Konnichiwa! With its ultra-modern cityscapes, well-preserved cultures, delicious cuisines, and warm hospitality, Japan has always been a favorite holiday destination. A trip to this country will definitely give you memories to cherish for a long time.
But do you need a visa to go to Japan from the Philippines? Unfortunately, yes.
For those visiting the country for the first time, it can feel scary and nerve-racking. But allow us to take the stress away with this guide to Japan tourist visa requirements for Filipinos. It also includes application steps and a list of accredited travel agencies processing visa applications.
Take note that this article covers Japan visas with single-entry validity and multi-entry privilege.
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What is a Japan Tourist Visa?
A visa is a document that proves you’re allowed to enter a country and stay there within a prescribed time period. A Japan tourist visa is therefore a short-term stay visa you need to acquire for the purpose of sightseeing or visiting family or friends in Japan.
The Japan visa’s single-entry validity is three months. This means you need to enter the country within three months of the visa’s issuance. If you aren’t able to enter Japan within that time period, you’ll have to apply for a visa once again.
Generally, temporary visitors can stay in the country for up to 90 days, though the stay period depends on the purpose of your visit to Japan. Keep in mind that you can’t engage in any paid work while in the country with a Japan tourist visa.
Read more: Traveling Abroad? Here’s a List of Visa-Free Countries for Filipino Tourists
Single-Entry Japan Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos in 2024
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Don’t worry—it’s not difficult to secure the requirements and follow the steps for getting a single-entry visa for Japan. Tourist visa requirements are categorized based on your purpose of visit to Japan. Check out the following:
Multiple-Entry Japan Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos This 2024
If you want the privilege of flying to Japan without having to get a visa every single time, apply for a multiple-entry visa. This grants travelers a maximum visa validity of five years. The period of stay in the country must be within 30 days.
Check out the requirements and conditions:
*In case the birth certificate is unreadable, submit the birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar. If the birth certificate is Late Registration, submit a Baptismal Certificate and School Record (Form 137). In case there is no birth record with the PSA, submit the birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and a negative certificate issued by the PSA.
**In case the marriage certificate is unreadable, submit the marriage certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar. In case there is no marriage record with the PSA, submit the marriage certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and a negative certificate issued by the PSA.
Read more:
- 21 Japan Travel Tips: Tax-Free Shopping, Spots to Visit, and More
- Tokyo Thrift: 10 Best Places for Japan Vintage Shopping
How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa This 2024
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Kick off your Japan visa application with the following steps:
- Determine the type of visa you need to apply for.
- Gather all your Japan tourist visa requirements. See to it that you have the authentic documents. Don’t forget to check the accuracy of the details.
- Go to an accredited travel agency that will process your application and submit all the visa requirements. Remember that the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines doesn’t accept direct applications, so this step is a must.
- Sit back and relax. The travel agency will process your Japan visa application. Just wait for a text message, email, or call from them. Wondering how long Japan visa approval takes? The standard Japan visa processing time in the Philippines is five working days from the day after the date of the acceptance of your application.
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Where to Process Your Application for a Japan Tourist Visa
As mentioned, only accredited travel agencies are allowed to process Japan tourist visa applications. Thankfully, there are a handful of agencies out there that can accommodate your application:
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Japan Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos: FAQs
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Got a lot of questions regarding Japan tourist visa requirements for Filipinos? Check out the items below to see the answers you may be looking for.
1. My application for a Japan tourist visa this 2024 was denied. Can I reapply immediately?
Generally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan won’t accept your visa application if you file it within six months of your previous rejected application. Since applicants’ circumstances will most likely not change within six months, the result will turn out the same.
Take note, however, that the ministry or embassy sometimes accepts visa reapplication within six months if the applicant’s circumstances changed significantly since the rejection. They also accept reapplications when travel to Japan is necessary for humanitarian reasons.
The ministry encourages everyone to consult with the Japanese embassy or consulate before starting the application process.
2. Why is the reason for my visa rejection not explained?
When applications get rejected, it’s usually because the applicant failed to meet Japan’s criteria for visa issuance. However, authorities won’t give you a specific reason. This is because people trying to enter Japan for illegal purposes might use those details to bypass the visa examination procedure.
3. What are the possible reasons behind my Japan visa application rejection?
There are a few reasons your Japan visa application may be rejected. Below are some of them:
- Incomplete requirements for a Japan tourist visa – Failure to provide certain documents, such as birth certificate, or certificate of employment, may lower your chances of getting approved.
- Inconsistencies and inaccuracies in application details – These are major red flags. Before you submit your requirements for a Japan visa, make sure to double-check everything.
- Falsified documents – Your application won’t just be rejected; you may even face legal repercussions.
