tourist visa application to japan

Temporary Visitor Visa

Who can use a temporary visitor visa, temporary visitors for business.

(1) The visa application form (see Documentation #1 below). (2) A valid passport (see Documentation #2 below). (3) A photo (see Documentation #3 below). (4) A certificate of completion of registration for the ERFS.

Additional documents may be requested.

Temporary Visitors Visiting Relatives or Acquaintances (*) *Only those who are deemed to have a relationship equivalent to relatives (betrothed or common-law marriage) or those who are deemed to have a need to visit Japan (to attend a wedding or funeral or to visit an acquaintance who is ill).

Visa Exemption

U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries which have a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement with Japan may be eligible to visit Japan without a visa for a short-term stay for the activities allowed to Temporary Visitors. For more information about reciprocal visa exemption arrangements, please click here . Important Notice ：Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Documentation

Please be aware that we will decline applications that have incomplete documents. Each Temporary Visitor Visa applicant must submit the following documents: * Consulate General of Japan will not make copies. If you need original documents, please bring the original plus one copy.

• An application form completed and signed. Blank forms are available at Japanese consular offices. You can also download by clicking on visa application form ( Sample ) in PDF format. Chinese citizens must write their names in Chinese characters, as well as in Roman letters. Korean citizens in principle are asked to write their names in Chinese characters, as well as in Roman letters. Please include your e-mail address and contact phone information. An applicant with an arrest or criminal record must provide a copy of his/her court and/or arrest record (including cases that ended with an acquittal or pardon), along with an English translation of those documents if they are in any language other than English. Even if the case did not go to trial, please provide a letter that explains in detail the circumstances surrounding the arrest. We would like to know about the charges, time served, fees paid, and probation (if any).
• Valid passport ( original plus one photo copy of the face page) with sufficient space for a visa (This means at least one empty, blank visa page. US passports use the rear pages for amendments, and are not acceptable as blank visa pages ). If you already have a valid Japanese visa in your passport, please include a signed consent form as shown in the sample at this link: http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/d/Consent.pdf . If you submit a PERMIT TO REENTER THE UNITED STATES or a REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT issued by the U.S. government, it must have a validity date at least six months beyond the date of visa application.
• A passport-sized photograph: 2-inch x 1.4-inch photograph on glossy photo paper taken within the last six months with plain background. Photograph may be attached to the application form with glue (not tape or staples) or you may submit the photograph unattached.
• Green Card or valid I-94 and U.S. resident visa to re-enter the United States (F or J visa holder must show an I-20 or DS-2019 with the valid signature of an appropriate official in order for re-entry). If you will be entering a third country after leaving Japan, you must show a valid visa to enter that country (or a national passport of that country). We ask that all applicants submit their original immigration documents (green card, I-20, etc.) or a NOTARIZED copy of the documents. * Please note: In principle we do not accept an application from B-1 and B-2 U.S. visa status holders.
• A confirmed reservation record of your round-trip flight to/from Japan. An e-ticket or print-out from a travel agency, airline or travel website is acceptable. The print-out should include: -Your name. -Your confirmation number/record locator. -Your airlines, flights and all departure and destination cities. -Your complete round-trip flight itinerary, starting and ending in the US. This should include all of the countries you are visiting other than Japan, if applicable. * Please note: We do not require the purchase of tickets, but we do require a confirmed reservation. We are not responsible for tickets which may be unusable due to the delay or denial of a visa. For those with non-revenue ticket holders: a) Actual Non-Revenue ticket (original plus copy of all pages), plus a printed entire flight information from the airline company b) A copy of the employee ID of the airline employee who obtained the flight coupon, or a letter from the airline proving the employee works for the airline, and that the applicant is authorized to use the non-revenue ticket
• If traveling for BUSINESS, original letter from applicant’s company signed by an authorized executive officer, on company letterhead, stating: a) applicant’s position in the company, duration of employment, and monthly or annual salary b) nature/purpose of visit in detail c) dates/duration of stay intended d) contact person, company name, address and phone number of business contact in Japan e) guarantee of financial support during applicant’s stay in Japan and return transportation from Japan * Additional documents may be requested during the course of examination.
• If going to attend a CONFERENCE, conference brochures plus a paid registration form and invitation will be required. In addition, a letter from the home institution/company giving the circumstances of the trip as in 6.a ) ～ 6.c ) from the visa applicant’s home institution/company, plus the applicant’s financial resources such as listed on 8.a) will be required.

Visa Fees Visa fees are determined according to reciprocal arrangements between Japan and the country of the applicant's nationality. Click here for Visa Fees.

Processing Time Please refer to our introduction page .

Applications by mail Please refer to our introduction page .

Note for Chinese nationals In general, Japanese Embassy/Consulates in China are not accepting Japanese tourist visa applications from Chinese nationals residing in other countries, and if you are planning to sightsee in Japan during your temporary stay in China or on the way back to the US, we recommend applying for a Japanese visa before leaving the US.

Note for Nationals of India Click here for outline of application procedures for Multiple Entry VISA ( English / Japanese )

Note for Nationals of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam Click here for outline of application procedures for Multiple Entry VISA ( English / Japanese )

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Japan Tourist Visa: Requirements and Application Process

Published: March 18, 2024

A Japanese tourist visa is required for all non-visa-exempt nationalities and those who are not eligible for eVisa. Japan tourist visa application can only be lodged in person at a Japanese embassy in your country of nationality or residence.

Quick summary:

• Who requires it: Foreign nationals that are not visa-exempt
• Validity: 3 months, single-entry
• Allowed stay: up to 90 days
• Extensions: not allowed
• Processing time: 5 business days
• Fee: 3000 JPY or less

Read the Japan Visa Guide for more general advice about available visas for tourists, eligibility, and procedures.

Table of Contents

Understanding japan tourist visa.

Tourist visa validity

Japan single entry visa is valid for 3 months. You cannot extend this period of validity and if you change your passport before you use it, you must apply for a new visa.

Duration of stay

In most cases, the duration of allowed stay inside Japan is 90 days. In some cases, it can be lower, about 15 or 30 days.

Allowed number of entries

The standard Japanese tourist visa is a single entry only.

Multiple entry tourist visas are also issued but only to select nationalities with additional requirements.

Allowed ports of entry

With a Japanese tourist visa, you can enter Japan at any international airport or seaport.

When to apply

The processing time is 5 business days after the visa application is deemed complete by the receiving embassy. This can in turn take a few extra days or even up to 2 weeks.

It can take even longer if additional documents are requested from you or your application is sent for further review. Apply well in advance to ensure you receive the visa before your travel dates.

• Earliest : 3 months before traveling
• Latest : 2 weeks before traveling

Tourist visa extension

Extensions are not possible for either visa validity or allowed duration of stay.

Benefits of Japan tourist visa

Japan tourist visa offers VISA-FREE access to 14 countries. Read the VISA-FREE countries for Japan visa for more details.

Japan Tourist Visa Requirements

Who requires a tourist visa

The following nationalities require a tourist visa to travel to Japan

• Nationalities that are NOT visa-exempt (currently, 70 countries are visa-exempt)
• Nationals that are NOT eligible for Japan eVisa (currently, nationals and residents of 14 countries are eligible for eVisa)

North Korean nationals are not eligible for Japanese visas and are always denied entry.

Documents required

The following are the required documents for a Japan single entry visa for individual tourists (not on organized tours through travel agencies):

• Passport valid for the duration of stay
• One passport-size photo
• Completed Visa Application Form (use Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out the Visa application form digitally, then print it and stick the passport photo)
• Confirmation of reservation of tickets (air or sea) both to and from Japan OR Information about the planned schedule of flight or cruise, including entry and departure dates both to and from Japan
• Proof of sufficient funds – certificate of income or tax statement AND bank statement
• Travel Itinerary plus any tickets or leaflets supporting your travel plans

The documents may vary depending on the receiving embassy and you may be requested to submit additional ones.

NOTE There are minor differences in the required documents for independent tourists from China, Russia, CIS countries, Georgia, and the Philippines. These are listed below.

Chinese travelers

Generally, Chinese tourists visiting Japan come on tours organized by authorized travel agencies.

As an independent Chinese traveler, it is possible to obtain a tourist visa for Japan if you have sufficient financial capability.

You must prepare your own travel itinerary in advance and approach an approved Chinese travel agency to facilitate and lodge the visa application for you. There is currently no way to apply at a Japanese embassy in China independently.

The period of stay granted for tourist visas to Chinese nationals is usually 15 or 30 days.

Travelers from Russia, CIS Countries, and Georgia

Independent tourists from any of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, Russia, or Georgia traveling to Japan, can obtain a single-entry visa.

The required documents are more or less the same as for other countries but you must submit 2 Visa Application Forms and 2 photos.

Travelers from the Philippines

In addition to the general document requirements, you must also submit:

• Birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (PSA) on security paper. If the certificate is illegible, crumpled, or parts of it are missing, also submit a birth certificate from the local government.
• Marriage certificate (if married)

Photo requirements

The passport photo must meet the following requirements.

• Taken within the last 6 months
• Must be of size 45mm x 35mm
• In color against a plain white background
• Taken looking straight forward and face visible clearly
• On a good quality paper

Tourist visa fee

The fee for the Japan tourist visa is 3000 JPY payable in the local currency of the embassy where you apply.

Visa fees may be lower for some countries.

Online payment for the visa fee is not possible.

Crucially, you don’t need to pay the visa fees when you apply. You will pay only if your Japan visa is approved. Japan is one of the few countries in the world that charge visa application fees after the visa is issued and don’t charge for unsuccessful applications.

Processing time

The processing time is 5 business days. 

However, this period starts after the embassy confirms that your application is complete which is known to take a few days or longer.

In reality, you can expect your visa to be issued within 2 weeks in most cases.

Japan Tourist Visa Application Process

How to apply for a Japan tourist visa

You must apply at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate General with jurisdiction over the area where you live or the one with jurisdiction over the country in which your passport is issued.

Effectively, this means that you must apply in the embassy in your own country or the country where you are legally a resident . 

If there is no Japanese embassy in your country, see which embassy nearby has jurisdiction over your country – it’s usually the closest one in a neighboring country. Check the Japanese embassies and consulates around the world.

Applying for Japan tourist visa at the embassy is usually a 5 step process.

Step 1: Gather all the necessary documents.

Step 2: Apply in person at the Japanese embassy.

Step 3: Remain available to reach – the embassy may request additional documents or an in-person interview.

Step 4: If your application is successful and your visa issued, go back to the embassy to collect your passport

Step 5: Pay the visa fee in cash in the local currency

If your application is rejected, you won’t be able to apply for a tourist visa again for the next 6 months unless there are major changes to your circumstances. There are no other penalties and there is no fee to be paid.

How to contact the Japanese embassy or consulate

Check the website of your Japanese embassy . They have methods of contact listed on their websites.

Alternatively, reach out to the Japan visa information hotline at [email protected] with your nationality or residence and inquiry.

Entry Procedure at the Border

Regardless of the border you enter Japan at, your flight origin, or your nationality, the entry procedure in Japan is pretty much always the same.

The border officer will check that you meet all requirements, including that your visa is valid, your purpose for entering Japan, and the planned length of your stay. 

Assuming everything is in order, the officer will grant you “landing permission” by affixing a seal of verification for landing in your passport. At this point your visa expires and you are allowed to stay in Japan for up to 90 days (or as much as provided in your visa).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is japan visa easy to get.

The Japanese tourist visa is one of the easiest to obtain. There are relatively few required documents, no mandatory interviews, and a high success rate.

If you submit a complete and honest application, the chances of visa approval are high.

Can I apply for a Japan visa online?

Japan also has an eVisa system in place but it’s available only to certain travelers.

You can apply for a Japan visa online (eVisa) if you are a legal resident of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, UAE, the UK or the USA.

A legal resident can be anyone residing in those countries on a student visa, work visa, residence permit, etc.

What is the minimum bank balance for Japan tourist visa?

There is no official guideline for the minimum required bank balance but a rule of thumb is to have at least 100 USD for each day of intended stay in Japan.

For example, if you submit an itinerary for a 15-day trip to Japan, you should show a minimum of 1,500 USD balance in your bank account.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Japan Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for japan.

Japan has visa exemption agreements with 68 countries . Travelers from several countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia as well as many former Soviet Union nations are required to obtain a visa to Japan .

There are a few entry requirements for Japan that must be considered when planning a trip to the country.

Japan Entry Visa Requirements

Foreign visitors who need a visa to travel to Japan must meet the following Japan tourist visa requirements .

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
• A completed and signed visa application form
• A recent photograph , size 4.5 x 4.5 cm, in color and with a white background
• An official birth certificate or a certified copy
• If the traveler is married, it is necessary to submit a marriage certificate issued within one year
• Schedule and travel plans in Japan

Visitors who are required to apply for a Japan visa should verify that they meet all the necessary requirements . It is essential to have a valid passport and complete the visa application form with the details exactly as they are on the passport.

The period of time to stay in Japan is differs from 15 days to 90 days, depending on the nationality of the passport traveler. All the other travelers are required to visit the nearest Japanese diplomatic mission and apply for a visa before departure.

Citizens of the following countries are required a tourist visa for Japan:

• Central African Republic
• Cote D'Ivoire
• Congo, The Democratic Republic of the
• Marshall Islands
• Moldova, Republic of
• Palestinian Territory
• Russian Federation
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Solomon Islands
• Syrian Arab Republic
• Timor-Leste

Japan entry requirements for citizens from visa exempt countries require that travelers carry a passport, valid for at least the proposed duration of their stay.

Other Requirements to visit Japan

There are some additional Japan visa requirements that foreign travelers need to take into account when submitting their application at a Japanese mission.

Some travelers have a sponsor or guarantor that will support the Japan visa application. A sponsor is a person that, under the visa conditions, will cover the expenses of the person applying for a visa.

If the traveler does not have a sponsor or guarantor for their trip to Japan it is necessary to demonstrate that they can cover the expenses of their stay. In order to do this, it is necessary to submit the following:

• Bank certificate, issued within the last 3 months
• Applicant’s income tax return

In the case that the traveler has a sponsor or guarantor it is necessary to provide:

• Guarantee letter where the relation between the traveler and the sponsor is explained and the details of the sponsor or guarantor must be included
• Proof of relationship with the guarantor
• Bank certificated and income tax return of the sponsor/guarantor

For questions or inquires about how to apply for a tourist visa to Japan, it is advised to contact the Japanese embassy or consulate.

