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 single entry 30 days on my first and second visa. 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 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!