number: 032-340-1819 / 0945-460-6613 / 0999-420-5556 FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourcebu

Davao Branch Address: Address: G/F Door 109 – 110 Quimpo Blvd. Ecoland Brgy. Bucana, Talomo District Davao City Contact Number: 082-285-7188 / 082-321-1315 / 0915-326-0111 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/discoverytourdavao/

RAJAH TRAVEL CORPORATION

Website: www.rajahtravel.com

Makati Branch Address: 3/F 331 Building, 331 Senator Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Contact Number: 02-8894-08860917-529-6774

Manila Branch Address: Room 202, GLC Bldg, A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw St. Ermita, Manila Contact Number: 02-8523-8801 / 02-8523-8802 / 0917- 854-3628 / 0917- 854-3614

RELI TOURS & TRAVEL AGENCY

Website: www.relitours.ph

Dusit Thani Hotel – Main Office Address: 3rd Floor, Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City Contact Number: 02-7004-3009 / 0967-446-2000 / 0995-109-6034

SM Mall of Asia Branch Address: South Entrance SM Department Store, SM Mall of Asia, Bay City, Pasay City Contact Number: 0906-513-6777

SM Megamall Branch Address: Grand Floor, Mega Strip A, SM MEGAMALL, EDSA, Mandaluyong City Contact Number: 0906-513-6555

ANTEL Branch Address: 2F Antel Seaview Towers Condominium, 2626 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City Contact Number: 0916-448-7000 / 0999-942-5000

SM South Mall Branch Address: 3F Cyberzone, SM Southmall, Almanza Uno, Las Pinas City Contact Number: 0906-513-6222 / 0917-135-9884 / 0916-220-3240

Binondo Branch Address: FS414, 4F, Lucky China Town Mall, 293 Lachamber Street, Binondo, Manila City Contact Number: 0927-870-9552

ATTIC TOURS PHILS., INC

Website: www.attictours.asia

Roxas Blvd.Manila – Main Office Address: G-05 A Antel Seaview Tower 2626 Roxas Blvd. Pasay City Contact Number: 0917-631-0845

SM Mall of Asia Branch Address: Unit 126 Level 1, South Parking Building, MALL OF ASIA, Pasay City Contact Number: 02-8252-0868 / 0917-631-0848

SM North EDSA Branch Address: G/F The Block, SM CITY NORTH EDSA, SM CITY NORTH EDSA Complex, Quezon City Contact Number: 02-8372-3254 / 02-8373-2594 / 0917-898-0905

SM City Fairview Branch Address: Upper Ground Flr. Annex 3 Bldg. SM City Fairview, Quirino Highway cor. Regalado Ave. Brgy. Greater Lagro, Novaliches, Quezon City Contact Number: 0916-618-6165

SM Southmall Branch Address: Loc. 343 3F, SM Southmall Almanza Uno, Las Pinas City Contact Number: 02-8281-8506 / 0917-1866-853

SM Megamall Branch Address: Unit MS104(A) Mega Strip Bldg. A SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City Contact Number: 02-8706-6030 / 0906-516-3246

SM City Clark Branch Address: Ground Level, Service Lane of SM City Clark, Manuel A. Roxas Hwy, Clark Freeport, Angeles Pampanga Contact Number: 045-499-7546 / 0917-305-4292

SM City Cebu Branch Address: 2F, SM CITY CEBU, North Reclamation Area, Mabolo Cebu City Contact Number: 032-239-8435 / 0956-551-9834

Cebu Waterfront Airport Hotel Branch Address: Lobby, Waterfront Airport Hotel 1, Airport Road, Lapu- Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu Contact Number: 032-341-2299 / 032-341-2012

SM City Davao Branch Address: Level 3, SM City Davao, Quimpo Blvd., Talomo Davao City Contact Number: 082-225-89200917-321-1328

FRIENDSHIP TOURS AND RESORTS CORPORATION

Website: www.friendshipmanila.com

Main Office Address: 3rd. Flr., Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City Contact Number: 02-8810-9622 / 02-8819-5644 / 0915-839-4654

Cebu Branch Address: Unit 2-508, 5th Floor, OITC 2 Building, Oakridge Business Park, A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City Contact Number: 032-345-3459 / 032-344-4825 / 0917-724-3373

PAN PACIFIC TRAVEL CORPORATION

Website: www.panpacifictravel.ph This agency only caters to applications WITHOUT documents written in Japanese

Main Office Address: 353 E.T. Yuchengco St., Binondo, Manila Contact Number: 02-8243-6666

