Japan Visa Requirements Philippines 2025 | Complete Guide for Filipinos
All documents must be original unless otherwise stated and should ALL be printed on A4 paper
VISA APPLICATION should be TYPEWRITTEN and electronically/computer-generated
Handwritten forms or back-to-back printouts will not be accepted
Only the signature must be handwritten in black ink (e-signatures are not allowed)
1. Philippine Passport
– should be valid for more than 6 months
– mutilated or torn passport is not accepted
– must be signed on Page 3
– must have at least two (2) blank visa pages
– submit a colored photocopy of the passport bio page and any previous Japan visa with the corresponding entry/exit stamp
2. Colored Photocopy of Passport Bio Page & Japan Visa
– submit a colored photocopy of the passport bio page
– include any previous Japan visa with the corresponding entry/exit stamp
3. Visa Application Form
– You may download it here
– printed on A4 paper
– must be electronically/computer-generated
– should have NO BLANKS (write “N.A.” if not applicable)
– only the signature should be handwritten in black ink
– Embassy may not accept an application with blanks, no signature, or no date
– Embassy may deny an application that is filled out incorrectly or with wrong information
– If applying for a multiple-entry visa, indicate this by writing “(M)” next to the field “Intended length of stay” Example: “Intended length of stay in Japan” 07 DAYS (M)
4. Photo (2pcs)
– Specs: 4.5cm x 3.5cm white background
– decent attire with collar and sleeves, no earrings
– avoid wearing a white shirt in the photo
– no smiling, no jewelry, hair pushed back and not covering the face
– taken within 6 months and has not been previously submitted to the same embassy
5. Birth Certificate (BC)
– issued within one year from PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide)
– If unreadable or incomplete: submit with LCR-issued BC
– If late registered: also submit baptismal certificate, school record (Form 137), school yearbook (if possible)
– If no record in PSA: submit Certificate of Non-Record (PSA) plus BC from Local Civil Registrar
– Affidavit of discrepancy must be submitted if there are incomplete details or wrong information
6. Marriage Certificate (MC) if the applicant is married
– issued within one year from PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide)
– If no record in PSA: submit Certificate of Non-Record (PSA) plus MC from Local Civil Registrar
7. PSA Authorization form
– You may download it here
– This letter authorizes the Japanese Embassy to verify the details and documents submitted by the Philippine Statistics Authority for your tourist visa application
8. Agency Authorization Letter
– You may download it here
– This letter authorizes ALBRESSA Travel to submit your application to the Japanese Embassy and collect your passport once they have been released
9. Travel Agency Waiver
– You may download it here
10. Itinerary in Japan
– You may download it here
– this is your proposed day-to-day activity log based on your arrival and departure dates
it should give an idea to the consul as to what you will be doing in Japan as a tourist
STRICTLY typewritten, printed on A4 paper
11. Multiple Entry Request Form (optional)
– You may download it here
Financial Requirements
9. Original Bank Certificate
– ideal amount for the current balance is P100,000
– balance covering the last six (6) months must be shown
– must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB
– Validity is three (3) months from date of issue
– If original documents (e.g., bank certificates) are printed on shorter or longer paper sizes, they must be photocopied onto A4 paper
– Submit both the original and A4-sized photocopy
– Ensure all photocopies are clear and legible
– If the Average Daily Balance (ADB) in the last six months is not indicated, submit a 6-month Bank Statement along with the Bank Certificate
10. ITR (Income Tax Return)
– Form 2316 for individuals / Form 1701 or 1702 for companies
– Must have Gross Income and a “RECEIVED” mark if tax is not withheld
– For business owners: proof of actual payment of tax must also be submitted
– If No ITR: provide a notarized affidavit explaining why
– If unable to submit ITR, COE, or Business Docs (for reasons other than being a retiree, housewife, or unemployed), a letter of explanation must be submitted
– If ITR not available and no ADB in Bank Certificate: submit a 3-month Bank Statement together with the Bank Certificate
Additional Requirements
if Employed
– Original Signed Certificate of Employment (must include position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline, HR email, and period of employment)
– Photocopy of Company ID
– Approved leave of absence if government employee
if Business Owner or Self employed
– Photocopy of DTI Certificate or SEC Registration with GIS (General Information Sheet)
– Updated Business or Mayor’s Permit from City Hall
– For partnerships or corporations: submit Cover Sheet
for Professionals
– Photocopy of PRC Card or IBP Card
for Students
– Original Copy of School Certificate
– Photocopy of School ID
for Senior Citizens
– Photocopy of Senior Citizen ID
If Guarantor who lives in the Philippines will shoulder part or all of the applicant’s travel expenses
– You may download the Guarantee Letter here. Please address to: Embassy of Japan in Philippines 2627, 1300 Roxas Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila
– Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor (e.g. Birth Certificates, Photos, Company Letter/Invite)
– Bank Certificate (original) + ITR photocopy of guarantor
– Employment Certificate or Business Documents (DTI/SEC permit with GIS, updated Mayor’s Permit, audited financials)
How to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa:
Frequently-Asked Questions:
What’s the process when I was already issued a Japanese visa and I just want to renew it?
