Konnichiwa! Traveling to Japan?
Even if Japan happens to be relatively near to the Philippines, getting there isn’t as easy as we think. Since our Philippine Passports do not provide us a visa-free entry to any Japan city, we still need to go through an application process before we jet off to this vibrant country. Preparing your Japan tourist visa requirements is crucial for a successful application.
To ease the process for you, we've put together a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Japan tourist visa! Read on for some tips as well!
Klooktivities you can book when flying to Tokyo!
Urban Adventures in Tokyo
Reconnect with Nature in Hokkaido
Fun and Culture in Osaka
How To Apply For A Japan Visa:
1. Decide on what kind of Japan visa you need
Source:Japan Rail Pass Website
There are several types of visas that you can apply for, so you have to first determine the purpose of your travel. The Japan tourist visa requirements may vary depending on your purpose of travel, so make sure you’ve chosen the appropriate type of visa to apply for.
In this guide, we’ll be discussing what requirements you’ll need for a tourist visa without a guarantor or sponsor. However, if you intend to visit Japan for other purposes, we recommend checking out the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines page for more information.
If you proceed with a tourist visa, this means that you intend to visit Japan as a tourist and have made arrangements to tour the country.
2. Prepare the required documents for your visa application
This is the single most crucial portion of the application process. Do know that incomplete Japan tourist visa requirements, or even unfilled blanks, may cause your application to be rejected.
Japan Tourist Visa Requirements
- All documents must be original – scanned copies and photocopies are discouraged unless stated
2.1. Philippine Passport
Source: PSAhelpline Website
What many people don’t know is that your Philippine passport WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED on several accounts:
- Photo page (Page 2) has a broken lamination
- Validity is less than 6 months from the intended travel date
- There's no traveler's signature on the passport
- There are less than 2 blank pages available for stamps
2.2 Visa Application Form
Source: c-George from Getty Images on Canva
Download the Japan Visa Application form here in A4 size. Applicants must type in their information or write it down in CAPITALIZED letters. Whatever method you decide on, make sure there are NO ERASURES and that all provided information is in fact true by the time you submit.
Make sure not to leave any blanks unfilled – if information is not applicable, write N/A. Check this guide for a sample Japan visa application form.
- For the sections that ask for information on flights and accommodations:
- The embassy doesn’t necessarily require applicants to book their flights and accommodations before the application process. That said, applicants can indicate the airline and hotel they intend to stay in for the meantime.
- If you want to show the embassy proof of your bookings, you can book your round-trip flights and accommodations beforehand as well. Though some say this increases your chances, we cannot guarantee this.
- We recommend checking out Klook for accommodations with no required prepayments. Many of their accommodations also offer free cancellations, so book these in the meantime.
2.3 ID Photo
Source: Canva
- The ID Photo requirement for a Japan visa is 45×35mm (2×1.4in) with a white background. Head to the nearest photo shop in your area and simply request an ID Photo for a Japan Visa, and they should be aware of the latest ID requirements.
- For photo guidelines, please refer to this page.
- Make sure your ID Photo was taken within 6 months.
- Indicate NAME and BIRTHDATE on the back of the photo.
- Your ID Photo must be directly pasted onto your application.
2.4 PSA Birth Certificate (as a replacement of NSO Birth Certificate)
Source: PSA Help Line Website
The PSA Birth Certificate that will be submitted must be an original copy, issued within one year. If you will need to order, you can order one online here. However, if you’ve already acquired a Japan visa before, this is no longer required.
In the event that your PSA Birth Certificate is unreadable, submit a birth certificate from the local civil registrar instead.
In the event that your PSA Birth Certificate is of “Late Registration”, submit a Baptismal Certificate or a School Record (Form 137) with the necessary address and telephone information.
2.5 PSA Marriage Certificate (as a replacement of NSO Marriage Certificate)
Source: PSA Help Line Website
If you’re married, the PSA Marriage Certificate that will be submitted must be an original copy, issued within one year. If you will need to order, you can order one online here. However, if you’ve already acquired a Japan visa during the course of your marriage, this is no longer required.
