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Japan Embassy in Manila says it's working to shorten visa processing to five days

Published Feb 04, 2025 4:36 pm Updated Feb 05, 2025 11:06 am

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines is working to shorten the visa processing period back to five working days.

In January, the embassy advised applicants for Japan visas to file their documents at least two months before their date of travel. Previously, it took about seven to 10 business days to process.

"Please be informed that the Embassy will continue to make efforts to complete procedures and return the visa within five working days, after it is submitted to the Embassy by travel agencies," it said in a statement on Feb. 4.

It also explained that its screening system is currently adjusting to the "unprecedented" surge in visa applications after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is to further streamline the visa process, as well as to continue strengthening people-to-people exchanges as a vital part of Japan and the Philippines' bilateral relations," the embassy said.

The longer processing time applies to single-entry and multiple-entry temporary visitor visas. Meanwhile, official and commercial purposes and other types of visa applications still follow the same procedures.

Applying for a Japan visa? Here are the requirements you'll need to get ready:

  • Valid Philippine passport in good condition, must be signed and have at least two blank visa pages
  • Visa application form which you can download here
  • Your itinerary in Japan which includes your port of entry, where you intend to stay and the contact number of the accommodation
  • A passport photo 2 x 1.4 inches with a white background taken within six months
  • Original Birth Certificate issued from the Philippine Statistics Office
    • If your birth certificate is "late registration," you must also submit a Baptismal Certificate and a Form 137 from high school or elementary, both of which must be issued within at least three months
    • You only need to submit a birth certificate if you have never applied for a Japan visa before
    • You will also need to write a letter of authorization for the Japan Embassy to verify your birth certificate
  • Original Marriage Certificate (if married) issued within one year
  • Bank Certificate of a personal account (not company/business) issued within three months
    A copy of your latest Income Tax Return

If someone else will be shouldering your travel expenses, you must also submit the following:

  • Guarantee letter
  • Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor
  • Bank Certificate and Income Tax Return of the guarantor

Once you've acquired all the requirements, choose an accredited travel agency from this list from the Japanese Embassy. Fees may cost P950 to P1,200 for a single entry visa, depending on the travel agency.

Among the requirements for a Japan visa application include a valid and signed Philippine passport with at least two blank pages, the visa application form, an itinerary in the country, a passport photo, a bank certificate, an income tax return, an original birth certificate, and an original marriage certificate (if married).

Visit the embassy's website to learn more about the visa application process.