• You pick the destination, we have all the visa information ready

• What are Japan tourist visa requirements? What is the Japan tourist visa application process?
• Japan Visitor Visa: Application Process, Japan Visitor Visa: Requirements

Millions of foreign travelers choose Japan as their tourist destination every year. Most of these people need a visa before entering the country. We are going to describe the application process, the required documents, the processing time of documents, the validity, and how to extend a Japan tourist visa in the following.

Get the FREE Cheat sheet for

Japan tourist visa.

Table of Contents

What is the Japan tourist visa?

If you intend to travel to Japan for tourism purposes, you will need a Japan tourist visa. You must apply for another visa if you intend to engage in paid activities. However, citizens of some countries are allowed to travel to this country without a tourist visa. The list of these countries is:

Video description

The links and extra information covered in the video:

Japan tourist visa application form:

https://visalibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/application1.pdf

Daily Itinerary form

https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000262548.pdf

Invitation letter or letter of guarantee

https://visalibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/000137089.pdf Applying for Health Declaration https://www.ivisa.com/japan-health-declaration-form?utm_source=passenger_locator_form

What are Japanese tourist visa requirements?

To obtain a tourist visa, you must first prepare the following documents:

• Japan Tourist Visa Application Form: You can download this form from the website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this link . All fields must be filled. If one of them doesn’t apply to you, write N/A in the blank. This form must be signed.
• A passport: it must be valid for at least the next six months and have two blank pages.
• Applicant’s photo: it should be on white background with dimensions of 4.5 * 4.5 cm. The photograph must be taken during the last six months. The whole face of the person should be visible in the photo. The applicant’s name and birthdate must be written on the back of the photo.
• Flight Itinerary: Prepare detailed information on the date of your entry and exit of Japan as well as your flight reservation number. You do not need to buy a plane ticket for this purpose.
• Daily Itinerary: You need to provide a plan for your daily activities in Japan. You can find an example of this form on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
• If you have a guarantor in this country, you must provide an invitation letter from him. Your guarantor must prove that he will cover your expenses during your stay in Japan. For this purpose, he must show his Income Certificate for the last three months.
•  If you are financing your travel expenses, you must show a bank statement for the past three months.
• You should provide the latest Income Tax Returns. If you do not have this document, you may be able to explain why by letter.
• If you want to visit your family members in Japan, you must describe your relationship with documents, including birth certificates and marriage certificates. If you want to visit your friend in Japan, you must demonstrate your relationship via pictures together, phone call details, and a letter explaining your relationship.
• In some cases, civil status documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates are required.

What is the Japan tourist visa application process?

You can apply for this visa through a credible travel agency as well as the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The visa application process is as follows:

First, you must submit your application to the Japanese Embassy.

Some Japanese embassies do not accept individual applications, in which case you will have to use travel agencies. The travel agency will send your request to the embassy on your behalf.

You will have to wait about five working days for your documents to be processed. When the application is approved, the visa will be entered into your passport. The Japanese tourist visa validity is up to 3 months.

The Japanese visa application process is not done in an online manner. However, the Japanese government intended to define an online system for this purpose, due to the 2020 Olympics. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, this decision has not yet been implemented.

How long does it take to assess the submitted documents and issue a visa?

It usually takes five working days from the time the Japanese immigration officer receives your documents to the issuance of the visa. But the processing time of documents may be longer for some reason. In some cases, more documents may be required, or your documents may be sent to Tokyo for further investigation.

How much does it cost to apply for this visa?

The Japan tourist visa fee is as follows:

• For a single-entry visa, the applicant must pay 3,000 Yen.
• For a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, 6,000 Yen must be paid.
• The application fee for a transit visa is 700 Yen.

The visa application fee is paid when the visa application is approved. If travel agencies apply on your behalf of you, they will charge you a service fee.

How long can you stay in this country under this visa?

A Japan Tourist Visa validity is up to 90 days, usually for a single entry. You can spend up to 15 days in the country once you enter via the Tourist Visa.

How to do a Japan tourist visa extension?

In most cases, a Japanese tourist visa is not renewed. In cases such as illness or an accident, Japanese immigration will extend the visa’s validity.

In Japan, the visa extension is usually issued for long-term visas.

Is the holder of this visa allowed to work in Japan?

No. Short-term visa holders, including Japanese tourist visas, are not allowed to work under any circumstances. To do this, the applicant must apply for a Japanese work visa.

Let’s sum up…

In this article, we have reviewed the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Japanese tourist visas. On the Visa Library website, you can learn about other Japanese visas like transit visas as well as ways to immigrate to other countries. In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences in comments is a great help for applicants.

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hello I am a syrian i am would like to apply for the Japanese visa for touriste

Dear Kinan Ayache You can apply through a travel agency in Syria and they take care of everything. If you wanna apply on your own, you need to submit your application and the required documents to the Japanese embassy in Syria. Determine if they are active after the Civil War or not. If not, visit a neighboring country like lebanon to submit the application. Good luck

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The best way to get a Japan Tourist Visa: Step-by-Step Guide with Japan travel advice

Japan is a gorgeous and wonderful country full of incredible places of interest for tourists from all over the world. If you also desire to visit Japan , then you need to have a valid Japan tourist visa. The Japanese government has structured many different types of Japan tourist visas for various purposes and time periods, and you can decide which one you would need to apply for accordingly.

Although, you don’t need a Japan tourist visa if your country is on the list of 60 countries that get visa-exempt for tourism or business. But if you are from a country that does need a visa, you have to consult the consulate for the visa application process or visit a Japanese Embassy.

Here is everything that you need to know about Japan Tourist Visa Requirements and how to apply for, so that you can be well-prepared for your visa application and know what you are going to be dealing with.

For expert assistance with your visa application, don’t hesitate to reach out to our visa application helpline . Our team of professionals is here to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Application Process for Japan Tourist Visa

Step 1: Determine Whether You Need to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa or not.

Prior to travelling to Japan, you have to obtain a tourist Visa if you are from a nationality that is excluded from this requirement. Some of them are the United States, Singapore , Argentina, Australia , Canada, Malaysia and most European countries and their citizens don’t need to obtain a tourist visa to travel to Japan.

If you are from one of these counties, then you get to stay a maximum of 90 days visa-free in Japan on a Temporary Visitor status. It is valid for a single-entry stay for the purposes like visiting tourist attractions , sightseeing, attending conferences or courses of visiting friends.

You can also apply for a double-entry visa within 6 months for 2 short trips, but you must understand that you cannot engage in paid employment in Japan on a tourist visa.

Who can visit Japan without visa?

 The following lists include the names of the nationalities who don’t require a visa to enter for a short–term stay. If the name of your country is not among these, then you know that you need to look into a visa application.

Step 2: Determine the Types of Japan Visa You need to apply for

There are a number of different types of Japanese visas which include an eVisa. Japanese Embassies and Consulates are the ones that provide and approve the visas and the application process for eVisa can be done online.

There are mainly three categories into which Japanese visas can be grouped.

• Family Related Visas
• Working visa
• Non-working visa

Since we are talking about tourist visas here, the focus of this article is going to be on short-term stay visas.

Within the Category of Short-term ‘Tourist’ Visa, there are four different types you can apply for. Depending on the kind of visa you are applying for, you get to enjoy different privileges and validity.

• Single-entry Visas: it is valid for 3 months upon the issue and it is not possible to extend their validity.
• Double-entry Visas: it is valid for 6 months upon the issue.
• Multiple-entry Visas: it is valid for 1 to 5 years but will depend upon the purpose of your visit as well as your nationality and the passport you hold. You get to enter Japan multiple times with this visa but your stay cannot exceed the 30 or 90-day period.

Step 3: Prepare the required documents for your application.

During your submission of the application, you will need to submit a set of legally certified documents too. You will also need to meet a few eligibility criteria which are crucial to receiving approval for your application.

Japan visa requirements

To apply for a Japan tourist visa successfully, here is a list of visa requirements that you need to meet.

• Fill Application form Clearly and Correctly: You need to fill out the visa application form completely and carefully without any mistakes. It is a very strict requirement because even the tiniest error/mistake can potentially result in the rejection of our visa application.
• Passport: You need to have a passport that has at least 6 months of validity and two blank pages.
• Photograph: You need to provide a good-coloured photograph of yourself that has been clicked recently ( within the last six months) and not too long ago. This photo should be clicked solely for this application and not be used in any other place. Your photo should be passport-size (45mm × 45mm or 2in × 2in)  and of good quality. Check Japan visa photo requirements here .
• Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): Some places, you need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility which is a must requirement for all non-residents of Japan to obtain. If you are applying without a sponsor, then it is important that you apply for it as soon as possible. Note: Certificate of Eligibility only require for study and work in Japan and not for tourist visa. Here is a link for how to get CoE
• Birth Certificate: Sometimes you are also asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate, and you should have it handy just in case. This is mostly asked in Japan embassy in Philippines.
• Tax Return: Another thing you need to submit is your tax return. But this also not a compulsory one.
• Proof Of Financial Ability: You should be able to provide proof of financial ability so that it can be proved that you will be able to provide for yourself financially while you stay in Japan. Normally 3 to 6 months bank statement.
• Certificate Of Financial Situation: You also need to provide a certificate of your financial situation for 6 months prior to submission of the application that is issued by your bank.
• Marriage Certificate: If you are married and your marriage certificate was issued within the last year then, you need to submit a marriage certificate too.
• Travel Plans And Reservations: You also need to provide a schedule and travel plans for the trip with your application. Such include reservation of the hotel you are planning on staying at, your itinerary and flight reservation details. You don’t have to book a flight ticket, that is not the requirement but having a flight reservation is what’s crucial here.

Requirements for tourist visa in Japan with guarantor

If you’re planning to visit Japan and have a guarantor, there are certain requirements you need to fulfil to obtain a tourist visa. Firstly, if your guarantor is Japanese, you’ll need an invitation letter from them along with additional documents as instructed by the embassy.

Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of your relationship with the guarantor, such as your birth certificate or marriage certificate. Meeting these requirements will help ensure a smooth visa application process.

Step 4: How to Fill Out the Japan Visa Application as a Tourist

• You can fill out the Japan visa application form both digitally as well as by hand. If you are filling this form by hand, make sure you use a black ballpoint pen and use a block letter. Don’t use erasable pens or pencils.
• If a field doesn’t apply to you, fill in “nil”, “none” or “N/A”. and don’t leave it blank.
• Print your application form on an A-4 size sheet because other page sizes are not accepted.
• Avoid cuttings in your form. If it cannot be helped, use double lines to cross it. If there are too many cuttings and crossings, start over with another form.

Here is a sample of a properly filled Japan visa application form correctly. The number indicates the part which you might need guidance for:

• Your surname must be in capital letters. Fill in your name here the same as it is on your passport. Don’t use initials like ‘Mr’ or ‘Dr’.
• If you have another name you are known by, for example, a pen name or nickname, write it here. In case, your name uses initials on your passport, write your full name here. Write N/A if none.
• If you have immigrated and got citizenship in another country, write down your current nationality. If not, fill out N/A.
• Please be very careful while filling in your passport number. Double-check it and make sure it is correct.

• In this field, you must fill out a specific purpose like for Relatives visit, for Business, or for Sight-seeing. Don’t write only single words like Work, Travel, Visit etc.
• If you are going to stay in a hotel, fill out the required details here. If you don’t know the address or telephone number of your hotel, look it up on google. If you are going to stay with a friend or family, write down their name, address and phone number.

• If you are single and of legal age, fill out N/A. If you are a minor, fill in the occupation/profession of parents. If you are married, fill in the occupation/profession of your partner.
• As a tourist who is bearing all the expenses, you can fill out N/A in all the fields here. In case you do have a guarantor, fill out the required details carefully.
• If your guarantor and the Inviter are the same people, write ‘same as above’ in the fields here.

• If you filled in any of these questions’ yes’, fill out relevant details in the text box provided. If your answers are ‘no’ to all of these questions, fill in N/A in the box.
• Write the date of the day you are submitting your visa application.
• If the applicant is a minor then one of the parents or legal guardians can sign here and write down the relation to the applicant also.

You can download the Japan Visa application here.

Step 5: Book an Appointment at Embassy or Consulate and Submit Your Documents

How to submit your visa application.

The entire process of submitting your short-term tourist visa consists of three main steps. The Japanese visas are provided only by the Japanese Embassy or the consulates abroad for the time being, and during this process, the following things are involved:

1. Find and Contact to Japanese Consulate or Embassy near to you

The first step is to find and contact a Consulate or a Japanese Embassy nearest to you. Contact them to enquire about the opening and closing hours as well as book an appointment. You can also communicate with them via email and correspond with them online. They give you five days, and you have to pick a date out of those days to book an appointment. 

2. Submitting documents and going to Embassy or Consulate

Next, you have to submit the required documents along with your Japan visa application. Something that you must prioritise here is that you arrive for your appointment on time. In Japan and for its people, Punctuality is very important. That’s why you should try to reach the Embassy or consulate for your appointment five to fifteen minutes earlier rather than be late.

When you reach for your appointment, you are provided with a token/number, and when your number is called, you meet with the official in charge of your application for an interview. During the application process, officials typically do not ask many questions but instead focus on verifying that all required documents are present.

If any documents are missing or additional information is needed, officials will inform you on the spot. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to double-check all documents before leaving for your appointment.

3. Finally collect your passport and your visa

Then finally, after a few days, which is usually 5 to 7 days, you get an email regarding your application status. In this email, you are asked to pick up your passport and, if approved, to collect your visa too!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the application examination period.

The Standard processing time for your visa application is five working days. But for a number of reasons, this time can extend into weeks and even months. That’s why it is recommended to submit your application as early as you can.

How Much Does a Japanese Tourist Visa Cost?

When you apply for a Japanese visa, you are also required to pay a certain amount as a visa issuance fee. This amount of visa fee varies depending on whether you are applying for a single-entry visa or multiple-entry visa and your nationality.

• For Single-Entry Visa: 3,000 yen
• For Double-Entry Or Multiple-Entry Visa:  6,000 yen
• For Transit Visa: 700 yen

Note: Sometimes, you may be required to pay a different amount or not pay any fee at all, and this depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Also, if you are not issued a visa, you don’t need to pay any fee.

It is recommended that you consult with the consulate or the Japanese Embassy you are working with to find out the fee you need to pay because the amount of such fee is subject to change at any time.

If you are consulting a travel agency (Japanese Embassy/Consulate General approved) for your visa application, you will be required to pay processing fees along with the visa issuance fees.

Another thing you need to keep in mind is that the fee is taken in the local currency where your Japanese Embassy or consulate is located. It is to be paid at the time of submission of your application. When done with it, you will get proof of payment as well.

Japan tourist visa for green card holders

If you are a green card holder and wish to visit Japan as a tourist, you may need to apply for a tourist visa before your travel. However, the requirements and process may vary depending on your circumstances and nationalities. Generally, green card holders may need to provide the same documents when applying for a Japanese tourist visa as non-green card holders.

