How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa at VFS Global Philippines

Japan is a destination that I would visit over and over again. However, as a traveler from the Philippines, obtaining a Japan visa is always a requirement, and yes, it can be a bit of a hassle. But let me tell you, it’s absolutely worth it! If you are planning a trip to Japan, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa at VFS Global Philippines. You will find the list of requirements for single-entry and multiple-entry visa here as well. Read on! 🙂

When booking through Klook, use my discount code PROJECTGORAKLOOK to save up to 5%! By using my links or code, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this blog going. Thank you so much!

Announcement from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines

Before you proceed, make sure to check out the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines consular services page to get the most up to date information and any recent changes to the Japan visa requirements.

Due to the significant increase in the number of visitors from the Philippines, the processing time for tourist visa applications may take several weeks longer than usual. To avoid delays, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their visa applications at least two months before their intended travel date.

📢 Starting April 7, 2025, Japan Tourist Visa applications will be handled by VFS Global Philippines. This change aims to improve efficiency and manage the surge in applications. Until April 6, 2025, previously accredited agencies can still submit visa applications directly to the Embassy to ensure a smooth transition.

Additional Japan Visa Requirements for Multiple Entry Temporary Visitor Visa

The following additional requirements are necessary for those who plan to visit Japan multiple times as temporary visitors for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting relatives. This also applies to Philippine Nationals with Considerable Financial Capacity. The period of each stay in Japan must be within 30 days or within 90 days for Philippine Nationals with Considerable Financial Capacity.

1. Request for Multiple Entry Visa form
2. For frequent travelers in Japan with sufficient financial capacity:
   • Used Japanese visa and landing permission as a temporary visitor within the last 3 years
   • Old/expired passports with used Japan visas
3. For those who traveled to Japan and G7 countries (several times, except Japan):
   • Used Japanese visa and landing permission as a temporary visitor within the last 3 years
   • Used visas and landing permissions of G7 countries (except Japan) within the last 3 years.

Japan Visa Guarantor Requirements

If you have a guarantor covering part or all of your travel expenses, the following documents are required:

1. Guarantee Letter (here’s the template provided by the Japanese Embassy)
2. Proof of relationship between the applicant and the guarantor (e.g., Birth Certificates or Photos)
3. Proof of guarantor’s capacity to pay for your travel expenses:
   • Bank Certificate (same requirement above)
   • Income Tax Return (same requirement above)
   • Certificate of Employment (same requirement above)

Step-by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa at VFS Global Philippines

Applying for a Japan Tourist Visa at VFS Global is a straightforward process, especially if you have all the required documents prepared. One of the best ways to increase your chances of approval is to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Step 1: Know your visa type

First and foremost, determine the type of visa you need. Visit the link to check which category applies to you. The main options include Temporary Visitor (90-day stay), Temporary Visitor (Multiple Entry), and Long-Term Stay (for students, workers, dependents, and other visa types).

Step 2: Gather the mandatory requirements

To apply for a Japan Tourist Visa at VFS Global, gather all the mandatory visa requirements (refer to the list above). With the recent opening of the Visa Center, there are no changes to the visa requirements. Only the submission process has been updated. Here are some important document submission guidelines from the embassy:

• All documents issued in the Philippines must be original, except where specifically stated otherwise.
• Original documents will not be returned. If you want the original back, submit it with a photocopy and a request for return.
• All documents must be issued within 3 months of the application date (except for Birth/Marriage Certificates, which must be issued within 1 year).
• All documents must be in A4 size. Documents of other sizes, like bank certificate and Income Tax Return (legal size), are acceptable.
• Don’t staple documents

Step 3: Choose a VFS Visa Application Center and Book an Appointment

Once you’ve filled out your application form and gathered all the required documents, the next step is to book an appointment at an Application Centre. Keep in mind that your preferred date might not be available, so it’s best to choose a slot well in advance of your travel date. After successfully booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with your appointment letter.

Note: If you’re applying as a family or group, remember that each member must have a separate appointment.

Step 4: Submit your Japan Tourist Visa Requirements at VFS Global

You’ll need to personally submit your completed visa application form and all required documents at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre. The visa fee can be paid at the centre upon submission.

