If you are planning to travel to Japan, a visa is one of the essential requirements you must prepare. Yes, it's necessary for Filipinos if they'd like to travel to the "Land of the Rising Sun." The visa application process allows a nation's consular and immigration departments to verify your identity before arrival.
In this blog, I'll share the visa application process and travel requirements you need to prepare to be granted a Japan visa.
You first need to get a hard copy of the Japan visa application form and fill it out appropriately. You can download it HERE or get it from your chosen accredited travel agency.
1. Print the form on A4-size paper. You can print it on your own or request it from the travel agency.
2. Complete the form either electronically or handwritten. If you fill up the paper with a pen, please ensure that you write in BLOCK LETTERS and that they are readable and have no erasures. If there are too many erasures, start over. Never ever use put a line on the wrong word, a correction tape, or liquid.
3. In fields that don't apply to you, write NA. Don't leave any field blank.
4. Paste a photo in the designated area. Paste it, and do not use staple. The image must have been taken within the past 6 months.
5. It's recommended to use a black pen or font. Do not use a pencil or one of those erasable pens.
Here's what I followed from the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
List of Japan Requirements:
1. Passport
a. Must have at least 6 months validity.
b. Must have at least 2 blank pages.
c. Must have a signature.
2. A duly accomplished visa application form with passport-size ID (White background and your name and birthdate on the back side)
3. Birth certificate from PSA
a. Must be issued within the past year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center
b. If the birth certificate is marked Late Registration, you must also submit a Baptismal certificate, School Record (Form 137), and School Yearbook (if applicable. If you're married, you need to submit also a marriage certificate from PSA.
4. Itinerary or Daily Schedule in Japan
5. A copy of your Income tax return (ITR Form 2316)
6. Bank certificate
a. It must have been issued within the past 3 months (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, and ADB). I also recommend submitting a Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months.
The Original Certificate of Employment is not required, but I suggest submitting it together with other requirements.
Additional Requirements if with Guarantor:
1. Guarantee Letter
2. Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor.
3. Bank Certificate of the Guarantor
4. A copy of the Income Tax Return (ITR Form 2316) of the Guarantor
How to apply for Japan Visa
1. Complete the Japan Visa requirements
2. Find an accredited travel agency
3. Submit the documents. Print all the requirements on an A4-size paper
4. Pay the Processing Fee. The rates are from P900 to 1500, depending on the travel agency
5. Wait for your visa. Usually, it will take 3-5 days, sometimes up to 7 working days.
Japan Visa Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )
Do I need to book flights and hotels before applying?
It's not a requirement. However, the application form has questions about your chosen airlines and hotel. I recommended getting a visa first before booking a flight. You'll never know if your visa will be approved or not. Hoping everyone will be approved.
How long is the validity of the visa?
The Single-entry tourist visas are valid for 90 days upon the issue and will allow you to stay up to 15 days. Multiple-entry visas will have 5-10 years of validity and can stay for up to 15 or 30 days.
Where can I apply for Japan Visa?
You can apply to any accredited travel agency. I applied for my Japan visa to Reli Tours and Travel. They are located on the 3rd floor of Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.
How long does it take to process a Japan visa application?
The travel agency will tell you 7-14 days. Usually, it will only take up to 7 days. I get mine 3 days after my submission.
How early can I apply for a Japan visa?
Applying as early as 3 months before your travel date is recommended since a single-entry visa is valid for 90 days from the issue date.
Can I apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?
Yes! Here are things that you need to consider before applying for a multiple-entry Japan visa:
a. You traveled to Japan as a temporary visitor within the last three years and have the sufficient financial capability to support your Japan trip.
b. You traveled to Japan as a temporary visitor within the last three years and have traveled as a temporary visitor to G7 countries (excluding Japan) several times within the previous three years. The other G7 countries are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (USA).
c. You have a high financial capacity (but have not been to Japan in the past 3 years) or an Immediate family member (Spouse/Child) of a person with high financial capacity.
For the first-timer, I recommend applying for a SINGLE-ENTRY VISA for higher chances of approval.
I'm a freelancer. I don't have Income Tax Return (ITR). What can I do?
If you don't have a Income Tax Return ( ITR ), you can get a letter from your clients indicating how long you've worked for them, how much compensation you get, and your scope of work. You can also submit Certificate of Employment and Pay Slip.
I also recommend submitting a letter explaining your freelance jobs, what you are doing, and how you are getting your salary. That way, the embassy will understand that you can afford to travel and you will go back to the country.
How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?
The Japanese embassy did not provide information on how much money you should have in the bank. Some applicants have P50,000 and got approved. If you only have this amount, staying in Japan for 3-5 days is recommended for higher chances of approval. If your intended travel stay will last for 8-10 days, it's recommended to have at least P100,000 or more in your bank account, depending on the days you want to visit Japan. That way, the embassy officer will think that you can afford to travel to Japan.
Again, even if you have a lot of money in your bank, there's no guarantee that your visa application will be approved. Some applicants got denied even though they had over P300,000 in their bank account. Make sure to submit all the requirements.
I also suggested to write a letter on why you want to visit Japan, scope of work and any information that will prove that you will return to the country. Don't ever lie!
I don't have a bank account. Can I still apply for a Japan visa?
For higher chances of approval, I highly recommend submitting a bank account certificate and statement. If not, you can find a guarantor. You can just submit your guarantor's bank documents. I suggest it should be an immediate relative.
Can I submit a birth certificate issued more than a year ago?
No, PSA must have issued the birth certificate within a year.
What are the common reasons why Japan visa applications are denied?
1. You can't prove that you can financially support yourself to travel to Japan. You might have insufficient funds in your bank account. This is one of the essential things to consider to determine if you can afford to travel outside the country.
2. You can't prove that you will return to the Philippines. You should have a regular or freelance job or business in the country. That way, they will not think you intend to travel and work in Japan.
3. Your reason for traveling to Japan is unclear. You can go to Japan for a leisure or business trip. It's recommended to provide the details of your journey or why you travel to Japan.
Before applying for a Japan visa, remember these questions:
1. Can you provide the necessary requirements for a Japan Visa Application?
2. Do you have enough funds to support your Japan trip?
3. Can you prove that you will return to the Philippines?
4. Can you prove that your intention is only to travel for leisure or business?
You may visit the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines' website for more details on applying for a Japan visa.
If you have any questions or inquiries, please comment down below. I will try my best to answer of all your questions. Happy traveling!
If my husband i will travel.. Can we present our joint account statement and bank cert for the both of us? Or do we need to have separate bank account?
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