Japan visa requirements and application for Filipinos: Travel guide

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Japan is a unique destination, and a popular place to go for a visit, to study or to work. If you have a Filipino passport, you need to make sure you have all the paperwork required before you travel, depending on the reason for your trip.

So - does Japan need a visa from the Philippines and if so what are your options? This guide covers the Japan tourist visa requirements and also how to apply for a working visa. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Table of contents
Do Filipinos need a visa to Japan? Types of Japan visas available for Philippine citizens Visa requirements for Filipinos How to apply for a Japan visa as a Filipino Application fees Get more yen out of every peso with the Wise card Frequently asked questions

Do Filipinos need a visa to Japan?

Yes. There are Japan visa requirements for the Philippines which apply for tourist visits as well as for working or studying there.

Japan has visa waivers in place for citizens of 70+ countries for tourist purposes¹ - but unfortunately the Philippines isn’t on this list. This means that even for a short trip you need to get ready to apply for a visa before you travel. This guide walks through how.

Types of Japan visas available for Philippine citizens

There are different Japan visa requirements for different visa types. You can apply for a tourist visa for up to 90 days, which can be either single entry or multi-entry².

Or if you want to work or study in Japan there are many visas which cover options such as working, investment, study or family reunification.

Long term visas include:

• Highly skilled professional visa
• Working visas which cover different professions
• General visas for things like cultural activities
• Student visas
• Training visas
• Dependent visas
• Long-term resident visas
• Long Stay visas for sightseeing and recreation
• Start-up visa
• Diplomatic visa

Japan visa requirements for Filipinos

We’ll look at how to apply for a Japan visa in a moment, but first it’s helpful to note that you will need a suite of documents to support your application, plus you must complete a digital arrival card⁴ before you travel. This allows you to enter the country, and also includes customs information.

So - is the Japan visa free for Filipinos? Unfortunately not - in fact you’ll need to pay up to 2,250 PHP⁵ for your visa depending on the visa type. We’ll explore the Japan visa fee options a little later on. First let’s walk through the key requirements you need to know about before you apply.

Japan tourist visa requirements

To apply for a Japan tourist visa you’ll have to gather the documents needed to show you’re eligible, and apply in person through the visa application center of your local Japanese embassy or consulate. The documents needed include your passport with an additional photo, your birth certificate and marriage certificate if you’re married, proof of your ability to pay for your visit, and details of what you intend to do on your trip⁶.

Visa application centers have only recently been set up in the Philippines, with options in Manila, Cebu and Davao⁷ which can make this more convenient than it previously was. You can book an appointment in advance to limit the amount of time you need to spend waiting at the center while you submit your paperwork.

We’ve got a handy step by step guide to help you navigate the Japan tourist visa application process, a little later.

Japan work visa requirements

Before you can apply for a visa to work in Japan, you’ll need to find an employer. There are many different working visa types based on the specific job you do, or how senior you are.

Your employer will initiate the application for a work visa for you by getting a certificate of eligibility that shows they can employ you. You’ll then have to gather other documents which include your passport, visa application and supporting evidence, and make the application in person at the visa center of the Japanese embassy or consulate closest to your home⁸.

Bear in mind that an application for a long term visa for Japan might take some time to process - you can ask at the application center when you can expect to hear back. Fees will also apply which can vary depending on the visa type you apply for.

👀 Travelling to Japan? Check out our handy guides on Japan pasalubong ideas or Japan travel requirements for Filipinos

How to apply for a Japan visa as a Filipino

Whether you’re off for a short tourist visit or to stay for the long term, you need to get a Japan visa as a Filipino. This process needs to be done in good time, and once your visa is issued you can then plan the rest of your trip.

Here’s how to make your Japan visa application step by stap:

Step 1 - Gather your documents

Gather the documents required to apply - for a tourist visit of up to 90 days, you will need:

• Valid Passport
• Japan visa application form
• Passport photo - the Japan visa picture size is 45mm x 45mm
• Birth certificate and Marriage certificate (if married)
• Proof of your ability to pay for your trip
• Itinerary of your plans in Japan

Step 2 - Apply in person

You must submit your application at the visa application service of the Diplomatic Mission of Japan that’s closest to your home. Your options in the Philippines are:

• Paranaque - Unit No. 305, 306, 307, Level-3, Parqal Abaca Building 5, Along A. Luz Drive Corner Imao St, Aseana City, Barangay Tambo, Paranaque- 1701, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Makati - Ground Floor, Makati Circuit Corporate Tower Two, AP Reyes Street, Brgy. Carmona, Theater Drive, Circuit, Makati City- 1207, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Quezon City - Space no. GT03014S, Level 3, Gateway Tower Mall, Araneta City, Barangay Socorro, Quezon City- 1009, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Cebu - Unit 9, 7th floor Faustina Center, Bonifacio District, Cabahug St. Kasambagan, Cebu City, 6000
• Davao - FES -09 , Second Floor, Alfresco Are, Felcris Centrale, Quimpo Boulevard, Barangay 40 – D, Davao 8000

You can not apply for your visa from Japan, and can not enter the country without a visa.

Step 3 - Receive your visa

Once approved, the consular staff will contact you. This usually takes about a week, but can take longer in some situations, particularly if additional checks or documents are needed⁹.

Japan visa application fees

The Japan visa application fees for the Philippines are as follows:

• Single entry visa - 1,150 PHP
• Multi entry visa - 2,250 PHP
• Transit visa - 250 PHP

Fees may vary if you have a different nationality, so do check before you start your application.

Travelling to Japan? Get more yen out of every peso when you make payments abroad with the Wise card

Once you get your Japan visa, you’ll be looking for a way to seamlessly and conveniently spend in JPY with low, transparent fees.

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including USD, SGD, GBP, and JPY so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up PHP to get started.

A physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 369.60 PHP. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 12,000 PHP each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend directly in PHP and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.57%. A cheaper and easier way to spend foreign currency.

💳 Get your Wise card today

Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the Japan visa application form?

You can find the Japan visa application from here¹⁰ - or you can download this and all the other relevant documents from the website of the Japanese consulate or embassy that’s closest to where you live.

What are the Japan visa picture size and requirements?

The Japan visa picture size is 45mm x 45mm, which is a fairly standard specification for passport type photos. Make sure you have no head covering and the photo is no more than 6 months old.

How long does a Japan visa application in the Philippines take?

A Japan visa application in the Philippines takes about a week to process if you have all the required documents. In some cases there are delays, usually because of additional documentary requirements or checks.

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Sources:

1. Japan visa waiver countries
2. Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs - visa information
3. Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs - long term visa listing
4. Japan - digital disembarkation card
5. Japan Visa Fees
6. Japan visa for Philippines
7. Japanese Embassy - visa centers
8. Long term visa application chart
9. Japan visa process
10. Japan visa application form