Going to Japan is one of the most fun things you can do in your entire life — especially if you are an anime fan. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Tokyo (where I stayed for over a year as a university student), Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagano, Kanazawa and a number of other cities — both for business and for pleasure, four times so far. I still haven’t had enough of Japan, and you can bet your entire manga collection that I have plans of going back very soon.
One of the largest hurdles for Filipino J-pop fans planning to visit Japan is obtaining an entry visa. Due to the number of Filipinos in search of employment entering the country via tourist visas, the Consul Office of the Japan Embassy has implemented stricter rules in granting them. I’ve gone through three distinct kinds of visa application procedures, all of which I will be describing below. I hope that my personal experiences shed some light on the sometimes archaic and often very scary process of applying for a Japanese visa.
Applying For a Visa as a University Exchange Student
Students flying to Japan under the auspices of the Ministry of Education or the Japan Student Services Organization have a distinct advantage over almost everybody else when applying for a visa. They are in possession of a special document called the Certificate of Eligibility, which eliminates the need for many of the requirements such as Income Tax Returns, Bank Certificates, and Letters of Guarantee.
The Certificate of Eligibility is exclusively issued to university exchange students (whether postgraduate or undergraduate) so to be able to obtain one, it would be best to start off by applying for a Japanese exchange student programme via your college or university. Application procedures vary for different universities (UP, ADMU, DLSU, etc.) and areas of discipline (language, liberal arts, engineering, etc.) so it would be best to consult with your school’s Foreign Exchange offices.
Once you have cleared their selection process and are bound for Japan, your certificate will be issued to you alongside your Japanese school admission forms and other documents. All you need to do is submit it to the Consul Office along with your current passport to obtain your visa. For more information, you can also view the complete application procedure from the official website of the Embassy of Japan.
Applying For a Visa on Business
If you are employed in a private company with business ties to Japan, you can apply for a commercial visa. With this type of visa, your company vouches for you, eliminating the need for you to find a Japanese individual to act as a guarantor. Instead, your company and the Japanese company affiliated with you will need to issue a Letter of Dispatch or a Letter of Invitation, stating the nature of your business, the business relationship of the two companies involved in the transaction, and the purpose of your visit to Japan.
In my case, both my employer in Manila and our affiliate in Japan issued the letters described above, as well as Certificates of Employment and Length of Service, and a timetable detailing all my travel plans within Japan. Photocopies of my round-trip airline tickets were also given to prove that I will be returning to the Philippines once business has been completed. The travel agency handling my trip then took care of the rest, and my passport with my new visa attached arrived after three days. For more info, you can also view the complete application procedure from the official website of the Embassy of Japan.
Applying For a Visa as a Tourist
There are two ways of going about applying for a tourist visa. The first way is easier but is more expensive and also very limiting: joining a package tour. Since your tour facilitator will act as your guarantor, there is no need to obtain a Letter of Guarantee. However, you will still need to submit all the other documents like your Income Tax Returns, Bank Certificates, and Itineraries. The other option is to go it alone. I actually prefer this method since I can pick my flight schedule, my hotel/hostel, and my itinerary. Unfortunately the Consul Office will be a little bit stricter with your requirements, so it’s best that you make a good impression and get it right the first time.
The first step still means going through a travel agent. The Embassy of Japan has disallowed personal applications for entry visas, and we all now have to apply through accredited travel agencies to apply for visas. I personally recommend Universal Holidays and Rajah Travel since I have used them both and have been happy with their service so far. Just drop by their offices in Makati Avenue for Rajah and Dusit Hotel for Universal, with your completed documents and the PhP 2500 fee. For more information or additional clarification on visa application requirements, you can also view the complete application procedure from the official website of the Embassy of Japan.
Required Supporting Documents for Your Application
What are the most crucial documents needed for the application? From personal experience, it all boils down to three things: 1) proof of good financial standing; 2) history of travel; and 3) proof of return.
Proof of financial standing just means that you have the ability to support yourself during your Japan stay; it also implies that you will not be seeking illegal employment once you have entered the country. This proof comes in the form of your original Income Tax Return, which explicitly states how much you pay in taxes and earn in a year. Another important document that proves you are financially capable is a Bank Certificate stating that you have at least PhP 100,000 in savings, which would roughly be the amount you need to cover the 15 days you spend in Japan as allowed by your tourist visa.
History of travel is basically the number of used visas or old immigration stamps that you have accumulated in your passport. As a rule of thumb, the more stamps you have the better your chances of being granted a visa, since this implies that you regularly travel abroad and that you return to the Philippines after every trip. Used visas from the US, Europe, Australia, and of course Japan are also helpful in getting you an entry visa, since this guarantees the Consul Office that you have entered and left other foreign countries in good faith.
