How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa?
Japan is one of the countries that I’ve been dreaming to visit since countries have started reopening its borders for tourism. A country known for its mesmerizing beauty and rich culture, Japan had always been on my list of places that I would really love to explore. Luckily, this year, I was able to make my dream vacation to Japan happened. Going to Japan as a Filipino tourist requires a visa. While the visa application process may seem daunting, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines.
What is Japan Tourist Visa?
It is important for the applicant to determine the type of visa before initiating the application process. If you’re going to Japan for tourism, leisure, or visiting friends and relatives, then you need a Japan Tourist Visa. Also known as a Temporary Visitor Visa, this visa is typically issued for a short duration, usually up to 90 days. The visa permits the holder to engage in activities such as sightseeing, exploring cultural attractions, attending festivals, or experiencing the natural beauty of Japan.
What are the requirements to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa?
To ensure a smooth application process for Japan Tourist Visa, here are the documents that you need to gather.
- Valid Philippine Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Japan, with at least two blank visa pages.
- Visa application form – Complete the visa application form accurately and legibly. Put “N/A” in all spaces that are not applicable. You can obtain the form from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines or download it from this link.
- Photo – Attach one recent 45mm x 35mm color photo with a white background.
- Travel Itinerary – A detailed itinerary of your planned activities in Japan, including your intended places of visit, accommodations, and return flight information.
- Income Tax Return (ITR): A photocopy of your ITR form or BIR Form 2316.
- Bank Certificate – A bank certificate issued within 3 months indicating your account balance for the past six months. This document should demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Japan.
- Birth certificate – A copy of your birth certificate issued within 1 year by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) – If married, include a copy of your marriage certificate issued by the PSA.
Additional Notes:
- Bank Statement – If ITR is not available and there is no ADB (Average Daily Balance) on your Bank certificate, submit a Bank Statement to prove transactions for the last 3 months.
- All documents must be in A4 size.
Where to submit the documents for Japan Tourist Visa application?
Once you have gathered all the required documents, it’s time to submit your application. The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines does not accept direct applications. You need to apply through accredited travel agencies. Japan Visa is free. However, travel agencies charge for the service of processing the visa application.
In my experience, I applied through Reli Tours and Travels in Dusit Thani, Makati. Service fee charge is Php950 for a Single Entry Japan Tourist Visa per person.
My Japan Tourist Visa application timeline
February 27, 2023
- Submitted documents for my visa application through Reli Tours and Travels
March 4, 2023
- Received a text message from the agency that my passport is ready for pickup
- Went to Reli Tours and Travels and collected my passport with granted Single Entry Japan Tourist Visa
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa? I suggest at least three months before the trip.
- Do I need to have a show-money? Yes. Applicant must submit proof of means of financial support through Bank Certificate, ITR, and Bank Statement (as additional requirement)
- How much should be the show-money? It depends on the number of days that you will be in Japan. I suggest to have a budget of around JPY13,000 per day.
- Do I need to have confirmed flight bookings? It is not recommended to buy a confirmed flight ticket before applying for a tourist visa.
- Is there a visa label in the passport? Yes.
- Is the visa application free? Yes the visa fee is free but you have to pay your travel agency for the service processing fee.
Please note that the steps in this blog are for application for a Japan tourist visa only. If you are applying for other types of visa, please contact the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines or visit the official website.
Got questions? Comment it down below and we’ll try to answer it.
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html
Reli Tours and Travels
www.relitours.ph/