Ermita Branch Address: Space A, Ground Flr. & 2nd. Flr., Pacific Pace Apartelle suite, 539 Arquiza St., Ermita, Manila Contact Number: 02-8521-3141 to 46

Makati Branch Address: LG01, Herrera Tower Condo, 98 V.A. Rufino St. (Herrera St.) cor. Valero St., Salcedo Vil., Makati City Contact Number: 02-8810-8551 to 56

Cebu Branch Address: Diplomat Hotel, 90 F. Ramos St. Cebu City Contact Number: 032-254-0343/0345/0347/0349

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

The Japan Tourist Visa is FREE but travel agencies collect handling fees for processing/sending your application to the Japan Embassy. Based on my experience applying from Reli Tours in the Dusit Thani Branch, the handling fee for a single entry visa application is Php950. You will also be asked to pay an additional Php500 if you apply for a multiple-entry visa. The additional fee will be reimbursed if you are only granted a single-entry visa.

Step 5: Wait for Your Visa to Be Processed

The processing time for a Japan tourist visa is approximately five to ten working days. However, this may vary depending on the embassy’s workload and the volume of visa applications received. I got mine approved in two days but got it from the agency after 5 working days.

Once your passport is returned to the agency from the embassy, you will be notified by SMS. You will only know if it’s approved or rejected once you collect the passport.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Trip to Japan!

Now that you have your Japan tourist visa, it’s time to start planning your trip and enjoying your time in Japan! You can check out our comprehensive Tokyo Travel Guide to help you plan your trip to Japan.

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VIEW THIS IN FILIPINO

Top things to remember for first time travelers

Before you have an experience of a lifetime in your Japan trip, you just need to take care of the most important thing first, your Japan Tourist Visa! Below is a guide on how you can apply for your Japan Tourist Visa as well as fulfilling requirements for travelers to Japan.

How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Japanese Tourist Visa.

Note: The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) cannot facilitate Visa applications  nor can we answer Visa-related inquiries.

For Visa-related inquiries, kindly contact the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000035.html

• Passport (holder’s signature required)
• Visa Application form (one 4.5cm x 3.5 cm facial photo must be attached)
• Birth Certificate (issued by PSA within one year)
• Marriage Certificate (issued by PSA within one year, for married applicants only)
• Itinerary in Japan

Note: If there is a used Japanese Visa on your passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate are unnecessary.

If applicant will shoulder part/all travel expenses:

• Bank certificate
• Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)

If a guarantor will shoulder part/all travel expenses:

• Guarantee letter
• Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor (e.g. birth certificates)
• Bank Certificate

You can get the application form from The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines website .

Make sure to make extra copies.

You can submit your application form with the required documents through these  accredited travel agencies .

The Visa-handling fee for the Japan Tourist Visa varies per travel agency. You must pay the fee after you submit your documents.

The travel agency will contact you if your passport is ready for pickup.

Guides for Entry to Japan

Useful links.

Visit Japan Web   

Visit Japan Web is a web service that people entering Japan can use to fast-track Immigration, and Customs procedures in order to enter/return to Japan.

COVID-19 Protocols

Learn everything you need to know about traveling to Japan with COVID-19 protocols.

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Jude The Tourist

[Philippines] Japan Tourist Visa Guide, Requirements, Travel Itinerary 2023

• January 6, 2023

Japan is a popular tourist destination known for its unique culture, delicious food, and beautiful natural landscapes. There are many things to see and do in Japan, including visiting temples and shrines, exploring ancient cities, and experiencing the country’s futuristic technology.

How to Fill Out Japan Visa Application Form

With sponsor:, 10. can i apply for a japanese visa at the airport in the philippines, explore more travel suggestions and visa guides:, japan tourist visa guide & process philippines.

If you are a citizen of the Philippines and you want to visit Japan as a tourist, you will need to apply for a Japanese tourist visa . Here is a general Japan Tourist Visa guide to the process for obtaining a Japanese tourist visa for citizens of the Philippines:

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Determine the type of visa you need: There are several types of Japanese visas, including single-entry visas, multiple-entry visas, and transit visas. Determine which type of visa you need based on the purpose and duration of your trip.

Gather required documents: You will need to provide certain documents as part of your visa application. These may include your passport, a passport-sized photo, a completed visa application form, and proof of financial means.

Submit your application: Submit your application, along with all required documents, to the Japanese embassy or consulate in the Philippines. You may need to pay a visa processing fee at this time.

Wait for a decision: The embassy or consulate will review your application and make a decision on your visa. This process can take several weeks, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned trip.

If your visa is approved: If your visa is approved, you will receive your visa by mail. Make sure to double-check the expiration date and the number of allowed entries on your visa.

