If you are planning to visit Japan, here are the documents needed when applying for a tourist visa. It's not as difficult as it may seem. They have been more relaxed for years. You can get a minimum of 15days and a maximum of 90days visa.
- All documents must be original unless otherwise stated.
Requirements:
1. Philippine Passport
- passport must be valid for 6 months prior to your intended visit. Signed and have at least two blank visa pages.
2. Visa Application Form
- download and print application form in A4 size. Fill it out completely, put N/A if not applicable. The cleaner the better. It's important that the details here match your itinerary.
- download and print application form in A4 size. Fill it out completely, put N/A if not applicable. The cleaner the better. It's important that the details here match your itinerary.
3. Photo
- picture should be in 4.5cm x 4.5cm, with white background. Write your name and birthday at the back. It must be recent too.
4. Birth Certificate
- birth certificate should be issued by the PSA within a year. If your birth certificate is unreadable, request a copy from the Local Civil Registrar. You will have to submit both.
- If your birth certificate is late registered, you may submit a baptismal certificate and school record (Form 137) and School Yearbook (if possible).
- If you have no record in PSA, submit a “Certificate of Non-Record” together with a birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.
5. Marriage Certificate (if the applicant is married)
6. Daily Schedule in Japan (TAIZAI YOTEIHYO ) or your itinerary
- for your itinerary, its best to choose tourist spots which are free or not too expensive if you don't have much money in the bank.
7. Bank Certificate
- bank certificate is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. The older the account, the better. I've heard visa denial cases because their bank account is new. It kinda looks suspicious. They say 50000 is enough for 5days.
- bank certificate is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. The older the account, the better. I've heard visa denial cases because their bank account is new. It kinda looks suspicious. They say 50000 is enough for 5days.
8. Income Tax Return
- latest and clear copy of your ITR (form 2316). If you don't have one, make an explanation letter. This is a common problem for a freelance worker or self-employed like me..
- latest and clear copy of your ITR (form 2316). If you don't have one, make an explanation letter. This is a common problem for a freelance worker or self-employed like me..
- If someone will shoulder part or all of your expenses, you will have to submit the following.
a. Guarantee Letter from your guarantor
b. Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor (e.g. Birth Certificates etc.)
c. Bank Certificate (original) and Income Tax Return (ITR Form 2316) (clear Photocopy) of Guarantor
- If you have any question, please visit the Japanese Embassy website.
Certificate of Employment
- COE is not really a requirement but if you don't have an ITR, It might help.
- I heard government workers need to provide leave of absence.
Certificate of Employment
- COE is not really a requirement but if you don't have an ITR, It might help.
- I heard government workers need to provide leave of absence.
Submit your requirements to accredited agency.
I highly recommend Universal Holidays Inc. They are located outside Dusit Thani Hotel Makati. Their service fee is a bit higher than others but I have chosen them because I feel secure that my visa will be approved. They thoroughly check your papers and you can reach them thru their Facebook page any time.
I used to submit from the other agency, but I had to look for another when they declined my sister's application because her birth certificate is late registered. We can't provide additional docs since she was born and studied in the province. Fortunately, UHI accepted her application and advised us to submit an explanation letter instead.
-Their regular handling fee is 1200 but they have a promo most of the time. 2500 if visiting relatives. Processing may take from 2 to 7days.
-You may also opt to have your passport delivered to you via 2go. Fee is about 180/pax
How to get there from Olongapo
Pasay bound victory liner bus no longer drop passengers in front of Ayala center. You will have to take a taxi to Dusit Thani from Pasay. Fare cost is about 100 pesos. A tip from the taxi driver, outside the terminal, walk past the gas station then cross the pedestrian overpass. It will be easier to get a taxi in front of Jollibee and fare will be lower.
The Waiting Game
Waiting for the result can be nerve-wracking but keep in mind that if you submitted all the documents needed, you have nothing to worry. Just relax.
Ganbatte kudasai!
