Japan is one of the most futuristic countries and yet, one of the oldest civilizations, and well preserved cultures in the world. So if you are visiting Japan for the first time, then prepare to be amazed by this dreamy destination as you walk through the streets that seem like they came out of postcards! I’m even willing to bet that you’ll constantly find yourself questioning whether it could be real or not? Well, let me tell you that you are just a 4 hour plane ride and an approved Japan Visa away from experiencing all these and to be honest getting a Japanese Visa is not as complicated as you might think since the Japanese Embassy is quite lenient in giving out tourist visas to Filipinos, nowadays. Let these 6 simple steps be the start of your adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun!
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I. HOW TO APPLY FOR A JAPAN TOURIST VISA (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
STEP 1: Determine the type of Visa you need to apply for.
Depending on your purpose, there are different types of Japan Visas you can apply for, (such as business visa, student visa, etc.).
This guide is about how to apply and obtain a Japan Tourist Visa. This is for those whose purpose of visit is Short-term Leisure/Tourism or visiting Family/Friends who reside in Japan. If you intend to apply for Japan Multiple-Entry Visa, it has different set of requirements, READ THIS: Japan Multiple-Entry Visa Eligibility & Requirements for Filipinos.
If you have a different situation or intention/s, it’s best to directly contact the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines for more information.
STEP 2: Prepare and complete the Japan Visa Requirements.
Make sure all documents are in A4-size paper ONLY, clear, and readable. Also, be guided that the list of a Japan Tourist Visa requirements, varies depending on your situation and purpose as follows;
JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS LIST for Filipinos (with or without sponsor/guarantor) – This list of requirements is applicable for those applicants who will be funding their own expenses while traveling in Japan OR those who will be sponsored/funded by someone who resides in the Philippines and will NOT visit anyone who resides in Japan.
JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS for Filipinos Visiting Family or Friends (with or without sponsor/guarantor) – This is applicable for those applicants who will be visiting Family or Friends who reside in Japan. Your contact person in Japan must be either, working in Japan legally, or with Permanent Residency or a Japanese Citizen.
TIP! You can also submit other relevant documents that prove the reason for your travel (such as medical certificate, invitation letter, etc.).
STEP 3: Find an accredited travel agency by The Japanese Embassy.
The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines does NOT accept direct applications from individuals, except for very special cases. Otherwise, the only way to apply is through travel agencies accredited by The Japan Embassy. READ THIS: JAPAN VISA Full List of Accredited Travel Agencies by the Embassy (with prices and contact details).
STEP 4: Submit the documents and pay for the fees.
The Japanese Embassy does not charge a fee, however accredited travel agencies do and they usually range from (P800-P1,500) as processing fee.
TIP! Be as early as you can on the day of submission as lines can get quite long at times in some travel agencies. Also, don’t forget to ask for a receipt as you’ll need it to claim your passport later on.
STEP 5: Wait for the Visa application results.
Processing time takes 5 business days. In some cases it can take less, but sometimes it can be longer than that. Which is why I recommend applying at least a month or two before your intended travel to allow ample time.
STEP 6: Claim your Passport and Japan Visa.
The travel agency will notify you via SMS/Text messages once your passport is available for collection but, they wouldn’t usually tell if your visa is approved or not. And as mentioned before, you’ll need to bring the receipt to claim your passport. Some agencies offer different arrangements to claim your passport (such as mail delivery, etc.).
In my experience, I first applied for a Japan Visa in 2017 and it took only 4 days to be granted for a Single-Entry Visa. The second time was in 2018 and this time it only took 2 DAYS to be granted for a 5yr Multiple-Entry Visa. Yay! The process is pretty simple and straightforward, although requirements can be long at times, but I swear it’s nothing to the reward of visiting the most beautiful country there is, (for me that is) JAPAN!
TIP! If approved, it’s always best practice to check and make sure all information on your Visa is correct to avoid complications in your travels. GOOD LUCK!
I hope you find this helpful in getting your Visa. If you have other tips, suggestions or you have gone through a different Visa procedure, please share your experience in the comment section to help out others. Let’s make this place be the source of useful information and a start of meaningful conversations that gives value to others! 🙂
Klook.comII. JAPAN TOURIST VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. Is Travel Insurance required to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa?
NO. It’s not part of Japan Visa Requirements. However once your Visa is approved, I strongly recommend getting one because while Japan is a very safe destination, remember that you can’t really eliminate the risk when traveling, but you can always add protection! That said, here’s my recommendations;
- For the best “budget-friendly travel insurance”: SafetyWings
- For the best “travel insurance coverage”: World’s Nomads
2. How much is Japan’s Visa fee?
It’s FREE, but accredited travel agencies charge from (P800-P1,500) as processing fee.
