Last Updated on November 27, 2024 by Tina
As a Philippine passport holder, one of the main challenges of traveling is securing a visa for most destinations outside Southeast Asia. My brother and I are planning a hiking trip to Japan, so I must apply for a tourist visa. I haven’t been to Japan before, but my brother encouraged me to try applying for a multiple-entry visa. After submitting my application, I finally received my passport back—along with the exciting news that my request for a multiple-entry tourist visa was approved! In this post, I’ll share the steps I took to successfully get a multiple-entry Japan tourist visa as a Philippine passport holder.
Why Get a Multiple-Entry Visa to Japan?
A multiple-entry visa allows you to visit Japan multiple times without reapplying for a visa, making it ideal for frequent travelers or those planning to explore Japan’s various regions over time. The visa is typically valid for 1 to 5 years and permits a stay of up to 30 days per visit.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa to Japan
1. Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for a multiple-entry visa, you must meet specific criteria set by the Japanese Embassy. Common eligibility categories include:
- Previous Japan Visa Holders: Those who used a single-entry visa within the last three years and have sufficient financial capacity.
- Frequent Travelers: Visitors to Japan or other G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the USA).
- High-Income Earners: Professionals or business owners with strong financial records.
- Spouse/Child of Financially Capable Individuals or Japanese Nationals: Applicants who meet specific family-related criteria.
- Cultural or Intellectual Figures: Artists, academics, or professionals recognized for significant contributions.
You need to fill out the form REQUEST FOR A MULTIPLE-ENTRY TEMPORARY VISITOR VISA for this.
In my case, I qualified as a frequent traveler with sufficient financial capacity, even though I hadn’t traveled to Japan before. When filling out the Request for a Multiple-Entry Temporary Visitor Visa form, I explained that I planned to explore Japan’s rich history and culture through multiple visits, making a multiple-entry visa essential for convenience.
2. Prepare the Required Documents
Compile the following documents to ensure a smooth application process:
- Philippine Passport: Valid for at least six months with two blank pages.
- Visa Application Form: Downloadable from the Japan Embassy website. You can check this sample to see how to fill out the form.
- Recent Photograph (45mm x 35mm): Taken within six months against a plain white background.
- Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate (for married applicants): PSA-issued (within the last year).
- Detailed Itinerary in Japan: Use this form for the itinerary. Include planned destinations and accommodations (booking proof is not required).
- Bank Certificate: Reflecting your financial capacity (balance within the last six months must be shown). If the Average Daily Balance (ADB) in the last six months is not indicated, a bank statement must be submitted to prove transactions within the previous six months.
- Tax Payment Certificate (Form 2316): For employed individuals; business owners must submit additional documents like DTI registration.
- Certificate of Employment: Indicating your position, salary, and duration of employment. For business owners, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) “Certificate of Business Name Registration” and Mayor’s Permit from the City Hall must be submitted.
- PSA Authorization Letter– You can download the letter template here.
For students, include a school ID or enrollment certificate, and for retirees or housewives, provide an explanation letter for missing financial documents.
3. Submit Your Application Through an Accredited Agency
Japan visa applications must be submitted through an accredited travel agency. Here’s how to proceed:
- Choose an Accredited Travel Agency: I used Reli Travel and Tours, located on the 3rd floor of Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City.
- Document Review: Agencies typically check your documents for completeness before submission. When you submit your application to Reli Travel and Tours, they will check all your documents first. Once you step out of the elevator, turn to your right and there you will find the office that checks the application. After checking, they will give you a number and will instruct you to go to the other office where you will submit all the documents and pay the processing fee.
- Pay the Processing Fee: Fees vary by agency; I paid ₱999 for the single-entry visa and an additional ₱500 for the multiple-entry request. If denied, the ₱500 is refunded.
- Wait for Processing: Processing takes 10-15 working days due to a high volume of applications. My passport, including the visa, was returned in 12 days.
4. Receive and Use Your Visa
You will receive a text from the agency once your passport is ready for pick-up. You need to bring the receipt provided by the agency to claim your passport. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. Multiple-entry visas to Japan for Philippine passport holders are typically valid for 1 to 5 years, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit.
Additional Tips for a Successful Application
- Build Your Travel History: Frequent travel to developed countries strengthens your application.
- Apply Early: Submit at least one month before your planned trip.
- Submit Authentic Documents: Falsifying information can lead to rejection or a travel ban.
Conclusion
Applying for a multiple-entry Japan tourist visa as a Philippine passport holder may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, you can secure one successfully. With this visa, you can explore Japan’s vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage multiple times without the hassle of reapplying. Start your journey today and discover the wonders of Japan!
If you have any questions, feel free to write them down in the comments section. Subscribe to my blog if you don’t want to miss any of my posts. And please like my Facebook page I Went Anyways and like my Instagram accounts @iwentanyways and @tnadeperalta for updates.
