How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines

24.1.26

How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines

So, you're planning a Japan trip but have no idea how the new Japan visa application process works in the Philippines? I know how confusing it might be, and just how difficult it is to get a slot at VFS Global!

Don't worry, I got you covered with everything you need to know about how to apply for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines. I share the tourist visa application process, comparison of applying via tour agency versus VFS Global, Japan tourist visa requirements and fees, visa frequently asked questions, and bonus tips to help make the process a smoother one!

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Japan Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Before anything else, it's important that you prepare all your documents before heading to VFS Global or a tour agency. For Japan tourist visa applications, these are the requirements:

Passport (with your wet signature)
Photocopy of passport (identification page only)
Completed application form (with Passport Photo [4.5x3.5cm] attached)
PSA issued Birth Certificate **
PSA issued Marriage Certificate (if married) **
Japan itinerary (click here for a sample of my Japan itinerary)

If you are shouldering your travel expenses:
Bank Certificate (with 6-month Average Daily Balance. If ADB unavailable, include your 6-month bank statement)
Applicant's tax payment certificate (Form 2316). If unavailable, write a cover letter explaining why.
Applicant's Employment Certificate (indicate period of employment, salary, and position). If unavailable, write a cover letter explaining why.
If Business Owner - DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration
If student - copy of school ID and certificate of enrollment.

If you are being sponsored:
Guarantee Letter
Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor (birth certificates)
Guarantor's Bank Certificate (with 6-month Average Daily Balance. If ADB unavailable, include your 6-month bank statement)
Guarantor's tax payment certificate (Form 2316). If unavailable, write a cover letter explaining why.
Guarantor's Employment Certificate (indicate period of employment, salary, and position). If unavailable, write a cover letter explaining why.

**If the Birth and/or Marriage Certificate is unreadable, submit a certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar.
** If Birth Certificate is tagged as "LATE REGISTRATION," submit Baptismal Certificate and School Record (Form 137).
** If no record of Birth/Marriage in PSA, submit Birth Certificate issued by Local Civil Registrar and Negative Certificate issued by PSA.

Take note that this is for Japan tourist visa applications in the Philippines. For other visa types or different nationalities, it may be different, so please check!

2 Ways To Apply For a Japan Tourist Visa

There are two ways you can apply for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines, and what you choose will depend on the availability and your trip date.

1. VFS Global

The Embassy of Japan introduced the new "Visa Center" in the Philippines last April 2025, partnering with VFS Services Philippines Private, Inc. There are 5 branches across the Philippines where you can apply for a Japan visa:

Paranaque (Parqal)
Makati (Makati Circuit Corporate Tower)
Quezon City (Gateway Tower Mall)
Cebu (Faustina Center)
Davao (Alfresco Are, Felcrix Centrale)

Basically, this is the direct route to applying for a Japan visa.

2. Accredited Tour Agency

These is the "original" way of applying for a Japan visa, where you submit your application and requirements to accredited agencies that then submit it to the Embassy of Japan. These reputable agencies are still listed on the Embassy of Japan's website and are as follows:

Note: I do NOT recommend working with agencies not on this list, as there is no assurance that they will submit your visa application on the timeline they claim, and some may be scammers.

Which Is Better? VFS Global vs Tour Agency for Japan Visa

Personally, and I believe everyone will agree with me: VFS Global is the best choice when applying for a Japan tourist visa. It's direct and quick, especially during peak season.

However, the only issue is that it's very difficult to book an appointment on the VFS Global website at the moment. With the sheer number of applicants, slots are always filled, and you'll need to refresh every day (or be very lucky) to find available slots within the next 2 months. But I'll get to that later.

This is why people choose to have it done via a tour agency, since you can still walk into any tour agency to submit your visa application. However, take note that these agencies are now essentially "middlemen," and they will need to submit your application to VFS Global, which will then send it to the Embassy of Japan. It takes longer because they will need to submit your application by a specific date.

For example, with my family's experience:

Sister: VFS Global (7 business days - 2,720 PHP [Premium Lounge])

December 23, 2025, 7:45AM: Submitted her Japan tourist visa application in VFS Paranaque

January 8, 2026, 6:00PM: Received e-mail that it was ready for pick up

Dad: Attic Tours (2 months - 1,680 PHP [Single Entry])

November 21, 2025, 4:00PM: Submitted his Japan tourist visa application in Attic Tours SM Southmall

January 16, 2026: Expected lodging date

January 23, 7:00PM: Received a call that it was ready for pick up

That is why it's always best to go the VFS Global route if you're able to secure an appointment. But if your trip is still at least 3 months away and you have no prior flights, then you can choose to proceed with a tour agency. That way, you're assured a sure lodging date + no stress in securing an appointment.

How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa (With Fees): VFS Global

Here are the steps to follow when applying for a tourist visa via VFS Global:

Step 1: Secure an Appointment

You can secure an appointment on the VFS Global website here. You will need to sign up for an account, so prepare your e-mail and mobile number. Once you sign in to your account, click on "Start New Booking" in the upper right section of the page.

Choose the Application Centre and Appointment Category (A. Tourism). For sub-category, choose either Tourism or Multiple Entry for Frequent Traveler (if you'll apply for ME) for a tourist visa application. If there are slots available, input the necessary contact details, including your full name, passport details, mobile number, and e-mail.

From there, you'll be redirected to the VFS Calendar to book an appointment. Choose an available date and time that works for you.

Pro-tip: No slots available? Keep on refreshing every start of the hour; there may be available slots throughout the day.

