How to Go to Boracay from Caticlan Airport 4/04/2023

How to Go to Boracay from Caticlan Airport

Upon arrival at Caticlan Airport, take the walkway from the plane to the main building, go straight inside, follow the sign then turn left to the EXIT GATE. Before the Exit Gate, there are a couple of  booths offering various services on the left side - one of them is for tricycles that take passengers to the port. Head to that booth and ask for a ticket.  The staff will give you a ticket, put a sticker on your shirt and instruct you to go to the tricycle station which is just outside the airport main exit gate, about 100 meters across the road from the guard house. Follow the staff’s instructions and exit the airport. Once outside, there are a couple of buses and vans parked in front of the building.  Keep walking and  head to the exit gate on the left  side of the airport terminal with a security guard standing outside his booth.

From the airport gate, cross the road to the tricycle station. Give the ticket to the staff at the station and pay the fee (50.00 Php per passenger). The minimum passenger per tricycle is two people, if you are traveling alone, you could either wait for another passenger, ask other commuters if you could sit on the back of the tricycle, or pay for two tickets if you don’t mind paying extra. 

The tricycle will take five to ten minutes to reach the port. Once there, enter the building with a scanner in front. Proceed to the REGISTRATION and VERIFICATION COUNTER and present your ID and your hotel booking confirmation (confirmed accommodation address is required for registration).  Next, go to the ticketing booth and pay the TERMINAL FEE (regular: 150 Php; discounted: 120 Php), ENVIRONMENTAL FEE (foreign: 300 Php; local: 150 Php; discounted local: 120 Php), and the BOAT TICKET (50 Php).  

After paying all the necessary fees, follow the sign to the PUMP BOAT PASSENGER EXIT, give your ticket to the staff on the desk before the exit, then follow the other passengers going to the boat. 

Once the boat reaches the island, exit the port station and take an e-trike to your hotel. You can either ride on the trike with other passengers and pay 25 Php per person or pay 150 Php for the whole transport. Since motorized vehicles aren’t  allowed on the White Beach Path where Station 1,2, and 3 are located, the e-trike can’t  directly take you to your hotel. Instead, you could ask the driver to take you to D' Mall and you can walk from there to your accommodation. 

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How to Fill Out Japan's Travel Itinerary Form 3/13/2023

How to Fill Out Japan's Travel Itinerary Form

One requirement when applying for a Japan Visa is a TRAVEL ITINERARY. The Visa Officer will check your proposed activities and plans in their country along with your  financial capacity to fund your trip and these can be factors in their visa decision making process. 

To prepare your travel itinerary, you have to first download the form here. Then, complete the form by either filling it online  or by handwriting. If you choose to do the former, complete the form online then print and sign or you can print it first then fill up the form and write your signature. 

For reference, check the sample of the travel itinerary I’ve attached below. 

Explanation of Details to Include on the Travel Itinerary Form

1. Date:  This is when you are writing and preparing your travel itinerary. The format should   
be Year/Month/Day. 

2. Name: This is the applicant’s name. Follow this format:  Given Name, Middle Name, and   
Family Name. 

3. Date: This is the date of your proposed travel. Write the year, month, and day.  

4. Activity Plan: Specify all your planned activities in Japan, from the day you arrive in the airport until the day you leave. 

5. Contact: You can write the phone number and the email address of the hotel where you are staying or planning to stay.  If you are visiting someone in Japan, write the contact number and the email address of the person you are visiting.

NOTE: You can pre-book hotels in AGODA and choose the pay later option. If you get a visa, you will get a better deal if you book in advance , if you won’t, you can cancel it anytime with the pay later and free cancellation option. 

6. Accommodation:  Write all the places where you are staying in Japan. If it’s a hotel, write the hotel’s name, street, town/village, city/prefecture and the postal code. If it’s an address of a person you’re visiting, follow the same format as mentioned.

7. Same as above:  If you are not changing information in your itinerary, you can answer   
‘same as above’.

8. N/A: If you don’t have an accommodation for the day nor a contact number, you can write N/A. This is applicable if you plan to be on the road and spend the night on a train or bus and haven't booked an accommodation. However, it is better to pre-book a hotel as much as possible.

NOTE: Download the travel itinerary form here.

 

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Tips on How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa without a Job and Income Tax Return Certificate in the Philippines (2023) 3/09/2023

Tips on How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa without a Job and Income Tax Return Certificate in the Philippines (2023)

Getting a VISA is always a daunting process, more so if we can’t provide some of the documents required. On the contrary, it can also be straightforward as long as you have everything ready. No matter what, it shouldn’t stop you from achieving your dream of traveling. 

In this article, I will share the steps and documents I submitted when I applied for a Japan visa without a job and Income Tax Return certificate in the Philippines, which is a primary requirement. To know if you have all the necessary papers, read my post on the required documents for Philippine Passport holder here.  

My Personal Experience: Documents Submitted When I Applied for Japan Tourist Visa Without an Income Tax Return Certificate in The Philippines

If you are reading up until this part, it means you have the same dilemma like I had or you probably can’t provide some documents. Take heart, if there’s a will, there’s a way. You can still apply for a visa and with luck and prayers, you might get one as well. 

