People from 68 countries can travel to Japan without a visa. Unfortunately, the Philippines is not on the visa-free list. If you’re worried about how to get a Japanese multiple entry visa from the Philippines, this guide will help you with everything you might need. Read on!
What is a Japan Multiple Entry Visa?
The multiple-entry visa allows foreigners to enter the country to attend conferences, sightsee, visit friends, or take short courses. Periods of stay may be up to 15, 30, or 90 days, and the validity of the visa can be 1, 3, 5, or 10 years. What’s more, it gives you the chance to visit Japan for as much as you want without having to apply for a visa beforehand.
What is the difference between Multiple Entry visas and other visas?
There are two kinds of visas: single-entry tourist visas and multiple-entry tourist visas. A single-entry tourist visa allows foreigners to stay no more than 30 days. It will be valid for 90 days after issued. Therefore, you need to visit Japan within 3 months, or the single-entry tourist visa will expire. The validity of a multiple-entry tourist visa is much longer. This visa lasts for 1 to 5 years and allows for stays of up to 90 days per visit.
If you visit Japan for reasons other than tourism, you might need the visas below:
- Multiple Entry Visa for Business, and Cultural or Intellectual Figures
- Multiple Entry Visa for Other Short-Term Stays
- A JFC visa for Filipino parents of Japanese-Filipino children traveling to Japan with their child/children.
Who is eligible for the application for a Multiple Entry Visa?
Generally, residents and citizens with valid Philippine passports can apply for Japan visas. All Philippine Citizens require a Japan visa if they want to visit Japan. You might also need vaccine certificates or a health declaration, but the requirements always change. Therefore, remember to check the rules before your trip.
As stated previously, there are two multiple-entry visas available for Filipinos: one is for business purposes, and one is for tourists. The latest update of the eligibility criteria influences only the multiple-entry visa for business purposes but not for all visitors. The applicants must belong to one of three categories:
- An employee of a private company which is listed on the stock exchange (including Japan and third countries),
- A regular employee of a public (government) enterprise,
- A regular employee with more than three travel records to Japan for business purposes in the last three years.
What’s more, the Japanese embassy website lists 6 specific job categories of eligible applicants, including professionals (lawyer, doctor, certified public accountant), scientist, or a specialist in humanities “who has relevant accomplishments.”
Required Documents for a Japan Multiple Entry Visa
To apply for a Japan visa, you might require certain documents as below. They are:
- Completed visa application form (Don’t leave anything blank. You can also get this from any of their accredited travel agencies.)
- Valid, signed Philippine passport
- Recent photo pasted to the application form
- Employment certificate
- Documents evidencing that the applicant is employed under a qualifying category
- Daily Schedule / Itinerary in Japan. (It includes the address and contact number of your accommodation and shows your planned tourism activities in Japan)
- PSA birth certificate( It is required for minors and must be issued within the last year from the PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide)
- PSA marriage certificate(If you are married, it is a necessity for you and it must have been issued within the last year from the PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide)
- Follow-up Systems (ERFS)(You can use this system to get an ERFS certificate (eligibility certificate) before applying for a visa to visit Japan. Without it, you are not able to enter Japan because you can’t prove you are eligible for the visa)
Even though application forms and documents are listed on the embassy’s website, your application must be made via travel agencies accredited by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. Therefore, you need to check what else is required for the application. The information is available on the Japanese Embassy website.
Following the guidance you can obtain all the correct documentation you need for your visa application.
How to apply for a Japan Multiple Entry Visa for Filipinos
The visa application process differs from person to person. All you need to do is follow the five steps below.
1. Fill out the visa application form. Remember not to leave blanks. Fill in N/A if an item is inapplicable to you. You need to provide your personal and travel information. Keep in mind that check whether your information is correct before submission.
2. Collect the required documents as we mentioned above.
3. Pay the application fee. After submitting the form and documents, you can pay the processing fee at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in the Philippines.
4. Wait for the Japanese government’s decision, receive your visa, and prepare for your trip.
💡 Note that the process to enter Japan does not end with your visa The visa will be checked by the immigration officer at the Japanese airport. Then, you will receive a landing permit from them. You need to keep your passport with you during your trip because this landing permission serves as a legal basis for your stay in Japan.
Japan Tourist Visa requirements in the Philippines
The requirements for a Japanese tourist visa in the Philippines differ from your situation. They depend on your purpose of visit, duration of stay, and financial status. Reading the requirements below might help you prepare for your visa application.