Step 2: Pay for Appointment

The total depends on the type of service you choose. The cheapest and standard rate is 520 PHP, which is payable via debit or credit card. There are also other service types with extra fees, such as:

- Premium Lounge (personalized service with separate service counter and priority): 2,200 PHP

- Premium Lounge Plus (Premium Lounge with more personalized service): 3,970 PHP

- Prime Time Service (submissions outside regular hours): 2,100 PHP

Those fees are on top of the 520 PHP service fee.

After payment, you'll receive an email with your appointment letter, which you must show to the VFS Global branch.

Step 3: Go to the VFS Branch

On your appointment date, head to your VFS branch 10 minutes earlier than your designated time. Make sure you have both your visa requirements and a printed copy of your appointment letter; digital copies aren't allowed.

Also, bags (including laptops) are not allowed inside VFS Global, or at least in Parqal. You will need to surrender it to the lockers (100 PHP locker fee).

Step 4: Submit Requirements

When you enter VFS Global, you'll be given a number. Wait for your turn. Once your number is called, head to the assigned counter and the staff will check your requirements. Extra requirements may be needed, depending on their assessment.

You can avail of their photocopy and printing services if that's the case, which costs 5 PHP/page. There are also extra services you can avail of:

Step 5: Wait for Notice

After submitting your requirements, you'll be given a receipt with a tracking number. Now, all there is to do is wait. It can typically take 5-10 business days. Depending on your background, it may take longer. Sometimes, VFS will contact you to submit additional requirements, which can delay the process.

As long as you submit complete requirements, you can expect to receive your passport and visa results within 5-10 business days. You can track your Japan visa application here. Use the tracking number located on your receipt.

Step 6: Pick Up Your Passport

VFS Global will send an email notifying you that your passport is ready for pick up. They CANNOT share your results; you will need to pick up your passport.

Passport collection is open Monday-Friday from 7:00AM to 4:00PM. Simply head to the Passport Collection area in your VFS Global branch and show your receipt and ID. If an authorized person is picking it up for you, prepare an authorization letter (with a wet signature), a photocopy of your ID, the VFS receipt, and the authorized person's ID.

And that's it!

How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa (With Fees): Tour Agency

Here are the steps to follow when applying for a tourist visa via tour agency:

Step 1: Head to Your Chosen Tour Agency

Choose an accredited agency from the list I mentioned above. These agencies will have branches around the Philippines. I have had good experiences with Attic SM Southmall, Reli Tours Makati, and UHI Makati.

Take note: UHI Makati is on an appointment basis, so it's best to check if the tour agency accepts walk-ins.

Step 2: Submit Your Requirements

Simply walk in and wait in line. Once it's your turn, submit your requirements for evaluation and pay the visa application fee. They will issue you a receipt with the planned lodging date to VFS Global.

Note: You are NOT allowed to pull out your application for any reason. It can take up to 2 months or more to receive your passport back, so if you have prior trips, it's best to try getting an appointment via VFS Global.

Step 3: Wait for Notice

Depending on the tour agency, they may or may not provide a tracking number after the lodging date. For Attic Tours, they did not give my dad a tracking number, nor did they notify us if his passport had been lodged to Embassy. They only called once his passport was ready for pick up.

Step 4: Pick Up Your Passport

You can pick up your passport any time during the tour agency's operating hours. For Attic Tours, authorized persons are not allowed to pick up the passport; it has to be the applicant themselves. If you applied as a group, it can be any one of the applicants who can pick up the passports.

Like VFS Global, they cannot share the visa results, you will only know once you receive your passport. And that's it!

Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply at VFS Global Cenu or Davao even if I'm from Metro Manila?

Yes, it's possible (or vice versa)! And you can have it shipped to your home address after for an extra fee.
What is the lowest Average Daily Balance (ADB) I can have for a Japan visa?

There is no guarantee. The rule of thumb is to have at least 10,000 PHP per travel day (so if you state 5 days on your itinerary, you should have at least 50,000 PHP in your bank account with consistent ADB).

That said, people with low ABD (less than 10,000 PHP) can get issued visas, while those with high ADBs are sometimes rejected, so it also depends on other factors, such as your employment, travel history, etc.
Can I be granted Multiple Entry even if it's my first international trip?

Yes, it's possible and depends on your background. Also, I was granted Multiple Entry on my first Japan visa application, though I already have travel history.
Is it a red flag if Japan is my first international trip?

No, it's not a red flag, but a solid travel history can help your chances with visa approval.
My visa application process is taking too long (or I received my passport quickly). Does that mean my visa was rejected?

No! The length does not mean anything, except maybe missing documents that you'll need to submit. Check your email regularly for updates. It may also take long due to holidays or peak season.
What can help strengthen my Japan tourist visa application?

I can't say for sure, but having a good financial standing, travel history, and consistent employment can help. These are not surefire ways to get a visa, but they help strenghten your ties to the Philippines!
I now have a Japan visa. What do I need to show immigration on the day of my flight?

Simply show your passport, valid Japan visa, and boarding pass. They may ask for additional documents such as your work/school ID and certificate of employment/enrollment. It's best to prepare digital copies of these just in case.
When should I apply for a Japan visa?

I recommend applying 3 months before your intended travel date, especially if you plan to go through a tour agency. If you are able to score an appointment via VFS Global, allot at least 10-20 business days before your intended travel date.
Can someone else submit my visa application for me?

As far as I know, only family members can submit a visa application on your behalf, provided that they also submit proof you are related (birth certificate) and a signed authorization letter.

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