It is important to carefully review the specific Japan tOURIST visa requirements for Japan and to submit all required documentation when applying for a tourist visa. If you have any specific questions about the visa process, please let me know and I will do my best to help.

JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS PHILIPPINES

To enter Japan as a tourist, you may need to apply for a japan tourist visa. The process for obtaining a tourist visa to Japan can vary depending on your country of citizenship and the length of your stay. In general, you will need to provide the following documentation when applying for a Japanese tourist visa:

1. PASSPORT

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your planned stay in Japan.

• Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your planned stay in Japan.
• Blank pages: Your passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
• Damage: Your passport must not be damaged or altered in any way.

2. PASSPORT-SIZE PHOTO

You will need to submit a recent passport-sized photo with your visa application. Application form: You will need to fill out an application form and provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, and contact information.

3. PSA BIRTH CERTIFICATE

A birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) may be required as part of the documentation for a Japan tourist visa application from the Philippines. The birth certificate will be used to verify your personal information and ensure that you are eligible for a Japanese visa.

To obtain a birth certificate from the PSA, you will need to visit a PSA service center and provide the following documents:

• An application form: You can obtain an application form at the PSA service center or download it from the PSA website.
• A valid ID: You will need to present a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Other supporting documents (if applicable): Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents such as a marriage certificate or an affidavit of late registration.

4. COMPLETE JAPAN VISA FORM

To apply for a Japanese visa, you will need to complete a japan visa application form. This form is used to collect personal and travel information that is needed to process your japan tourist visa application. Here is a general outline of the information that you will need to provide on the Japanese visa form:

• Personal information: You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, gender, and contact information. You will also need to provide your passport number and the expiration date of your passport.
• Travel information: You will need to provide details about your planned trip to Japan, including your travel dates, the purpose of your trip, and your intended activities in Japan.
• Employment information: You will need to provide information about your current employment status and your employer’s contact information.
• Financial information: You may be required to provide information about your financial means, such as bank statements or credit card statements, to show that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your trip.

DOWNLOAD JAPAN VISA FORM HERE: VISA FORM

First, a few important reminders.

• Complete the form either by hand or electronically.  Either is accepted. If you go the hand-written route, make sure that you write in block letters and that they are readable.
• In fields that don’t apply to you, write NA. Don’t leave any field blank.
• Print the form in an  A4-size  paper. Other sizes will be rejected.
• Paste a photo on the designated area. PASTE! DO NOT STAPLE! The photo must have been taken within the past 6 months.
• Use a black pen or font.  Do not use pencil or one of those erasable pens.
• Avoid erasures!  If it can’t be helped, use double line (2 strikethroughs). If there are too many erasures, start over. Never ever use correction tape or liquid.

Here are a few parts of the form you may be unsure about. To make it easier to understand I filled in the form with big blue fonts to make it clear. When you fill out your form, you should use black.

• Given and middle names:  Write both your given name AND your middle name (your mom’s last name).
• Other names:  If you have a pen name or nickname or if you’re known by any other name, write it down. If none, write N/A.
• Place of birth:  If you have no province and you’re born in Metro Manila, write METRO MANILA. For example, if you were born in Makati, write:  Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines .
• Former and/or other nationalities or citizenships:  Only if you have one. Write N/A if you have none.
• ID No. issued to you by your government:  Any government-issued ID will do. I have tried using UMID. My cousin used Driver’s License. A few times, I wrote the passport number here too, I didn’t have any problem.
• Passport type:  Ordinary.
• Passport number:  Double check. Make sure it’s correct.
• Place of issue:  You can write the city name. In the case of Manila, you can write MANILA. You can also be specific. I usually write DFA NCR EAST, because that’s what’s on my passport.
• Issuing authority:  DFA.
• Purpose of visit to Japan:  If applying as a tourist, write TOURISM. If you’re visiting a friend or family, write VISIT FRIEND/FAMILY.
• Intended length of stay in Japan:  Number of days including the day of arrival.
• Port of entry into Japan:  Name of the airport. It can be Kansai, Narita, Chitose, etc.
• Name of ship or airline:  Just the name of the airline or the ship. It doesn’t matter if you’re already booked or not. If you’re concerned about funds, write a low-cost carrier like CEBU PACIFIC or JETSTAR.
• Names and addresses of hotels or persons with whom applicant intends to stay:  If applying as a tourist, write down the name, address and telephone number of your hotel. If you don’t know the exact address or telephone number of your hotel, Google it! If applying to visit someone in Japan, write their name, address, and contact number.
• Dates and duration of previous stays in Japan.  Write N/A if it’s your first time in Japan. If you’ve been to Japan before write the inclusive dates of your previous visits and the number of days. If you’ve been to Japan many times and it won’t fit, use a separate sheet and indicate it on the form.
• Your current residential address:  If you have more than one address, list them all on a separate sheet.
• Telephone number:  If you don’t have a landline number, write N/A.
• Current profession or occupation and position:  Be truthful! If your current occupation or position doesn’t match the ITR you’re submitting (for example, you moved to another company), you can write a letter explaining it.
• Partner’s profession/occupation:  If you’re single and of legal age, write N/A. If you’re married, write the profession of your partner. If for a minor, write the profession or occupation of parents.
• Guarantor/Inviter Info:  If you’re applying as a tourist and you’re shouldering all expenses, write N/A in ALL of the fields. If you have a guarantor, write their details. If the guarantor is the same as the inviter, write SAME AS ABOVE in the INVITER fields.
• If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, please provide relevant details:  If you answered NO to all the questions, write N/A.
• Signature:  Sign it by hand. I’m not sure if digital signatures are accepted, but I doubt it. If the applicant is minor, a parent or legal guardian can sign, but the relationship must be indicated below the signature.

