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Japan is an incredible destination, revered for its rich history, cuisine, and influence on popular culture. There's a lot to explore and experience, not just in Tokyo—just take a look at this Japan travel guide! So it's no surprise the country tops the travel bucket lists of Filipinos.
You’ll need a Japanese visa to enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun, and this guide will walk you through the application process. Say Konnichiwa to Japan soon!
Types of Japan Visa
Japanese visas available to Filipinos fall into three categories:
Temporary Visitor
The "Temporary Visitor" visa is issued to Filipinos entering Japan for sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, attending business conferences, etc. This single-entry visa is valid for three months upon issuance and permits a stay in Japan for 15 days. However, the Embassy of Japan can also grant a 30-day or 90-day stay, depending on the purpose of the visit.
Multiple-Entry Visa for Temporary Visitor
Frequent travelers to Japan apply for a Multiple-Entry visa, which has a validity period of 5 or 10 years. The Embassy of Japan has stricter eligibility requirements for this visa, mainly regarding financial capacity and employment. To apply, you must meet one of the conditions in the "Reason for Requesting Multiple-Entry Visa" form.
Work or Long-Term Stay Visa
Students, workers, or dependents of Japanese nationals can apply for a Work or Long-Term Stay Visa if they need to stay in Japan for more than 90 days. However, they must meet the eligibility requirements listed by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Workers may include technical interns, care workers, teachers, doctors, or nurses certified in Japan.
Note that the Japanese Embassy doesn't ask for a fee to apply for a visa. However, accredited travel agencies charge for their services since visa applications go through them. The handling fee for a Temporary Visitor can start at ₱1,200 and goes higher if the trip is not for tourism purposes.
Japan Visa Requirements
Regardless of the type of Japanese visa you intend to apply for, the following are the basic requirements for application:
1. Valid Philippine Passport
Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least six months to a year when you travel to Japan. It should have at least two blank pages for the Japan visa and your signature on page 3 if you have the latest Philippine passport.
The Japanese Embassy won’t accept broken, damaged, or soiled passports.
2. Accomplished Japan Visa Form
Download the Japan visa application form and print it on A4 paper. Complete all required sections, affixing “N/A” for any items that don’t apply. Don't forget to put the date and sign the form.
3. Facial Photo
The size of your facial photo must be 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm and shot with a plain white background. It must be taken within six months of submitting your visa application. Write your name and birthdate on the back of the picture before pasting it on the visa application form.
4. PSA-Issued Birth Certificate
You need a birth certificate that the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) issued within the last year.
PSA birth certificates that are unreadable or have incomplete information should present a copy from your Local Civil Registrar. Late registered birth certificates will also require extra documentation (Form 1307 and/or baptismal certificate).
5. PSA-Issued Marriage Certificate
If you’re married, submit a marriage certificate issued by the PSA within the last year. You can file for a Certificate of Non-Record with the Local Civil Registrar if there’s no marriage record.
6. Bank Certificate
Most banks will issue a certificate that shows your year-to-date balance. But, for Japan’s Multiple-Entry visa requirements, you’ll also need a bank statement showing your average daily balance within the last six months.
7. Latest Income Tax Return
Your income tax return is the Bureau of Revenue (BIR) Form 2316. It should have your signature and that of your employer.
Business owners can provide proof of actual tax payment in addition to the BIR Tax Payment Certificate Form (copy acceptable).
8. Certificate of Employment
The certificate of employment must show the period of employment, salary, position, and your company's address and contact information.
For business owners, you can present your Certificate of Business Name Registration from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and a Mayor’s Permit from the city hall.
9. Trip Itinerary in Japan
You'll need to submit a daily itinerary of your stay in Japan. Based on the template the Japanese Embassy provides, you don't have to go into hourly details. Just identify places or cities you'll be headed to on each date. For example, Shibuya and Shinjuku on day one, Toshogu Shrine in Nikko on day two, and Osaka on day three. Include flight information and the hotels if available.
Supporting Documents
You may be required to submit other supporting documents, depending on the purpose of your visit. Here are a few examples:
- Letter of Guarantee if someone else pays for your trip
- Invitation Letter if you're going to Japan to visit a friend or relative
- Used Japanese or other G7 country visas or entry stamps in the last three years for a Multiple-Entry visa (G7 includes the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom)
- Copy of school ID or Certificate of Enrollment in school if you're a student
- Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan if you apply for a Work or Long-Term Stay visa
How to Apply for a Japan Visa
Once you've collected the necessary Japan visa requirements, all that’s left is to book an appointment through the VFS Global website and submit your passport and documents at one of the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) branches. Starting April 7, 2025, all Japan visa applications in the Philippines will be filed through JVAC branches only, according to the Embassy of Japan.
