Japan Visa

• Tourist visa processing time is minimum of seven (7) working days and may still be subject to change depending on the volume of applications received by VFS/Japan Embassy.
  
• Please ensure you have the complete documents for the visa application ready before you visit any of our offices to submit them. Our offices will screen and review whether your documents are suitable for filing. ANY missing document/s or documents that do not comply with the requirements set by the embassy or as deemed necessary for your type of visa application will not be accepted by JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.
  
• The embassy reminds all applicants not to confirm any flight and tour arrangements before the visa application. Confirmed travel and tour arrangements such as airline bookings, hotel bookings, etc., do not guarantee approval of the visa application. JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp. has the right not to accept your application if you have confirmed travel and tour arrangements. At the same time, clients may pursue visa applications at their own risk provided that they agree with the WAIVER OF LIABILITY.
  
• The visa application must disclose upcoming travel and tour arrangements before the visa application. Please be advised that you are not allowed to pull out your visa application once it is submitted to the embassy. This may be grounds for denial of a visa. Also, the visa fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
  
• Unused visa vouchers for Japan tourist visa services (issued until February 2024) are still valid to use, but must cover the regular visa application fees upon submission of the documents. The vouchers are refundable but are subject to the 20% cancellation charges.
• For the checklist and forms of other visa categories, please send us a request via email at documentation_jtbmnl.ph@jtbap.com

1. Japan Tourist Visa Application must submit the documents at the BGC Visa Counter on weekdays from 10am to 12nn and 1pm to 4pm only.
2. The number of processing days may be prolonged without prior notice depending on the directive of the Japan Embassy and the volume of applications we are receiving. Please check with JTB Philippines if you wish to submit your application and know the lead time before visiting and submitting your application.
3. Visa processing is on a "first-come, first-serve basis."  Slot reservations or waitlisting will not be entertained. Visa applications are processed regardless of your travel period. It is recommended to apply at least two (2) to three (3) months before your planned travel period.
4. Submission of requirements does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. The Embassy has the sole right and absolute discretion for the approval and denial of the visa application.
5. The reason for the denial of a visa will not be disclosed even if an inquiry is made. At the same time, if a visa application is denied, there is no appeal, and the applicant may only re-apply for the same purpose after six (6) months. JTB Philippines shall not be responsible if any visa applications are refused or denied.
6. JTB Philippines shall not be responsible if any visa application is refused or rejected.
7. All of the documents (original and photocopy) received by JTB Philippines will be forwarded to the Japan Embassy and will no longer be returned to the applicant.
8. A Letter of Explanation written by the applicant should be submitted for documents that cannot be provided.
9. The Japan Embassy may still require supplementary documents.
10. All signed documents are considered correct and in proper order.

Important Note: JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp. does not decide the outcome of your visa application. All applications are reviewed and evaluated by the respective embassies, based on the documents you submit.

JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.’s role is to provide you with comprehensive guidance and expertise to help maximize your chances of visa approval.

Q: How much is the Japan Visa Service Fee?
A: The Japan Visa Service Fee is PHP 2,500 for both Single and Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa applications. This already includes the VFS Visa Fee of PHP 520 and our Service Fee of PHP 1,980.

Q: How early can I apply for a visa?
Applicants may file their visa applications up to three (3) months before their intended travel date.

Q: What is your Japan Visa Application Process?

 ※   Japan Tourist Visa Application
1. Pre-book your visa service through our official website.
2. Download the checklist and complete the required forms.
3. Submit your visa documents at our Visa Counter, along with proof of payment.
4. Our Visa Officers will review your documents and advise if any requirements are incomplete.
5. Once your application is cleared, you will receive the official service invoice and transmittal form.
6. Your application will be transmitted to the Embassy for processing. The usual processing time is at least seven (7) working days.
7. You will be notified via SMS or email once your passport is ready for release.
8. Collect your passport from our office and complete our Customer Satisfaction Form.

 ※   Other Visa Categories
For non-tourist visa categories, the general process is the same. However, additional requirements may apply. Please consult our Visa Officers for guidance.

Q: What are the passport requirements?
Your passport must:
• Be valid for at least six (6) months at the time of application.
• Contain at least two (2) blank visa pages.
• Be submitted in original form together with your application.

Q: What is the required paper size for visa documents?
All documents must be printed on A4-sized paper, except for those officially issued by banks or government agencies, which may use their own formats.

Q: Is there a required Average Daily Balance (ADB)?
The Embassy of Japan does not prescribe a minimum Average Daily Balance. However, applicants are expected to demonstrate sufficient funds to support their planned travel.

