First Timer's Guide to Japan Visa Application

First Timer's Guide to Japan Visa Application

In the past few years, Japan has considerably relaxed its visa policies for Filipinos. This is a move of the Japanese government to attract more foreign visitors to boost its tourism sector. 

First Timer's Guide to Japan Visa Application

If you're one of those who would love to visit Japan, here are tips and procedures that will help you with your Japan Visa Application.

I got a single entry for 30 days on my first and second visas. Luckily I was given 5 years, 30 days of multiple-entry on my third application 

1. Know what visa to apply for...

Japan issues several types of visas for different purposes of visits. Here are some of the visas that are most commonly applied by Filipinos. 

  • Transit visa (AKA Tourist visa) - the basic visa for those who are interested in traveling and exploring Japan.
  • Temporary visitor's visa - the visa for those who want to visit friends, relatives, or family members (guarantors) living and working in Japan.
  • Student visa -the visa for those foreign students who are enrolled and will be studying in Japan.
  • Work visa -the visa for those who are hired to work in Japan. There are different types of work visas issued for specific fields. You can read about it here.
  • You can read about the other kinds of visas here.
Keep in mind that these visas give you an allotted time of stay in Japan. This ranges from a few days to a few years. First-time visitors are usually given a one-time entry visa. If you have a good financial record or you have visited Japan on several occasions then you can apply for a multiple entry visa which has a validity of 5 years.

2. Know your requirements...

In this part, I will only focus on the requirements of the tourist visa since it is the most common visa one applies for.

  • PH passport: Your passport should have at least two blank pages left and should not expire in the next six months. Damaged and tampered passports will not be accepted.
  • Visa Application Form - Download the form here.
  • PSA- certified birth certificate: If your birth certificate is not clear, a birth certificate from the local civil registrar is required. If there is no registration of live birth in PSA, a Certificate of Non-Record and a birth certificate from the local civil registrar should be presented instead.
  • PSA- issued marriage contract - For married travelers only.
  • A 4.5cm x 4.5cm ID photo - Your photo should have a white background. If you are unsure of the photo you took, better have one taken by a photo studio. Most of them are aware of the photo requirements for the Japan Visa application.
  • Tour itinerary/ daily schedule - Plan your trip well then make a daily schedule/ tour itinerary. You can download a template here. You can also have your tour agency prepare one for you.
  • Income tax return (ITR Form 2316)- You should have the original and a photocopy of it. If you don't have an ITR due to whatever reason, make sure to write a letter addressed to the Japanese Embassy explaining why.
  • Bank Balance Certificate -You should present a bank balance certificate issued within the past 3 months. There should be enough money there to cover your planned stay in Japan. There is no definite minimum amount as I have friends who were given a 7-day single entry Visa with only 30,000 pesos in their bank account.

3. Know your accredited travel agency...

The good thing about a Japan visa application is that there is no need for personal appearances. All applications are coursed through accredited travel agencies. You can check out the one nearest you here.

Agency fees range from P800 to P2000. You can contact the agencies on the list to inquire about this.

Upon submitting the requirements and paying the agency fee, wait for their call or text. You will know if your application is approved or denied in a few days.

Getting your first Japan visa is as simple as that. So what are you waiting for? Apply for that VISA and see Japan!

Location: Philippines

Comments

  1. Cyndi BuchananJanuary 23, 2020 at 12:07 AM

    Great information! I've never traveled overseas but hope to soon. This is great information to know.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 24, 2020 at 9:55 AM

      You should start visiting Asia. Japan and the Philippines are good places to start.

      Delete
  2. Luna MoonJanuary 23, 2020 at 4:12 AM

    This is fantastic information to know for those wanting to travel but not knowing where to start. I know I wouldn't know how to apply for a visa!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 24, 2020 at 9:54 AM

      You guys in the US are lucky as you don't need to apply for a VISA to get to Japan.