For Philippine nationals applying for a Temporary Visitor Visa, as well as those applying for Diplomatic and Official Visas, the visa itself is free of charge. However, VFS Global charges a service fee of PHP 520 per application, which applies to all visa submissions.

Step 5: Wait for the visa application results

After lodging your documents to the travel agency, that’s pretty much everything! All you need to do is wait. Visa processing normally takes 5-7 business days but sometimes could be longer.

You’ll receive an email notification once your visa decision has been returned to VFS Global. If you prefer real-time updates or don’t have easy access to email, you may also opt for SMS notifications. Check with the VFS Global Centre you’re visiting to see if this service is available.

Additionally, you can track your visa application status online using the Reference Number on your receipt from the Japan Visa Application Centre, along with your Date of Birth.

Step 6: Collect your passport

Once a decision has been made on your Japan Tourist Visa application, you can either pick up your passport in person from VFS Global or have it delivered to you via courier for an additional fee.

To collect your passport in person, make sure to bring the receipt issued by the Japan Visa Application Centre, along with a valid government-issued ID. If you can’t collect it yourself, you may designate a representative. They’ll need to present a signed letter of authorization from you, the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre, and their own government-issued ID.

Be sure to check the Japan Visa Application Centre’s opening hours for details on collection options available.

Japan Tourist Visa FAQs

How much money should I have on my bank account?

There is no fixed amount that can be determined for this question. What embassy wants to know is whether you have sufficient funds to support your trip to Japan. Some agencies in the Philippines advise that 10,000 pesos per day is a safe amount to allocate for a Japan trip. My advice is to make sure you have enough money to cover your costs for travel like accommodation, plane tickets, transportation, food and miscellaneous expenses. 

For the purpose of a visa application, I usually budget 10,000 pesos per day. So, if I’m traveling to Japan for 7 days, I should have 70,000 pesos. Of course, the amount in my bank account should be more than this to demonstrate to the embassy that I have sufficient funds for emergencies and for when I return home from the trip. Personally, I don’t usually spend 10,000 pesos a day in Japan, except on days when I visit theme parks, as the admission fees are typically expensive.

What if I don’t have an Income Tax Return (ITR)?

If you don’t have an Income Tax Return (ITR), you can provide alternative documents to prove your financial stability for your visa application. Also, write a letter explaining why you don’t have an ITR and detailing your other sources of income or financial support (sample cover letter here).

• Provide a certificate of employment from any regular clients stating your work, duration, and payment details.
• Include copies of your recent payslips or invoices if you’re a freelancer or business owner.
• Include copies of property titles, car registration or other assets in your name.
• Provide copies of any business permits you have obtained.
• For newly registered tax payer, submit a copy of your BIR registration certificate to show your intent to comply with tax regulations.

How early can I apply for a Japan Tourist Visa?

It’s advisable to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa three months before your planned travel dates. First-time applicants typically receive a single-entry visa. If it’s your first time in Japan and you wish to apply for a multiple-entry visa, keep in mind that approval is not guaranteed, even for frequent or repeat travelers.

How long is the validity of Japan Tourist Visa?

Single-entry visa allows you to enter Japan once and stay for up to 15 days within three months from the date of visa issuance. Multiple-entry visa, on the other hand, allows you to enter Japan any number of times and stay for up to 30 days (up to 90 days for Philippine Nationals with Considerable Financial Capacity) per visit. This visa is valid for 1-10 years, depending on the consul’s decision.

How much does it cost to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa?

While Japan Tourist Visa itself is free, visa processing thru VFS Global has a corresponding fee, which is PHP 520 per person. 

Is a hotel booking required for a Japan Visa? 

No, it’s not mandatory. However, I always include a hotel reservation to support my application. Take advantage of Agoda’s free cancellation and pay-later options. By booking early, you’ll have a wider selection of accommodations and a better chance of securing your preferred hotel at competitive rates.Below are some of the hotels I have tried during my past trips. Almost all of them have free cancellation and pay later options in Agoda.

Is flight booking required for a Japan Visa?

No, it’s not mandatory. However, providing a flight reservation can strengthen your application. You can opt for a reservation with a flexible cancellation policy to ensure you have a confirmed itinerary without any financial risk.

Where to Stay in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

So, there you have it! I hope this post helps you on your application. Feel free to add your own Japan tips in the comments section. Do you have any questions? Suggestions? Let’s chat down below!