Q: Who should sign the documents of a minor applicant?
A parent may sign the application forms and documents on behalf of a minor applicant.

Q: What if I cannot provide a required document?
You may submit a Letter of Explanation addressed to the Embassy of Japan. This should state why the prescribed document cannot be provided.

Q: Do I need to book flights and hotels before applying?
No. The Embassy does not require confirmed flight tickets or hotel bookings. Instead, you only need to provide your intended travel period, itinerary, airline carrier, and hotel address. We strongly advise confirming your arrangements only after your visa has been issued.

Q: What should I bring when submitting my application?
• Complete application documents for the visa category you are applying for
• Proof of purchase if you pre-paid online, or payment if settling at the Visa Counter

Q: Is an appointment required?
No appointment is necessary. Applicants may visit our Visa Counter during regular operating hours.

Q: Is personal appearance required?
Personal appearance is not required. Applicants may send an authorized representative with a signed authorization letter to submit the documents.

Q: Do you accept applications from overseas?
No. Visa applications must be submitted within the Philippines. Applicants overseas should apply directly to the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Japan.

Q: When will my application be filed with the Embassy?
Applications are normally filed on the next working day. However, filing may be deferred in case of high application volume. Any changes will be communicated to the applicant upon submission.

Q: How long does visa processing take?
Processing typically takes at least seven (7) working days.
Delays may occur when the Embassy receives a higher-than-usual volume of applications. Applicants will be notified in such cases.

Q: Is expedited processing available?
No. The Embassy of Japan does not offer expedited processing. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance.

Q: What happens if Embassy processing is delayed?
Should the Embassy advise of any delays, this will be immediately relayed to applicants by our Visa Officers.

Q: Do you guarantee visa approval?
No. Visa approval is at the sole discretion of the Embassy of Japan. Our role is to provide guidance in preparing complete and compliant applications to help improve your chances.

Q: How will I know if additional documents are needed?
If the Embassy requests additional documents, our Visa Officers will promptly notify the applicant. Please note that this may extend processing times.

Q: Will my documents be returned?
No. All supporting documents, except for the original passport, will not be returned by the Embassy. Applicants are advised to submit photocopies of important documents such as SEC/DTI certificates or tax returns.

Q: Can you provide the reason for the visa denial?
No. The Embassy does not disclose the reasons for visa application denials. This policy ensures the fairness and integrity of the evaluation process and helps maintain the credibility of the overall visa screening system.

Q: How soon can I reapply after a denial?
Applicants may reapply for the same visa category after six (6) months.

Q: Is the Multiple-Entry fee refundable if only a Single-Entry visa is granted?
No, the Japan Visa Service Fee is non-refundable. Please note that your request for a multiple-entry visa is subject to the Embassy’s evaluation. The decision on your application is based solely on the merits of the documents you have submitted.

Q: Can I still use a Japan Visa stamped in my old passport?
Yes. A valid Japan visa in an old passport may still be used for entry. You must carry both your old and current valid passports when traveling.

Q: Can I withdraw my application after submission to the Embassy?
No. Once an application has been transmitted to the Embassy, it can no longer be withdrawn or retrieved. Applicants must wait for the Embassy’s decision.

Q: What if I did not use my approved visa?
You may apply for a new visa and submit a Letter of Explanation stating the reason why the previously issued visa was unused.

Q: Do you accept applications from non-Philippine passport holders?
Yes. We accept applications from foreign passport holders residing in the Philippines. Please note that additional fees will apply.

Q: Do you accept applications via courier or delivery service?
Yes, we accept the submission of visa applications via courier (2Go, LBC, etc.) or on-demand delivery services (such as Lalamove, Grab, etc.). Applicants are required to observe the following guidelines:

 ※   Prior Coordination
Applicants must inform our Visa Officers in advance if they intend to send their applications through courier or on-demand delivery services.

 ※   Courier Delivery
Applicants must provide the tracking or shipping number to our Visa Officers. Please note that any issues such as delivery delays, damaged parcels, lost or missing items, or undelivered parcels will be the sole responsibility of the applicant.

 ※   On-Demand Delivery
Applicants must secure a delivery schedule with our Visa Officers before booking. Deliveries must be made within the operating hours of the Visa Counter. Any deliveries made outside of these hours may not be received.

The assigned rider must deliver the documents directly to our Visa Counter. Curbside or drop-off deliveries will not be accepted.

Q: Are old visa vouchers still valid?
No. Visa vouchers issued in 2024 or earlier have already expired and are non-refundable.

Any cancellations or refunds made after purchase and payment of visa services via the website are automatically subject to a 5% penalty charge.