Last but not least is your proof of return: your round-trip airline ticket. This reassures the Consul Office that you will be returning to the Philippines once the fifteen day limit of your tourist visa expires, and will not attempt to stay in the country illegally for employment purposes. You can also submit land titles, business permits, and other documents that will outline your properties and business interests in the Philippines that you will return to once your trip is finished.
Visa Approval
Once your application has been received, it will take the Japanese consuls office three to five business days to review it and approve or deny your application. If approved, you will receive your passport from your travel agent with the visa attached. If your passport has been returned to you with no visa attached, your application was denied, and you will have to wait another six months to lodge another application. Under no circumstances will the visa office explain why your application has been denied, so there is really no point in pursuing the argument further.
Please note that this is a summary of our experience in applying for a Japanese visa. Mileage may vary with each individual. For more tips, you can also read How to Get A Japanese Tourist Visa in 24 Hours, How to Get a Japan Visa in Three Days, Getting a Japan Tourist Visa: An FAQ for Filipinos, and Tips on Obtaining a Japan Tourist Visa.
JPOP Manila 
Hello! My visa had just denied last week and my agecy(Reli Tour) instructed me the least that I could do for my visa to be reaplied earlier than 6 months. My japanese brother-in-law who served as my guarantor should make a querry on the reason of denial and the clear instructions for reapplication and its another chance. My concern is, do the accredited agencies have nothing to do or to back up and secure for the visa not to be denied to the fact that the clients are paying handling fee which is higher to the amount which will suppose to pay when we personally apply to the Japanese embassy? Another thing is…they told me that they couldn’t give me any guarantee that it would not be denied once it would reapply. Do you think Rajah and Universal will do a difference to the reapplication? ‘Am really planning to reapply it to other agency. Do you think the agencies that you mentioned can do something about it?
By the way, I am a teacher. I had been in Japan in 2006 and had a very honest record that caused me into great frustration because I was so confident that that would be enough for them to approve my application. I will just go there at this time to see my sister and her family who are not coming home for 20years. My company gave me a 90-day vacation in ordder to stay longer there but unfortunately, the embassy didn’t give an opportunity. Thank you for forum.
LikeLike
hi there.
1) The Japanese Embassy will never disclose the reasons for denial, no matter who (Japanese national or otherwise) follows up the inquiry.
2) The decision to deny or approve visas lies solely on the consul’s office; travel agencies have no say in the results.
3) Personal applications are no longer accepted at the embassy; all applicants must apply via an accredited travel agency.
4) I recommended the above agencies not based on the chances of getting an application approved, but based on the speed and efficiency of their service.
Approval is based mainly on the quality of documentation you can provide with your application, and not the name or reputation of the travel agency you are applying with.
5) Lastly, please note that all your questions have already been clearly answered in the above blog entry.
No amount of clarification on your part will change the guidelines followed by the consul’s office of Japan and grant you a visa when you have already been denied with your current application. Please wait the prerequisite six months before trying again.
Good luck.
LikeLike
hi — how can i give a longterm visa for my sister? i want her to stay here. please help thanks
LikeLike
i only have information for short-term stays. please consult with an accredited travel agent for your queries.
LikeLike
FYI for those who are invited by a guarantor in Japan,
I applied for my tourist visa last month, and even though i had complete docs, and with a guarantor in Japan with their ITR and all, they still asked for a bank certificate from my side. I’m still a student by the way.
I sort of panicked but managed to get another sponsor from my family. The bank account has some thousand dollars in it. I am awaiting the reply from the agency now, as I submitted the addl docs just yesterday.
I’ll update regarding what becomes of my application, and share my complete experience here, for the benefit of everyone. 🙂
Wish me luck guys.
LikeLike
I plan to visit Tokyo this coming 2011 and this may come in handy. Gonna see l’arc en ciel live people!
LikeLike
@ cafekun have fun at the gig! btw — grats on the new site. however, i noticed that your entries had no commenting functionality? you may want to look into that if you want your readers to interact with you and help the site grow 🙂 cheers!
LikeLike
Hi po. May i ask what happened to Anne’s application? Is there any update po? Para mabuhayan naman ako ng loob once she’s granted. Thanks so much.
LikeLike
i have said in my previous reply to you @Hoping that i do not have any details on the applications of former OFWs. once again i strongly suggest that you consult with a professional travel agent for that. thanks!
LikeLike
Hello! 🙂
I’m so much delighted to see a blog like this, very informative.
