Japan Visa Requirements: Guide for Philippine Passport Holders (2024)

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, you’ll find a step-by-step guide and the updated Japan visa requirements here. Read on.

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 requirements.

Additional 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)

How to apply for Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines

A Japan Visa is one of the easiest visas to acquire, in my opinion. Ensuring you have complete Japan visa requirements is one of the best ways to secure it. Also, reading announcements on the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines website for any changes to the requirements will help your preparation.

Step 1: Complete the following mandatory requirements

Gather all the mandatory Japan visa requirements and any additional documents specified by the embassy. Here are some of the embassy’s document submission guidelines:

• 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 2: Find an Accredited Travel Agency

The Japanese Embassy does not accept direct application, except for special cases. You can check the Japanese Embassy website to see a list of accredited agencies where you can submit the requirements. Travel agencies charge processing fee which vary from 800 – 2,000 pesos. My personal recommendation is Universal Holidays Inc. because of their very fast and efficient processing.

Step 3: Submit your Japan Visa Requirements

If you choose to course your application through UHI, you can secure an appointment online in their Visa Center PH online platform. Once confirmed, you can visit UHI’s office at the Ground Floor, Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City 1223 on your preferred date and time.

UHI also offers online application assessment and submission of documents via a courier. This is what I availed for my 2024 trip to Japan. For instructions, you can check out their website.

Step 4: 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.

Your chosen travel agency will keep you updated with your application. You will receive automated notifications via email or SMS for the status of your application, passport collection, and delivery through your preferred courier service. So, no need to worry about missing any important updates.

Some Useful 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 a travel agency has a corresponding fee. Visa application fee for single-entry ranges from 700-1,000 while multiple-entry costs1,500-2,000 pesos 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. Here 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!