5. PSA MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

In case you are married, you will need to submit a marriage certificate from PSA issued within 1 year. If you never had a Japan Visa before then this is a must to acquire. If you have an expired Japan Visa, there is no need to submit this one. Though you will need to submit your old password with your expired Japan Visa.

6. ITINERARY

You will need to provide a detailed itinerary of your trip, including your travel dates, accommodations, and planned activities.

7. PROOF OF FINANCIAL MEANS

You may need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your trip, such as bank statements or credit card statements.

MORE INFO FOR VISA REQUIREMENTS:

If you have a sponsor in Japan , such as a relative or friend, you may be required to submit a sponsor letter along with your Japan tourist visa application. The sponsor letter should include the sponsor’s name, address, and contact information, as well as a statement of responsibility for your expenses during your stay in Japan.

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may also be required to provide additional documentation as part of your Japan tourist visa application. It is important to carefully review the requirements for your specific visa category and to provide all of the necessary documentation to ensure that your application is processed smoothly.

JAPAN VISA FAQ:

1. what types of visas are available for japan.

There are various types of visas available for Japan, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, student visas, and family visas. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay.

2. How long does it take to process a Japanese visa application?

The processing time for a Japanese visa application can vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply and the time of year. In general, it is advisable to submit your application at least two months in advance of your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.

3. Can I apply for a Japanese visa online?

Yes, you can apply for a Japanese visa online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s visa application portal. Alternatively, you can also apply in person at a Japanese embassy or consulate near you.

4. How long is a Japanese visa valid for?

The validity of a Japanese visa depends on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit. Some japan tourist visas are valid for a single entry, while others allow for multiple entries over a specified period of time. The expiration date of your visa will be indicated on the visa sticker in your passport.

5. Can I extend my stay in Japan on a tourist visa?

In general, it is not possible to extend a tourist visa while you are in Japan. If you wish to stay in Japan longer than the validity period of your japan tourist visa, you will need to apply for a new visa before your current visa expires.

6. How much does a Japanese visa cost for Philippine citizens?

The visa fee for Philippine citizens varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of your stay. Tourist visas and business visas for stays of up to 15 days are generally free of charge. For longer stays or other types of visas, the visa fee may range from PHP 1,000 to PHP 4,000.

7. Do I need to provide a sponsor letter for a Japanese visa from the Philippines?

A sponsor letter is generally not required for a tourist or business visa for stays of up to 15 days. However, you may be required to provide a sponsor letter if you are applying for a work visa, student visa, or family visa, or if you are staying in Japan for an extended period of time.

8. Can I work on a Japanese tourist visa from the Philippines?

No, a Japanese tourist visa is not intended for employment purposes. If you wish to work in Japan, you will need to apply for a separate work visa.

9. How can I check the status of my Japanese visa application from the Philippines?

You can check the status of your Japanese visa application by contacting the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application. You may also be able to check the status online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s visa application portal.

No, you will need to apply for a Japanese visa in advance at a Japanese embassy or consulate in the Philippines. It is not possible to apply for a visa upon arrival at the airport in Japan.

JAPANESE VISA INTERVIEW FAQ

During a Japanese visa interview, you may be asked a variety of questions about your background, travel plans, and purpose of visit to Japan. Some sample questions that you may be asked during a Japanese visa interview include:

• Why do you want to visit Japan?
• How long do you plan to stay in Japan?
• What will you do during your stay in Japan?
• Who will you be staying with in Japan?
• Do you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Japan?
• Do you have a return ticket or an onward ticket to another destination?
• Do you have any family or friends in Japan?
• Have you visited Japan before?
• Do you have any criminal convictions or outstanding legal issues?
• Do you have a job in your home country?

