A Comprehensive Guide to Japan Visa Requirements for Filipino Travelers
Dreaming of exploring Tokyo’s vibrant streets, soaking in an onsen in Hakone, or experiencing the magic of cherry blossom season? Japan is a country that blends rich traditions with cutting-edge modernity, making it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. But before you can enjoy its breathtaking sights, delicious cuisine, and unique culture, you’ll need to secure the right visa. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or a longer stay, understanding Japan’s visa process is key to a hassle-free trip.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about obtaining a Japan visa, from the different types available to the step-by-step application process. You’ll also find helpful tips on required documents, processing times, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared so you can focus on enjoying your adventure in Japan!
If you prefer to watch videos, this guide is also available on Tiktok.
Japan Visa Requirements
Valid Passport
Your approved visa will be attached to your passport. Before submitting it to the travel agency, ensure:
It is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
It is signed on the third page.
It has at least two blank pages for the visa and entry stamp.
Because you will be surrendering your passport for visa processing, make sure you don’t have any international trips planned during this period. While it is possible to withdraw your passport in urgent cases, it is not always guaranteed, especially during peak application seasons.
Application Form
You can download the form from the Japan Embassy website or get a printed copy from your travel agency. Here’s how to complete it correctly:
Handwritten or typed? Both are accepted, but typing may be beneficial for clarity.
If handwritten, use block letters and avoid erasable pens like Frixion (the ink can disappear when exposed to heat).
Print on A4-sized paper to match embassy requirements.
Click on my Tiktok post for a step-by-step guide on filling up the application form.
ID Picture
Japan is very strict about ID photo requirements, so it’s best to have yours taken at a professional studio. Tell them it’s for a Japan visa, and they’ll know the correct specifications:
Size: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm
White background
Face and ears must be fully visible
No digital alterations—wear something presentable instead (smart casual clothing or collared shirts are not required)
Write your full name on the back before attaching it to your application form (paste it—do not use staples or tape)
Birth Certificate & Marriage Certificate
If this is your first time applying for a Japan visa or you have never been issued a Japan visa before, you must submit a PSA-issued Birth Certificate
If you are married, you also need to submit a PSA-issued Marriage Certificate.
Both documents must be issued within the last year.
You can request them online via PSA Serbilis, and they will be delivered to you via LBC. Processing times vary by location, and first-time requests may take an additional 10-15 working days for manual retrieval.
For more information on delivery fees and processing times, visit PSA Serbilis.
Special Cases for PSA Documents
If your PSA birth or marriage certificate is unreadable, submit a Local Civil Registrar copy.
If your birth certificate is classified as late registration, you must also submit a Baptismal Certificate and School Record (Form 137).
If PSA has no record of your birth certificate, submit a Local Civil Registrar copy plus a Negative Certificate from PSA.
Itinerary
The Japan Embassy requires an itinerary as part of your visa application. You can download the official itinerary template here. This form requires you to provide:
Your dates of travel
Your daily activities
The address and contact details of your accommodation
Tip #1: Consider Your Trip Duration
The itinerary plays a role in determining the length of stay granted in your visa.
For single-entry tourist visas, the allowed stay can be 15, 30, or 90 days.
For multiple-entry visas, stays are limited to 30 days per visit for frequent travelers or 90 days per visit for those with considerable financial capacity.
Even if you apply for multiple entry, there’s no guarantee it will be granted. If your itinerary only covers 5-7 days, expect that your visa might only allow 15 days of stay.
Tip #2: Align Your Itinerary with Your Budget
Your itinerary will be reviewed alongside your financial documents, so it should reflect your financial capacity. To avoid red flags, stick to 2 to 4 budget-friendly attractions per day instead of luxury experiences.
Tip #3: Avoid Making Reservations
Do not book hotels or flights before securing your visa. Instead, just list the name, full address, and contact number of a hotel in the area where you plan to stay.
Avoid listing an Airbnb since it doesn’t disclose the full address and contact details until you confirm a booking. Instead, pick a budget hotel in the same area.
Tip #4: Keep It Simple—Don’t Overthink It!
Your submitted itinerary does not have to be followed exactly during your trip. It also does not need to be overly detailed. Here’s a sample completed form to guide you.
If you're unsure what to put, you can even borrow an itinerary from your favorite travel blogger!
Required Financial & Employment Documents
If you are covering all or part of your travel expenses, you need to submit the following:
1. Bank Certificate
A Bank Certificate is required and must be issued within three months of your visa application. When requesting this from your bank, simply state that it is for a Japan visa, and they will provide the correct format.
A Bank Certificate includes:
Type of account
Date of account opening
Current balance
Average Daily Balance (ADB) in the last six months
How Much Money Should Be in Your Bank Account?
While the Japan Embassy does not specify a minimum amount, many applicants follow the PHP 10,000 per day of travel rule.
However, the Embassy assumes that the bank account you submit is the one you use for daily expenses—not just for travel. So ideally, your balance should reflect both your Japan travel fund and your regular living expenses.
Understanding Average Daily Balance (ADB)
Many applicants focus on their current balance, but the ADB is actually more important. This is the average amount in your account over the past six months and helps the Embassy detect sudden large deposits (a.k.a. “show money”).
If your ADB is less than half of your current balance, it may raise suspicions that you just deposited money to inflate your account.
My Bank Certificate Does Not Show My ADB!
If your Bank Certificate does not show your ADB (e.g. digital bank account), you are required to submit your latest 6 months’ Bank Statement instead.
Unlike a Bank Certificate, a Bank Statement shows all transactions during the period, allowing the Embassy to track consistent deposits and withdrawals. Essentially, this will allow the embassy to compute for your Average Daily Balance. For me, a bank certificate is more forgiving if your ADB is far from your current balance. If your money is legitimately earned, they will see it through your transactions.