Can a U.S. Green card holder travel to Japan without visa?

No, U.S. Green Card holders are not exempt from obtaining a tourist visa to travel to Japan. They must apply for a Japan tourist visa in their home country or current residence.

What is a Japan Tourist eVisa?

Launched in August 2022, Japan Tourist eVisa is the new program of the Japanese government to meet their goal of reaching 60 million foreign visitors a year by 2030. It is available for US citizens and Canadians, but these nationalities can travel to Japan visa-free again. The Japanese government is working on adding more nationalities to this list soon in the future.

The benefit of this eVisa is that it has simplified the visa application process. You get to finish the form online straightforwardly, and there is no need to visit an embassy or consulate for the completion of the application. All you need is to make the necessary payment via debit or credit card while submitting the application. After all submissions and approval, your visa will be emailed as soon as it is done.

Why was your application rejected?

Your application could have been rejected due to not meeting the criteria for Visa issuance. Some of these are often errors or omissions in the submission documents.

Why are you not informed about the reason for the Visa rejection?

You will not be provided with the exact reason for rejection by anybody because that information cannot become public due to safety purposes . So, if your visa is rejected, you have to restart with a new application and pay the fee again.

What should I do to get a Certificate of Eligibility?

To obtain COE, you need your proxy inside Japan to get a consultation with the Regional Immigration Bureau nearest to them.

Why can’t I reapply immediately after my visa application was rejected?

You cannot reapply your visa application after at least six months because the circumstances for which your application has been rejected wouldn’t have changed, and it would be a waste of resources and time for everybody. But after six months, your circumstances could change, and you get a chance to make your application a better candidate for approval!

What should be your bank balance for a Japan visa?

There is no explicit amount that needs to be in your bank account when applying for a Japan tourist visa. All you need is to provide proof of sufficient funds that indicates that you will be able to support your travel and stay in Japan.

What are the Covid requirements to travel to Japan?

Every person entering Japan after October 11, 2022, needs to provide a vaccination certificate or a negative Covid test certificate that was taken within 72 hours of leaving the country. Fully vaccinated passengers don’t need a pre-travel COVID-19 test.

If you are entering Japan from a country that is evaluated as having a high-risk inflow of COVID-19, then you will be required to stay at a facility secured by the Quarantine Station for at least 3 days. After 3 days, a COVID-19 test will be taken, and if the results come back negative, you can leave the facility but still need to spend another 7 days in self-quarantine. Please see some links useful

Is Japan allowing tourist visa now?

As of October 2022, Japan has opened its borders to tourists and has begun issuing tourist visas. This is exciting news for travellers eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore Japan’s rich culture and beautiful landscapes.

How do I get a tourist visa for Japan?

To apply for a Japan tourist visa, you will need to submit a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a recent passport photo, proof of financial stability, and a detailed itinerary of your trip. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your specific situation. Please follow the steps above

Is Japan visa free for US citizens?

Yes. For U.S. passport holders planning a short-term visit to Japan, a visa is not required. This applies to visits lasting up to three months.

How much money do I need to show for Japan tourist visa?

According to the Japanese Embassy, there is no set amount of money that you need to show for a tourist visa. However, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses, such as airfare, accommodations, and daily expenses. Having at least $2,000 USD in your bank account is recommended.

Important Note

You have to understand and keep this fact in mind that no matter how good your application is, there is always a possibility that your application might get rejected. No one can guarantee the approval of your application, whether it’s a lawyer or a travel agent or anybody else you are taking guidance from. If somebody is promising you this, then they are seriously lacking or a fraud. You can definitely make improvements to your application because it definitely increases your chances of receiving approval.

Japan is a great country, and I think everyone should get a chance to visit this incredible country. For this purpose, however, you might need to obtain a visa unless your country falls on the list of visa-exempt countries of Japan.

Visa Application needs to be filled out clearly, and carefully and you need to prepare all the required documents that need to be prepared prior to submission of your application, so your application process can run smoothly, and you have a better chance at getting approval for a visa!

If you liked reading this article, then you should check out our other travel guide articles . If there is something that you would like to add or share about your visa application journey, do leave a comment. We would love to hear about it!

Related Posts

Step-by-step guide to obtaining a south korea tourist visa, ultimate guide to new zealand tourist visa application: a step-by-step guide, the ultimate guide to the best time to travel to japan, us tourist visa how to apply: the us visitor visa guide.

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JAPAN VISA FOR VISITING FRIENDS OR RELATIVES: Requirements & Steps

This guide is for applying for a VISIT VISA. If you’re traveling to Japan as a tourist, we have a separate visa guide for that. Read: Japan Visa Requirements for Tourists

When my sister moved to Japan as an OFW, I found another reason to return to Japan over and over again. Before that, I had only traveled to Japan as a tourist. But now that I have a close relative living there, I no longer have to worry about the accommodations and spend any dough on hotels. (Hotels in Japan are expensive!)

However, the documents needed for visiting a friend or relative is different from those required of tourists. Most travel agencies also charge a slightly higher price for it because it’s a little bit more complicated. But no worries, this visa guide will help you go through the entire visa application process.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

JAPAN VISIT VISA REQUIREMENTS

Below is a list of the documents you need to gather for your visa application. Note that documents that need to be printed out (e.g. application form, itinerary) must be done on an A4-size paper.

• Philippine passport. Must have a signature and at least 2 blank pages. Broken passports are not accepted. Must have at least 6-month validity.
• A duly accomplished visa application form. Don’t leave any blank. Just put N/A if not applicable. You may download it from  here .
• ID picture. 4.5cm x 4.5 cm. Write your name and birthdate on the back side. Paste it on the application form.
• Birth certificate from PSA. Must be issued within the past one year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide). If the birth certificate is marked LATE REGISTRATION, you must also submit Baptismal certificate, School Record (Form 137), and School Yearbook (if applicable). The address of the church or school must be indicated in the documents.
• Marriage certificate from PSA . Only if you’re married. If not, ignore this one. Must be issued within the past one year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide).
• Daily schedule . Your itinerary in Japan. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Download the format here . Here’s what mine looked like: Sample Japan Itinerary
• Accomplished list of Visa Applicants. Only if traveling as a group/family. You can download the form here .
• Update: Additional Form . On 3 February 2020, the Japanese Embassy in Manila announced that visa applicants must answer and submit an additional questionnaire in accordance to the Japanese government’s decision to impose restrictions on travelers who have recently visited NCOv/COVID-19-affected areas. All applicants must accomplish and submit this form, in addition to the other requirements. DOWNLOAD THE ADDITIONAL FORM HERE!

The list above are just the basic requirements. But there are additional documents needed depending on your relationship to the person you will visit in Japan.

There are two types of visit visas. The first type is for visiting a Close Relative. The other is for visiting a friend or distant relative. The requirements are different.

If Visiting a Close Relative

Emphasis on CLOSE. This applies to close relatives — parent, child, brother, sister, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle. Everything else falls under the distant relative category.

• Birth certificates to prove your relationship . Must be issued within the past one year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide). – Parent-child – BC of both applicant and relative in Japan – Siblings – BC of both applicant and relative in Japan – Aunt/Uncle -> Niece/Nephew – BC of applicant + relative in Japan + parent of relative in Japan. – Niece/Nephew -> Aunt/Uncle – BC of applicant + parent of applicant + relative in Japan.
• Invitation letter from person to visit in Japan . Must be issued within the past 3 months. This must explain why you will be visiting and must have a signature. A template is available right  here .
• Family Registration Certificate(Koseki Tohon) . Only if relative in Japan has a Japanese Spouse or relative. Must be issued within three months. Ignore if not applicable to you.
• Residence certificate  (Juminhyo) if your guarantor is Japanese OR Foreign Registration Certificate from City Hall if guarantor is not Japanese. Must be issued within the past 3 months.
• Copy of Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident certificate of relative in Japan. Copy of both sides must be submitted.

Without Guarantor

If you will shoulder part or all of your trip expenses:

• Income tax return (ITR Form 2316). They need a clear photocopy of it.
• Bank certificate.  Must be issued within the past 3 months. I’m not sure if they require a receipt, but I submitted the receipt too. To be safe, when you get your bank certificate, ask for a receipt too. There’s no telling how big a fund is “enough” to get approved, but (in case you’re wondering) my account had only a bit north of P100,000. I planned on staying for a week. I didn’t encounter any problem.

With Guarantor

If your friend/relative in Japan will sponsor your trip:

• Guarantee letter . Must be issued within the past 3 months.
• Income Certificate  (Shotoku Shomeisho) from City Hall,  Tax return certificate  (Nouzeishomeisho: Form 2) from Tax office (Kakuteishinkokusho Hikae), OR  Bank Certificate  (Yokin Zandaka Shomeisho). Best if you have all three.

If Visiting a Friend or Distant Relative

Emphasis on distant . If you have friends or relatives in Japan, you may work with one of them. Here’s what they need to give you:

• Proof of Relationship . A letter from the person to be visited explaining their relationship to you plus other documents such as pictures, passport copies, etc.
• Invitation letter from the person you will visit . This must explain why you will be visiting and must have a signature. Must be issued within the past 3 months.

If you will shoulder your trip expenses:

If your friend/relative in Japan will sponsor your trip, you may not be required to prove you could afford the trip. The burden shifts to your friend or relative.

Again, documents to be printed out must be done on an A4-size paper. Other sizes will not be accepted.

All birth certificates must be issued within the past year by PSA Main Office or Serbilis Center.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A JAPAN VISIT VISA

• Complete the requirements .
• Submit the documents to an accredited travel agency . Unless summoned by the Japanese Embassy, you can’t apply directly at the embassy. You MUST course it though an agency. My go-to agency is Reli Tours for the only reason that it is the one closest to my home. Check out the list of accredited agencies here .
• Pay the processing fee . The actual visa is FREE, but you will need to pay the agency that will process your application. The cost of processing a visit visa is much higher than a tourist visa. Every agency charges a different amount, but it’s usually somewhere around P2000.

That’s about it. After the agency accepts your application, the only thing you can do is wait. It takes 3-5 days, sometimes shorter, sometimes much longer. My most recent application took only 2 days. Some of our readers had to wait 7 days. You can’t really tell. Just wait for a message from your agency.

When the embassy returns your passport to the agency, you should receive a message from the agency telling you to pick it up or that they’re sending it to you, depending on your prior arrangement with them.

If it has a visa affixed to it, congratulations! If there is no visa, then your application is denied.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (with Answers)

How to renew a japan visa.

The process is still the same. The only difference is you don’t need to submit a birth certificate and marriage certificate. But you will need to submit the passport with your old visas.

How to apply for a multiple-entry visa?

We also have a dedicated post for that. You’ll find that here: Multiple-Entry Japan Visa

Do I really need a travel agency to apply? Can’t I apply on my own?

Yes, you need a travel agency. Unless it’s a special case, all visa applications must be coursed through any of their accredited travel agencies.

Here’s the complete list of officially accredited travel agencies: Japan Visa Travel Agencies .

Are flight and hotel bookings required to apply?

No. It’s not a requirement. And it’s not advisable. However, on the application form, you will have to write down the specific FLIGHT NUMBER and HOTEL ADDRESS you wish to take.

How long does it take to process the application?

It varies. My first time, 5 working days. Second time, 2 days. Then on my third and fourth times, 7 days and 2 days respectively.

I know people who have waited weeks for theirs. Pretty hard to tell.

How long is the validity of the visa?

Single-entry tourist visas are valid for 90 days upon issue and will usually allow you to stay for no longer than 15 days. So for example, your visa is issued on January 1, you can enter Japan any time between January 1 and March 31, but once you enter, you can stay for only 15 days maximum.

Multiple-entry visas will usually allow you to stay for up to 15 or 30 days, depending on what is given to you. But it’s usually valid for 3 or 5 years. Meaning, you can visit multiple times within 3 or 5 years since the issue date, but every stay must not be longer than 15 or 30 days.

How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?

We answered that and more frequently asked questions here:

More Japan FAQs

Updates Log

2020 February 3 – Added the new questionnaire (related to Hubei Province) to the list of requirements 2020 February 13 – Replaced the NCOV questionnaire with a new version that includes Zhejiang Province.

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application for Tourists
• HOW TO RENEW JAPAN VISA & Other Frequently Asked Questions
• MULTIPLE ENTRY JAPAN VISA: Requirements & How to Apply
• JAPAN VISA APPLICATION FORM: Sample + How to Fill it Out
• JAPAN VISA: LIST OF TRAVEL AGENCIES Accredited by the Embassy
• SAMPLE ITINERARY for JAPAN VISA Application (Schedule of Stay)
• IMPORTANT JAPAN VISA UPDATE: Additional NCOV/COVID-19 Form to be Submitted
• Avoid These 12 COMMON MISTAKES when Applying for a JAPAN VISA!

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Hi! Ask ko lang if saan kayo nag apply? Then sure ba yon na 2 days lang processing? Thank you!

Hi i sm holding Indondian passport , married to filipino , have permanent residence in the philippine , do i need visa going to japan ? Thank you

Reli Tours kami nag-aapply. And nope, like I said in the post, you can’t tell kung 2 days or 3 days or 5 days. Depende yan sa case mo.

I’m living in Japan and will be the guarantor when my friend visit me. I wonder about those documents I provide, like proof of relationship, should be written in English or Japanese?

Would you please contact me I want your advice

Can you please confirm me which documents are required for visit visa ? one of my friend living in Japan and I wanna visit his place Further If you have any information about visit visa please let me know.

I am waiting for your response.

Hi Kangyou, the embassy provides both Japanese and English copies of the documents, so I guess either is accepted. :) My sister usually submits the English version, though.

Hello po..ask lang if with guarantor ano need na docs pagdating sa immigration..i’m traveling with my daughter and full time mom ako. Thank you

Hi Liz, nasa post yung requirements kapag may guarantor. Pabasa na lang po.

What type of visa po kinuha nyo? With guarantor po ba kayo? Im planning to visit japan soon.. wala akong itr kasi unemployed nako pero may bank account ako. My fiance is in japan as a trainee plan namin na magstay sa apartment nya para makasave. Any suggestion po what reqts need ko and sa baby namin.

Liz, ask ko lang if training pa yung partner mo dun nong nagapply ka dineclare mo ba sya and na approve ba ang visa mo kasi sabi nla may limited rights lng if trainee lng ang holder ng residence card sa japan pero tourist visa lng aapplyin ko and ako rin magshoulder ng expenses ko bali invite lng kunin ko sa boyfriend ko na trainee dun

If may guarantor, you don’t need to submit your ITR. But you need to submit yung docs needed from your guarantor, as listed in the post.

