Japan Visa Application in the Philippines
- onewishmnl
- Sep 26, 2016
- 3 min read
Konnichiwa!
I'd like to share my Japan visa application experience. Me and family have been waiting for a seat sale since the start of the year. We even saw a travel expo in a mall but our chosen dates are not available anymore. But suddenly, just this early September my sister checked out Jetstar and we were able to book a trip to Tokyo! Yay!
It is not necessarily recommended to book a plane ticket and accommodation when applying for a visa. But, since the airline was on sale, we still booked our flight tickets. It's a big risk but who knows, right? I just thought of this quote:
I'm not telling you to decide like how we took the risk. The decision is still up to you. So, please relax and decide carefully.
Anyway, after booking our plane tickets, of course we started preparing our documents for visa application. I did some research as to where we can apply and submit our applications. You can only submit the documents to an accredited agency of Japan Embassy. You can see here at Embassy of Japan in the Philippines' website the list of accredited agencies.
Me and my family decided to go to Reli Tours and Travel Agency in Makati at Dusit Thani Hotel because a friend of my sister have applied there before. My sister went to Reli Tours since her work office is around Makati and asked about the requirements.
Here are the requirements needed:
1. Passport - you may attach your old passport
2. Application Form - you can download it here.
3. Photo - 4.5cm x 4.5cm with WHITE background (Tell the photography studio it is for Japan Visa)
4. Birth Certificate - must be issued by the NSO within the year of application.
*If the applicant's birth certificate is under "late registration" he/she needs to submit additional documents:
a. Baptismal Certificate &
b. Form 137 High School Record
5. Marriage Contract for married applicants - should be issued by NSO within the year of application.
6. Daily Schedule in Japan - download it here. It may not be your final itinerary yet. Write a schedule that will match with the funds you have in your bank.
7. Certificate of Employment
8. Bank Certificate
9. Income Tax Return Form 2316 - Original and Photocopy
10. Guarantee Letter - if one of the family members will sponsor the trip. You can download a copy at Embassy of Japan in the Philippines' website.
Once our documents were complete. My sister submitted all our documents at the agency. A staff will check each documents to ensure that all submitted requirements are correct. The agency said it will be processed within 7 - 10 working days. But, I read a lot of reviews that some applicants got their passports after 2-3 working days. Anyway, While waiting for our visa I did some searching for accommodations at Airbnb. It's way more affordable to book on Airbnb than booking for a hotel.
So yes, after 3 working days, we got a text from Reli Tours that we may already pick up our passports. Yayyyyy :) And guess what?????
We got approved visa! We are thankful that we're granted a visa.
See you soon, Japan!
Additional Tips:
- You can call any of the accredited agencies if you need help and if you wish to clarify anything about the visa application.
- Bring all the required documents.
- Also, bring all the supporting documents that could help with your application. This could save your time from going back and forth at the agency. It is very important to show them that you have strong ties here in the Philippines to show them that you will 101% return.
- Always TRIPLE CHECK your documents.
- Apply at least three months before your trip. Because we never know what visa they will give you. It's either Single or Multiple Visa.
- Always search and read reviews because this could help you with all the questions you have.
- BE HONEST!
- STAY POSITIVE when applying and while waiting for your visa.
Wishing you all the best and good luck if you'll be applying anytime soon. Fighting! If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Comments