- Insufficient funds – You need to prove that you have the financial capacity to stay in Japan. Otherwise, your application may be rejected.
- Weak connection with your inviter – You have to prove that you and your sponsor have known each other for a very long time.
- Suspicion of employment scouting – The embassy may reject your application if they have reasons to believe you’re flying to Japan to scout for work.
- Criminal history – A criminal record, especially if it’s related to terrorism and drugs, may result in visa application rejection.
4. How soon should I apply for a Japan tourist visa before my trip?
You can apply for a Japan tourist visa as early as two months before the date of your trip. If you’re running late, make sure you have enough buffer time. Stay on the safe side by giving yourself at least 15 working days before the date of your trip.
If your departure date is approaching, you cannot rush the embassy to process your application. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan,[3] they cannot make a decision regarding your application until the necessary examination has been conducted. Also, note that they process applications in the order in which they have received them.
5. I’m postponing my trip. Can I still use my approved visa at a later date?
A single-entry visa is valid for three months (and only becomes invalid after you enter Japan). If you postpone your trip but the new travel date is within your visa’s validity period, you can still use your visa to enter Japan.
If you happen to postpone your trip for longer than three months, you’ll need to apply again.
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6. How much is the processing fee for a Japan tourist visa this 2024?
A travel agency may charge between ₱900 to ₱2,000, depending on the type of your short-term stay visa.
7. Do I need to present show money for a Japan visa?
Yes. As mentioned above, you need a bank certificate. So how much show money for a Japan visa do you need?
According to experienced travelers, you should have enough for daily expenses within the duration of the trip. For instance, if you stay in Japan for 15 days, you must have at least ₱100,000 in your bank account. If you’re staying for at least five days, ₱50,000 may be enough.
Keep in mind that your bank certificate shows your account’s average balance. A sudden large deposit might appear suspicious. To avoid troubles, make sure your bank account is active by making regular deposits and maintaining transactions for at least six months or so.
8. Do I need to submit original documents?
That will depend on the document. For documents issued or prepared in Japan, photocopies will suffice. For other documents, the embassy requires original copies.
In case you wish to keep the originals for old pictures and other documents, you may submit just the copies and write a letter explaining why you cannot submit the original.
9. My trip to Japan has two or more purposes. How should I apply?
Say your trip to Japan has tourism and commercial purposes. The embassy advises applicants to prepare the documents required for the trip’s main purpose.
If you submit the documents for each purpose, the embassy will conduct the examination for each purpose. Then they will issue the appropriate visa if the criteria for visa issuance are met for one of the purposes.
10. My multiple-entry visa application for tourism purposes (30 days with five-year validity) is approved. Can I use the same visa when traveling to Japan next time for commercial reasons?
If you plan to stay within 30 days and your activities fall under the scope of Temporary Visitor status, you may use your multiple-entry visa. You must also submit an immigration card that specifies your purpose. Said activities include:
- Sightseeing and recreation
- Sports
- Visiting relatives
- Inspection tours
- Participating in meetings or lectures
- Business contact and other similar activities
The embassy stresses that certain activities are not allowed under the Temporary Visitor status, such as paid or remunerated activities. If you want to visit the country for such a purpose, you need to secure a Certificate of Eligibility or COE from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying for a visa.
Note that you cannot apply for a visa while your application for the COE is ongoing.
11. I’ve been deported from Japan before. Can I still get a visa?
Fortunately, past deportation doesn’t necessarily mean your new visa application will be denied. Note, however, that if you violated laws in the past or have been deported, the embassy will review your application based on the said fact.
12. Who should I contact regarding concerns about my Japan tourist visa application this 2024?
If you have questions or concerns regarding your application for a tourist visa to Japan, reach out to the Japanese embassy in the Philippines' contact numbers and email addresses:
- Manila – Phone: (02) 8834-7514 | Email: visa@ma.mofa.go.jp
- Consulate-General in Cebu – Phone: (032) 231-7321/231-7322 | Email: cebucoj@ce.mofa.go.jp
- Consulate-General in Davao – Phone: (082) 221-3100/3200 | Email: cojd2@ma.mofa.go.jp
Related:
- To the Land Down Under: How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa
- Annyeong! South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists in 2024
- Europe, Here I Come: Schengen Visa Requirements in the Philippines
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Final Thoughts
Before you get to see Tokyo’s vibrant modernity or taste Osaka’s delicious cuisine, you need to secure a Japan tourist visa.
The application process will go smoothly as long as you submit complete Japan tourist visa requirements for Filipinos. If you’ve got friends who've been to Japan, ask them about their visa application experience. That way, you can manage your expectations and prepare accordingly.
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