Same process and requirements: fill-out the visa form again to renew your visa. Attach the passport with the old visa (plus, a photocopy of it). No need to resupply your PSA Birth Certificate and/or Marriage Certificate. You can also apply for a multiple entry visa by this time.
Is there a multiple-entry Japan visa?
Yes, there is an option to apply for a multiple-entry visa form of the Japanese visa application. We do not recommend first-timers to apply for this unless you have visas issued in the past 3 years to other G7 countries; or have high financial capability or have a spouse or parent who does (7-figure bank account). Second-time tourist visa applicants should apply for this.
Are flight and hotel bookings needed before applying for a Japanese tourist visa?
Only an itinerary is needed for the application (giving an idea to the Japanese consul as to where you will be staying, what you will be doing, and your proposed arrival & departure dates). Hence, ALBRESSA Travel advises clients to have their visas processed at least 3 months before departure so that there will be ample time to arrange the bookings.
What is the validity of the Japanese tourist visa?
The validity is decided upon by the Japanese consul. There are no guidelines or explanations from the embassy on how long it is but it will depend on your proposed arrival and departure dates.
The standard single-entry visa is valid for 90 days upon issuance and allows you to a 15-day stay in Japan while the standard multiple-entry visa allows a 15 to 30-day stay for every entry during a specified number of years (3-5) upon issuance.
How much time should we allot for visa processing?
It is safe to assume 7-14 working days depending on the tourist season, but this may be extended by the Embassy if needed
How long before my proposed arrival in Japan should I start having my Japanese tourist visa processed?
ALBRESSA Travel advises clients to have the Japanese tourist visa processed at least 3 months before arrival date to give ample time for booking after the issuance.
Can I apply 1 week before the travel date?
Yes you can. But ALBRESSA Travel cannot guarantee it will come out immediately. Tourist visa applications should be allotted 7-14 working days, but this may be extended by the Embassy if needed
Is there a certain amount in my bank certificate to get approved?
Enough to fund your trip plus a little shopping as indicated on your proposed itinerary. The rule of thumb is to have savings proportional to the length you your stay in Japan.
I am tax-exempt. Do I need to submit an ITR?
No. But a Certificate of Tax Exemption from the Bureau of Internal Revenue should be supplied instead.
What do I do if I don’t have an ITR?
A notarized explanation why you do not have an Income Tax Return (ITR) should be attached to the application and pertinent documents supporting the explanation.
What do I do if I’m a freelancer and I don’t have a Certificate of Employment?
A letter from your clients stating their address, contact details, what you did/do for them, compensation, and tenure will suffice. I did this before and I got my visa after!
I have a guarantor. Do I still have to submit my own bank documents?
No, your guarantor will submit his/her own financial documents in lieu of your
I don’t have a bank account. Can I still apply for a Japanese visa?
Yes if you get a guarantor to speak on your behalf and supply his/her financial documents.
Can my boyfriend or girlfriend sponsor my trip?
You may try to make him/her be your guarantor and supply his/her financial documents but having an immediate family member such as a parent or sibling (proven by PSA Birth Certificate linkage) be your guarantor has better chances of approval as a sound proof of relationship is needed to establish the connection.
Can I submit a birth certificate issued more than a year ago?
No, the Japanese Embassy will only accept PSA Birth Certificates less than a year old even if the Philippine government abolished the expiration of said documents.
What are the common reasons why Japan visa applications are denied?
The Japanese Embassy will never explain their reasons for denial but if all requirements have been met, the application is in order, and there have been no past incidents with Japan, there should be no problem.
If the question doesn’t apply to me, should I write N/A or just leave it blank?
Never leave a blank on your Japanese tourist visa application. If it doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” for not applicable.
I plan to submit documents X, Y and Z, and I have been to other countries before. Will my application be approved?
An extensive travel history especially to other visa countries may help but only the Japanese consul can determine if you are actually granted a Japanese tourist visa. However, ALBRESSA Travel can guide you with its experience in document submission that has seen zero denials for its Japan visa applicants.
Applying for a Japanese tourist visa need not be a daunting task. It’s actually quite simple, much more so if ALBRESSA Travel guides you from the beginning!
Do you have any unusual Japan visa experiences to share with our fellow travelers? Share them and other questions you may have in the comment section below!