I’m currently processing my VISA. I got 2 bank accounts I only submitted one bank certificate from my other account which stated an amount less than 100k last week. Universal holidays advised me to provide my other bank certificate to boost my chance of getting the VISA. I’ll be submitting the bank cert from my original account tomorrow. Do you have any idea if they check the bank for the current balance present on your account? I paid my monthly bills using the account I first submitted to the agency.
Goodluck to me.:)
Thanks! Kudos! this is really a nice blog.:)
LikeLike
yes, they will be checking your account’s balance; it is SOP to confirm the amounts indicated in your certificate of deposit with your bank. i wouldn’t be too worried about it since, as you have stated, you have two bank accounts — which will be beneficial to your application. good luck!
LikeLike
my question is, two times na ako na denied for my tourist visa application but its been 2 years na nakalipas, i dont know the reason because they dont even told me, complete naman yung requirements na sinubmit ko coming from my boyfriend in Japan, what if i will show also bank cert together with my boyfriend documents possible kaya ma grant or mabigyan ako ulit? naka vist na rin ako once for 3 mos. same guarantor?
LikeLike
sorry but the embassy is clear that they will never disclose the reasons for denial — that’s just the way it is. if you need for your applications to be approved, you have to submit as many of the requirements as you can and hope for the best. good luck.
LikeLike
Hello. I just wanted to confirm. You said in your earlier posts that approval of the visa does not rest alone on the reputation of the travel agency. Does this mean that I can apply for a tourist visa through any travel agency that accepts processing of visa to Japan? There’s a nearby travel agency who also processes travel requirements for the company I’m working with and I plan to go to them for my personal travel arrangements. Do you think it would suffice?
My main purpose is to travel as a tourist and so far, I’ve only been to Hongkong, Bangkok,Thailand and Guangzhou,China–which warranted a visa. Technically, I only have one approved visa in my passport.The bank certificates are ok amounts to Php100++ plus I have additional monetary certificates–placements, etc. and I work in one of the two reputable and known media networks in the country. What do you think are the chances that my application would be approved?
Also, I plan to apply for my visa this month of April. However, I plan to travel by November for the Autumn season and for honeymoon after the wedding. Our proposed stay is only for only 4 days since we only want to travel as a tourist. Do you think with the span of time it is permissible? Should we push through with our application as early as April?
LikeLike
hi there — yes you may apply with any of the accredited travel agents that the embassy recognizes; the list can be found here. a visa, once granted is only valid for three months, so if you intend to leave in november it would be better to apply a little closer to your departure date. you can even apply on the same month you intend to leave since processing is only three days — but this is if your documents are all in order (which, from what you described earlier, should pose no problem). good luck!
LikeLike
How long does the visa application/approval process take? The earliest I can submit complete documents would be April 6. I will be leaving the country and need my passport by April 17. Is this enough time? If not, is there a way to fast track it?
LikeLike
please read the entry above and the comments following it. but to reiterate, visa processing takes three business days at least and is released immediately, provided that the embassy finds your documents to be in good order. afaik, there is no expedited service since the speed of the application being approved is dependent on the quality of supporting documents you submit (if may take up to six months if the embassy requires you to send additional documentation).
LikeLike
Hi..
Whew, i just heard from the news that even Sarah Geronimo’s (the singer-actress)Japan Visa got denied! And they really never found out the reasons why.. She’s so upset about the issue..
It only shows that getting Japanese Visa is really not that easy, ughh.. =(
LikeLike
oh lol and here i thought that john lloyd cruz being deported for using a tourist visa to enter japan to supposedly do a series of shows and appearances was the biggest scandal to involve local artistas and japanese immigration officials~
LikeLike
hi! thanks for the info. just a couple of questions…
– will my chances of obtaining a japanese visa increase if i have a multiple entry visa to the us and have traveled quite extensively in the last few years?
– if i send in my application with a group, will they approve or reject our application as a group or will they evaluate our application individually?
thanks so much for your help! have a good day!
LikeLike
hi! first of all i am not connected with the embassy so i cannot guarantee this 100%, but i think you have a good chance of getting approved barring issues with your other submitted documents. as for groups, they go over each application individually so not all of you may get the same results after the application process.
LikeLike
zomg wtfhbbq… Rotch 100k? (100k pa utang ko sa card ko!) 😛 matagal na ipunan to!