It is important to be honest and forthcoming during your visa interview and to provide clear and concise answers to the questions asked. Be prepared to provide documentation, such as a letter of invitation, proof of financial stability, or a letter from your employer, to support your application.

DONTS IN JAPAN TOURIST VISA INTERVIEW

Here are some things to avoid during a Japanese visa interview:

• Lying or making false statements : It is important to be truthful during your visa interview and to provide accurate information about your background and travel plans. Making false statements or presenting fraudulent documents can result in the denial of your visa and could have negative consequences for future immigration matters.
• Being unprepared: Make sure to review the requirements for your visa category and gather all of the necessary documents before your visa interview. Bring copies of all relevant documents, including your passport, visa application form, and photographs, to the interview.
• Being rude or disrespectful: Remember to be courteous and respectful towards the visa officer during your interview. Avoid being confrontational or making inappropriate comments.
• Being too casual: While it is important to be relaxed and comfortable during your interview, it is also important to remember that the visa interview is a formal process. Dress appropriately and avoid using slang or colloquial language.
• Failing to answer questions: Make sure to listen carefully to the questions asked during your interview and provide clear and concise answers. If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification. Failing to answer questions or providing incomplete or vague responses may raise doubts about the authenticity of your application.

A MUST VISIT COUNTRY: JAPAN

Japan is a must-visit country for a number of reasons. Here are just a few of the many compelling reasons to put Japan on your travel bucket list:

• Unique culture: Japan is home to a rich and unique culture that is unlike any other in the world. From traditional temples and shrines to futuristic cities, Japan offers a wide range of cultural experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
• Delicious food: Japanese cuisine is world-renowned for its delicious and varied flavors. From sushi and ramen to yakiniku and okonomiyaki, there is something for everyone in Japan’s culinary landscape.
• Natural beauty: From the rugged coastline of Hokkaido to the lush forests of Kyoto, Japan is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. The country is also home to many hot springs, or onsen, which offer the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind in nature.
• Advanced technology : Japan is known for its advanced technology and futuristic cities. Whether you’re interested in visiting a cutting-edge robotics laboratory or trying out the latest gadgets, Japan has something for tech enthusiasts of all kinds.
• Hospitable people: The people of Japan are known for their warmth and hospitality. Whether you’re staying with a local family or just chatting with a shopkeeper, you are sure to encounter friendly and helpful people during your trip to Japan.

Overall, Japan is a truly unique and unforgettable destination that should not be missed. Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s ancient temples and shrines, savoring its delicious food, or experiencing its advanced technology, Japan has something for everyone.

Exploring our site is a great way to learn more about tourist spots, travel guide and discover all that it has to offer. Our site is packed with useful information and resources that can help you plan your trip, whether you are a seasoned traveler or a newcomer to travelling places in the Philippines or abroad.

Our site is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, so you can easily find what you are looking for. We have organized our content into clear, concise categories, so you can quickly access the information you need.

• Japan Tourist Visa , Japan Visa , Japanese Visa

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• Mylene J. Garcia-Albano
• Embassy Officials
• Ramon V. Del Rosario, Sr.
• Domingo L. Siazon Jr.
• Manuel M. Lopez
• Jose C. Laurel V
• General Information
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• Consular Section

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.

VISA UNIT BUSINESS HOURS:

Click here for Consular Business Hours page.

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Recent Posts

• The Embassy of the Philippines in Tokyo supports the celebration of National No Smoking Month (NNSM) this June Friday June 7th, 2024
• PH Ambassador visits Japan Coast Guard’s Hydrographic Survey Vessel Thursday June 6th, 2024
• Celebrating 126 Years of Philippine Independence With a Taste of Home: Special Filipino Menu at Hard Rock Café and Tony Roma’s in Japan Thursday May 30th, 2024
• Ambassador Garcia-Albano Engages With Batch 6 of the Public Management Development Program Phronetic Leadership Class Tuesday May 28th, 2024
• Ambassador Garcia-Albano Graces The 2 nd International Conference of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) – Davao Chapter Tuesday May 28th, 2024
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TIPS: What you need to know about getting a Japan visa

Planning to travel to Japan any time soon?

Applying for a visa can be daunting, but it shouldn't stop you from taking that trip to see the Land of the Rising Sun. With some proper preparation of all the necessary documents, you'll be able to get approved for your Japan vacation.

