Japan is open for tourism, and now is a great time to plan a trip! If you’re worried about how to get a Japanese tourist visa from the Philippines, do not fear, we can help.
From the vibrant energy of Osaka and the traditional culture of Kyoto to the modern wonders of Tokyo, Japan draws tourists from all over the world. Citizens of 68 countries can travel to Japan without a visa.
Unfortunately, the Philippines is not on the visa-free list, and Filipino passport holders require a Japanese tourist visa to enter the country. Here is everything you need to know about obtaining a Japanese visa from the Philippines.
If you are not a citizen of the Philippines, use our visa checker tool to see if you require a visa to enter Japan.
What is a Japan Tourist Visa for citizens of the Philippines?
The Japan Tourist Visa allows foreigners to visit the country for tourism purposes. The short-term visa is used for visitors who intend to sightsee, visit friends, attend conferences or take short courses.
We offer a guided visa service for eligible travelers to apply, youll be accompanied throughout the process by an iVisa expert and we will do our best to get your visa approved in less time than the government sites.
Japan entry requirements for Filipino citizens
All Filipino nationals traveling to Japan must apply for a Japan visa as stated previously. You may also require vaccine certificates or a health declaration; however, these requirements tend to change, and we advise checking with your airline or on the CDC site before your trip.
Types of Japan Visa and visa validity for citizens of the Philippines
There are two categories to the Japan Tourist Visa:
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Single-entry tourist visa is normally valid for a Single Entry stay of up to 30 days Per Entry. The visa is valid for 90 days after issued. Filipino travelers planning to visit Japan after three months must apply for a new visa.
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Multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for 1 to 5 years and allows for stays of up to 90 days per visit.
If you are traveling for reasons other than tourism, you must apply for a different visa. Some Japan visa types you can apply for are:
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Multiple Entry Visa for Business, and Cultural or Intellectual Figures
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Multiple Entry Visa for other Short-Term Stays
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A JFC visa for Filipino parents of Japanese-Filipino children traveling to Japan with their child/children.
You can inquire about these visas and how to apply at your local Japanese Embassy.
Am I eligible to get a Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines?
Citizens and residents of the Philippines with valid Philippine passports are generally eligible to apply for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines. However, the eligibility criteria may vary based on several factors, including the purpose and duration of your visit, financial status, and travel history.
How to obtain a Japan Tourist Visa as a Filipino citizen?
iVisa’s application process for this visa ensures you have professional assistance at every step to help you secure your visa, as the visa application process differs from person to person and can be confusing.
We aim to make the process simple and stress-free. To apply with us, you only need to follow five simple steps:
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Fill out the iVisa visa application form with your personal and travel information. You will receive support from an iVisa expert throughout the process via WhatsApp, Calendly, email, or chat.
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Check your information is correct and pay the iVisa processing fee. You can do so with a credit or debit card.
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Receive the confirmation email with further instructions for your application process, your interview, if needed, and the rest of the required documents.
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Collect the required documents according to the instructions provided, submit them and pay the government fee of USD 42 at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in the Philippines.
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Wait for the Japanese government's decision, receive your visa, and prepare for your trip.
Don’t forget that you will have an expert by your side to guide you!
Please note that the process to enter Japan does not end with your visa, and at the Japanese airport, the Immigration Officer will check your visa and the reasons for your visit.
After that, they will give you a Landing Permit, which will be stamped in your passport by immigration officers. You will be required to keep your passport with you during your trip as this landing permission serves as a legal basis for your stay in japan.
Japan Tourist Visa requirements in the Philippines
The requirements for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines can vary depending on your situation, including your purpose of visit, duration of stay, and financial status. In this section, we will discuss the general Japan tourist visa requirements in the Philippines and provide some guidance to help you prepare for your visa application.
Required Documents to apply for a Japan Visa as a Filipino Citizen
To apply for a Japan visa, we require certain documents. They are:
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A valid passport that will be valid for at least six months.