LikeLike
lol it’s not a hard and fast rule, but you will end up spending that much for a fifteen-day trip — especially if you want to hit akihabara and a bunch of other places 😀
LikeLike
Hi Rotch, I enjoyed reading your post 🙂 I have a question please, my US national bf and I are planning to visit Japan in July, we are planning to just meet there since he will be flying all the way from illinois.. Do you think I will still need to show bank statements that I have 100,000 or more even if my bf will be paying for the trip? if so, I have 2 banks totalling a little bit more than 100,000 do you think that is okay?
I look forward to your reply.
Many thanks!!
LikeLike
hi crizzy! yes, it would help your application if you submit your two account’s certificates of deposit. as a US passport holder your boyfriend enjoys visa-free entry to japan for ninety days, but he can issue a letter stating that he will be covering for both your expenses, and then supply proof like his own bank certificates, photocopies of his credit cards, etc. to help with your visa application. good luck and have a great holiday!
LikeLike
Hi. Based on the Immigration site of Japan it says that “A valid visa and passport from the Japanese embassy is necessary to enter Japan. A Japanese visa however, does not guarantee landing permission in Japan. Landing permission is stamped on a foreigner’s passport by immigration officials while the person arrives at the airport or seaport. It is landing permission which acts as the legal basis for the person’s stay in Japan. ”
Landing permission or length of stay depends on your reason of going to Japan — I have a cousin and her visa is for 15 days, but she went there to take care of her pregnant sister. When she got to Japan her landing permission was up to 3 months. Since you always go to Japan I would like to know if your landing permission is also 15days or up to 3 months? My bf was stamped 90 days as well, thanks and kudos to your blog.its really informative.
LikeLike
hi — sorry but I only have informration on how to apply for a visa, and none on the lenght of stay as approved by the immigration bureau of japan as i am not officially connected to them or even the consulate. as far as i know the length allowed is on a case to case basis, although as a general rule you can only stay for as long as your visa allows you to.
LikeLike
Hello! Your tips are really helpful, thank you~ 🙂 I’d just like to ask a few questions. I don’t know anyone with firsthand experience in getting a Japanese visa, so I’d like to ask for some advice. I want to apply for a tourist visa. I’ll be graduating from college this April, and so they would most probably think that my aim would be getting a job in Japan (of course, I have no plans of working there). I think my chances are really slim, but I’d still really like to try.
Firstly, for proof of good financial standing, would it be acceptable if I still present my parents’ bank certificates and ITRs and then just make them write some kind of letter, even if I’m not a student anymore (since I’m still unemployed and they would be financing all of my expenses)? Or should I have the 100K in my OWN bank account? Also, I wouldn’t need a Guarantee Letter, but do I need to have a Letter of Invitation? We have a family friend in Japan, but I don’t have pictures or postcards that can directly prove our relationship. Also, what other documents do you think I could present, just to have better chances of proving financial capability (like credit cards)? Or would my parents’ bank certificates and ITRs suffice?
As for history of travel, I guess I can’t do anything about my blank passport. I know it would be a huge disadvantage, but do you know any people whose applications still got approved even with this problem? 😦 And as for proof of return, I honestly have no intention of staying in Japan for more than 15 days, but even though I could get roundtrip tickets, I won’t be able to present a Certificate of Enrollment or a Certificate of Employment. I’m also not interested in joining a package tour. Do you know of other documents that can help prove my intent to return to the Philippines or prove my ties with it? I think it’s my biggest problem, me being a new graduate and most probably looking for a job. 😦 Okay, so I asked a lot of questions, sorry. XD If you have time, I hope you could answer them. Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
hi mina! i can foresee two major stumbling blocks in your application: 1) your in-between status (in between university and employment, that is); and 2) your lack of travel history. unfortunately, unless you join a package tour, i don’t think your chances of being granted a visa are very good precisely for the reasons you have stated above. i’m afraid you’ll have to consult with an experienced travel agent to try to sort out your application and try to get around your blank passport and lack of ITR. good luck!
LikeLike
hi, would you know how long (maximum number of days) it would take for a Japanese visa to be approved (or denied) for a Filipino citizen?
thanks!
and sorry for the very complicated question 🙂
LikeLike
the maximum length of stay granted for tourists is ninety days, although it is quite rare that you are issued one. the most common tourist visa given to filipinos is just fifteen days long.
LikeLike
sorry, i meant how long would it take till I get my visa after applying..
LikeLike
if all your documents are in order it will take at least three business days.
LikeLike
i’m a filipina married to a japanese national. i’m waiting for my COE which is by the the way re-applied by husband because it got expired (december last year). im planning to apply for a tourist visa to go to japan this year.is it possible? or should i just wait for my COE to apply forsSpouse visa? would it complicate things if i pursue my tourist visa application while having my COE applied in japan? i can provide most of the documents needed except for the ITR (no job). would it help that i traveled to singapore last month and planning to go to hong kong next month? so sorry. too many questions 🙂 god bless! 🙂
LikeLike
sorry but i’ve said repeatedly in this post (please read all the previous comments to see what i mean) that i have no idea how to go about applying for a spousal visa since i’ve never needed one. please consult with an accredited travel agent for your concerns. thanks and good luck.
