It’s no secret that a lot of Filipinos are fascinated by the unique and charming culture of the Japanese people (think: anime, manga, JPop, and quirky tech stuff), but more than what they do, where they live also appeal to many of us as well as to other nationalities – and for many good reasons, too. Who wouldn’t like to bask in the spring fever under the beautiful cherry blossom trees or go high-flying in the perfect ski slopes in Hokkaido?
There are plenty of great things to be said, but better experienced in Japan all throughout the year. But before you get packing, you will need to set yourself up for a visit to the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines or through one of its seven authorized agencies to apply for a Japan Visit Visa. Here’s how:
Applying for a Japan Visit Visa in the Philippines
The first thing you will need to take care of is securing and accomplishing your visa application form. You can get a copy of this form either through the Japan Embassy website or at the entrance of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. After filling out your visa form, you will need to prepare the following documents:
Requirements:
- Your valid and original passport. There must be at least two (2) consecutive blank pages for the visa stamp. The passport must not be broken or dilapidated and must be properly signed.
- Your completely filled-out visa application form with photo. If printing a form from the Embassy’s website, make sure to only use an A4 size paper as per the Embassy’s requirement.
- Your recent 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm photo taken in white background with your name and birthdate written on its back side. The photo must be pasted on the visa application form.
- Your official birth certificate issued within a year by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or from any Serbilis Centre nationwide.
- Note: If the applicant has no existing record in the PSA, a “Certificate of Non-Record” together with a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar will be required.
- Applicants who are married will need to provide a Marriage Certificate issued within a year by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or from any Serbilis Centre nationwide.
- Note: If the applicant has no existing marriage record in the PSA, a “Certificate of Non-Record” together with a copy of the marriage certificate from the Local Civil Registrar will be required.
- The applicant’s daily schedule or itinerary in Japan (also known as Taizai Yoteihyo),
If the applicant will be paying a portion or all of his/her travel expenses, he/she must provide:
- a bank certificate that is valid for three (3) months upon date issued.
- Your Income Tax Return (or Form 2316) and a clear photocopy of the same document.
If the applicant has a sponsor or guarantor from the Philippines, he/she must provide:
- A guarantee letter
- Any document to prove the relationship between you and your guarantor.
- An original copy of your sponsor/guarantor’s bank certificate
- A photocopy of your sponsor’s ITR Form 2316
Procedure/s:
Since the Japanese Embassy no longer accepts direct visa applications, all applicants must course their visa applications and documents through any of the seven accredited partner agencies of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines.
As you will use the services of any of the seven travel agencies, take note of the corresponding visa processing fees for each.
Once you have submitted all your documents accordingly, wait for about three to five business days for your application to be processed.
Important Note:
As the above information may change as per the Japanese Embassy’s discretion, it’s important that you check for any updates regarding the requirements for your visa application through the Japan Embassy’s website. Make sure to have all the application requirements submitted accordingly and hope for the best!