Hi i am planning to bring my mother to Japan, i will be guarantor. My passport reads mothers name as “Santhi”(applied long back), whereas my mothers passport reads “Santhalakshmi”. will this be a issue. Please advise.

Good day! Ask ko lang po, my sister is on a student visa in Japan, and im applying for tourist visa and i will be paying for all expenses. Should i declare her as sponsor without her bank details and provide only her residence info? Thank you very much for your response! :)

Hi Abs, if you’re applying for a tourist visa, it would be best to just indicate a hotel and hotel address. If you’re applying for a VISIT VISA, provide her residence info.

Hi, ano po ang mas ok i-apply, tourist or relative visa? malaki po ba ang difference nila 2?

If you’re staying in a friend’s or relative’s house, best to apply as someone visiting someone in Japan.

If you’re staying in a hotel, best to apply as a tourist to avoid complicating your application.

Hello, just want to ask possible ba to apply for visiting a relative kung wala pang one year relative sa Japan? Wala pa kasing tax return certificate yun, right? Thanks.

Hello sir. Tanong ko lang po pwede ba mag stay ng japan kasi ang visa ko for stay in japan is 30 days date of issue june 11 2019 pero ang expiration ay expiry ay sept 11 2019 . Pero nakarating ako dtobsa japan june 25 . Pwede ba ako mag stay dito sa japan bago matapos ang expiry ng visa ko? Salamat

kung for stay of 30 days lang ang approved sayo, hanggang 30 days ka lang pwede magstay kahit pa hindi expired ung visa. Iba yung expiry ng validity sa length of stay allowed.

Hi Tin! Possible. The first time I visited my sister in Tokyo, wala pa rin siyang 1 year. Naka- OR naman ‘yun. Just provide the other docs instead.

Hi! Do you have any ideas on why is the processing taking too long? My sister and I applied for a “Visit Relative Visa” for 90 days as we are invited by our Japanese stepfather (guarantor) and our mother who’s a permanent resident there, and it’s been a total of 45 working days since our application which was way back in April 2. It’s my first time to travel in Japan and it will be the third time for my sister.

Sorry for the long message, and thank you!

Hi nina! I’m also applying for a 90-day visit this december. My guarantor will be the husband of my aunt. I’m afraid I’ll get denied also. Do you have an idea as to why they denied your visa? Did you submit everything listed above? I’m really scared upon reading your comment T-T I hope you reply thankyou

Did you got approved, dear?

Hi Nina, sorry, we have no idea. :( Have you tried asking the agency that processed your application? What did they say?

Well, we just called the embassy last Friday and they said that it’s still processing. It’s giving me the benefit of the doubt that maybe there’s a problem with our papers? (but they’re not calling or emailing us about it) or is it because we applied for 90 days? I’ve known a lot of people that applied for a 90-day visa, but got theirs just in 15 days or less. Also, we didn’t applied for a multiple-entry visa. I don’t know why is it taking too long.

Do you think that our applications will get denied? BTW, thank you so much for replying!

late registration po ako may baptismal po ako pero wala me form 137 pero i have doploma ok n po b sya

Hi Nina, I really have no idea. I guess you’re just gonna have to wait.

I just got the result today-

and it’s denied. Wow. Total of 51 days waiting for nothing. I wonder why it took too long if the verdict would be denied anyway where in fact they could have just sent it back to us like days or a week after applying. It’s very torturing and unproductive, tbh.

Hi po.. Tanong lang kung kailangan po bang original/pwedeng scanned copy ung requirements ng relative sa japan (ex. Guarantee letter, invitation letter, etc.)? I don’t need her as guarantor but I intended to stay in her apartment in the course of my travel. Better ba kung mag book na lang ako ng hotel and apply for tourist visa then cancel the booking later on if approved/ should I really apply for visa as Visit a Relative (medyo hassel kasi ung additional requirements)? Thank you :)

Hi Shiela, not sure if pwede ang scanned copy. Di ko pa natry na scanned. Parating original ang sinusubmit ko (except ung residence card).

If ikaw sasagot, you don’t need a guarantee letter. You just need an invitation letter and the others listed above na nag-aapply sa contact mo dun.

If you apply as a tourist naman, you don’t need to book or reserve a hotel. You just need the name, address and contact number of the hotel you intend to stay in. Di kailangan ng actual booking. If you’re employed and have the means naman, mas madali talaga mag-apply as a tourist.

Thanks for the reply. :)

I’m scared to be denied if I apply for a tourist visa since this is my first international travel and it would look as if I’m travelling alone (I’ve heard that some people are denied because of that, is that true?). In addition, if ever I’ll be denied for a tourist visa can I then apply for a visa for visiting a relative immediately or the 6 months waiting period still applies?

Hi Shiela, as far as i know, the 6 months rule will still apply.

Regarding traveling alone: I have friends who applied before and they traveled alone. Wala namang problem. I think as long as okay naman and pasado sa kanila yung mga requirements, okay lang. Although, mas malaki talaga ang chance if may travel history ka na.

Hello po, Me & my mom are planning to travel in japan, my mom has friend there that going to sponsored our trip. I will ask lang po kung possible po ba yun na dalawa kami ng mom ko sa isang sponsor? Magkahiwalay po ba kami ng application since I’m a student? Need po ba ng ITR & Bank Certificate of my mom for me? My mom been there already but still di pa rin niya po kasi kabisado yung patakaran. Thank you & God bless, sorry for a lot of questions.

I will ask lang po kung possible po ba yun na dalawa kami ng mom ko sa isang sponsor? —— Yes, pwedeng isang sponsor lang.

Need po ba ng ITR & Bank Certificate of my mom for me? —– If may guarantor, di na provided na masubmit yung requirements na kailangan from guarantor. Pabasa na lang sa taas.

Bale magkaiba po kami ng application form dba? Okay po. Salamat & God bless! :)

Yes po. Magkaiba kayo ng form.

Hi po may anak po akong 2 sa x japanese husband they are both japanese.. we are planning to go back in japan soon ano po ang kailangan na requiremnts for me? Coz my daughters they have japanese passport… for me as a mother what is d requiremnts?

Hi! Naku, hindi po namin alam kapag ganyan. Best to just contact an accredited agency directly.

hi po tanong lang sa travale agency po ba kpag nag aply ka ng visit visa sa japan ikaw po ba mag decide kung ilang month or days ang stay mu sa japan

thank you po

Yep, ikaw ang magsasabi kung ilang days ang plano mo. But depende sa embassy kung iaaapprove nila based sa documents (funds/employment/etc) na isusubmit mo.

Good morning po.ask ko lang paano maka apply pa punta nang japan.ang dati ko asawa japanese.may tatlo ako anak.legally wife ako.kasal kami dito sa Pilipinas.gusto ko pupunta nang japan para ma meet ko pamilya nya.

Hello po galing po akong japan last may 24 at umuwi ako nong june 4 nabigyan po ako ng 15 days visa . May nag guarantor po sa aken yong fiancee ko. Plano po namin ulit mag apply ulit ng 90 days next month July po. Sa tingin nyo po okay lang po ba mag apply ulit after 1 month? 90 days. Di po ba ma de denied yon? Salamat pi sa sasagot :)

Mas strict sila in general kapag 90 days ung iaapply.

Hi, I want to apply for single entry visa to Japan. I have a guarantee who pay for my trip but how much should I deposit in to my bank account? Thank you

If you have a guarantor, you don’t need to submit your own bank account. Just submit the docs needed from your guarantor as listed above.

I have been reading this thread over and over and it is really helpful. I have a question, though. I am currently applying for the 90-day visa (visiting relatives) as my sister got birth last March and they asked for help; pareho kasing nag-wowork siya and her husband. The reason behind why they need me there is to take care of their kid/ child care purposes. What are the normal questions pag nag-aaply ka nang 90-day visa? Thanks,

Hi OJ, I have no idea about 90-day visa. But some members of our community might have. You can join our Facebook group and post your question there. Baka someone knows.

Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler

Hi Yoshke, My friend (Filipino) plans to go to Japan with a sponsor visa from a Japanese friend. Would you know if it’s possible and allowed to look for a job there (if lucky) at the same time? Do you know someone who had experienced such case? Thank you.

Hello po…sa proof of relationship po what type of docs is needed? Thank you

We mentioned sa article sa taas po.

Ask ko lang po kasi pareho tayo ng situation. I have also a sister who is residing in Japan. My trip will not be sponsored by her. Ask ko lang po sa application form may nakalagay na guarantor and invinter.

Ilalagay ko po ba sa guarantor N/A

Tapos sa inviter siya?

Hi! Ms Danica ask ko lang po sana if ano po nilagay niyo kasi same situation po tayo.

at the same time dun sa portion na “Nationality and Immigration Status” ano po pala nilagay niyo dito?

thank you po in advance.

Hi Danica, di ko na matandaan yung ginawa ko. Haha. Sorry. :P

Since madali lang naman ifill out, i-blank mo na lang muna tapos i-ask mo na lang sa agency kung saan ka mag-aapply to be sure.

hi, ask ko lng is there any possibilities na ma denie ung application mo kung mlmn nilang naging tnt ka before… but it almost 7 yrs ago when they sent us home. Thank you

hi ask ko lang poz. US immigrant po ako anu po mga requirements pag gusto ko mag apply for tourist sa japan?

We have no idea po pag US immigrant.

Hi,I’m planning to visit Japan soon to visit my fiance’s sister who is sick.,my problem is I don’t have ITR but I have my bank account and properties..my fiance is a retired Japanese and staying here with me in the Philippines for 5 years..

Hi Myra, you have two options. Option 1 is to write a cover letter explaining why you don’t have an ITR. But it only works if the reason justifies it.

Option 2 is to have a guarantor. By having a guarantor, you will no longer have to submit your ITR and bank docs, but you’ll need to submit the reqs needed from guarantors, as listed above.

Hi. Question po. I already have a tourist multiple entry visa. This will be my 3rd time visiting Japan. Problem is by that time I’m already unemployed. I will stay with my boyfriend’s apartment from Dec 19-Jan 11. May I know what should I indicate with my embarkation card? Do I need his invitation letter? Also, he’s holding a student visa. I’m afraid I will be questioned by the IO for staying too long. :(

Hi! As I told in my first message, I will travel together with my fiance and he is willing to shoulder all my expenses, He is a retired Japanese living with me here in the Philippines, he doesn’t have Ute now because he is already retired.. Is it possible for him to be my guarantor even he is living now in the Philippines?

I don’t know the answer to that. Best to consult an accredited agency.

How to apply fiancee visa?

How to apply fiancee visa?nasa japan po ang live in partner ko.plano ko bisitahin sa japan po nagwowork

Hi sir.good noon.ask ko lng po kung paanong paraan ko mabibisita ang fiancee ko sa japan?meron po bang fiancee visa?

Hi Christopher. We have no idea po re fiance visa. :(

Hi! me and my family will travel for the first time in japan for a cruise that includes a stop in korea before going back to japan. i understand that its quite difficult to get a multiple-entry visa for first time visitors. what can u suggest po? and what is the earliest possible time we can apply for the visa? april 2019 po yong cruise. tnx.

Hi Des, pwede yan. In the Multiple Entry form, you can write down the reason why you need a multiple entry visa. Maja-justify mo naman if you explain that you’re joining a cruise from Japan. Basta make sure you meet the other requirements. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/japan-visa-multiple-entry-requirements/

Hi, i have this problem kase my mom doesn’t have bank account sa japan bcuz she was blocked, though she can provide everything except bank certifcate, but somehow I have one. But the only problem is Im a student and i cannot provide the income tax return, so can the agency considered my situation or nah?

Hi Hikari, I don’t know what to advise kapag ganyang case. :(

Hi If my guarantor is from US ano need nya provide? same thing ba estated above na requirements for with guarantor? anyway i have work naman for 2 years and have 80k in my bank account. and we travelled some asian countries, i ask my fiancee to be my guarantor just to make sure ma grant visa ko.

Yung 80K, okay na yun. Marami akong kilala na 50K lang, naapprove na.

Not sure about the requirements pag foreigner ung sponsor eh. Best to consult a travel agency.

hi! pag sponsored po ng company/employer yung trip sa Japan, do we need bank statements to process the visa? thanks

There is a different set of requirements for business-related trips. Usually, it involves a Travel Order and business documents of your employer (among others). Check the embassy website for the complete list.

Hi. Ask ko lang. I planned to go to Japan on April,2019 to meet my boyfriend’s family before wedding namin sa Cebu. My boyfriend is a Japanese peru without guarantor ang visa na i aaply ko. Pwedi kayang e state na reason yung e meet ang parents nang boyfriend ko ? Hindi kaya ako ma question nang embassy ??

Hope to hear from you.. Thank you!!

Hi Lylie, to be honest, feeling ko laging may risk if yung reason ay about boyfriend/girlfriend.

Hi, mag travel po kami ng pamangkin ko na japanese citizen/ filipino recognized 8 years old need ko pa po bang kumuha ng dswd certificate dahil minor sya? Ang mother nya po sister ko, housewife po ako and my husband is a civil engineer in dubai sya po sponsor ko sa travel ano pong need na documents, Purpose lang namin is magvacation dun ang anak ng sister ko for 3 weeks.

Hi Melody, para sa Immigration ba?

If Japanese citizen sya, I don’t think need ng DSWD clearance. Yung pamangkin ko, nung nagka-resident card sya, hindi na sya nirerequire ng DSWD clearance. Nag-try kami mag-apply dati pero hindi na kami binigyan ng DSWD. Di raw need. I’m guessing it applies to citizens too.

To be safe, call the regional DSWD office and confirm.

Is it okay to apply for visa this year but travel date will be 6months after? Schedule not definite for the travel.

Hi! Usually, yung visa ay nag-eexpire after 3 months (90 days), so ideally, ang earliest na pag-apply ay 3 months before.

Hi. Okay lang po ba kung Bank certificate lang ang masusubmit? Invite ko kasi mom ko and 4 months palang ako dito sa Japan.

Hi jackblack, ang alam ko, kahit one lang dun sa 3 ay okay lang. Nung first time kasi ako na nagapply na visiting relatives, di rin all 3 yung sinubmit. Pero best talaga if all 3.

Hi po. Ask ko lng po kasi im already a permanent resident here in japan and i have a friend sa pinas now i want to invite here in japan kasi tagal n namin d nagkita and makapag bonding kami uli but its not her first time to come in japan shes living there before and deported for overstaying but it was 10 years ago, they will allow her again just a short time visit?