LikeLike
Among the 2 ways of getting a tourist visa, can it be a combination of the two? Meaning you purchase your own tickets (e.g. if you want to redeem mileage/award tickets) but go to a travel agency to arrange the details for the rest of the tour (e.g. hotel, guided day tours, etc.) as well as have your visa application facilitated?
LikeLike
hello po,ano po ang mga kailangan kong ilabas na documents para sa pag tour ko sa japan?ini-invite po kasi ako ng sister ko na may husband na japanese,pumunta po doon kahit ilang days or weeks depende po sa ibibigay sakin na pag stay.
salamat po,,,god bless
LikeLike
hello po,ano po ang mga kailangan kong ilabas na documents para sa pag tour ko sa japan?ini-invite po kasi ako ng sister ko na may husband na japanese,pumunta po doon kahit ilang days or weeks depende po sa ibibigay sakin na pag stay.
salamat po,,,god bless
all the necessary documents have been listed above. please take the time to read through the entire post and click all the pertinent links.
LikeLike
im planning to apply a tourist visa pero hongkong pa lang napuntahan ko it is possible ba na mabigyan ako ng visa kasi diba kailangan ng travel history.
LikeLike
im planning to apply a tourist visa pero hongkong pa lang napuntahan ko it is possible ba na mabigyan ako ng visa kasi diba kailangan ng travel history.
yes, your travel history is a major consideration. however, you can still apply if you like, it’s just that there is a very small chance of your application going through compared to — say, more well-traveled people with several immigration stamps to their name.
LikeLike
ASK KO LANG PO MY DALAWANG ANAK PO AK0 SA FILIPINO AT DTI PO NKAILANG BESES NA RIN PO CILANG NAKAPUNTA DITO.NGAUN PO BALAK PO NMIN NG ASAWA KONG HAPON NA DITO NA CLA MAG ARAL SA JAPAN ANO PO KAYA DPAT KONG IAPPLY ILEGIBILITY PO BA O PANSAMANTALANG TOURIST MUNA?AT PG DATING DITO SA JAPAN SKA KO NLANG APPLY ILEGIBILITY ANO PO KAYA MAS MKADALI AT MAS MGANDA?ANO ANO PO KAYA MGA REQ.NA MGA KAKAILANGANIN SANA PO MATULUNGAN NYO KO SLAMAT PO
LikeLike
ASK KO LANG PO MY DALAWANG ANAK PO AK0 SA FILIPINO AT DTI PO NKAILANG BESES NA RIN PO CILANG NAKAPUNTA DITO.NGAUN PO BALAK PO NMIN NG ASAWA KONG HAPON NA DITO NA CLA MAG ARAL SA JAPAN ANO PO KAYA DPAT KONG IAPPLY ILEGIBILITY PO BA O PANSAMANTALANG TOURIST MUNA?AT PG DATING DITO SA JAPAN SKA KO NLANG APPLY ILEGIBILITY ANO PO KAYA MAS MKADALI AT MAS MGANDA?ANO ANO PO KAYA MGA REQ.NA MGA KAKAILANGANIN SANA PO MATULUNGAN NYO KO SLAMAT PO
una sa lahat wag po kayong mag-type ng ALL-CAPS kasi sa internet, parang kang sumisigaw at medyo nakakabastos. pangalawa, wala po akong experience sa pag-apply ng visa para sa mga bata kasi wala po akong anak (o asawang hapon — sa mga mahilig magtanong tungkol sa mga may mister na hapon). kung apply niyo muna sila ng tourist para lang itakas sila sa loob ng bansa tapos ipasok sa eskwela baka mahuli lang kayo ng ministry of immigration sa japan at malalagay sa black list — lalo lang kayong di makakakuha ng visa niyan. ang pinakamainam e makipagusap po kayo sa travel agent or immigration specialist para ayusin ang adoption at citizenship ng mga bata bago dalhin sa japan. salamat po.
LikeLike
Among the 2 ways of getting a tourist visa, can it be a combination of the two? Meaning you purchase your own tickets (e.g. if you want to redeem mileage/award tickets) but go to a travel agency to arrange the details for the rest of the tour (e.g. hotel, guided day tours, etc.) as well as have your visa application facilitated?
yes, that’s possible — but you’ll have to consult with your travel agent as most of them prefer that you purchase your ticket through them before you can book a tour.
as for the visa, all agencies are obliged to process your application once you have paid for the service, regardless of whether you book a tour through them or not.
