This has been on my Drafts since April 2017 after I went to Japan so for those who are asking how to get a Japanese Visa (for employed Filipinos) read up! ^^
So what should come first, Tickets or Visa?
I was told to secure my visa before buying airline tickets and I was not too confident that I would get approved since I've never been outside the country. Yup! My first time travel abroad was in Japan and my 5th year passport was expiring on December 2017.
If you could comply with all requirements and if you have history that you come back to the Philippines after your tour, go book a promo tickets to save but do it at your own risk. No blaming.
And another thing, I think being a government employee got me a higher chance of approval. Nonetheless, I have read on some blogs that Japan’s visa applications have been really easy breezy. So base on experience, here is my story...
These are the requirements:
For Tourist Visa - 3months Validity - up to 15 days stay
1.) Bank Certificate - mine was issued a week before applying, my money in the bank was not abruptly deposited; I retained my Christmas bonus, part of my monthly salaries and other earnings. Left it untouched while waiting for the approval of my visa because from what I have read on other blogs, the embassy calls the bank sometimes.
Got the certificate for P100 pesos from Landbank
That time I only have P40,000 in my account. (Don’t copy this, It made me very anxious thinking it was too small amount.) I also declared 4 days of stay in Japan to be safe. Giving them a hint that I’ll be spending P10,000 budget per day.
2.) PSA Birth Certificate issued within the year
3.) Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
4.) Blank Application Form & Itinerary are downloadable here: http://bit.do/japVisa
Note: do not mention you're visiting a friend, there are more requirements for that.
Prepare a hotel address and contact number (I got mine from AirBnb).
5.) 2x2 ID picture - just tell the photographer it's for Japan Visa, they know what to do.
6.) Passport - not less than 6months before its expiration.
7.) Certificate of Employment (if you're a freelancer/business person there are other requirements for that).
8.) Latest Income Tax Return (ITR)
Prepare original and photocopies, then go to accredited agencies, all are being transported from agencies, going straight to the embassy is not allowed. Mine was at Reli Tours and Travel at SM South Mall Las Piñas, I’ve picked the closest since I'm from Laguna. Fee = P900.00
I asked if it’s ok if I’m a solo traveler. They answered “yes it wouldn’t matter, a lot of solo travelers got approved as well, and most of them were meeting friends in Japan they just don’t mention it.”
I applied Saturday, got a text on Tuesday telling that I can now get my passport without saying if I've got approved or denied. Went there Wednesday and I was soooo Happy!
Next time I'm going to Japan I'll be booking early to save a bunch.
you have more chance if had a recent travel there.
I hope this blog helps. Thank you for reading. ^^
MY HAPPY FACE!! Knowing my Japan dream on cherry blossom season is coming true! ^^