There are different types of Japanese visas but we'll focus more on the tourist ones for those who want to go on a quick leisure trip to experience the country. There are two common tourist visas: the single-entry allowing holders to enter Japan once and stay for as long as 90 days, and the multiple entry visa which lets the holder enter the country many times within a specified period for at least 15 to 30 days each stay. Here are the requirements you'll need to get ready.

• Valid Philippine passport  in good condition, must be signed and have at least two blank visa pages
• Visa application form which you can download here
• Your itinerary in Japan which includes your port of entry, where you intend to stay and the contact number of the accommodation
• A passport photo 2 x 1.4 inches with a white background taken within six months
• If your birth certificate is "late registration," you must also submit a  Baptismal Certificate  and a Form 137  from high school or elementary, both of which must be issued within at least three months
• You only need to submit a birth certificate if you have never applied for a Japan visa before
• You will also need to write a letter of authorization for the Japan Embassy to verify your birth certificate
• Original Marriage Certificate (if married) issued within one year
• Bank Certificate  of a personal account (not company/business) issued within three months
• A copy of your latest Income Tax Return

If someone else will be shouldering your travel expenses, you must also submit the following:

• Guarantee letter
• Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor
• Bank Certificate and Income Tax Return of the guarantor

Once you've acquired all the requirements, choose an accredited travel agency from this list from the Japanese Embassy. Fees may cost P950 to P1,200 for a single entry visa, depending on the travel agency.

Multiple-entry requirements

Want to get a multiple-entry visa? This type of visa has some conditions for issuance, so it may not be as easy to get one. For instance, you will need to have a history of travel as a temporary visitor to the country in the last three years.

If you pass the conditions, you will need the same requirements as above but also include an explanation letter for requesting multiple entry, proof of your travel to Japan in the last three years, and proof of financial capacity. 

So how much money do you need in your bank account to get your visa approved? The Japanese Embassy hasn't really specified a certain amount but what's advised is to have enough to fund your travel expenses. 

As for how long a tourist visa is processed, it will usually take seven to 10 business days. It's best to get your visa processed a month before your trip so you have ample time to request documents that you might not have around.

Additionally, you don't need to book a hotel or a flight before your visa is processed. In fact, travel agencies advise against it. It's best to book once your visa is approved.

Remember, just because you submitted all your documents, it doesn't automatically mean that you'll be granted the visa.

This article TIPS: What you need to know about getting a Japan visa was originally published in PhilSTAR L!fe

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• For International Visitors

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) , administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 41 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. In return, those 41 countries must permit U.S. citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism purposes.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.

Other Visa Information

• Frequently Asked Questions about the VWP and the VWP Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015
• Frequently Asked Questions about the VWP and the ESTA
• VWP Signatory Carriers List
• Guam- CNMI Visa Waiver Program
• Guam-CNMI VWP Signatory Carriers
• Travel by Pleasure Boats or Ferries

Flying to Canada? Entry Rules Have Changed

Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) , for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid visa.

Apply for a Canada eTA

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The JAPAN eVISA system (electronic visa)

Foreign nationals/people who wish to travel to Japan for tourism for a short-term period can apply for a visa online and receive an electronic visa (eVISA) through the JAPAN eVISA system. As of April 26, 2024, the JAPAN eVISA system is available for nationals/people residing in the following countries/regions.

Eligibility

• (note) Online visa application via the JAPAN eVISA system is currently not available at the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai.
• (1) China Nationals of China, who reside in China
• (2) Viet Nam Nationals of Viet Nam, who reside in Viet Nam and participate in a packaged tour organized by designated travel agencies
• (3) Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea All foreign nationals/people residing in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea (except jurisdiction over the Consulate General of Japan in Jeju), except those who are exempt from short-term visa
• (1) JAPAN eVISA is available only to those who travel to Japan by plane.
• (2) During the application process, the applicant may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the place of the applicant’s residence for an interview.
• (3) Only ordinary passport holder is eligible to apply through JAPAN eVISA website.

Types of visa

Single-entry short-term stay visa for the purpose of Tourism (for a period of up to 90 days) (Note). Electronic visas will be issued to those who applied through JAPAN eVISA website.

(Note: For nationals of China residing in China, electronic visas with a period of stay "15 days" or "30 days" will be issued. For nationals of Viet Nam residing in Viet Nam, the period of stay of electronic visas will be "15 days".) (Travelers with eVISA are required to display “Visa issuance notice” at the airport in the internet environment. PDF data, screenshot and printed copy will not be accepted.) If you wish to visit Japan for other purposes or for a long-term stay, please submit your application to the Japanese Embassy, Consulate General or Consular office with jurisdiction over your place of residence. (In some countries, applications must be made through travel agencies accredited by Japanese overseas establishment.) (For Taiwan, Taipei / Kaohsiung offices of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association) In this case, you will have a visa sticker on your passport.