2.6 Japan Itinerary
Your Japan Itinerary will give the embassy an idea of your activities in Japan. Download the form here, fill it out, and print it. You can fill it out yourself or have an accredited travel agency fill it out for you.
You don’t need to stick to these activities once you fly off to Japan, but it’s best to indicate the activities you plan on doing while you’re there. This doesn’t have to be complex, but make sure to indicate when you’re arriving and the contact information of the tours you intend on joining.
Here’s a sample:
2.7 Bank Certificate
Include an original bank certificate in your application. This should show your average daily balance for the past six months or the average amount for the past year. If the Average Daily Balance (ADB) in the last six months is not indicated, a bank statement must be submitted.
The embassy does not indicate a minimum balance requirement, but it considers the cost of your entire trip and your daily expenses.
2.8 Income Tax Return
Unless you’re retired or a senior citizen, you are required to submit your proof of income along with your other Japan tourist visa requirements.
For employed individuals:
- Provide the latest Income Tax Return Form 2316 and a photocopy on A4 paper
- Certificate of Employment with signatures of both Employer and Employee
- COE should also include the period of employment, salary, position, and contact details of the HR
For self-employed individuals:
- Freelance: Provide the latest Income Tax Return Form 1701 and a photocopy on A4 paper
- Business Owners: Submit your Business Registration issued by DTI / SEC and the company Income Tax Return
- For corporations: Copy of SEC Certificate (front page only), GIS, Mayor's Permit from the City Hall
For OFWs:
- Provide a Tax Exemption Form from the BIR
- Certificate of Employment or Contract of Employment
- No Income Tax Report Provide a letter stating why you are unable to submit an ITR at this time
* For those traveling with a guarantor/sponsor: There are additional requirements needed if you’re a student, minor, or unemployed individual. If you are a spouse and cannot provide a bank certificate, or a self-employed individual who cannot provide an ITR, you will also need to submit additional documents. You can find a complete list of these here.
3. Contact an accredited travel agency to process your application
Be informed that The Embassy of Japan DOES NOT accept walk-in applications. All applications need to go through accredited travel agencies. Submit your Japan tourist visa requirements to them and they will be the ones to process it for you.
Although the Japan Visa is free, these travel agencies will charge you for their services. For a list of accredited travel agencies check here. Take note that these are the only agencies that the Embassy of Japan will entertain applications from, so if you need more information, visit the corresponding agency websites.
4. Wait for application results
After submitting your Japan tourist visa requirements, the processing shouldn’t take more than 3-5 days unless a problem is encountered with your application. However, in such a case, the embassy will reach out to you to get the requirements completed. Once you’ve completed all the requirements and had it double-checked by the agency, there’s not a lot you can do but wait! So ask your travel agency how they will be contacting you regarding your application status.
Additional Tips for applying for a Japan Tourist Visa
1. Quadruple-check your requirements!
Though the travel agency you will send your requirements can catch any missing documents, other aspects, such as incorrect information on the application, are beyond their control. If you can, have a friend who’s successfully applied for a Japan visa before looking over your application as well!
2. Have enough money in your bank account
One common reason why people get denied a visa to Japan is due to insufficient funds in their account. So before planning a trip to Japan, make sure that you have enough money to cover your travel expenses and daily allowance at least six months before your trip. A sudden deposit of a large amount of money is a red flag and will work against your favor.
3. Provide proof that you will return to the Philippines
By providing proof, you’re letting the Embassy of Japan know that you have no intention of settling illegally. If you’ve already booked your flights, show them a copy of your return flight ticket. If this isn’t something you have at the moment, you can send a certificate of employment, an approved leave of absence, an ITR, or a photocopy of your travel history on old passports.
Klook your way around Japan!
Once you’ve got that visa covered, it’s time to explore this dynamic country! Whether you want to hit up the quirky streets of Tokyo, or the cultural sites of Osaka, start your journey to Japan stress-free by booking from a variety of airport transfer options. Also, check out our activities and make the most out of your trip at a budget-friendly price!
![[usxanz] 2 week japan trip](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_550,h_356/v1730172850/ysbcar2kbhbioh23ww8h.jpg)
