Philippines to Japan tourist visa

What Filipinos need for a Japan tourist visa. The visa itself is free, JVAC charges a ₱520 service fee, and processing takes at least 5 working 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

Book a JVAC appointment — Schedule at visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/jpn. Appointments fill quickly during cherry blossom (March–April) and autumn (October–November) seasons.
Complete the visa application form — Fill out the official form. Your name and passport dates must match your passport exactly, and pick the right entry type (single or multiple).
Gather your 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 your passport — Go back to JVAC, or use the courier service, when you’re notified. Check the details on your visa sticker before you travel.

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 waived for Philippine nationals, so the visa itself is free. You do pay VFS Global a PHP 520 service fee when you apply at JVAC.
How long does Japan visa processing take from the Philippines?: At least 5 working days after you submit. In peak seasons like cherry blossom (March–April) or autumn (October–November), it can 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.