Hi Mika, naku, I’m not that familiar with the rules covering that. My guess is it’s going to affect her application because it could still be on her record.

hello po ask lng yoshke ang husband ko po plan to visit his half sister in japan ..same requirements lng po ba yun like sa whole siblings if not ano po ang need documents para don? tnks po

Hi Monette, di ko po alam if may additional docs pag half-siblings. Pero yung tinitingnan kasi nila sa birth certificate ay kung may in common na parent. Feeling ko, if may common na parent naman sa birth certificates, ok lang yun. Pero feeling ko lang po yan. Best to contact the travel agencies na lang po. Yung numbers ay andito: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/08/japan-visa-travel-agency-official/

hi. I would like to apply for a tourist visa with a guarantor which is my Mom who is also travelling with me. In the application form, there is a guarantor section. Does it pertain only to guarantor from Japan or I should fill it up also with my mother’s info? thank you!

Hi Sha, yung experience ko when I joined a friend na mag-apply, dun niya sinulat ung guarantor nya na based in PH. Di ko lang alam if ganun pa rin ngayon.

Hello Po good pm ask ko lang Po meron Po ako fiance and then siya Po magiging gruarantor ano po mas maganda visa ang kukunin kasi gusto Po niya 90 days Po Thank you Po .

Mas mahirap kunin ang 90 days na visa and mas prone na ma-deny yun.

Call na lang the travel agency kung saan mo balak mag-apply for details.

Hello, may question ako. May plan kami magpunta ng Japan next year. Kasama ako, mama ko, friend ni mama ko (american citizen) pati yung nephew ng friend ng mama ko. Ngayon, ang balak ng friend ng mama ko na american citizen is sponsoran kami papunta sa japan. Lahat ng expenses sa kanya. My question now is kaming iisponsoran kailangan din ba magsend ng ITR, bank accounts? Or kung meron man na requirements. Anu-ano po sila? Maraming salamat sa sagot.

Hi Anne, may bibisitahin ba kayo sa Japan? Or as tourist lang?

If as tourist lang, pabasa na lang ng post na ‘to kasi nakasulat naman lahat ng requirements: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/

Hi! I plan to visit Tokyo on March 2019 for 7 days, but I will be staying at a friend’s home. I don’t have the residence certificate yet but if ever, okay lang po ba na mag-apply ako for tourist visa instead of for Visiting Friends/Relatives?

Then can I just show the invitation letter and residence cert. at immigration instead?

Also, can you please advise which of the two visa types will I have a higher chance of approval? Since this will be my first solo trip abroad, and my first time abroad after a long time. I’ve also read about how they’re cautious towards single females who have no established travel history. I employed naman po and have sufficient balance in my bank account (based on this post).

Thanks so much!

Hi Ali, I’ve done that before, although not intentional. I applied for a tourist visa for a trip to Kansai but that trip was cancelled. Later on, I had to visit my sister in Tokyo, so I used the same visa. I didn’t have any problem. So I think it’s okay. I’m not sure though.

The better visa type is the one that you can support better. If your funds are not that big, better na Visit Visa and have an Inviter/Guaranter. Pero if kaya naman ng financial and employment docs mo to stand on their own, Tourist Visa is simpler and cheaper.

Hi! Thanks for the response!

Another question po. If I do get approved, is it okay to present a scanned copy nalang of the invitation letter to immigration on the date of departure? Or would they still look for the original copy?

Hi ALi, I don’t know for sure. Pero you can just have the original to be sure.

good eve po . ask ko lang po sana nkapag apply po ako extension visa for my parents for temporary visiting here in japan nung dec 28 but Jan11 po ma expired po visa nila which is kakarating lng po ng hagaki ngaun po sa bahay d po ba magkakaproblema yun ? tsaka kung hindi man po pwede po ba sa friday ko na ipupunta sa immigration ung hagaki na dumating kasi po total nkalagay nmn po vali til jan 24 pa po sya .

Hi Xii Lah, di ko po naintindihan yung question nyo. :(

And wala rin po akong alam sa extension visa.

ay ganun po ba extension of stay kasi ung tatanong ko sana .

Ah, naku, wala po ako idea pag extension. Sorry po. :(

Hello po, Goodmorning, ask ko lang po sana kung kelan pwedeng mag apply ulit for japan visa for visiting relatives. Kakauwi lng po kasi namin last year December. nabigyan po ako japan visa june . kailangan pa po ba maghintay ng six months? salamat po. :)

Nope, di mo kelangan maghintay ng 6 months kung di ka naman denied.

Ako ung nag-apply for my cousin for VISITING RELATIVES visa na kakauwi lang din namin from Japan ng November Week 1 tapos need na bumalik ng December Week 1 so November Week 3 pa lang, nag-apply na kami ulit, wala namang naging problema.

Hello just want to ask pagdating sa immigration my husband is inviter lang hindi ko sya ginawang guarantor i dont need to have AOS tama po ba pagdating sa immigration? Also new format na yung Invitation letter wala ng signature ok lang kaya yun?

Ganun po ba. Salamat po sa info.

Hello, Miss Kathryn! Navisahan ka ba? Sorry for intruding. Same case lng kasi sa akin and I got denied

Since 2019 na po today, pero wala pa pong nirerelease na ITR for 2018. Yung 2017 ITR pa rin po ba yung isusubmit?

Hi Kyla, yep, pwede pa yang 2017 ngayon. :)

hello po ask ko lang po sana yung sa letter of invitation and guarantor letter na pini-fill upan ng mag iinvite sayo pa japan okay lang bang ipasa sa agency un ng naka japanese words (since ung guarantor ata mag provide non) pag mag aapply ng tourist visa or fiancee visa? diko po kasi masyado na gets sa part na yon.

Di ko po sure pero ang alam ko po okay lang yun na in Japanese.

ung asawa kong hapon ang guarantor para kunin ang mother and brother ko sa pinas papunta dito sa japan. pero ako naman ung nag iinvite…. ung pinasa nila ang papel sa agency. ung copy license ng asawa ko binalik nila or di nila tinanggap, kundi residence card ko lang kinuha nila. pero dati dati kinukuha naman nila ung license ng asawa ko. 3 times na kasi nagpupunta dito mother ko lang. ngayun dalawa sila sabay kukunin ko. nagtaka lang ako na bakit di na kailangan ang copy ng id license ng asawa ko.

Hi cent_derela, by “kukunin”, what do you mean exactly?

Hi po ask ko lang po sana kung halimbawa pong walang bank account malaki po ba chance na madenied? government employee po ako for 9years na din po gusto ko lang po mgtravel sa japan first time ko po at ako lang din po mag isa, o mas okay po ba magtanong na lang po sa accredited na travel agency? Thank you po

If wala po kayo bank account, best to have a sponsor po na ideally immediate family member para bank account nila ung isusubmit.

Gud pm sir! Nabigyan po ako ng 15 days visa as a tourist tapos gusto kong mag apply ng multiple kakauwi ko lang jan 4 2019.kailan po ba ako pwedeng mag apply

Hi Bell, pwede naman anytime. Ang alam ko wala namang limit yun. Naranasan ko nang mag-apply within the same month ng pag-uwi ko from Japan, wala namang naging problem.

Hello, Yoshke! I just want to ask if you have tried applying for visa two days after you arrived here in Philippines? Kauuwi ko lang from Japan ng Feb. 4, 2019. I stayed there for 186 days(lumampas ng 8 days ang extension ko dahil hindi agad nirelease ng Japanese Immigration but I know there’s no problem coz we applied 2 weeks before my visa expiry and it was indicated that my application was on process already)

Anyway, bago ako umuwi I messaged the travel agency where I always apply my visa- that was my 3rd time in Japan, I asked kung kelan ako pwedeng mag apply uli and they responded, ‘pwede na po mag apply agad pagkauwi nyo pero nasa Japan Embassy pa rin kung mavivisahan kayo’. With that nagkaroon ako ng hope na mavisahan uli agad because I think my reason was valid. I am taking care of my half Japanese nephew. Sister ko ang guarantor ko and she is a single mother. My nephew’s class schedules are from 8am until 2:55pm(Mondays & Tuesdays) 8am until 3:45(Wednesdays) 8am until 2:45(Thursdays) and Fridays are same as Wednesday. My sister works from 8am-3pm but leaves apartment at 7:45 to catch the bus and arrives apartment at 3:45pm. Depends on what time the bus will arrive at the stop…. Her workplace is like 45 minutes walk and most of the time nale-late ang bus kaya nakakauwi na ang nephew ko bago pa sya makauwi… Our apartment is located at the 3rd floor at naexperience ko ng mag slide once kaya nag aalala ako para sa nephew ko na kahit 9 years old na eh parang 6 yrs old lang… Anyway again, after 3 days may resulta na ang visa application ko. Denied at alam naman natin that Japan Embassy do not tell the reason as to why the visa application was denied. Ang gusto ko lang malaman ay kung pde ba akong mag apply ng appeal? Wala kasing ibang ma iinvite tlaga ang sister ko para mag alaga sa anak nya. And I also want to know kung bakit sinabi ng agency na I can apply as soon as I arrived in Philippines gayong madedeny naman pala. Thanks and sorry for my long message

Hi Eloisa, naku, di ko alam if pwede mag-appeal. :(

Pero tama naman yung agency nyo, wala naman yun sa gaano ka-soon ka nag-apply ulit. Kasi last November lang, I applied for my cousin na less than 2 weeks lang after nya makabalik, naapprove naman.

Ang feeling ko na naka-taint sa application mo was the fact na lumagpas ka sa extension ng previous visa mo. And whether or not kasalanan mo yun or kasalanan ng Japanese Immigration, I don’t think may time sila to check or verify given na ang dami nilang pina-process in a day. They only have a few minutes to assess each application so if may something off, baka dine-deny na nila agad. Speculation ko lang naman yan.

Pero ayun, di ko alam kung paano dapat gawin. :(

Hi, i’ll be applying for a tourist visa for april 2019 trip. i already have plane tickets and hotel booking (with free cancellation) but my friend who is working in japan said i can stay at her place instead para makasave sa accomodation cost. My worry is paano pag immigration will ask me saan ako mag stay, pwede ko kaya sabihin na sa friend ko ako magstay kahit nakatourist visa ako?

Possible po kaya na maapprove po kami ng multiple visa entry if first time lang namin mag visit ng japan?

Ang plano po sana namin 5 days in tokyo (since relative ng friend ko nagstay sa tokyo japan) . Then pupunta kami ng osaka and magstay po kami for 3 days. ang entry po namin tokyo and exit po ay osaka?

Hi Cathe, ang alam ko, pag visit visa, malabong mag-multiple pag first time. Mas ok pag as tourist and dapat marami kang funds. For more info about Multiple Entry Visa, check out: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/japan-visa-multiple-entry-requirements/

What are requirements for senior citizens who will just spend a vacation in Japan for 10 days?

Hi ask ko lang if naapproved ka ng 3months kelan ka uli pwede mag apply for japan visa pero invitation lang is friend? Thanks

Hello! I have a question. What if my Japanese citizen cousin will be the one who will invite me and be my guarantor? Is it still fall under the close relatives? And for the proof of relationship? Ex: My BC –> Mom’s BC —> Aunt’s BC —> Cousin’s BC/Koseki Tohon Is it correc/t Thank you!

Hi Mikka, sa definition nila ng close relative, di kasama ang cousin pero I was able to apply for a family member na ang inviter/guarantor ay first cousin din sa Japan and yep, yung birth cert nya + parent’s + inviter’s parent’s + cousin’s ang ginamit. Kaya lang, Pinoy ung inviter sa casa na un. I think okay lang kahit Japanese.

Hello ma’am we’re planning to visit japan this sept, am62years old i have a phil. passport and used already when we traveled in singapore and vietnam. My worries now is that my birthcert was a late registered i have no baptismal cert. And have no form 137 ihave a high school diploma voters cert and marriage cert. drivers license also. would this be enough docs to show for applying a japan visa pls reply. Thank you.

Hi po! Best to consult na lang po an accredited travel agency for this kasi di ko po alam pag ganito ung case. :(

Hi! I am 21 and was planning to visit Tokyo on my own. I have a job kaso here in Riyadh kaso bago lang po ako dito which I think did not help with my visa application. I tried to appeal their decision kaso di na daw pwede.

Meron po kaming relative sa Japan, third cousin ko siya (yung dad niya po pinsan ng lola ko). Ang problem po kasi di ko siya nakausap or nakita before pero may contact parin naman po sila ng mga tita ko and she agreed to be my guarantor. Should I still apply for the visa or try nalang after 6 months?

Hello. Naku, sorry po, di ko pa alam what to advise. Pero if I were in your shoes, hintay po ako ng 6 months.

Hi, Question, meron ba hinihingi docs yung japan immigration in the visa applicant is invite? Or the passport with visa is enough?

In my experience, parating passport and visa lang. BUT to be safe, best to have proof of accommodations and return ticket. Ang PH Immigration, madalas hinihingi yan.

Hi yoshke Im planning to invite my sister here in japan, they my sister need a medical certificate?

Hi po tanong ko po anong aapply namin a visa po nandon po kasi asawa ko japanese po 4days lang po kami don. Ehh dito lang po kami kasal sa Pilipinas d po kami kasal japan ano pong visa po tourist po ba visiting relatives po patulong po lamat ng madami

Hi just want to ask, pag nag pasa ba ng COE and ITR tatawagan ba ng embassy yun company na pinapasukan ko para i verify? thanks!

Pwede nilang tawagan. Although sa experience ko, never pa natawagan ung employer ko.

Hi, i’ll be applying for a tourist visa for July 2019 trip.but my aunt who is working in japan said i can stay at her place instead para makasave sa accomodation cost. My worry is paano pag immigration will ask me saan ako mag stay, pwede ko kaya sabihin na sa aunt ko ako magstay kahit nakatourist visa ako?

Hi. May concern lang aku kasi ang situation namin is visiting kami. Mama at kapatid ng partner ko nsa japan. Kami naman ang gagastos ng expenses namin pero dun kami sa bahay ng mother mag stay. Need parin ba namin mag request ng guarantee letter to prove na may matutuluyan kami? Or di na namin need dahil kami naman ang gagastos sa expenses namin. Feel ko kasi same tayo ng situation nung nag visit ka sa sister mo. Dun ka nag stay sakanila pero ikaw ang nag shoulder ng expenses own expenses mo. Thanks ahead sa reply! Much appreciated

Sa experience ko po, since ako ang sasagot ng trip ko, di na ako nag-guarantee letter.

Hi Yoshke! Just want to ask if sa IO, hahanapan pa din ba ng AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT kapag visiting a relative (my Filipino husband) kahit na ako pa rin magshoulder ng expenses ko and magstay lang ako sakanya for a week before we go around Japan the next two weeks? I have my visa already.

what happened po hinanapan po kayo ng AOS kahit ikaw naman po magfinance ng trip?