Firstly, you have to assess the documents you can’t provide and what you can as a replacement. From the list of supporting documents I’ve written, check which one you do have. Since you are missing a required document, you will need to submit more supporting documents instead. Gather and submit your application including a cover letter that explains your situation. 

REMINDER: Be transparent in your letter and explain why you can't provide the document. 

Below is my personal experience when procuring a visa:

Agency Name: Discovery Tour, Makati (check the address here)

Amount paid to the agency: 1,200 PHP

Visa Type: Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

NOTE: Japan Visa is free-of-charge for Filipinos, but there is visa handling fees that you will pay at the travel agency of your choice.

Documents Submitted and Received by the Agency: 

1. 3.5 x 4.5 cm PHOTO (with full name and date of birth written at the back)

2. Explanation Letter in Lieu of ITR

3. Original Bank Balance Certificate

4. PSA Marriage Contract (Valid 1 year) - ORIGINAL

5. PSA Birth Certificate of Applicant  (Valid 1 year) - ORIGINAL

6. Visa Application Form

7. Passports (new and old)

8. Guarantee Letter

9. Tour Itinerary

Supporting Documents

11. Apartment  Lease Contract 

12. Hotel Booking Confirmation

13. Sponsor (Husband) Passport

14. Sponsor’s Bank Balance Certificate (online certificate)

15. Sponsor’s Tax Certificate (previous job)

Submission of the supporting documents might help you get your visa successfully,  or it may not. Nobody can guarantee the result - it is the discretion of the Visa officer. However, one thing I always do that helps me getting a visa successfully is be completely transparent. If there are some documents missing, I explain everything in a cover letter and let the Visa Officer know my situation. They are trained to check every loophole and have a hawk's eye, therefore, I don’t give them any loophole to deny my application. Also, if you are in a hurry to know the decision of your visa application, I suggest that you message the agency for updates  if they already have your passport. As per my experience, the staff in the agency told me that the application would be processed in five business days and come back after to collect my passport, but upon checking my visa stamp, it was approved and stamped the next day after I submitted my application! 

NOTE: For the list of accredited agencies in Manila, please check here.

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JAPAN TOURIST VISA Requirements, Guides and Tips For PHILIPPINE Passport Holder (2023) 3/08/2023

JAPAN TOURIST VISA Requirements, Guides and Tips For PHILIPPINE Passport Holder (2023)

Japan, a country famous for its cherry blossoms, geisha, cosplay, sushi, manga, and timeless anime, is always included in our travel bucket list. We all dream of going there to see its beauty, experience its unique culture and understand its fascination with anime. However, some may quickly lose interest when the daunting subject of the 'visa' comes up. We abhor the extensive preparation needed and we fear failing to obtain it. Take heart, getting a Japanese Visa is actually pretty straightforward, especially if you have all the requirements. 

Once you have decided to apply for a visa, check the list of necessary documents and assess what you can submit and what you don’t have. If everything is in your possession, prepare them, print and complete the forms,  then find an agency to submit your application. However, if you are missing important documents like Income Tax Return Certificate, read my other blog post here for tips on what I did when I applied without an ITR in the Philippines. I’ve also written tips on additional documents that you can submit which may help you get your visa with flying colors, especially if you are doubtful on the strength of your application and uncertain of the result.

Step-by-Step Guide When Applying
for Japan Visa in the Philippines

1. Prepare the required documents.

2. Find an agency to submit your application.

3. Wait for the visa decision and for your passport.

NOTE: If you don't have an Income Tax Return Certificate, read here for tips.

                                                                                                                                                                            

1. Prepare the required documents.    

List of Required Documents for
JAPAN TOURIST VISA

1. Passport (with holder’s signature)

2. Visa Application Form (with attached photo)  

(download form at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/pdfs/application1.pdf)

NOTE: Write N/A if the question is not applicable for you. Do not leave any blanks unanswered.

3. Photo for application

REMINDER: Though the specified size on the website is 4.5 cm long x 3.5 cm wide, the agency may ask for a shorter width. Bring a pair of scissors when you submit your application to customize your picture size. You don’t want to risk losing your slot and getting a new queue number again. Also, the photo should have a white background with the applicant’s  full name and date of birth written at the back of the photo.

4. PSA Birth Certificate (original copy)

5. PSA Marriage Certificate (original copy) if married

6. Travel Itinerary in Japan (download form at: (https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000262548.pdf)

(click here for guides on how to fill up the itinerary form)

(In Case that applicant will shoulder part/all of the travel expense)

7. Bank Certificate (recent copy in original paper)

8. Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR: Form 2316)

(In Case that guarantor in the Philippines will shoulder part/all of the travel expense)

9. Guarantee Letter from Sponsor 

(download form at: (https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/pdfs/application2.pdf) 

10. Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor (Ex. Birth or Marriage Certificates)

11. Bank Certificate (recent copy and in original Paper)

12. Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR: Form 2316)

 Supporting Documents (optional)

13. Confirmed Hotel Bookings (if available)

14. Flight booking confirmation (not recommended by the embassy but it may help)

15. Certificate of Employment

16. Leave of Absence Certificate from Employer

17. House/Apartment Lease Contract

18. Property Title Certificate (if available)

19. Business Registration Certificate (if available)

NOTE: Supporting documents are not required by the Japanese embassy but if you are missing some required documents and you need to prove your intention to return to the Philippines and not overstay in Japan, you have to show proof of your strong ties back home. It is better to submit all the documents you have, such as a property certificate, business registration certificate, or employment certificate to show your capacity to travel and your intent of leaving Japan when your visa expires. 