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Passport photo
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Financial documents that prove you can support your trip for the duration of your stay. These can be bank deposits, statements, or other evidence of funds or assets.
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Travel itinerary showing your planned tourism activities in Japan.
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PSA birth certificate is required for minors and must be issued within the last year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide).
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PSA marriage certificate is only necessary if you are married. It must have been issued within the last year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide).Travelers are no longer required to register their applications in the Entrants, Returns, and Follow-up Systems (ERFS), a system travelers used to obtain an ERFS certificate (eligibility certificate) before applying for a visa to visit Japan. Without this certificate, travelers couldn’t prove they were eligible for a visa and, consequently, could not enter Japan.
Applying with us ensures you have the guidance of an expert and a manual guide to help you make an error-free application and submit all the correct documentation to obtain your visa successfully.
Japan Tourist Visa passport requirements
One of the essential requirements for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines is a valid passport. Your passport must meet specific criteria to be considered acceptable for a Japan tourist visa application. Here are some of the passport requirements for a Japan tourist visa:
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Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Japan. If your passport expires before that time, you must renew it before applying for a Japan tourist visa.
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Condition: Your passport must be in good condition, with no missing pages, tears, or other damage that could render it unusable.
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Pages: Your passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa and immigration stamps issued upon entry and exit from Japan.
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Previous visas: If you have a previous Japan visa, it should be affixed to your current passport. If it is not, you must provide a written explanation of why it is not available.
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Other passports: If you have other passports, you should also submit them with your application and explain why you have multiple passports.
It's essential to ensure that your passport meets all of these requirements before applying for a Japan tourist visa to avoid any delays or issues with your application.
Japan Tourist Visa photo requirements
Another crucial requirement for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines is a recent passport-sized photo that meets specific criteria. Here are some of the photo requirements for a Japan tourist visa:
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Size: Your photo must be 4.5cm x 4.5cm in size.
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Color: Your photo should be in color, with a clear and natural skin tone.
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Background: The background of your photo should be plain white or light-colored with no patterns or shadows.
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Facial expression: Your face should be neutral, with both eyes open and your mouth closed. You should not smile or frown; your face should be centered in the photo.
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Clothing: You should wear plain clothes and avoid clothing with patterns or prints. Glasses are allowed as long as they do not obstruct your eyes and there is no glare on the lenses.
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Age: Your photo should be recent, taken within the last six months.
It's essential to ensure that your photo meets all of these requirements before applying for a Japan tourist visa to avoid any delays or issues with your application. You can get updated pictures from the comfort of your home with our passport photo service.
Cost and processing time for the Japan Tourist Visa for citizens of the Philippines
The application process for the Japan Tourist Visa can take months and be time-consuming. The Japanese embassy or consulate-general of Japan takes about a week to examine your application, but this can take longer if you need to submit extra documents.
The process could also take longer if there is a need to make inquiries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. We understands and value how precious time is; thus, we work hard to ensure you will take much less time to get your visa when applying through us. Currently, we offer the following:
- Standard processing which takes 30 days and costs USD $81.99
This includes the USD 21 government fee on visa applications and the iVisa processing fee.

My Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines was denied. What should I do?
Our team ensures your application has undergone new revisions and confirms that each document is valid. However, cancellations and rejections can happen if the government bodies find answers they're not satisfied with.
We offer refunds of the iVisa processing fee for applications rejected due to errors. Government fees are not included in this refund.
Once you receive your rejection, you should check what went wrong and apply again with us, making sure you do it right this time!
Why would my application be rejected?
There are several reasons why your Japanese tourist visa application in the Philippines may be rejected. Here are some of the most common:
- Incomplete or inaccurate information: If your application is incomplete or contains inaccurate information, it may be rejected. Double-check all the information you provide and ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.
