Philippines to Japan tourist visa
Complete Japan tourist visa guide for Filipinos. Requirements, FREE visa fee, PHP 520 service charge, processing time of 5 working days, and approval tips. Updated February 2026.
- Visa
- Japan Tourist Visa
- Fee
- Free
- Processing time
- 5 working days
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your current passport must be self-signed and have at least two blank pages
- Visa Application Form — Complete the official Japan visa application form available from VFS Global or Embassy website
- Passport Photograph — Recent color photograph meeting Japanese visa specifications
- Passport Bio Page Copy — Color photocopy of your passport bio page
- PSA Birth Certificate — Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
- Detailed Travel Itinerary — Day-by-day schedule of your activities in Japan
- Bank Certificate — Certificate from your bank showing your account standing
- Tax Payment Certificate (Form 2316) — BIR Form 2316 showing your annual income and tax withheld
- Employment Certificate — Letter from your employer confirming your employment status
How to apply
- Book JVAC appointment — Schedule at visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/jpn. Appointments fill quickly during cherry blossom (March–April) and autumn (October–November) seasons.
- Complete visa application form — Fill out the official form. Ensure validity dates, entry type (single or multiple), and name spelling match your passport exactly.
- Gather supporting documents — Prepare COE, bank certificate, Form 2316/ITR, PSA birth certificate, detailed itinerary, return flight ticket, and hotel bookings.
- Submit at JVAC — Bring originals and photocopies. Pay the PHP 520 VFS service charge. Standard processing is at least 5 working days.
- Collect passport — Return to JVAC or use courier service when notified. Verify visa sticker details before travel.
Common questions
- Do Filipino citizens need a visa to visit Japan?
- Yes, Filipino citizens require a Short-term Stay Visa to visit Japan for tourism. The visa must be obtained before travel through the Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC) operated by VFS Global.
- How much is the Japan tourist visa fee for Filipinos?
- The visa fee is FREE (waived) for Philippine nationals. However, you must pay a PHP 520 service fee to VFS Global for processing your application at the JVAC.
- How long does Japan visa processing take from the Philippines?
- Standard processing takes at least 5 working days from submission. During peak seasons like cherry blossom (March-April) or autumn (October-November), processing may take several weeks.
- How long can Filipinos stay in Japan on a tourist visa?
- The Short-term Stay Visa allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. You cannot work or engage in paid activities during your stay.
- Where can I apply for a Japan visa in the Philippines?
- Apply at any Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC) operated by VFS Global. Locations include Parañaque, Makati, Quezon City, Cebu, and Davao. Book an appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/jpn.
- What bank balance is required for Japan visa from Philippines?
- There is no official minimum, but a consistent average daily balance of at least PHP 100,000 for the last 6 months is recommended for short trips. Higher amounts are advisable for longer stays.