LikeLike
Hi, my family’s anxious to go to Japan this summer:)
My mom’s Bank Certificate states that we’re financially capable. Yet, my dad’s retired. Will it weaken the chances of our visas’ approval? Thanks!
LikeLike
as long as your mum’s finances are enough to support the entire family during the trip, that should be no problem. also, if you are traveling together, you can opt to apply for a family/group visa since you guys are touring together — that usually has a very good chance of getting approved. good luck!
LikeLike
hello ask ko lang po kung saan pwede magreport ng imitation na kasal sa hapon. kasi sister ko nagpakasal sa hapon dito sa philippines na hindi namin alam and nasa japan na siya ngayon at hindi po sila talaga nagsasama,ginawa lang po nya stepping stone para makapunta ng japan, nagaalala lang po kami ng parents ko and visit ko yung website ng japan immigration pero wala sila kung saan pwede magreport baka po meron kayo alam na kahit email address ng japan immigration para po mapadeport na po namin kapatid ko nagaalala lang po kasi kami thank you po! i hope you can help us!
LikeLike
sorry but i can only provide visa advise, and what i think you need is a family court lawyer to sort your problems out.
LikeLike
hello po.I just want to ask lang po if pano makakuha ng japan tourist visa. My bf based in Tokyo Japan and he worked in Military Isa siyang US navy. Ang gusto niya kasing mangyari pupunta me ng japan either december or january to visit him. Siya na po ang bahala sa akin sa japan yong mga gastusin doon at ang pag stay ko po doon siya na rin po lahat ang bahala. And gusto ko kasing malaman ay kung ano po ba ang dapat kong gawin at ano ang mga requirements na kakailanganin ko.Ilang months po rin ba pwede akong makapag stay don?
Salamat po.
LikeLike
please read the entry above and all the suceeding comments — all the answers that you need are already there since somebody else with the same situation asked the very same question months earlier. wag po sana tayo maging tamad magbasa — maraming salamat po 🙂
LikeLike
hi , 18 years old palang po ako student. may boyfriend po ako sa japan taga fukuoka 3 beses na po syang pabalik balik dito sa pinas .
ang gusto nya ako na daw po ang pumunta sa japan para ma meet ko din po ang pamilya nya.
sya na daw ang bahala tutulungan nya akong makakuha ng japan visa. ang problema wala akong mga income tax return or any included sa job. wala kasi akong trabaho. student pa po ako.
may posibilidad po bang maka punta ako sa japan? thanks.
LikeLike
hi , 18 years old palang po ako student. may boyfriend po ako sa japan taga fukuoka 3 beses na po syang pabalik balik dito sa pinas .
ang gusto nya ako na daw po ang pumunta sa japan para ma meet ko din po ang pamilya nya.
sya na daw ang bahala tutulungan nya akong makakuha ng japan visa. ang problema wala akong mga income tax return or any included sa job. wala kasi akong trabaho. student pa po ako.
may posibilidad po bang maka punta ako sa japan? thanks.
you can get your boyfriend to help you get a tourist visa via the means described in the links included in the post. he just needs to issue some documents guaranteeing that he will cover your costs. you can click here for a list of documents and other details. good luck!
LikeLike
i have a japan visa as a visitor “(v)visiting relative”.
is it sure that i can enter japan now?
LikeLike
i have a japan visa as a visitor “(v)visiting relative”.
is it sure that i can enter japan now?
you can enter the country but it is stilll up to the immigration officer at the airport if he will let you stay for the lenght of your visa or kick you back into the next waiting flight for manila. good luck!
LikeLike
I’m planning of visiting Japan this july since my husband work in a Japanese company based in japan and they invite spouse to visit as tourist in japan.
How is that possible that the visa will be approve immediately as soon as they filed it?
LikeLike
hi there! kindly read the post and all the comments above; your question has already been tackled previously. your visa may be approved fairly quickly provided that you have submitted all required documentation to your accredited travel agent.
LikeLike
Hi, i am a philippine passport holder, but i never traveled abroard before therefore the visa pages are blank. However I do have PHP 100,000 in the bank and I have a full-time job. How likely would my visa application be accepted? I am hoping to go there this december. Thank you for your time.
LikeLike
i can’t really say how good your chances are since the history of travel carries a lot of weight. you can still go ahead and lodge an application, but if you want to better your chances of getting approved i suggest you join a packaged tour instead of striking out on your own. good luck!