Note: Since our team checks all applications for errors and any missing information, if your application is rejected for this reason, you will receive a full refund of the iVisa processing fee. Government fees are not refundable.
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Lack of supporting documents: Your Japan tourist visa application requires certain supporting documents, such as your passport, travel itinerary, and financial records. Your application may be rejected if you fail to provide any of the required documents.
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Insufficient funds: Japan requires tourists to have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. If you do not have enough funds, your application may be rejected.
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Previous visa violations: If you have previously violated any visa regulations, your application may be rejected.
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Criminal history: If you have a criminal record, your application may be rejected, especially if the offense is related to drugs, violence, or terrorism.
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Suspicion of illegal activity: If there is any suspicion that your visit to Japan may be related to unlawful activity, your application may be rejected.
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Lack of strong ties to your country of residence or there are indications you’re trying to stay in Japan.
Can the Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos be extended?
In general, the Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos cannot be extended. However, there are certain circumstances under which it may be possible to apply for an extension. For example, suppose a sudden illness or other unavoidable circumstances prevent you from leaving Japan before your visa expires. In that case, you can apply for an extension.
To apply for an extension, you must visit a local immigration bureau in Japan and apply. The immigration officer will review your case and decide whether to grant an extension. It's important to note that the extension is not guaranteed, and you should make every effort to leave Japan before your visa expires.
It's also important to note that overstaying your visa can result in severe consequences, including fines, detention, and deportation. It's crucial to follow the terms and conditions of your Japan Tourist Visa and leave Japan before it expires unless you have received official permission to extend your stay.
Travel restrictions entering Japan from the Philippines
Aside from visa requirements, there are some other travel requirements to consider before planning your Japan trip from the Philippines.
Luckily, the Philippines is in Japan's Blue category and no longer requires a pre-departure Covid-19 test if you have a valid vaccination certificate with all three doses of a Japan-approved Covid-19 vaccine.
Approved Covid-19 vaccines are:
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COMIRNATY / Pfizer
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Spikevax intramuscular Injection / Moderna
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Vaxzevria intramuscular Injection / AstraZeneca
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JCOVDEN intramuscular injection/Janssen (In the case of primary series, one dose is considered equivalent to two)
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COVAXIN/Bharat Biotech
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Nuvaxovid intramuscular Injection / Novavax
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Covishield (manufactured by the Serum Institute of India) and COVOVAX are treated as identical to Vaxzevria intramuscular injection/AstraZeneca and Nuvaxovid intramuscular injection/Novavax
Unvaccinated travelers must obtain a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours before their departure to Japan.
Tips for a successful trip to Japan
Whether you're a first-time or a seasoned visitor, it's always helpful to have some tips to ensure a successful trip in Japan. Here is some quick and practical advice that can help you make the most of your time in this fascinating country:
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Learn some basic Japanese phrases to help with communication.
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Follow local customs and etiquette, such as removing your shoes indoors.
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Bring cash, as many places do not accept credit cards.
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Be prepared for the weather, which can vary greatly depending on the season.
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Try the local food and drinks for a unique and delicious experience.
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Respect the culture and traditions, including bowing and respecting personal space.
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Plan and book accommodations and transportation in advance to avoid any issues.
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Stay connected with portable Wi-Fi or SIM cards for easy access to the internet and navigation.
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Visit famous tourist spots during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Immigration procedures upon arrival in Japan with a valid Tourist Visa
When you arrive at the immigration checkpoint in Japan with your Japan tourist Visa, Philippines nationals will need to allow officers to verify your documents, including your passport and visa, and ask questions about your visit, such as the purpose and duration of your stay. Additionally, they may also ask you to provide the following documents:
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A return flight ticket
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Your itinerary
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Proof of financial stability After verifying your documents, you will be cleared to proceed to the next checkpoint.
Where can I find more information?
If you still have questions or are wondering what other documents you need, use our visa checker tool or contact our 24/7 customer service team for further assistance.