JAPAN eVISA website

• Please beware of fraud websites looking alike the JAPAN eVISA website.
• If your application is incomplete, we will cancel it without processing. Once cancelled, you are supposed to reapply (for your visa). Entering incorrect information and/or uploading incomplete/wrong documents could lead to a delay in examination or cancellation of your eVISA application, which may affect your travel plans.

How to display “Visa issuance notice”

Frequently asked questions about japan evisa.

• FAQ about JAPAN eVISA

Contact information for inquiries

Japan Visa Information Hotline: [email protected] (Available language: English) (Note1) Please mention your nationality or citizenship and place of your residence in your email. (Note2) This e-mail address is only for inquiries about JAPAN eVISA application procedures. For general inquiries, please contact the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

• Website of Japanese Embassies and Consulates

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How to apply

Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

• Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

• rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
• who is considered fully vaccinated
• rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

• To visit as a tourist
• To visit for business
• To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

• Canadian citizen
• Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
• Canadian permanent resident
• Temporary resident in Canada
• For compassionate reasons
• To join a vessel as a marine crew member (known as a “seafarer”)
• None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

• Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic)  from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

• a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• hotel reservations
• registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

• date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
• confirmation that you have a job with the employer
• your full name and date of birth
• date you started the job
• brief description of your job
• current salary
• contact information of your manager
• phone number
• email address
• employer information
• company name
• state or province
• Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

• a marriage certificate
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
• a birth certificate
• an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from your family member.
• current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

• joint bank accounts or credit cards
• joint ownership of a home
• joint residential leases
• joint rental receipts
• joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
• joint management of household expenses
• proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
• mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

• submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
• received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

• If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
• a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
• an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
• a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
• proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an  immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

• registration for an event.

Please indicate clearly if family members will accompany you to Canada.

Submit the following documents with your visa application:

• digital copy of Seaman’s Book
• digital copy of a signed Letter of Invitation from a ship or port agent in Canada
• digital copy of an Introduction Letter from recruiter shipping agency or vessel owner
• digital copy of the employment contract

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

• you plan to stay for less than 6 months
• you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
• your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to  apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Sign in to your IRCC secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Sign in to the IRCC portal

To apply for a visitor visa to join a vessel as a marine crew member (seafarer) , you must

• be travelling to Canada to join a ship’s crew
• hold a seafarer’s identity document
• hold a valid passport or travel document
• have proof of employment on a vessel at a Canadian port

As a seafarer, you’re not eligible for a transit visa and you must apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa).

Note: When asked to “Tell us more about what you’ll do in Canada”, include “Join vessel” or “Seafarer”.

Register to the IRCC portal

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability or
• you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

• your medical exam
• a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• China (People’s Republic of)
• Comoros Island
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong SAR
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia (Republic of)
• Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
• Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brunei Darussalam

Burkina Faso

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Congo the Democratic Republic of the

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Côte d'Ivoire

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Iran, Islamic Republic of

Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of

Moldova, Republic of

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea

North Macedonia

Palestinian Authority

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Russian Federation

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Virgin Islands, British

Wallis and Futuna

What is Reciprocity?

Nonimmigrant visa applicants from certain countries*/areas of authority may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on the principle of  reciprocity:  when a foreign government imposes fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a reciprocal fee on citizens of that country*/area of authority for similar types of visas. 

How Do I Find Out if I Have to Pay a Reciprocity Fee?

To view the Reciprocity Page for your country* of nationality, select your country*/area of authority from the list of countries on the left side menu. On the Reciprocity Page, select the Visa Classifications tab from the column on the left

Select the type of visa you have applied for, such as a B-1/B-2 (temporary visa for business or pleasure), F-1 (student visa), etc. from the drop down menu: 

The reciprocity information for that country*/area of authority will display:

What does this table tell me?

Visa Classification:  The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee:  The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries:  The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. “M” means multiple times. If there is a number, such as “One”, you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period:  This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

What is the Difference between the Reciprocity Fee and the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee?

The nonimmigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, is a nonrefundable fee paid by most applicants for U.S. visas, whether the application is approved or refused. It covers the costs associated with processing a U.S. visa application. Current nonimmigrant visa application fees can be found on our  Fees – Visa Services  webpage. (This webpage also lists the few visa categories for which application fees are not required.)