LikeLike
Umm meron po bang scholarship na pwedeng mag-aral sa Japan ng Japanese Language nila po? Parang Japanese Major po. Snce Im in college I’m hoping to get a sholarshp for undergraduate. Thank you po! really really Love japan! Someday I’ll be going there. Or if I can study there…. ts a dream come true! Thank you po!!! 🙂
LikeLike
please consult with your school’s exchange student program; they may be able to help you acquire an undergraduate scholarship for japan.
LikeLike
Thanks for answering my inquiries via Facebook! Unfortunately, my visa application got denied (but luckily, the management decided to move the trip before that happened).
LikeLike
aaw that’s too bad 😦 anyway, you still get another chance so that’s good 🙂
LikeLike
Hello Rose
First of all, to all those wondering students like me…
I’ve been to Japan twice already
making both of those great voyages my first and second experiences outside the country
I’m just a university student at the moment
Thus, even without travel history, it is still possible that you’ll be granted a visa to get to Japan 😀
Now, to my question
My previous visits to Japan have been arranged for me and I have not had the idea of what documents I needed then
After this post, now I got to see a clearer picture of how huge of a hassle it is to arrange everything just to see this great country
What I want to know is…
1. Having previously visited Japan, does it make it any easier for anyone to acquire yet another Japan Visa the next time he applies?
2. For group/family visas, could you tell me more about it?
What makes the application of a group visa a better option to assure a Japanese visa acquisition?
Thanks and I hope you can clear these out for me 😀
I hope to be back to Japan again and it seems that I’m in charge of making the arrangements… hopefully this time, I get to tag my family along 😀
LikeLike
1) yes, holders of used japan visas who have never been deported or black listed have a bigger chance of being granted a new one over other applicants as long as all the required documents are in order;
2) a group or family visa can be applied for by groups or families going on a package tour together. please consult with an accredited travel agent since i’ve had no experience with applying for a group visa.
LikeLike
Hello, I love your site. I just had a few questions concerning getting a visa. I am trying to get a friend to visit me in Japan (actually a distant relative, third cousin I think). I am currently in the US Military. So far, we almost have all our documents ready. We followed the requirements of “Visit Relatives/Friends Invited By US Military Personnel (SOFA Status).”
I was wondering how the application process works. I know she will have to go through an accredited agency in the PI. Since we cannot purchase a ticket until her visa gets approved (hopefully), how do we write her daily schedule in Japan without knowing what dates she will be here? Also, how long does an approval/denial response take?
Thanks in advance. And keep up the great work!!!
LikeLike
hi there — your cousin will still have to go through an accredited travel agent to get his visa processed since the japanese embassy in manila no longer accepts personal applications. for his itinerary, if you are targeting a specific week for him to be there you can create a schedule around that, give or take a few days since all tourist visas are valid for fifteen days. applications are processed within three to five business days, and your visa can be released immediately if all your documents are in order. good luck!
LikeLike
Hi magnetic rose.
Tried to read all the comments first before asking you sana pero sobrang dami ng comments …. tinamad na ko. Hehehe. Hope hindi paulit-ulit na question sa’yo tong tanong ko.
I plan to apply for visas for me, my mom and sister on June 24. Our Japan trip is scheduled on July 6.
Questions:
1. Aabot kaya ang visa application namin?
2. I have been granted visas to Australia and Ireland so I’m thinking I have a bigger chance of being granted Japanese visa. Have traveled with my family to visa free SEA countries also. Do you think these are enough for my mom and sis to be granted visas?
3. Is the show money 100K pesos per person? So if I’m traveling with my family, I should have 300K pesos?
Thanks!
LikeLike
hi yen. as long as your documents are in order, approval can be given in as little as three days. foreign visas granted to you previously will help your application, especially if they are north american, european, or australian in origin. and yes, the ideal amount is PhP 100K per head. good luck with your application!
LikeLike
hi magnetic ask ko lang po,f ma buntis ako posible ba na makuha ako ng boyfriend ko?khit d pa xa annuled doon?posible ba na mangyri yan?10 yrs na sila naghiwalay.pero ngyon po process plang po annulment nya…natagalan lng po kasi yung wife nya before daming hiningi,halos lahat nlng kunin..pls i need your advice po.salamat
LikeLike
hi shaira. sorry but i am unable to help you — i only give visa advise for tourists; it looks like what you need is a family court lawyer and an immigration expert to sort out your problems.
LikeLike
Hi! My case is somewhat similar to an earlier post but I wanted to clarify nonetheless.
I’ll be graduating in October and will be going to Japan to celebrate.
