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How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa?
Story by: admin ( Member ) on 2018-09-21
There are various types of Japan visa you can apply for: tourist visa, transit visa, visa for medical stay, etc. But for this particular guide, requirements for a tourist visa for Philippine passport holders will only be discussed.

The Japan Embassy can grant 15, 30 and 90 days of stay. If it's your first time applying for a tourist visa, it is safe to request for 15 days or less.


1. Know the required documents needed

a. Philippine Passport

If your photo has broken lamination, it will NOT be accepted. Make sure as well that your passport is valid for 6 months prior to your intended travel date, has your signature and has at least two (2) blank pages.

b. A duly accomplished Japan visa application form

   1. Print the Japan visa application form in A4 sized paper
   2. Download the application form here. You can type your information on the form then print (back-to-back); otherwise, if you're going to fill it out by hand, make sure that there will be NO ERASURES. It's highly suggested to write in print or in capitalized letters too.
   3. Completely fill out the form properly and don't forget to affix your signature. Put "N/A" in all spaces that are not applicable.

Note: There are sections at the form that ask for your airline and hotel name; however, this DOES NOT mean that you are required to book your flight and hotel beforehand. Just write your intended airline to book with and the hotel you plan to stay in should your Japan visa is approved. If you're going to stay in multiple hotels, just pick one to write on the form.

c. 4.5cm x 4.5cm photo (white background)

Photo must be most recent (at least taken for the last 6 months). Write your name and birth date on the back side of your photo and paste it on the application form. Photos that are pixelated or low resolution will not be accepted.

d. PSA (formerly known as NSO) Birth Certificate (Original Copy)

Birth certificate must be acquired within the year of your application date.

In case your  birth certificate is unreadable or if you have no record in PSA or NSO, in addition to "Certificate of Non-Record" from PSA, please submit your birth certificate from the local civil registrar. Or if your PSA is of "Late Registration", submit baptismal certificate and school record (Form 137) that has complete address and contact details of the church and school respectively.

e. Marriage Certificate (if married) Original Copy

Marriage certificate must be obtained within the year of your application.

f. Daily schedule in Japan

In layman's term, this is your daily itinerary or activities in Japan. Your itinerary should start and end with the date of your arrival and departure. You can download the form here.

g. Proof of income

For employed:

   1. Latest copy of ITR Form 2316 or from the previous year if it has not been issued yet within the year of your application.
   2. Certificate of employment
   3. Bank certificate (must be issued within 3 months)

For self-employed:

   1. Latest copy of ITR Form 2316 or from the previous year if it has not been issued yet within the year of your application.
   2. If you have your own business, submit your business registration issued by DTI (also known as DTI Permit). *If you DO NOT have an ITR, write a simple letter explaining why you're unable to submit it (example: if it's a newly established business, a new self-employed or you are being taxed in another country, etc.)
   3. Bank certificate (must be issued within 3 months)

For OFW in the Philippines:

   1. Tax exemption form from BIR (Visit the BIR office nearest your residence)
   2. Certificate if employment or copy of employment contract
   3. Bank certificate (must be issued within 3 months)

For unemployed (minors, students, housewives, househusbands):

If you're a minor or student, one of your parents should primarily act as your guarantor (any family member as secondary). If you're a housewife or househusband, your spouse should primarily act as your guarantor (any family member as secondary). Your guarantor should provide below documents:

   1.a. Affidavit of Support (for minor or student applicant). This must be in A4 sized paper, original and notarized. You can download the template here.
   1.b. Guarantee Letter (for the other unemployed). This must be in A4 sized paper and signed by the guarantor. You can download the template here.
   2. Photocopy of passport of the parent or guarantor (bio page of the passport)
   3. Guarantor's bank certificate
   4. Income Tax Return of parent or guarantor
   5. Certificate of employment or DTI Business Permit (if guarantor is self-employed)
   6. If guarantor is an OFW, see required documents above.
   7. Certificate of Enrollment of the minor or student applicant

Important Notes:

   1. All documents to be submitted must be original. It's best to keep a photocopy as the Embassy will not return your documents. If document submitted is verified by the Embassy as fake or tampered, your visa application will be automatically denied.

   2. Applicants are exempted from submitting birth certificate and/or marriage certificate if they can submit old/valid passports with used Japan visa. However, if it's a family application with guarantor, applicant is still required to submit them whichever is applicable to prove relationship.

   3. Reason for the denial of visa will not be disclosed even if an inquiry is made. At the same time, if visa application is denied, applicant may only re-apply for the same purpose after six (6) months.

2. Choose an accredited travel agency to process your application

Sadly, walk-in Japan visa applicants are not allowed. Only accredited travel agencies can submit and have your application processed for a fee (which varies depending on the agency). In the Philippines, there are only 7 accredited travel agencies:

b. Discovery Tour Inc.
c. Rajah Travel Corporation
d. Reli Tours and Travel Agency
e. Attic Tours Phils. Inc.
f. Friendship Tours
g. Pan Pacific Travel

Looking for a great deal on Japan visa processing? Check out our exclusive offer with Universal Holidays, Inc.

3. Wait for the result of your application

This is the last thing to do and the most nerve-wracking after you've forwarded your application. It usually takes 2-7 working days before you get a call, email or text message from your travel agent to notify you that your passport is ready for pickup. If your visa is approved, there's a white sticker at the back of your passport (if it's a red sticker, your visa has been denied).


Japan Visa Application Tips

1. Submit a neatly filled out application form

Japanese are known to be organized, meticulous and neat. Hence, a neatly filled out visa application form will initially earn you a good point. If you can, fill out the form electronically via your laptop or desktop then have it printed to avoid any erasures. Just make sure you have it printed on a clean A4 paper and don't forget to affix your handwritten signature.

2. Make sure to prepare ALL needed documents

Don't get too excited submitting your application when you have incomplete documents. Travel agencies usually do not accept and process applications when all necessary documents are not provided. It also doesn't harm to submit other documents that are not included on the list as long as it'll prove your strong economic and social ties in the Philippines.

3. Don't apply too early or too late

Japan visa is only valid for three (3) months from the date it was approved. It is highly advised to apply two months before your preferred travel date. Though you can have the result of your visa application in as fast as 2-3 days, it is not recommended to apply 2 weeks before your travel date as supplementary documents may be requested.
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