One of the biggest problems I have as a long-term solo traveler is that my Philippine passport is weak. While the most powerful passports can go to 163 countries visa-free (Singapore, South Korea), I can only go to 63 countries.
Everywhere else, I have to apply for a visa in advance, spend up to hundreds of dollars, and still get denied. And I have traveled extensively! I have been to 33 countries and I haven’t overstayed anywhere. I always leave before my visa expires.
However, there is one thing that made my Philippine passport a little bit stronger: a valid multiple-entry visa from the United States. (Here’s how to apply for a US visa in Manila).
A woman in Nara, Japan.
The US is a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a group of 34 developed countries that aim to help each other economically. Because I have a visa from one of the OECD members, other countries became open to me (i.e., no visa needed for some, easier visa application for others).
With my US visa, for example, I could go to 30+ countries in addition to the 63 I can freely visit.
Admittedly, however, it can be hard for Filipinos to get a US visa; there are so many stories of being denied despite very valid reasons for wanting to go. An alternative? Get a Japan visa!
Me in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — one reason to visit Japan!
Japan has relaxed its visa policies for Filipinos. Since 2014, Filipino tourists who have visited Japan at least once could already be granted multiple entry visas good for five years.
While it doesn’t open as many countries as a US visa does, having a Japan visa can still be very helpful. You can use it to go to Taiwan, South Korea, Turkey, and Georgia. Make sure to check each country’s policies before going, though. Some would require you to apply in advance for an e-visa while others don’t.
Besides, who doesn’t want to visit Japan? The most expensive part of Japan travel — the flights — has been made more affordable with the rise of low-cost carriers like Cebu Pacific (seat sale, anyone?).
So when there’s a Cebu Pacific piso sale and you’re just itching to book a Japan flight to climb Mt. Fuji, experience snow for the first time, or simply just to know what authentic ramen tastes like (I had the best one in Osaka), apply for a Japan tourist visa. Here’s how.
I had the best ramen in Osaka.
Japan offers several types of visas, for either single or multiple entry. There is a visa for tourism purposes (which is what most of us need), for visiting a friend or family/relatives, for business, or to attend a conference, among others.
Note that as a first time Japan visitor, you are only allowed a single entry visa for a maximum stay of 15 days. Based on my friends’ experiences, though, the second time you apply for a visa, you’ll automatically be given a multiple entry visa valid for five years.
Visit the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines for a complete list and description of all the types of visas you can apply for. This article is specifically for those who are traveling to Japan for tourism purposes (without a guarantor).
Dotonbori, Osaka’s shopping district
For tourists traveling to Japan for the first time, and without a guarantor, here are the requirements:
A cosplayer in Universal Studios Osaka.
Unlike when applying for a U.S. visa or a Schengen visa, there’s no need for personal appearance when applying for a Japan tourist visa. All applications are coursed through accredited travel agencies.
Note that while the embassy itself doesn’t charge a fee for visa applications, the agencies do, ranging from less than P800 to P1,500. During the annual PTAA Travel Expo in SMX MOA, the fee can even go down to P500.
I used Friendship Tours in Makati when I went to Japan. They also have an office in Cebu and charge P1,200 for first time applicants. I got the results in 4 days. Here are the other accredited agencies and their respective fees (as of October 5, 2016).
Just choose an agency, pay the fee, submit the requirements, and that’s it. Wait for their call and you will get your passport back in less than seven days. Nothing can be simpler, eh?
Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine in Kyoto.
While the visa policies have been relaxed by the Japanese Embassy, it doesn’t mean that they’ve completely removed it. You can still get denied if you give them reason to doubt your application.
Your travel agency will probably catch any missing requirements, but there are other aspects of the application that they have no control over. That said, here are some tips to help make sure that you get your visa application approved.
For first time applicants (staying a maximum of 15 days), around P100,000 should be enough.
Ideally, you would have this amount in your bank account for at least half a year, because the average balance for the past 6 months as well as the most recent balance will be reflected in the bank certificate. A sudden (and recent) infusion of money will be a red flag to those who will review your application.
It can be in the form of your certificate of employment, an approved leave of absence, an ITR, or your travel history (in the form of old passports).
The more stamps you have in your passport, the higher your chances of getting approved because it will show the consul that you have always returned to the Philippines after your travels.
Japanese girls in Osaka traditional clothing
Make sure all requirements are complete (original copies unless otherwise specified), and if you filled out the application form by hand, make sure it’s neatly done.
Remember as well that you can only get a 15-day visa if you’re a first time visitor, so request for less than 15 days of stay. You can always go back, knowing that the second time you will apply for a visa, you will get a multiple entry for five years. Yay!
Given the ease of applying for a Japan tourist visa nowadays — as well as the advantages of having it in your passport — there’s simply no reason not to plan your visit to the Land of the Rising Sun, especially in winter when you can experience playing in the snow.
Year-round, however, Japan is still a must-visit for Filipino tourists. It has a lot to offer travelers, from its huge theme parks (Disneyland and Universal Studios) and vibrant shopping districts, to its abundant natural wonders, great cuisine, and heritage sites. Visit Japan solo or with family and friends, and you won’t run out of things to do!
Would you want to visit Japan? What’s your bucket list item there?
An earlier version of this article first appeared in Rappler.
4 Comments. Leave new
Hi.. I have a question. If an epmloyee, is the BIR form 2316 required to have a stamped from BIR? Thank you.
Really sucks that our passport is so weak, but there’s always that feeling of satisfaction when you get your visa. Haha! I never realized how great it is to have multiple entry visas until I got granted one and I got to use it and not have to get more! (I’m also visiting Japan again, but Osaka this time, can’t wait!)
Hi Aleah,
Well done on that US multiple entry visa. Tough to get into America these days and has been for a long, long time. I knew many folks from your land who got jobs in the US. Especially nurses, whom I met with my mom being a nurse in NJ for 3 decades. Good deal. Japan is definitely on my travel list too.
Ryan
i hope and pray that one day, Japan would not require us Filipinos for a visa to visit their wonderful country.