2. Tax Payment Certificate or Income Tax Return (ITR)
Your ITR serves as proof of your financial capability. Here’s what you need to submit depending on your employment status:
Employed: BIR Form 2316, signed by both you and your employer
Self-Employed / Mixed-Income Earner: BIR Form 1701
Tax-Exempt (earning below PHP 250,000 annually): BIR Form 1700
Ensure that your ITR is properly signed. Submit a clear photocopy in A4-sized paper where all details are visible.
If you’re a business owner, you must also provide proof of actual tax payment along with your ITR.
3. Certificate of Employment (COE)
Your COE must indicate:
Your period of employment
Your salary
Your position
For business owners, submit a Certificate of Business Name Registration (DTI) and a Mayor’s Permit from your local city hall.
What If You Don’t Have an ITR or COE?
If you are a retiree, full-time housewife, or unemployed, then you are no longer required to submit a ITR and COE but explain your situation through a cover letter. Your financial capacity will solely be assessed through your bank certificate.
If you are not a retiree, full-time housewife, or unemployed and you cannot provide an ITR or COE, you must submit a cover letter explaining why.
It may also be wise to submit alternative documents such as pay slips (latest 3 months) as further proof of financial capacity or ties to your home country.
For Students
Students must submit a photocopy of their School ID or a Certificate of Enrollment, instead of an ITR and a COE.
Guarantor Requirements
If a sponsor or a guarantor is paying for your expenses, then you will need to submit additional requirements. For a complete guide, click on the post below.
Inviter Requirements
If you are going to Japan through a visiting relatives visa or visiting friends or distant relatives visa, click on the post below for a detailed guide.
Cover Letter
One of the most common questions when applying for a Japan visa is whether a cover letter is required. The simple answer is no, it is not mandatory. In fact, in one of my previous Japan visa applications, my travel agent even removed my cover letter because it was deemed unnecessary. Travel agents can remove any documents they consider irrelevant or unhelpful to your application.
However, there are specific situations where attaching a cover letter can be beneficial. Here are some cases where including a cover letter might strengthen your application:
1. Incomplete Requirements
If you are missing a required document, a cover letter can help explain why and offer an alternative proof in its place. For example, many Filipino applicants do not have an Income Tax Return (ITR) for various reasons. In my husband's case, we supplemented his application with his latest three months' payslips as proof of his financial capacity. A well-written cover letter can clarify such situations for the embassy.
2. Unconventional Employment Situation
Applicants with unconventional employment setups, such as virtual assistants (VAs), may find it challenging to provide standard employment documents. Many VAs do not have a Certificate of Employment, but they can submit other supporting documents like a contract indicating their start date and recent payslips to prove their current employment status. A cover letter can help explain this employment situation clearly while also emphasizing ties to the Philippines and the necessity of returning after the trip.
3. Unused Japan Visa
Many people don’t realize that having an unused Japan visa can negatively impact future applications. My husband, for example, had two unused Japan visas—one from his childhood, which was no longer in his current passport, and another from when my own visa was rejected. To address this, we included a cover letter explaining the reasons why he was unable to use his visa at that time.
4. Special Traveling Circumstances
If you are traveling under special circumstances, such as being invited or sponsored by a Japanese organization or an individual living in Japan (e.g., for business purposes or attending a wedding), a cover letter can provide clarity. Be sure to include relevant supporting documents, such as an invitation letter, to strengthen your application. Additionally, ensure that the type of visa you are applying for aligns with the nature of your trip.
Final Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
Ensure consistency: Double-check that all details in your cover letter match your application form and supporting documents.
Keep it concise: A one-page cover letter is ideal—clear and straight to the point.
Don’t forget to sign it: A signed letter adds credibility to your application.
If you’re still unsure whether you need a cover letter, my advice is to prepare one anyway. Your travel agent can always remove it if it’s unnecessary.
Submitting Your Application
Once you are ready to submit your application, just go to any of these accredited travel agencies and submit your application.
Don't forget to ensure that the travel agent reviews your application thoroughly!
I’ve heard of people applying through non-accredited agencies, with mixed results. While some were successful, others shared horror stories questioning whether their application was really submitted to the Japan embassy. To be safe, stick to the official list!
⚠️ Important Update as of March 19, 2025 ⚠️
Effective April 6, 2025, Japan visa applications will no longer be accepted through travel agencies. Results of applications made through travel agencies before this date will also be released through the travel agency.
Effective April 7, 2025, Japan visa applications shall be made through the Japan Visa Application Center. You may set an online appointment to any of the five centers in the Philippines through this link.
After submitting your application, all you have to do is wait 5-10 working days for the Japan Embassy to process your application. But do check the Japan Embassy announcements for any changes in the processing time.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Japan visa may seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can significantly improve your chances of approval. Remember that every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and while there are no guaranteed approvals, following best practices—such as maintaining a healthy bank balance, providing truthful information, and submitting clear and accurate documents—will put you in a strong position.
I hope this guide has helped you navigate the Japan visa process with ease. If you have any questions or personal experiences to share, feel free to leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you!
Happy planning, and I wish you a smooth visa application process. See you in Japan! ✈️
More on Japan Visa Application
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Applying for a Japan visa with a sponsor or guarantor can make the process smoother, but it also comes with additional requirements. Whether you’re being financially supported by a family member or a friend, it’s essential to provide the necessary documents to prove your relationship and your sponsor’s ability to fund your trip. Submitting a well-prepared application increases your chances of approval and ensures a hassle-free visa process.