2. Find an Agency to Submit your Documents.

 

Once you’ve gathered everything, look for a travel agency accredited by the Japanese Embassy to process your  application, then submit all necessary documents. The Embassy of Japan in Manila does not accept direct or walk-in applicants, except in special rare cases, and although the Visa is FREE-OF-CHARGE,  the travel agency collects a service charge per application. When you submit your application to the agency, the staff will help in checking and arranging your documents, however, they can’t  guarantee the approval of your visa as it is based on the decision of the Visa Officer.  Afterwards, you will be given an acknowledgement receipt which you will show when you return to pick up your passport after three to five business processing days (sometimes it takes up to 7 days). This depends on how straightforward your application is and at the volume of visa applications the Embassy is working on. 

List of Agencies Accredited by the Embassy of Japan in Manila

Following is the list of agencies where you could submit your documents when applying for a visa. Among these, I used Discovery Tour, Inc in Salcedo Village, Makati City and paid 1,200 PHP processing fees. The queue wasn’t so long when I submitted my application and their office is very easy to find in Makati. 

           1. UHI 

Main Office

Ground Floor - Receiving /4th Floor- Releasing

Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Ayala Center,1223 Makati City

Telephone Nos.: 02-8859-3857; 02-8859-3858; 02-8859-3859; 02-8859-3860

02-7618-2359

Mobile Nos.: 0917-634-8280; 0917-530-2998

2. Discovery Tour, Inc．

Main Office

Unit301 G/Floor, Sagittarius Building, H.V.Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village,

Makati City

Telephone No.: 02-8812-3328

Mobile Nos.: 0915-320-0780; 0999-943-5231

Cebu Branch

Zone 5H Bridge Town Square, Plaridel St., Alnag-Alang, Mandaue City

Telephone No.: 032-340-1819

Mobile Nos.: 0945-460-6613; 0999-420-5556

Davao Branch

G/F Door 109 - 110, Quimpo Blvd. Ecoland, Brgy. Bucana, Talomo District,

Davao City

Telephone Nos.: 082-285-7188; 082-321-1315

Mobile No.: 0915-326-0111

3. RAJAH TRAVEL CORPORATION

Makati Branch

3/F 331 Building, 331 Senator Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Telephone No.: 02-8894-0886

Mobile No.: 0917-529-6774

Manila Branch

Room 202 , GLC Bldg, A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw, St. Ermita, Manila

Telephone Nos.: 02-8523-8801; 02-8523-8802

Mobile Nos.: 0917- 854-3628; 0917- 854-3614

4. RELI TOURS & TRAVEL AGENCY

Dusit Thani Hotel Main Office

3rd Floor, Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City

Telephone No.: 02-7004-3009

Mobile Nos.: 0967-446-2000; 0995-109-6034

SM Mall of Asia Branch

South Entrance, SM Department Store, SM Mall of Asia, Bay City, Pasay City

Mobile No.: 0906-513-6777

SM MEGAMALL Branch

Ground Floor, Mega Strip A, SM MEGAMALL, EDSA, Mandaluyong City

Mobile No.: 0906-513-6555

ANTEL Branch

2F Antel Seaview Towers Condominium, 2626 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

Mobile Nos.: 0916-448-7000; 0999-942-5000

SM South Mall Branch

3F Cyberzone, SM Southmall, Almanza Uno, Las Pinas City

Mobile Nos.: 0906-513-6222; 0917-135-9884; 0916-220-3240

Binondo Branch

FS414, 4F, Lucky ChinaTown Mall, 293 Lachamber Street, Binondo, Manila City

Mobile No.:  0927-870-9552

5. FRIENDSHIP TOURS AND RESORTS CORPORATION

    

           Main Office

         3rd. Fllr., Dusit Thani Manila,

         Ayala Center, Makati City

         Telephone Nos.: 02-8810-9622;

         02-8819-5644

         Mobile No.: 0915-839-4654

        

         Cebu Branch

         Unit 2-508, 5th Floor, OITC 2 Building,

         Oakridge Business Park,

         A.S. Fortune Street, Banilad,

         Mandaue City, Cebu

         Telephone Nos.: 032-345-3459;

         032-344-4825

         Mobile No.: 0917-724-3373

3. Wait for the visa decision and for your passport.

Finally, once you've submitted your application, it's time for you to relax, hope and wait patiently. The usual processing time is between three to five business days, but it could take up to seven business days depending on how complex your application is or the workload of the embassy. If you are in a hurry, you could message or call the travel agency where you submitted your application and ask if they already have your passport.

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR APPLICATION!

Note: If you don't have other required documents, read here for tips on what I did and submitted.

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