Helo poh im anne. We planned po ng sister ng furture husband ko na mag visit ako sa kanila sa japan and der weling to become my guarantor poh. 3 months daw yong visa ko to stay. Wat if po gusto to ko pang mag stay longer po. Pwd po bah kami mag apply ng extension for another 3 months poh??

Hi Anna, di po ako familiar sa rules pag extension. :(

If travelling with guarantor po, ano po mostly need ni PH immigration on the day of departure aside sa unexpired passport with valid visa and return ticket?

This might help: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/03/offloaded-philippine-immigration-rules-requirements-airport/

Hello ask ko lang anu requirments if i will travel with my bf. Pero ang bf ko nasa US sya. Sya po sponsor ko.so magkikita nalang kami sa Japan

Hi Pearl, check out this post instead if you’re traveling as a tourist: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/

Hello! I want to invite my sister here in Japan next year but the problem is that I’m a housewife. Is it ok to apply for visiting family visa? My Japanese husband will cover some of my sister’s expenses and my sister will also have her own pocket money. Is it ok to be the guarantor? Can my husband act as my sister’s guarantor too since I’ll submit his itr ?Is it ok just to submit my husband’s documents ? And also is it better to buy air tickets before applying ? We’re actually waiting for a seat sale.thank you

Hi Jen tak, I think okay lang if your husband is the guarantor. You’ll just need to prove yung relationship. I think birth certificate mo and ng sister mo, and marriage certificate mo with your husband. :)

To be sure, call na lang din the agency where you will lodge your application.

Hello po, i just wanna ask if yung guarantee letter po is notarized? And may idea po kayo how much show money ang ideclare for the guarantor. Yung mom ko po kasi guarantor ko kasi student pa lang po ako. and kaming dalawa po yung mag travel to Japan for 5 days. Thank you!

Hi April, di ko alam kapag ang sponsor is hindi taga-Japan. Parang di naman kailangan na notarized especially kung sabay yung application nyo.

You’re visiting a friend or relative in Japan, right?

Hello po ask ko lang po kung gaano katagal po yung process po nung visa kapag na denied po. Na denied po kasi yung inaapply kopo na tourist visa then pinagaapply po ulit ako ng agency ng visit relatives visa para hindi napo ako mag wait ng 6months. Then ask kopo if pwede po na yung gurantor kopo if mother ko kasi student palang po ako. Kung pwede po ano po yung requirements po niya. Thank you po.

Hi guys just want to share my experience recently. I applied for a tourist Visa last month at Attic Tours SM North. They did not include my COE and they accepted my bank cert with only 60k for 8days stay in Japan. After 2 days i got the result it was denied. It was devastating coz I already purchased my plane ticket for august trip. I decided to reapply with different purpose, to Visit a Friend since im going to visit my Filipino boyfriend working there.

I completed all the requirements (docs from my boyfriend), included my COE, approved leave, flight itinerary, hotel booking, etc. and submitted 2 bank certs (about 200k+ total). I applied at UHI Dusit Makati last week they accepted my reapplication. They are very accommodating. I even went to padre pio and quiapo church to pray for my visa approval. Luckily, I got my Visa after 2 days and it was approved.

Hope this helps for those who got their toursit Visa denied. Thank you so much for this blog I followed all the instructions and tips you provided.

Thanks for sharing this, May!

Question lang po, Meron po akong ME tourist Visa that i’ve used once last December. This coming August po may planned trip ako to Tokyo but this time i’ll be staying in my friends house. Would it be ok if i write my friends address sa immigration form? do i need to provide additional document? or do i need to apply for a new visa under visiting a friend/relative? Or would be ok if i just create a mock-up booking and write the hotel’s address instead since i’m just staying for 9 days?

Hi Felipe, I think it’s okay to write your friend’s address. I do it all the time.

My cousin and i are planning to travel to Japan, together with my mom and her mom (they are siblings), the invitation would come from our mom’s sister in Japan, but the guarantor would be my the husband of my aunt in Japan, is it allowed?

good day po long term visa ko ako dito s japan (mother of a japanese national) gusto ko po sana kunin ang nanay ko at pamankin ko as visiting relatives mabigyan po kaya sila ng visa ? me work po ako kaso d ako nagbabayad tax. pero meron ako yokin sandaka shomensho. thank you in advance.

Hi Cha, yes, I think that’s okay. You just need to prove the relationship.

Hi Sofia, naku, di ko po alam. Best to contact a travel agency po para sigurado.

hi po ask ko lng my aunt invites to visit her in she has parkinsons the problem is i have my PSA birth certificate but my mother sister ng aunt ko have no records in PSA but i check with my parents marriage contract it shows my mother ‘s parents same as to my aunt and its has PSA copy of it can i use it as subtitute to my mothers birth certificate as prescribed

Hi Yoshke Dimen, I’m Cat. I am planning to see Japan this November. It’s only a 4-5 days trip. Plano ko din kasi i-meet ang cousin ko from Nagano. It is advisable na kaming 2 ng husband ko ang mag-apply ng Visa since sya talaga ang may fixed employment or okay lang ba na ako lang ang mag-apply at sya ang guarantor ko. I’m quite scared kasi na ma-deny. Medyo heartbreaking! hehe. Please enlighten, many thanks.

If Visit Visa, pwede rin na ang cousin mo sa Japan ang mag-guarantor. Madali lang naman iprove ang relationship kung first cousins kayo.

Okay lang naman if yung husband mo ang guarantor kasi normal naman na yung spouse ang guarantor. You just need to submit marriage certificate. Basta okay naman ang finances and employment status ni husband?

Pero in my opinion, if husband mo ang guarantor tapos andito sya sa Pilipinas, less complicated kung Tourist Visa ang iapply.

Good day po! I’ve been there last June 2019 and kababalik ko lang last August 2019 at planning to re apply again maybe next year hopefully. Possible ho ba na mag apply for 180 days? or maximum na talaga yung 90 days sa (relative visit)

Ay, di ko po alam. :(

I have a car company. how can i get visit visa invitation for my business?

Good day po!

I just want to ask, i have a relative in Japan and let’s say i will stay in her house. But she will not sponsor my trip. Do i still need to include that i have a relative there to visit but well in fact i will just go there for tourism. I will just stay in her place. What will you suggest? Will apply solely for tourist? Instead of applying for visiting a relative, cause as i can see it’s more complicated if that’s not really the reason of the trip.

Hope to hear from you.

I always side kasi with the truth, so if I were in your shoes, I would still apply for a Visit Relative visa kahit na mas mahal sya and mas maraming requirements. But that’s just me.

But there are also a lot of applicants na ganyan ang case who choose to apply for a Tourist Visa and enter hotel details na lang kasi nga mas madali and mas mura.

Thank you for your suggestion. I agree with you. I also want to be honest. I’m confused.

Kasi i asked my cousin what to apply and she told me it is better if i will just apply for tourist visa but i can still put her home address. What do you think about her idea? I made a comment here because i know you could help me or enlighten me. Hehe..

i’m a follower of this site, you helped me with my dubai visa last yr. I really appreciate your time for answering my queries.

Thank you so much

In my opinion, kapag ganyan, baka maging confusing sa mag-aassess and pagdudahan ka pa.

If you’re staying with a relative, technically, you are visiting a relative, so makakagulo if tourist visa aapplyan mo tapos you’re declaring na you’re staying with a relative.

Alright then, will take note of that. Thank you so much

Hi! I’m staying with a friend in Japan next month, my Visa has been approved. Do I still need an invitation letter from my friend? I’ll be staying at her house in Tokyo and a hotel in Osaka. Will the immigration officers ask for an invitation letter since I don’t have a hotel booking in Tokyo? If yes, do I still follow the invitation letter format for visa application? Thanks in advance! :)

1. What’s your first stop? Osaka or Tokyo?

2. Are you employed?

3. Is it your first time to travel abroad?

1. We changed our itinerary, we are now going to be staying in Tokyo for 6 days and will not go to Osaka anymore. 5 nights at a friend’s house and 1 night in a hotel.

2. I am employed as a freelancer but I have a COE and a company ID from the current company I am working for

3. Not my first time, I already went to SG, TH and Taiwan.

If you’re nervous na baka harangin ka ng Immigration, the best document to have is an authenticated Invitation Letter.

But the thing is, hindi sya parating hinihingi ng Immigration Officer. Yung madalas na hingan ng ganyan ay yung first time mag-travel abroad na may ivivisit. So ako, pag nagvivisit ako sa sister ko sa Japan, I usually just bring company ID (or COE from my clients when I was a freelancer) and yung Letter of Invitation/Guarantee na ginamit sa visa application. Di rin naman hinihingi.

I guess, what I’m trying to say is, it depends on how confident you are. If you want to be on the safe side, you can get an embassy-authenticated document. But there is a big chance na hindi ka rin hihingan nun since you’re employed and it’s not your first time.

Re: Hi! I’m staying with a friend in Japan next month..

Also, my visa was approved without an invitation letter.

HI Kim! Just want to know if the visa you applied is “Visiting a friend” since you’ve mentioned you will be staying at your friend’s house? And if you did applied for “visiting a friend”, isn’t required to submit an invitation letter as well? I’m planning to visit my boyfriend in Japan this coming April and will be staying at his apartment but I will be shouldering all of my expenses. Thanks in advance.

Hi ask ko lng po if magapply ako ng visiting relative sa japan kahit na sister in law ko nagbigay ng papers at brother in law? Asawa po kasi ako ng kapatid na ngbigay papers skn, considered parin ba un as visiting relative?

Questions lang po, Manggagaling po kami sa Pinas lahat 1. ) Yung nanay ko po kasi guaguarantor nya po ang tatay ko na unemployed, pero si nanay po is working in America Green card holder but not yet citizen. Okay lang po ba na yung ITR nya at bank certificate from America lahat kasi wala po sya pag galing pinas eh? 2. ) Guaguarantor po ako at ang anak ko ng brother ko ,sabay po kami magaapply buong family, okay lang po ba kung photocopy nalang po ang isubmit namin ng anak ko na ITR,bank statement,PSA nya kasi nasaknya po yung original yun kasi ang ipapasa nya magaapply din kasi sya ng visa, pero 2nd time na po nya sa JApan. 3. ) Yung married friend ko po isasama nya anak nya na student, guarantoran nya, okay lang po ba photocopy nalang din yung marriage contract,PSA ,ITR,bank cert ang ipasa nya for his daughter kasi ung orig ipapasa nya for his visa rin eh. SAka ano po ba additional need na requirements pag student?

LATE REGISTER SA NSO ang tatay ko wala naman syang school requirements or baptismal??

Hi Yosh! Just really curious about this kung may difference ba or nakastate ba sa visa category kung visiting relatives ka kapag visiting relatives visa ang iniapply mo or same as tourist visa lang na ang nakalagay na category is temporary visitor?

is it possible for my girlfriend to come and stay in Japan for a month if I(working visa holder) were to sponsor her?

Hello po! Thank you for the info! I just have a question, I have a working visa here in Japan, and I would like to sponsor my girlfriend with that kind of visa po (visa for visiting a friend) would that be possible? Since she’s not really a “friend”. Should I say on the invitation about our relationship? I’m really not sure if they’ll believe us because me and my girlfriend are both girls.

Hello po, if tourist visa po ba sa japan ng 6months, may possible way po ba para maka pag work po?

Bawal po mag work ang tourist visa as far as I know. You need stamp po sa likod ng residence card to be able to work. :)

Hello po, Charisma here. I am waiting to reopen Japan again. I just wanna ask about my situation regarding about my visa application. My Boyfriend invited me to visit him in Japan po, do you think I have a big chance na maaprobahan ang visa application ko po? He’s a Japanese citizen and a German citizen as well. He has his own company for about 10 years there in Japan. We’ve known each other for 2 years, and when I was working in Singapore he visits me there every month,we met at least 4 times. Pero nuong nagumpisa na ang corona virus hindi na siya makatravel to see me. I hope you could answer my question. Thanks po

Hi my sister will sponsor me, and her fiancé is a navy. What requirements my sister needed ?

Hi ask ko lang kung pwede nalang i email sakin yung invitation letter then i print ko nalang or kailangan ipadala pa dito sa pinas from japan?

Hi Chloe. Not sure po kung pwede email. Sa case ko po kasi, ina-ask ko dati yung ate ko na ipadala saken yung physical copy so yun pa lang po natry ko.

Hello. May I ask coz I just got married last August with my Filipino husband whose work is based in Japan. He’s been here for 6 months already but he’s expected to return to Japan in November. Since our PSA marriage cert is not yet available in PSA, we cannot process the dependent visa yet coz the processing (incl. COE) may took for months and I have a flight this December. Is it okay if I apply for the sponsor visa (visiting relative) even if spouse is not included on it? Appreciate your help po. Thank you po.

Hi Jie, I don’t know for sure, but I think you could because a spouse is considered within third degree of relationship. The challenge is proving your marriage if you don’t have marriage certificate yet. You might want to find an alternative supporting document and explain it.

To be absolutely sure, since Japan utilizes travel agencies, it’s best to contact a designated travel agency and ask them about what to do since you’ll be coursing the application through them anyway.

But please note that if applying for a short term visit visa (visiting relatives), honor and follow the restrictions allowed by that visa.

Good Day Sir! What if I will visit my OFW husband in Japan? And kailangan ko bang documents na ipakita as proof of relationship namin is young marriage certificate po? Walt quasi door sa sample Inyo yung husband po. Thank you.

Hi, thank you for all the information. It is very helpful and informative.

I just have a question. My Japanese boyfriend is currently working here in PH and he has a working visa. Now, we are planning to visit his home in Japan soon. Should I apply for a visit visa? Does the requirements still the same even if he is working here in PH?

Where will you be staying in Japan? Hotel or your bf’s home?

I will be staying in hotel but we will visit his home as well

My bf’s home po.

And if hotel po what would be the difference when it comes to requirements

Usually kasi, if you’re staying sa house ng resident doon, then VISIT visa. Tapos usually, most agencies prefer na pag TOURIST VISA, sa hotel.

Hi, ask ko lang po kung anong ilalagay sa application form kung di ko relative yung guarantor? mother siya ng boyfriend ko, thank you

I think under Friend na sya? Di ko sure

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Japan Visa

Do I need a Visa for Japan? Japan Visa Policy

There are a number of different types of Japanese visas which are designed by the Japanese government for different purposes and lengths of time.

There are over 60 countries whose citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business. Other nationalities currently need to go to a Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a visa.

