TRAVEL: Guide for Japan Visa Application

Revenge travel is real especially if you've been dreaming of traveling to Japan. But first things first, you need to apply for a visa because you are a Philippine passport holder. Btw, there are 38 countries that Filipinos can travel to without visa. Scroll down below for the complete list. 

So what are the steps in applying for a Japan Tourist Visa? 

1. Choose an accredited travel agency. I've tried UHI (Universal Holidays Inc.) and Reli Tours & Travel in Dusit Thani Hotel Makati, and both provided excellent service. There are also other travel agencies that handles Japan visa. 

2. Visa application form. Download the form online or ask your chosen travel agency to email you one. Answer and print on A4 size paper. 

3. Documents needed for Japan Visa application:

a. Passport.
Make sure that it is valid at least 6 months from travel dates. 

b. Birth Certificate. 
New PSA copy. 

c. Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
New PSA copy.  

d. Certificate of Employment or Business Permit. 
If student, provide a copy of school registration. 

For freelancers, present bank certificate and other financial documents.  

e. Latest ITR. 
If no ITR, include in your cover letter why you don't have one. 

f. Bank Certificate. 
Bank balance should be at least P50,000 or P5,000/day x length of stay in Japan

g. Cover Letter. 
State reason why you want to go to Japan, and when do you plan to go there. Print on A4 size paper. 

h. Hotel Reservation. 
You can make reservation via Agoda, Booking, or Klook, or direct hotel reservation. 

i. Travel Itinerary. 
Daily schedule of your trip to Japan. 

example:

    Day 1 - Airport to Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

                Shinjuku Gyoen

                Shibuya Crossing

                Omotesando

    Day 2 - Tsukiji Market

                Ueno 

                Asakusa- Sensoji Temple 

j. Sponsored Trip. 
If someone is paying for the trip, provide copy of sponsor's bank certificate and include in cover letter relationship with the person applying for visa. 

k. For minors.

Copy of parents Japan Visa printed on A4 size paper. 

4. Visa photo. Make sure that you are wearing a collared shirt or blazer. Also, you need to specify that the photo is for Japan Visa. If you happen to choose the travel agency in Dusit Thani Hotel, I suggest having your photo taken at Island Photo Center, 3F Glorietta because they're already an expert when it comes to different Visa photos. 

5. Go to your chosen travel agency and submit the application including all the documents needed plus passport, and your visa photo. The agency will check your papers and once everything is in order, they will ask you to pay visa application fee (P1200-P2000). Waiting time is around one week to 10 working days. You will receive an email or text message from the travel agency if you can already claim your passport. 

NB. There are instances when a visa application is rejected and having a plane ticket is not an assurance that you will automatically get one. You can only re-apply after 6 months from date of rejection. 

BONUS: 
For Japan Visa renewal, you still need to fill-out application form and submit the passport with the expired visa. You can also apply for a multiple entry visa. 

List of Visa-free countries for Philippine passport holders: (source: visaguide(dot)world)

ASIA: Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

SOUTH AMERICA: Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Fiji, Haiti, Peru

OTHERS: Gambia, Israel, Kazakhstan,  Micronesia, Morocco, Niue, Pakistan, Palestine, Rwanda, Senegal, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Suriname, Vanuatu