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.
for Japan Visa in the Philippines
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 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)
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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