JVAC has five branches across the Philippines:
- Cebu City – Unit 9, 7th Floor Faustina Center, Bonifacio District, Cabahug St. Kasambagan, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines
- Davao City – Fes-09, Second Floor, Alfresco Are, Felcris Centrale, Quimpo Boulevard, Barangay 40 – D, Davao 8000, Philippines
- Makati City – Ground Floor, Makati Circuit Corporate Center Tower Two, AP. Reyes St. Brgy Carmona, Theater Drive Circuit, Makati City, 1207 Philippines
- Parañaque City – Level 3, Parqal Mall, Building 5, Diokno Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City, Barangay Tambo, Postal Code- 1701, Metro Manila
- Quezon City – Level 3, Gateway Tower Mall, Araneta City, Quezon City 0810
JVAC branches are open Mondays to Fridays, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (except on weekends and holidays).
Here are a few reminders during the application process.
1. Send your Japanese visa application early.
As of January 2025, the Japanese Embassy recommends applying at least two months before your travel date due to the volume of applications. The processing time of Japan visas can take several weeks instead of days before knowing whether your application was approved or denied.
2. Submit documents printed on A4-sized paper.
Your Japanese visa application form, itinerary, and other forms should be printed on A4-sized paper. Remind your bank and employer to print documents the same size as well. If a document is printed in another size, submit a copy adjusted in A4 size. Don’t staple or paste pages.
3. Provide physical passports with used visas.
JVAC branches won’t accept photocopies of your used visas from Japan or other countries.
4. Review your documents.
The Japanese Embassy can deny any visa application forms with errors or inaccurate information. Don't forget to add your signature where needed, and don’t use an erasable pen.
5. Transact with an accredited travel agency only.
Since Japan visas are free, JVAC branches only charge a handling fee of ₱520 per applicant. They don’t guarantee Japanese visa approval but will let you know if you have missing paperwork.
FAQs About Japan Visa Application
The Japanese visa application process is pretty simple—gather requirements, submit to an accredited travel agency, and await approval. However, it's easy to get confused about the requirements. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Are there long queues to get a Japanese visa?
Since Japan visa applications are now processed only through the Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC), you must book an appointment online via the VFS Global website before visiting. Walk-ins are not allowed, so long queues at the centers are generally avoided. However, appointment slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons, so it’s best to secure your schedule early.
Remember that the Embassy of Japan has advised Filipinos to apply two months before the trip and to expect weeks of processing time instead of days.
What can freelancers do if they don't have a certificate of employment or income tax return?
You can provide a letter of explanation as to why you lack these documents. Some freelancers include details about their income and provide a letter from the company they‘re working with. This letter specifies their services, contract duration, and compensation.
What documents can I show if I’m a retiree, full-time housewife, or unemployed?
Submit a letter of explanation stating your status as such. The Embassy still expects to see the rest of the basic requirements, from birth to bank certificates. Provide a Letter of Guarantee if someone else is shouldering part or all of your travel expenses.
What amount should my bank balance show?
There’s no required amount. But your bank balance should reflect that you have sufficient funds to pay for your travel expenses, especially if you request a Multiple-Entry visa.
Will the Japanese Embassy accept bank certificates from digital banks?
Yes, you can submit bank certificates and/or statements from digital banks in the Philippines.
What should I wear for the photo?
The Japanese Embassy has no specific clothing requirements for the photo. To be safe, follow Philippine passport photo guidelines—wear a top with a collar, remove your glasses, and tuck your hair behind your ears.
Will I only get a 15-day stay if it's my first time applying?
It depends on your purpose and itinerary. The Embassy can issue 15, 30, or 90 days for a short-term stay. You’ll see how many days you're allowed once you've been issued a Japan visa.
Should I book a flight and hotel before applying for a Japanese visa?
No, you’re not required to show plane tickets or hotel reservations. Your itinerary should show the hotel or address you plan to stay in.
How many times can I enter Japan with my visa?
Multiple-Entry visas can be used several times if you use them within their validity period (five or 10 years). A single-entry Temporary Visitor visa is only valid for three months upon issuance.
What are the reasons for getting denied a Japanese visa?
The Embassy of Japan doesn’t share the exact reasons, except to say the application didn’t meet its criteria. On the FAQs on its visa/consular services, the Embassy explains, "We do not give you the specific reason of the rejection because if we do so, the information might be used to get around the visa examination process to enter Japan for illegal or unjust purposes."
Can I immediately reapply if my Temporary Visitor application was rejected?
No. You’ll have to wait six months to reapply for a Japanese visa.
Get Ready for Your Japan Trip
Along with your Philippine passport, Japanese visa, and luggage big enough to carry your kawaii haul, make sure to load up your GCash before your trip. It’s super handy for ATM withdrawals, helping you save on fees. You can also use GCash to make cashless payments at stores that accept Alipay+. Check out how to get your GCash set for international travel!
Take with you the perfect travel partner when you visit Japan. Globe’s International Roaming services with international roaming promos come in prepaid and postpaid offers—you can stay connected while traveling without breaking the bank!
