A Guide to the Japan Visa Application for Filipinos

How to Apply for a Japanese Visa in the Philippines

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan recently relaxed restrictions on the issuance of tourist visas for Philippine nationals. The move was part of a greater strategy to promote Japan as a tourism-friendly country and to attract 20 million foreign visitors. As we approach the beautiful cherry blossom season, let us guide you on how to get your tourist visa to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Image Source: GaijinPot

Japan issues several visa types so you need to determine which one best fits the purpose of your travel. All visa applications should go through accredited agencies of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines as direct visa applications will not be accepted. The official visa section of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines can be accessed here.

HOW TO OBTAIN A JAPAN TOURIST VISA 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Here are the documents that you need to submit:

1. Philippine Passport
The machine-readable passport (MRP) or ordinary IC passport should be valid six (6) months from the date of travel and should be in good condition. If you need a new passport or want to renew your passport, click here.

2. Complete Visa Application Form
The visa application form is a PDF file, which is readily available to edit once you download it. You can type in data using your computer. Be sure to print it out after as the data typed cannot be saved. Make sure that all the spelling is correct and do not leave any blank spaces. If information does not apply to you, put in N/A on the space provided. You can download the form here.

3. Two (2) recent colored 2x2 photos with white background
As with any visa application, make sure you are wearing appropriate attire, preferably dark colors with a collar and sleeves. The photo must be pasted on a specified portion of the application form and should not be stapled. More information on the photo can be found here.

4. Original authenticated birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office
A copy of the birth certificate can be requested online through the E-Census page of NSO. The detailed information on costs, delivery fees, and processing time is also available on their website. You can access the page here.

5. Original authenticated marriage certificate issued by NSO
Follow the same procedures for requesting a birth certificate.

6. Daily schedule/itinerary in Japan
The 'taizai nitteihyo' is a detailed document stating the place you intend to visit, your contact number and the place where you are staying. Applicants can be as detailed as they want to be but make sure that it has the same number of days stated on your application form. If you do not have a roaming number that can be contacted, you can just use the number of your hotel in Japan. You can download the form here.

7. Employment Information

• Employed: certificate of employment stating position, tenure of service and gross annual income.
• Self-employed: DTI Business Name Registration and/or SEC Registration Certificate.

8. Original bank certificate
In order for them to see that you can financially support your stay in Japan, the government requires applicants to submit a bank certificate, which you can request through your bank. This is a different document from a bank statement that is usually issued on a monthly or quarterly basis. There is no specific amount that needs to be declared. However, you should declare a realistic amount that can adequately support your stay in Japan.

9. Copy of latest Income Tax Return (ITR or Form 2316)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

a. List of accredited travel agencies, click here.

b. Applicants who have previously visited Japan with a visa
- NO longer required to submit requirement 4 & 5
- REQUIRED to submit old passport bearing the visa

c. Applicants with NSO Birth certificates under "late registration" should also submit their original Baptismal Certificate and School Record Form 1-37.

d. Applicants with NSO Birth certificate with "unreadable details," and/or if "no record found" are required to submit a certified true copy of the birth certificate issued by Local Civil Registry or certification issued by the National Archives.

e. Applicants who are government employees are required to submit an approved leave of absence form.

f. If the applicant has a guarantor there are additional documents that you need to submit:
- 'juminhyo' or residence certificate of a Japanese guarantor.
- Foreign Registration Certificate from City Hall, if guarantor is not Japanese
- 'mimoto hoshosho' or a guarantee letter
- Any of the following income certificate: shotoku shomeisho/income certificate from City Hall, nouzeishomeisho/tax certificate from tax office or kakuteishinkokusho hikae/Bank Certificate.

g. Original documents that are submitted will not be returned whether you are granted or not granted a visa. Information on the status of your application should be directed to the agency where you submitted your requirements.

h. When the visa is granted, the visa fee is gratis or free. However, agencies have processing fees, which amount to between Php 1,200 to Php 2,500.

i. In the event of visa denial, the reasons will not be disclosed to you and you need to apply again after six (6) months with the same purpose. However, if it is for a different purpose such as emergency or humanitarian reasons, you can again re-apply without waiting.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us at info@philippineflightnetwork.com

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