Japan introduced an eVisa for citizens of the US and Canada in 2022 that simplified the application process to acquire a Japan visa during pandemic visa suspensions.

Canadians and Americans no longer need a visa for Japan for short stays, but the eVisa is expected to launch for other visa-required nationalities in the near future.

Japan visa types

There are several  types of visas for Japan and more will be introduced in the future, including the eVisa.

Visas are obtained directly from Japanese embassies and consulates, although the application process for the eVisa will be completed entirely online.

Japanese visas can be grouped in 3 main categories :

Working visa

Non-working visa.

• Family Related Visas

Working visas are considered long-term stay visas  and cover the kind of work that requires high-level professional knowledge or skills and ‘thus, they do not include simple labor tasks. Jobs like waiter, construction workers, sales people, etc. cannot obtain a working visa. Typical working visas:

• Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, International Services Engineer. Engineers and Specialists in Humanities must have a university degree in their corresponding fields or 10 years of professional experience. International Services Engineers must have 3 years of professional experience in their field.
• Intra-company Transferee. This status applies to expats of foreign companies or the subsidiary companies of Japanese firms located overseas who have worked more than one year in the said office in overseas.
• Skilled Labor. Jobs involving foreign cooking, architecture, or civil engineering characteristic to foreign countries, training animals, instructing sports, sommeliers, processing precious stones will fall into this status. It’s mandatory to have at least 3 years of professional experience in the field.
• Business Manager. Those who are going to start a business or invest into a business in Japan. It also applies to those managing business on behalf of investors.
• Highly-Skilled Professional. This visa aims to attract workers who are likely to contribute to the Japanese economy.

Those with a certain status, knowledge, or skills can get the following working visas:

• Diplomats or Officials, Personnel of the embassies and consular offices, Diplomatic missions, Government personnel and their families.
• Research and education at university or equivalent educational institutions.
• Instruction of foreign languages or other education at elementary schools, high schools, etc. Those instructors looking to work in private language schools must apply for the Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa.
• For those whose artistic activities provide enough income to support their living in Japan.
• Religious activities. Missionaries sent to Japan from foreign religious organizations.
• Those journalists who have signed contracts with foreign media organizations. It includes freelance journalists.
• Legal and Accounting services.
• Medical Services. Medical specialists with Japanese qualifications.
• For those researchers working under a contract with public or private organizations in Japan.
• All of those working in show business and sports.

Anyone who holds a non-working visa is allowed to work as long as the immigration office grants them permission. This type of visas is considered a short-term stay visa and some restrictions apply. Those doing some work under a non-working visa cannot exceed the number of authorized hours per week.

Who can benefit:

• The visa application is submitted through the school.
• Those training to acquire technology, skills or knowledge. This status is granted only when the candidate will work in a job requiring that technology, skills or knowledge once he returns to his home country.
• Technical Internships. That covers internships after training under trainee visa.
• Spouses or children of people staying in Japan under the work visa and non-working visa (except for temporary visitors and trainees).
• Cultural Activities. Cultural or artistic activities with no income.
• Students or researchers of Japanese cultural or artistic activities.
• University students taking part in an internship without remuneration.
• Temporary Visitors (also known as Tourist visa ). This status includes visitors on vacation, sports, family visits, participants in seminars and conferences, business meetings, market research, and those traveling to Japan to engage in PR activities.

There is also another epigraphe for non-working visas that is granted case by case: Designated Activities. Students on internship, working holidays, diplomats’ housekeepers are some of the people who can apply for this visa.

Family related visas

Family related visas are considered short-term stay visas and have no retrictions when it comes to employment, so you can engage in more than one activity or change jobs. Those who can apply to these visas are:

• Spouses and children of Japanese nationals
• Long Term Residents
• Permanent Residents
• Spouses and children of Permanent Resident

Japan tourist visa

Any tourist wanting to visit Japan must obtain a tourist visa prior to entering the country. Nonetheless, Japan excludes several nationalities from having to comply with this requirement.

For instance, citizens from most European countries, United States, Australia, and Argentina do not need to get the Japan Tourist Visa since they are considered visa-exempt countries for tourism purposes. Nationals from any of those regions can stay in Japan for a maximum of 90 days visa-free and are assigned Temporary Visitor status.

Japan tourist visa is a short-term stay visa for the purposes of sightseeing, visiting friends, or attending conferences or courses . A tourist visa is normally valid for a single-entry stay of up to 90 days.

Tourists can also apply for a double-entry visa for 2 short trips within a 6-month period. It is important to note that the Japan tourist visa does not allow travelers to engage in paid work while in the country.

Other short-term stay visas

• Business visa:  There is a temporary business visa for stays of up to 90 days which can single or double-entry visa (if both trips are within a 6-month period). Business purposes include conferences, meetings, signing contracts, and market surveys.
• Transit visa:  Some nationalities need a transit visa to stop over in Japan when going to an onward destination. Many travelers do not need this as long as they stay within the allocated zone and do not leave the airport.

Which countries need a tourist visa?

All nationalities who are not visa-exempt need a visa to enter Japan. Citizens of certain countries can enter with Temporary Visitor status for limited periods of time ( 15 to 90 consecutive days ) for tourism or business purposes.

Visitors receive a stamp in their passport which is a requirement for the Japan Rail Pass . The rules are very strict and it is not possible to get the pass without showing the stamp (tourists with other types of visas are not eligible for the Pass).

The following nationalities are eligible for Temporary Visitor status (all others need a visa to enter):

The nationalities listed above can enter for tourism , visiting relatives, and business purposes. However, visitors cannot be paid for work under Temporary Visitor status. In these cases, it is necessary to obtain a work visa .

Citizens of the following countries will need a Japan tourist visa in order to enter Japan:

• Philippines
• CIS countries and Georgia

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Japan tourist visa requirements

To successfully apply for a tourist visa for Japan, applicants must meet the following visa requirements :

• Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages
• A completed visa application form
• Provide a recent color passport photo and a certified copy of your birth certificate
• If married, submit a marriage certificate (if issued within the last year)
• You must have the intention to leave Japan at the end of your authorized stay
• Proof of financial ability demonstrating you can support yourself financially during your stay in Japan
• Provide a certificate of your financial situation for the previous 6 months issued by your bank
• Submit the applicant’s tax return
• If applying without a sponsor, a copy of your Certificate of Employment must be submitted
• Provide a schedule and travel plans for the trip

If you still have questions about what you need in order to obtain the Japan tourist visa, you can find out more by checking the Japan entry requirements FAQ.

Japan tourist visa validity

Single-entry visas are valid for 3 months upon issue and usually allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. It is not possible to extend its validity.

Double-entry visas have a validity of 6 months from the date of issue.

Multiple-entry visas are usually good for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the visitor’s nationality, the purpose of the visit, and the type of passport they hold. Multiple-entry visas allow you to visit Japan multiple times within this period of 1 to 5 years since the issuing date, but each stay cannot exceed the 15 or 30-day period.

Japan tourist visa fees

A fee must be paid in order to obtain your Japan tourist visa. These fees vary depending on whether you are applying for a single-entry visa, a double-entry or a multiple-entry visa, as well as on the nationality of the tourist.

It is a good idea to check with your Japanese embassy or consulate before submitting your application since fees are subject to change at any time. Also, please note fees are collected in the local currency where the embassy or consulate is located and must be paid at the time of submitting your application. Once that has been done, you will receive proof of payment.

Japan Tourist eVisa

A Japan Tourist eVisa launched in August 2022 as part of the government’s wider plan to reach 60 million foreign visitors a year by 2030.

The eVisa for Japan was available for Canadians and US citizens, but these nationalities are now once again able to enter Japan visa-free. However, it may it is expected to launch for other nationalities in the future.

The online application form will be straightforward to complete and means that tourists do not need to go to an embassy or consulate to complete the application. It has been designed to simplify the visa application process.

It will be necessary to make a payment by credit or debit card to submit the application. Once an application has been submitted and approved , the eVisa approval notice will be sent to applicants by email.

More information: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

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Top things to remember for first time travelers

Before you have an experience of a lifetime in your Japan trip, you just need to take care of the most important thing first, your Japan Tourist Visa! Below is a guide on how you can apply for your Japan Tourist Visa as well as fulfilling requirements for travelers to Japan.

How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Japanese Tourist Visa.

Note: The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) cannot facilitate Visa applications  nor can we answer Visa-related inquiries.

For Visa-related inquiries, kindly contact the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000035.html

• Passport (holder’s signature required)
• Visa Application form (one 4.5cm x 3.5 cm facial photo must be attached)
• Birth Certificate (issued by PSA within one year)
• Marriage Certificate (issued by PSA within one year, for married applicants only)
• Itinerary in Japan

Note: If there is a used Japanese Visa on your passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate are unnecessary.

If applicant will shoulder part/all travel expenses:

• Bank certificate
• Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)

If a guarantor will shoulder part/all travel expenses:

• Guarantee letter
• Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor (e.g. birth certificates)
• Bank Certificate

You can get the application form from The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines website .

Make sure to make extra copies.

You can submit your application form with the required documents through these  accredited travel agencies .

The Visa-handling fee for the Japan Tourist Visa varies per travel agency. You must pay the fee after you submit your documents.

The travel agency will contact you if your passport is ready for pickup.

Guides for Entry to Japan

Useful links.

Visit Japan Web   

Visit Japan Web is a web service that people entering Japan can use to fast-track Immigration, and Customs procedures in order to enter/return to Japan.

COVID-19 Protocols

Learn everything you need to know about traveling to Japan with COVID-19 protocols.

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Japan | eVISA system now available

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Japan authorities announced that eligible foreign nationals who wish to travel to Japan for tourism for a short-term period can now apply for an electronic visa (eVISA).

Key Points:

• Effective July 23, the new eVISA system is available to foreign nationals residing in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• The eVISA is only available to those who travel by plane and those who possess an ordinary passport.
• The applicant may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over the place of the applicant’s residence for an interview during the application process.

Additional Information: Electronic visas will be issued through the eVISA website as a single-entry short-term stay visa for the purpose of tourism for a period of up to 90 days. Chinese nationals will receive electronic visas with a period of stay of either 15 or 30 days; for nationals of Vietnam, the period of stay for electronic visas will be 15 days. eVISA travelers are required to display a visa issuance notice at the airport.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com .

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TIPS: What you need to know about getting a Japan visa

Planning to travel to Japan any time soon?

Applying for a visa can be daunting, but it shouldn't stop you from taking that trip to see the Land of the Rising Sun. With some proper preparation of all the necessary documents, you'll be able to get approved for your Japan vacation.

There are different types of Japanese visas but we'll focus more on the tourist ones for those who want to go on a quick leisure trip to experience the country. There are two common tourist visas: the single-entry allowing holders to enter Japan once and stay for as long as 90 days, and the multiple entry visa which lets the holder enter the country many times within a specified period for at least 15 to 30 days each stay. 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
• 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.

Multiple-entry requirements

Want to get a multiple-entry visa? This type of visa has some conditions for issuance, so it may not be as easy to get one. For instance, you will need to have a history of travel as a temporary visitor to the country in the last three years.

If you pass the conditions, you will need the same requirements as above but also include an explanation letter for requesting multiple entry, proof of your travel to Japan in the last three years, and proof of financial capacity. 

So how much money do you need in your bank account to get your visa approved? The Japanese Embassy hasn't really specified a certain amount but what's advised is to have enough to fund your travel expenses. 

As for how long a tourist visa is processed, it will usually take seven to 10 business days. It's best to get your visa processed a month before your trip so you have ample time to request documents that you might not have around.

Additionally, you don't need to book a hotel or a flight before your visa is processed. In fact, travel agencies advise against it. It's best to book once your visa is approved.

Remember, just because you submitted all your documents, it doesn't automatically mean that you'll be granted the visa.

This article TIPS: What you need to know about getting a Japan visa was originally published in PhilSTAR L!fe

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Japan to speed up entry process as tourist wave hits new record

Foreign visitors arriving in Japan may get to breeze through immigration soon as the country looks for new ways to amplify a tourism boom that is boosting its economy.

The decision comes with record numbers of tourists already visiting the country. Around 17.8 million people came in the first half of the year, according to a Kyodo report. June also marked the fourth straight month where monthly visitors exceeded 3 million, while spending by foreign tourists for the April-June quarter hit a record ¥2.1 trillion ($13.4 billion), the report said.

The weak yen is driving the influx of tourists into the country, providing a boost to Japan’s fragile economy and its regions. The currency hit a 38-year low against the dollar earlier this month as the gap in interest rates between Japan and the United States continues to keep downward pressure on the currency.

The slump in the yen has turned Japan from a pricey bucket-list trip to a relatively inexpensive tourism and shopping destination. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to declare that ¥8 trillion of spending by foreign visitors is within sight in 2024 at a meeting to promote tourism on Friday, the Nikkei reported.

While the weakness in the yen is attracting tourists and shoppers to Japan, it is also fueling the strongest inflation cycle in decades, a factor that is dragging on domestic consumer spending.

There has also been a growing backlash among some locals annoyed by the ever-increasing influx.

Kyoto’s local district council has banned visitors from the narrow private streets of the Gion district, while local authorities in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, erected a barrier to stop tourists from taking photos at a convenience store with Mount Fuji in the background.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Prior to the Application

Q1: i want to go to japan. do i need a visa.

A1: People of some countries (or from some regions) do not need a visa if their period of stay in Japan is 90 days or less and they are not going to be engaged in income-earning activities. Refer to the List of Countries and Regions that have Visa Exemption Arrangements with Japan .

Q2: I want to invite a foreign national to Japan. What procedures are necessary?

A2: (1) In the case of an invitation for the purpose of a short-term stay (in the case that you are inviting relatives or friends, employees of a company with which you do business, etc. for a period of stay of 90 days or less and will not be paying them an income), please write a Letter of Reason for Invitation and draw up a Schedule of Stay. If you are inviting a person from China / Russia / CIS countries / Georgia, and if you will pay travel expenses instead of the visa applicant (who wishes to come to Japan), a Letter of Guarantee, the certificate of residence of the guarantor, and documents confirming the capacity of the guarantor to pay the expenses should also be prepared in addition to the above documents regardless of the applicant's nationality. (2) In the case of an invitation for the purpose of a long-term stay (spouse, working, studying, etc.), it is recommended that you start by applying to your nearest Regional Immigration Service Bureau to have a Certificate of Eligibility issued. (3) Once you have prepared all of the above documents, send them to the visa applicant. Check here for details.

Q3: What should I do to get a Certificate of Eligibility?

Q4: the certificate of eligibility will not arrive by the time i apply for a visa. can i still apply for a visa with its copy.