3. Is Japan Visa fee refundable?
Unfortunately, it’s Non-Refundable regardless of the outcome (Approved/Denied/Withdrew).
4. Do I need a travel agency to apply for a Japan Visa?
YES! The Embassy of Japan does not accept direct applications from individuals, except for very special cases. Otherwise, the only way to apply is through travel agencies accredited by The Japanese Embassy. READ THIS: Full List of Accredited Travel Agencies by the Japanese Embassy (with prices and contact details).
Personally, I applied with TravelPros in both of their SM Megamall and SM Auras branches. It was fast, easy, and successful!
5. How long is the processing time for a Japan Visa?
5 Business days, (standard).
6. How early can I apply for a Japan Visa?
3 months before your intended travel, (but keep in mind that it might be very close to the expiry date).
7. When is the best time to apply for a Japan Visa?
At least a month or two before your intended travel to Japan is the ideal time to apply for a visa. Why? Because sometimes, Japan Visa processing time takes longer than usual due to the volume of the visa application the Embassy receives. Also, it’s always a best practice to allow ample time to avoid complications in your travels.
8. How long is the validity of a Japanese Visa?
Single-Entry Visas – are valid for 3 months from the date of approval and for a stay up to 15 (but, some were given a stay up to 30 days).
Multiple-Entry Visas – are valid from 3, 5 up to 10 years from date of approval. That means you can visit Japan as frequently as you want within those years and you can stay up to 30 days each time.
9. Is ‘show money’ required to apply for a Japan Visa?
YES! The Japanese Embassy requires financial documents for a reason and that is to establish your financial capability to cover all your expenses while in Japan, as well as your intention to return. If your trip is sponsored by someone, you need to submit their financial documents instead.
10. How much is the ‘show money’ to apply for a Japan Visa?
The Japan Embassy did not specify how much money you should have in the bank. It may be because it varies from person to person and the amount can also be totally different for everybody. But trust me, your financial documents don’t need to have millions, it just has to be realistic! So, if you intend to travel for a duration of 15 days with ONLY P20,000 in the bank, well that will raise a lot of red flags. In this case, you may want to consider applying with a Sponsor/Guarantor.
Most people I know who applied for a 5 to 7-day stay with P100,000+ in their bank accounts were pretty successful in getting a Japan Visa. I guess that’s a reasonable amount for that duration and their situation. But, a friend of mine got approved with only P35,000 in the bank for a 4-day stay. It was very risky, but it worked. I don’t recommend it though.
Again, the amount in your bank account should suffice to all your projected expenses in your trip to Japan, plus some extra funds for miscellaneous expenses. Also, you don’t necessarily have to spend all of them on that trip (which is why others refer to this as ‘Show Money’).
11. Do I need to book flights and hotel/s before applying for a Japan Visa?
No. You are not required to submit nor book flight tickets and hotel/s before applying for a Visa. Applicants are encouraged to secure a visa first before booking their flights and hotel/s.
For the question on the application form regarding flight details, you can simply check the airline’s website and copy the details of the flight you are eyeing for. For hotel/s, you can reserve it online (for FREE) through Agoda.com with a REFUNDABLE option if you cancel it a day before your intended stay. That way, you can also fill up the exact address and contact information needed on the application form.
12. What is the approval rate of a Japanese Visa?
95% is the approval rate for a Japan Visa, according to the travel agency I consulted.
NOTE: This may NOT be the exact approval rate by The Japan Embassy! This is just meant to give you an idea. Besides, not even the actual percentage nor anyone can guarantee you a visa, but only the Visa Officers and how convinced they are with your application.
13. What if my Japan Visa gets denied, can I apply again?
YES! You can apply again after 6 months from the date of your initial Japan Visa application results.
14. What’s the address of The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines?;
Embassy: Embassy of Japan in Manila
Address: 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300
Phone: (02) 834-7514
Email: ryoji@ma.mofa.go.jp
Website: ph.emb-japan.go.jp
Consular Office: Consular Office of Japan in Cebu
Address: 7th Floor Keppel Center, Samar Loop cor Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
Phone: (63-32) 231-7321, 231-7322
Consular Office: Consulate-General of Japan in Davao
Address: 4th Floor, BI Zone Building, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City
Phone: (63-82) 221-3100