Japan Tourist Visa passport requirements
A valid passport is an important document for a Japanese tourist visa in the Philippines. Your passport must meet specific criteria and be acceptable for a Japan tourist visa application. Some of the passport requirements for a Japan tourist visa are as follows:
1. Validity: The validity of your passport must be at least six months beyond your intended stay in Japan. Otherwise, you need to renew it before applying for a Japan tourist visa.
2. Condition: A broken passport with missing pages is not acceptable or other damage is not acceptable. Your passport must be complete and in good condition.
3. Pages: There must be at least two blank pages of your passport because immigration stamps will be issued upon entry and exit from Japan.
4. Previous visas: You should affix your previous Japan visa to your current one if you used to have a previous passport. If you lose it, you need to provide a written explanation for the reasons why it is not available.
5. Other passports: If you have other passports, you should also submit them with your application and explain why you have multiple passports.
It’s significant to make sure that your passport meets all of these requirements before applying for a Japan tourist visa, which contributes to your smooth application.
Japan Tourist Visa photo requirements
Some of the visa photo requirements for a Japan tourist visa are as follows:
1. Size and Dimensions. Your Japan Visa 45x45mm, head 27 mm photo size must be 45×45 mm, which means that your head must be between 27 and 28.35 mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
2. Color. The photo must be in color. Remember that the colors must be natural and clear. Any filters or effects that change them are forbidden.
3. Subject. The only subject of the photo is you. This means that no relatives, friends, or children should be in the frame.
4. Focus. The photo must be in focus, clear, and without blurriness or distortion. A blurry photo is a sure way to get your application rejected.
5. Recency. Your photo should be recent and taken within the last six months. This ensures that the photo accurately represents your current appearance (hairstyle, weight, facial hair, etc.).
6. Background. The background color of the photo should be plain white or off-white. Make sure that your face and features stand out clearly in the photo and that the lighting is even.
7. Smile. You can smile, but it must be a natural smile with both eyes open and your mouth closed. You’d better not to frown. Keep in mind that your face should be centered in the photo.
8. Red-Eye. Red-eye should be avoided. To prevent it, you should not use the camera flash if possible because the light can reflect off the back of your retina and create a red reflection in your eyes. If you must use a flash, try looking slightly away from the camera.
9. Clothing, makeup, earrings. Your clothes, makeup, and earrings should be plain. Please avoid wearing extravagant clothes or earrings. Wear everyday clothing that you would normally wear in public. That must be a smart choice!
💡 Note: You’ll typically need to provide two identical photos.
Cost and processing time
The application for this visa can be time-consuming because it takes about a week for the Japanese embassy or consulate-general of Japan to examine your application. It takes a longer time if you need to submit extra documents. The process could also take longer if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo inquires about more documents.
Fee:
Single-entry visa–around 3,000 yen (roughly P1,247)
Double-entry or multiple-entry visa–6,000 yen (roughly P2,495)
Transit visa–700 yen (roughly P291)
Note: The fees vary depending on which accredited agency you apply to—it could be cheaper or more expensive than the standard rates.
Processing time:
Around 30 days
If my Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines was rejected, what should I do?
There’s nothing you can do, except to wait for six months before you can re-apply. Your visa application won’t be accepted if your previous application was rejected and you will apply for the same purpose of visit within six months from the rejection. During these six months, you can get all your documents ready and ensure you’ll get approved next time. However, if you need to travel to Japan is necessary for humanitarian reasons, the application might be accepted. Consult with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for the visa before making the application.
Why would my application be rejected?
Your application did not meet the criteria for visa issuance might be the reason for the rejection. Here are the most common reasons are as follows.
- Incomplete or inaccurate information
- Insufficient funds
- Criminal history
- Suspicion of illegal activity
- Lack of strong ties to your country of residence
Therefore, you’d better avoid the matters we mentioned above, which contribute to your smooth application.
Can the Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos be extended?
Yes. If you have a sudden illness or other unavoidable circumstances that prevent you from visiting Japan before your visa expires, you can apply for an extension.
You can go to a local immigration bureau in Japan and apply. The officers will judge whether you are qualified for an extension. It is worth noting that the extension is not guaranteed. If you fail to apply for an extension, you should try your best to leave Japan before your visa expires.
Conclusion
That’s it. This guide includes all the details and information about the application for a Japan Multiple Entry Visa for Philippine Citizens. Now, pack your bags and have a nice trip!
📖 Further Readings
Dolores Xiao