Japan visa for Filipinos: requirements and documents

Philippine passport holders need a visa for a short-term stay in Japan (tourism, visiting relatives or friends, business; up to 90 days). Applications are made through the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC).

Last checked against official sources on 2026-10-14.

Can I use the JAPAN eVISA?

The JAPAN eVISA is available to Philippine nationals living in the Philippines only for package tours arranged by designated travel agencies (single entry, tourism). Independent tourism, visiting relatives or friends, and business need a regular visa.

Where to apply

Since 7 April 2025, applications go through the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC), operated by VFS Services Philippines. Accredited travel agencies no longer accept applications.
JVAC branches are in Parañaque, Makati, Quezon City, Cebu City and Davao City.
You can apply up to 90 days before travel.

Documents for tourism

Passport (signed) and a colour copy of the photo page
Visa Application Form, typed and signed, with one photo (45 × 35 mm, colour, plain background, taken within 6 months)
PSA birth certificate, plus PSA marriage certificate if married (issued within 1 year); not needed if your passport has a used Japan visa
Itinerary (Schedule of Stay); flight and hotel bookings are not required
If you pay for the trip: bank certificate, income tax return (BIR Form 2316) and certificate of employment (business owners: DTI registration and Mayor’s Permit; students: school ID or enrolment certificate)
If a guarantor in the Philippines pays: guarantee letter, proof of relationship, and the guarantor’s financial documents

Documents for visiting relatives or friends

Your host in Japan prepares part of these documents.

Your passport, application form, photo and PSA certificates proving the family relationship
From Japan: Letter of Invitation (with specific activities, not just “visiting relatives”), Schedule of Stay, and the inviter’s and guarantor’s residence certificate (Jumin-hyo) listing the household
If the inviter or their spouse is Japanese: family register (Koseki-tohon)
Guarantor: Letter of Guarantee plus an income certificate, tax certificate (Nozei-shomeisho) or bank certificate
Friends and distant relatives use a separate checklist from JVAC

Good to know

Documents from Japan must generally be issued within 3 months; Philippine documents must be originals.
Multiple-entry visas are available for frequent travellers to Japan, applicants with considerable financial capacity, and some business and cultural applicants.

The official forms

The Visa Application Form, Schedule of Stay, Letter of Invitation, Letter of Guarantee and List of Visa Applicants are the official forms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Download the blank forms

Official sources

Requirements, fees and processing times change. Always check the current checklist on the official pages below before you apply; the visa centre’s checklist is what your application is checked against.

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