While most visa applicants are required to pay the visa application fee, the Reciprocity Fee is only charged to an approved nonimmigrant visa applicant after the visa interview.

Immigrant Visa Interviews

For Immigrant Visa interviews each U.S. Embassy or Consulate has specific instructions for their applicants. Please click here to select your designated interview location.

Civil Documents and How to Use Them

Immigrant visa applicants are required to submit certain civil documents as part of their visa application, such as birth certificates and police records. (Nonimmigrant visa applicants do not routinely need to submit civil documents as part of their visa application.) Each Reciprocity Page will provide detailed information about how to obtain these civil documents from the country* you have selected, as well as the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you can apply for your visa. For more information about civil document requirements for immigrant visa cases, see  civil documents .

To view the Civil Documents for your country* of nationality, select your country*/area of authority from the drop-down menu below. On the Reciprocity Page, click on the tabs on the left to see the categories of Civil Documents and how to obtain them.

(Image only)

* With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” on this page, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]whenever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b) (1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Reciprocity: What's New Temporary Reciprocity Schedule Country Acronyms Terrorist Designation Lists State Sponsors of Terrorism Treaty Countries Visa Issuing Posts

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Visas and entry clearance
• Visa application centres

Find a visa application centre

Find the opening times, address and contact details for UK visa application centres near you.

Contact the international enquiry service if you have questions about applications made from outside the UK.

You can check for the latest changes to visa applications.

If you need to attend an appointment, you must complete your application online first.

Afghanistan - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre

Andorra - apply through Spain

Anguilla - apply through Barbados

Antigua and Barbuda - apply through Barbados

Aruba - apply through Venezuela

Ascension - apply through St. Helena

Belize - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre in the Americas

Benin - apply through Nigeria

Bonaire - apply through Venezuela

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands - apply through Barbados

Burkina Faso - apply through Ghana

Burundi - apply through Rwanda

Cape Verde - apply through Senegal

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic - apply through Cameroon

Chad - apply through Cameroon

Comoros - apply through Mauritius

Congo - apply through Democratic Republic of the Congo

Costa Rica - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre in the Americas

Curaçao - apply through Venezuela

Cyprus (North)

Cyprus (South)

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Djibouti - apply through Ethiopia

Dominican Republic

East Timor - apply through Indonesia

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre in West Africa

Eritrea - apply through Kenya

Eswatini - apply through South Africa

Falkland Islands

The Faroes - apply through Denmark

French Guiana - apply through Guyana

Greenland - apply through Denmark

Grenada - apply through Barbados

Guatemala - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre in the Americas

Guinea - apply through Sierra Leone

Guinea-Bissau - apply through Senegal

Haiti - apply through the Dominican Republic

Ivory Coast

Kiribati - apply through Fiji

Lesotho - apply through South Africa

Liberia - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre in West Africa

Libya - apply through Malta or Tunisia

Liechtenstein - apply through Switzerland

Luxembourg - apply through France

Macau - apply through Hong Kong

Maldives - apply through Sri Lanka

Mali - apply through Senegal

Marshall Islands - apply through Fiji

Mauritania - apply through Morocco

Micronesia, Federated States of - apply through Fiji

Monaco - apply through France

Montserrat - apply through Barbados

Myanmar (Burma)

Nauru - apply through Fiji

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nicaragua - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre in the Americas

Niger - apply through Ghana or Ivory Coast

North Korea - apply through China

The Occupied Palestinian Territories - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre

Palau - apply through Philippines

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay - apply through Argentina

Philippines

Pitcairn, Henderson, Dulcie and Oeno Islands - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre

Samoa and Western Samoa - apply through Fiji

San Marino - apply through Italy

São Tomé and Principe - apply through Angola

Saudi Arabia

Seychelles - apply through Mauritius

Sierra Leone

Slovakia – apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre

Solomon Islands - apply through Papua New Guinea

Somalia - apply through Kenya

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan - apply through Kenya

St Kitts and Nevis - apply through Barbados

St Vincent and The Grenadines - apply through Barbados

Sudan - apply at your nearest accessible visa application centre

Switzerland

Syria – apply through Lebanon or Jordan

Togo - apply through Ghana

Tonga - apply through Fiji

Trinidad and Tobago

Tristan da Cunha - apply through St. Helena

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands - apply through Barbados

Tuvalu - apply through Fiji

Ukraine – the Ukraine visa application centre is open for providing your fingerprints and photo (‘biometric information’) and document scanning only

United Arab Emirates

Uruguay - apply through Argentina

Vatican City - apply through Italy

Western Sahara - apply through Morocco

Yemen - apply through Jordan

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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