As for the 3 requirements you mentioned in your post, I have a valid US visa and a used Chinese visa and several stamps as proof of my travel history and that’s probably the only one I’m not so worried about.
As for the financials, my bank account is a little bit below the 100k show money but I’m not really the one paying for my trip but rather my parents will be financing it.
Also, I don’t think I’ll be able to get an ITR since I just would’ve started working in our family business by then.
So for my question, is it okay if I supplement my bank certificate with my parents’ certificates and ITRs?
Also, would a return ticket suffice as proof of return? I won’t be able to get a certificate of enrollment since by then, I would have already graduated from college. Are there any other documents that I can use?
Thank you very much!
LikeLike
hi cloax. since you’ve just been recently employed and have not yet been issued an ITR, plus your folks will be covering your expenses, it’s alright for you to submit your parents’ financial documents alongside yours. just have them make out a letter stating that they are your parents and that they will be paying for your travel expenses, as signified by their bank certificates and other papers. good luck with the application!
LikeLike
Hi! 15 days lang talaga? Multiple entry ba?
nagbabalak ako sanang magbackpack.. 1 month sana, pero ang budget ko lang for 10-15 days yung the rest, magwowork ako to sustain my stay? advisable ba?
LikeLike
the fifteen day visa is for single entry only. if you wish to work part-time while on holiday, you may need to apply for a working holiday visa. i am unsure if they grant those to filipinos, since as far as i know they are offered to EU, AU, US, and Canada passport holders only. please consult with an accredited travel agent if you would like to stay in japan longer than fifteen days.
LikeLike
hi magnetic,may alam kba same as your site na mka pag leave comment tau?about sa problem ko…thanks
LikeLike
sorry — your case is too complicated for just forums or websites. you really need to talk to a lawyer for that.
LikeLike
Im a filipino working in korea in EPS. I manage to save some money after 2 years working here. my sister wants me to be there and her husband will be my guarantor. What are the requirements….
LikeLike
hi jose! please spend some time reading the above post and all the comments — everything you need is already up there.
LikeLike
hi magnetic may alam u ba na anong visa na 3 months?kasi 15 days very short tym lng po…salamat
LikeLike
hi shaira — please read the above post. tourist visas are fifteen days only. only diplomats, high ranking politicians, and influential business people are given the special ninety day visa. sorry if you think that is too short but that is the way the rules have been set.
LikeLike
Im a filipino man, 22 yrs old married to a japanese national..dito kami kinasal sa pinas. gusto ko sanang pumunta sa japan kaso fresh graduate pa lang ako.. walang trabaho.. then siya naman ay nagwowork sa japan..complete na kami sa papers/documents pero first time travel ko palang(so blank pa ung passport ko)and I don’t have 100,000 php in my bank account..ask ko lang kung kaya nya kaya ako makuha sa Japan applying for spouse visa?
Thanks
LikeLike
as long as your japanese wife submits all the documents needed like a letter of guarantee, her income tax returns, etc. you stand a fairly good chance of being granted a visa — although i will not deny that a blank passport could be a significant handicap…
LikeLike
hi magnetic…my USNavy gf based in japan is inviting me to come over for a month…all expenses will be shouldered by her.sabi nya, for sure i will be given a visa..no interviews..the travel agent will be handling my documents to the embassy. My questions are 1) what are the requirements to be submitted? 2)if i dont have an ITR,can i just present a bank certificate? 3)15 days lang ba ibibigay and how much monet will i bring? 4)tatanungin pa ba ng japanese immigration kung magkano dala kong pera?
LikeLike
by the way pala, my gf will act as my guarantor…and she will get me a traveller’s insurance…so i need to know kailangan ko pa ba mag provide ng bank certificate?
LikeLike
hi kat — there is a different procedure for applying for a tourist visa for applicants with guarantors who are connected with the us navy. please consult with an accredited travel agent to sort it out. yes, a bank certificate may take the place of an income tax return as long as the amount in the account is fairly large. all tourist visas are for 15 days only, no exemptions. the immigration officer who interviews you when in japan may ask how much money you have with you — it is perfectly legal and within their authority to do so.
LikeLike
hi im planning to bring my kids to japan before christmas what are the requirements needed for applying a visa? where can we lodge our application? and since my husband can’t join us on the said trip i’m planning to bring our yaya with us can you please help us with this kind of situation thanks
LikeLike
yvaughne, you may apply for a group visa that will cover your kids and your babysitter. please inquire with an accredited travel agent for details — the list of approved agents by the japan embassy can be found at: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/list%20of%20accredited%20agencies.htm
LikeLike