      Delete
  3. BuyingstylewithmegJanuary 23, 2020 at 4:32 AM

    Thanks for the info - my son has always wanted to travel to Japan!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 5, 2020 at 11:04 AM

      You should bring your son to this wonderful country.

      Delete
  4. JoannaJanuary 23, 2020 at 5:40 AM

    I have never been to Japan, but if I do, I will come back to read your guide on how to get a visa. It's very useful.

    ReplyDelete
  5. LoritaJanuary 23, 2020 at 9:50 AM

    I didn't realize there are so many types of Visa out there. Great info for those trying to get a Visa.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Trent A PeekJanuary 24, 2020 at 12:04 AM

    This brings back memories of when I taught english in Japan. The Visa troubles I had at the start could have be solved with this post. Even though I taught english 20 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMay 13, 2021 at 9:11 PM

      Wow! I'm happy to share that I'll be working in Japan as an ALT this year. Wish me luck!

      Delete
  7. Fransic VersoJanuary 24, 2020 at 4:06 AM

    This is well detailed and will be helpful for other people to get a visa. I always find friends struggle to figure which type of visa they can get.

    ReplyDelete
  8. weaving life's webJanuary 24, 2020 at 4:48 AM

    Always wanted to visit Japan. Now I know the first step that is need and what to do to get visa. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 1, 2021 at 9:12 PM

      You're welcome! I hope to see you visit Japan after this pandemic.

      Delete
  9. Our Redonkulous LifeJanuary 24, 2020 at 6:19 AM

    I hope to get my passport and travel. I know getting a passport in the US might b different than in Japan, but thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 5, 2021 at 9:06 AM

      You're welcome. I do hope you get to visit Japan after this pandemic.

      Delete
  10. brandiJanuary 24, 2020 at 8:37 AM

    Some great information here for people !

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ashli FergusonJanuary 24, 2020 at 10:54 PM

    oh wow great tips!! I didn't know you needed to do all this!

    ReplyDelete
  12. magenJanuary 24, 2020 at 11:33 PM

    There's some great information in here. I hope to be able to travel overseas soon and I've honestly never applied for a visa so it's good to have an idea of what I'll need to do in the future when I do finally get off my butt and apply for it. Japan is one of my top 5 destinations too.

    ReplyDelete
  13. JulieJanuary 25, 2020 at 12:30 AM

    Honestly, this is great information because so many of my friends have worked over in Japan as an English teacher, and they said that finding a process of HOW to do this was practically impossible. Great info!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 5, 2020 at 8:34 AM

      Thank you Julie! Please feel free to share this article to your friends.

      Delete
  14. MikeJanuary 25, 2020 at 1:22 AM

    Good advice. Never been to Japan, but hopefully one day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioAugust 18, 2020 at 7:04 PM

      Oh, you should really add this country to your bucket list. You won't regret it.

      Delete
  15. Lavern MooreJanuary 25, 2020 at 11:04 AM

    This is really good information to know. My daughter works in Japan and this will serve me well if I decide to visit!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Amelia PollockJanuary 25, 2020 at 11:12 AM

    Great information in one short. I will bookmark it for future.

    ReplyDelete
  17. ConstanceJanuary 25, 2020 at 3:42 PM

    Nice info, how long does the temporal visa last im asking because we are planning to visit a friend on Dec

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 10, 2021 at 1:02 PM

      Hi Constance!
      It depends on how many days / years they'd give you.

      Delete
  18. aisasamiJanuary 25, 2020 at 5:52 PM

    Wonderful visa tips for those who want to come to Japan. Just a note of precaution that the new rules here in Japan is that you cannot transfer for a travel visa to a work visa while in Japan. You have to go back to your home country and get a work visa at the local Embassy or Consulate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 18, 2021 at 7:42 AM

      Thank you so much for this additional tip aisasami.

      Delete
  19. LilyJanuary 25, 2020 at 5:57 PM

    Very good info about travel visas for Japan. Japan is a beautiful place to visit!

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2023 at 6:13 PM

    nice

    ReplyDelete

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