A4: From March 17, 2023, it will be possible to receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by email and to apply for landing by presenting the email. When applying for a visa, the application can be accepted by presenting the email or submitting the printed copy. For those who have a paper Certificate of Eligibility, they can also apply for landing and a visa by submitting its printed copy after March 17.

Q5: Is it necessary to go to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General by myself to apply for a visa?

A5: There are four ways to apply for a visa: (1) the visa applicant him/herself goes directly to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General, (2) the visa applicant writes a Letter of Proxy and get a proxy to go to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General in his / her place, (3) the visa applicant uses an accredited travel agent approved by the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General and (4) the visa applicant uses the JAPAN eVISA website and apply for visa online. However, depending on the circumstances in your country or region, there are cases that the documents should only be submitted by the applicant him/herself going to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General, or through an accredited travel agent. Check with the embassy or consulate general to which you plan to apply before making the application . For information on the countries/region where the JAPAN eVISA website is available, please refer to the online visa application page .

Q6: Can I apply for a visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy / Consulate General while traveling in a foreign country?

A6: You can apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General in your own country (region) or country (region) of residence (if there is more than one, apply to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General nearest from where you live). In other words, you cannot apply for a visa at your travel destination; however, if there are unavoidable circumstances, consult with the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General where you would like to apply for the visa before making the application.

Q7: Why was my visa application not accepted?

A7: If any of the following cases apply to you, your application may not be accepted.

• (1) Applications from persons holding Japanese nationality
• (2) The application is made to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General outside your country (region) of birth or country (region) of residence
• (3) You currently hold a valid visa or re-entry permit
• (4) Your previous visa application to visit Japan for a specific purpose was rejected and you reapply to visit Japan for the same purpose within six months from the rejection
• (5) The visa application is already being processed at a different Japanese Embassy / Consulate General
• (6) There are some errors or omissions in the submitted documents
• (7) The period of validity or the visa attachment space of your passport is insufficient
• (8) The application is made by a person who does not have the qualifications to make a proxy application
• (9) An application for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility is still pending

2. Application Examination

Q1: how long is the application examination period.

A1: The standard processing period, when it does not have any problem on contents of the application, takes five working days from the next day after the date of the acceptance of application. Meanwhile, it may take longer than usual if a large number of visa applications converge at a short-time period. In addition, please note that it may take more than 5 working days (ranging from a couple of weeks to several months) in such cases where additional confirmation is required (submission of additional documents, an interview with the applicant, inquiries, etc.), or when a visa application is made for a long-term stay without a Certificate of Eligibility. Thus, visa applicants are recommended to apply early for their visa well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Q2: Why was I asked to provide additional documents?

A2: Sometimes additional information will be required for the examination process, and sometimes you will be asked in the process to submit extra documents in addition to the documents indicated as the necessary documents. Each applicant has different conditions and circumstances, and sometimes we do not become aware of these until the application has been accepted, therefore there are some documents that we do not ask everyone to submit from the beginning. If you do not submit the additional documents, the examination cannot be processed any further, and you will not be able to get the visa issued.

Q3: My departure date is approaching so could you issue the visa as soon as possible?

A3: We cannot make a decision about whether to issue or reject the visa application until the necessary examination has been completed. We process the applications fairly in the order in which we received them. Apply for the visa as soon as possible once your travel plan has been decided.

3. Issuance or Rejection of the Visa Application

Q1: tell me why you rejected my visa application..

A1: The reason for the rejection is that your application did not meet the criteria of visa issuance . We do not give you the specific reason of the rejection because if we do so, the information would eventually become known to the public. Once that happened, there is a danger that some people might misappropriate such information to get around the visa examination process and try to enter Japan for illegal purposes. It would impede the proper visa examination process in the future and have negative effects on Japanese society. The Administrative Procedure Act, Article 3, Paragraph 1, Item 10 excludes "dispositions concerning departure and immigration of foreign nationals" from application of the obligation to show the examination criteria or the reasons for the rejection of the application.

Q2: Why was my visa application rejected even though a Certificate of Eligibility was issued?

A2: The Certificate of Eligibility does not guarantee the issuance of the visa. The certificate means that the Ministry of Justice certifies that the foreign national meets the condition of landing (entering Japan): the activity which the foreign nationals wish to engage in Japan at the time of the landing examination is not fraudulent, and the activity is qualified to acquire status of residence that is stipulated in the Immigration Control Act, etc. Therefore, in the visa examination process, we do not examine the applicability of status of residence, but some other points such as the verification of the applicant's identity and the validity of his/ her passport. If it is found that the application does not meet the criteria of visa issuance in the process of examination, or it is determined that the Certificate of Eligibility was issued based on mistaken or fraudulent information, a visa will not be issued.

Q3: Why can't I reapply immediately after my visa application was rejected?

A3: We do not accept your visa application if your previous application was rejected and you will apply for the same purpose of visit within six months from the rejection. This is because if, for example, we accept the same application the day after it was rejected, the circumstances of the applicant would not change so that the result of examination would be the same. However, we sometimes accept re-applications within six months in cases where your circumstances have changed significantly after the rejection, and travel to Japan is necessary for humanitarian reasons. Consult with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for the visa before making the application.

Q4: Can I pay visa issuance fees with a credit card or a check?

A4: In principle, fees must be paid in cash using the local currency. In case that you apply for eVISA through the JAPAN eVISA website, online payment by credit card is available for certain countries and regions. You will not be required to pay visa issuance fees if the visa is not issued.

4. Prior to Entering Japan

Q1: i want to postpone my travel. until when is my visa valid.

A1: The period of validity of a single-entry visa (that becomes invalid as soon as once you enter Japan) is basically three months. Enter Japan within three months of the issuance of the visa. If you wish to postpone your travel for longer than three months, you will be required to make another visa application.

Q2: I have decided not to invite a foreign national to Japan after all. What should I do?

A2: Please report that you have cancelled the invitation, together with the personal identification information of the visa applicant, by email to the Embassy / Consulate General where the visa was issued. In addition, tell the visa applicant to bring his/her passport to the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General to cancel his/her visa. Note that visa fees will not be refunded even if the visa is cancelled before being used.

Q3: I have lost my passport with the visa in it. What should I do?

A3: Contact the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General that issued the visa to inform what happened. Also, it is recommended that you submit a lost property form to the local police station. If you need a new visa, you must make an application again.

Q4: Why was my application to enter Japan rejected even though I had a valid visa?

A4: A visa is no more than one of the requirements for the application to land in Japan and it does not guarantee that you will be able to enter Japan. (There is a warning on the visa application form and your signature on the application form means you have accepted this fact.) Even if you have a valid visa, sometimes you will not be given permission to enter Japan, for example in cases where the person who makes the landing application is different from the person whose name is recorded in the visa, and also in cases where you cannot properly explain to the immigration officer the activities you plan to engage in after entering Japan.

Q1: How will the personal information submitted at the time of visa application be handled?

A1: The personal information of the visa applicant, inviting person and guarantor will be managed appropriately in the Japanese Embassy / Consulate General based on the Act on the Protection of Personal Information. Also, local travel agencies that wish to handle visa applications have to get the approval by Japanese embassies /consulates, and the condition of such approval is that they have agreed to manage personal information appropriately based on the aforementioned act, under the same criteria as the outsourcing organization.

Q2: What is the legal basis for the issuance or non-issuance of my visa?

A2: Under the international customary law, the decision as to whether or not to issue a visa to a foreign national is determined to be a sovereign act of each country. Japanese consuls carry out the administration related to visas based on the Act for Establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Article 4 Item 13, Article 7 Item 1, and Article 10 Item 2 and Item 3).

Q3: Isn't the refusal of a visa for a spouse of Japanese an infringement of human rights?

A3: Entering Japan is not a right of a person of foreign nationality, so this is not an infringement of human rights. On the other hand, there are sometimes cases of human trafficking in which people from developing countries in an economically and socially vulnerable position are brought to developed countries for fake marriages, illegal work, etc. With this issue in mind, Japan is carrying out careful visa examinations in order to protect the human rights of foreign nationals, etc.

Q4: Isn't it unfair that people from countries which exempt Japanese from tourist visas, are required to get a visa to enter Japan?

A4: Visa exemptions are not necessarily bilateral. For example, there are many cases in which developing countries give visa exemptions to Japanese as a unilateral measure because accepting travelers from Japan is economically advantageous for those countries. However, on the other hand, if Japan gave visa exemptions to people from all of those countries, there could be a negative impact on the internal security and national interest of Japan. For example, it could lead to an increase in the number of illegal overstayers and illegal workers, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to consider visa exemptions carefully from a comprehensive perspective.

Q5: As a “guarantor”, to what extent do I need to be responsible?

A5: The "guarantor" for the visa application is the person who resides in Japan and makes a promise to the head of the embassy / consulate (the Japanese ambassador/ consul-general, etc.) to the effect that the visa applicant will stay legally in Japan. The responsibilities of the guarantor only entails moral responsibilities and does not entail legal responsibilities like that of the "guarantor" in the Civil Code. However, if it is recognized that the guaranteed matters (expenses for the applicant's stay in Japan, return travel expenses, compliance with laws and regulations) have not been performed rightly, that person would lose credibility as a guarantor in subsequent visa applications. Also, be aware that if the guarantor or inviting person made a false statement in the documents about their relationship to the visa applicant or the purpose of visit, or if that caused terrorists to enter Japan or crime such as human trafficking, they may be held criminally responsible.

Blog Outline

Home > Blog > Travel > Visa > How to Apply for Singapore Tourist Visa: Guide for Indians

How to Apply for a Singapore Tourist Visa (For Indian Citizens)

30sec Snapshot

• Determine the visa type you need to enter Singapore.
• Prepare the required documents.
• Submit your visa application and the fee.
• Wait for the processing time.
• Collect the e-visa from the ICA website or visa agent.
• Ensure to carry all relevant documents when travelling.

Singapore, often referred to as the “Lion City,” is a bustling metropolis famous for its stunning skyline, vibrant culture, and rich history. As a premier tourist destination in Southeast Asia, Singapore offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, featuring magnificent attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Sentosa Island. Visitors can also explore the diverse culinary scene, enjoy shopping in luxury malls, and experience the multicultural heritage in neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.

Do You Need a Visa for Singapore?

Indian passport holders, excluding those with diplomatic, official, and service passports, require a visa to enter Singapore. Visas are valid for up to 2 years with a maximum stay of 30 days, subject to immigration approval. All travellers, including Indians, must submit a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) before arriving unless transiting without immigration clearance. The SGAC, submitted via the ICA website or mobile apps, facilitates the immigration process and is free of charge. It can cover up to three trips per submission.

Types of Singapore visas are as follows:

• Singapore Tourist Visa
• Singapore Work Visa
• Singapore Transit Visa
• Singapore VFTF

How to Apply for a Singapore Tourist Visa from India

A. online application (through authorised agents/local contacts).

Here is a brief guide on how to get Singapore visa . The steps are as follows:

• Identify the Visa Category: Determine the visa type that suits your journey.
• Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the requirements for the specific visa type you are applying for.
• A valid passport
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport photos
• Cover letter describing your travel plans
• Proof of flight and accommodation reservations
• Financial documents demonstrating your ability to support yourself during your stay
• Additional documents such as invitation letters or sponsorship proof, depending on the visa type
• Apply Through Authorised Agents: Submit your application through authorised visa agents or the official website ( Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) ), as direct applications to Singapore are not accepted.
• Processing Time: Allow 3-5 working days for processing. To ensure a smooth travel process, apply early to account for any potential delays.
• Receive and Print e-Visa: Once your application is approved, you will receive your e-Visa via email. Print a copy of the e-Visa and carry it with your passport when checking in at the immigration desk upon arrival in Singapore.

B. Application through Singapore Overseas Mission in India

Indian citizens can apply for a Singapore visa at the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or through an authorised visa agent. The application process is as follows:

• Obtain Form 14A: Download it from the official website or get a free copy from an authorised visa agent or Singapore Overseas Mission.
• Complete and Sign the Form: Fill out Form 14A and sign it.
• Provide a Recent Photograph: Submit a recent coloured passport-sized photograph taken within the last three months.
• Photocopy of Passport: Include a photocopy of your passport biodata page.
• Additional Documents: Provide other supporting documentation, such as a LOI.
• Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form and supporting documents through the appropriate channel.

For further information, please check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore.

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Required Documents for Singapore Tourist Visa

With all the details on how to apply for Singapore visa , you should get track of the documents required. The following documents must be submitted to make an application for a visa to travel to Singapore for leisure or commercial visits:

• A duly completed and signed Form 14A. The information you provide on this form will be the basis for your visa application. The ICA may request that you submit it.
• A recent colour passport-sized photo was taken no more than three months ago. For detailed requirements, refer to the Picture Guidelines.
• A copy of the biodata section in your passport, which needs to be functional for a minimum period of six months after the date you plan to enter Singapore.
• The proof of your hotel bookings and other accommodation.
• A confirmed return flight ticket.
• A bank statement of the last six months attested by a bank official.
• Supporting documents as per your occupation and type of visit,
• On an individual basis, more supporting documentation, including Form V39A and LOI, may be needed.

Singapore Visa Fees for Indians

The Singapore visa charges from India is INR 1,800 (SGD 30) for either a single entry or multiple entry visa, with an additional service charge of INR 650 for tourists. This fee for processing the visa is non-refundable and should be paid at the time of application submission. Additionally, authorised visa agents may apply their own service fees.

Processing Time for Singapore Tourist Visa

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore, visa applications usually undergo processing within 3 to 5 working days (not including weekends), public holidays, and the submission day. Nonetheless, certain applications might require extended processing times, particularly those containing contradictory documents.

• Student visa: 15 days to 1 month
• Work visa: 7 days to 5 weeks
• Dependant visa: 3 to 5 weeks
• Transit visa: 3 to 4 days

 You can access your money in 130 different currencies and more than 150 countries. Travel comfortably and wisely.

Additional Tips for Applying

These are some additional tips you must keep in mind while applying for a Singapore visa:

• Apply Well in Advance: Submit your visa application at least 30 days before your planned trip to Singapore. This allows ample time for processing and avoids any last-minute complications.
• Complete Documents: Ensure all required documents are complete and meet the specified requirements. This typically includes the visa application form, passport, photographs, flight bookings, accommodation details, financial proofs, and any additional documents as per the visa type.
• Accuracy Check: Double-check all information your application provides for accuracy and consistency. Errors or discrepancies could lead to delays or rejection of your visa application. Reviewing your application thoroughly can help avoid such issues and streamline the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike countries that provide visa-on-arrival for specific nations, Singapore doesn’t offer this privilege to any country, including India. Therefore, if you’re travelling to Singapore, you need to obtain a visa in advance.

The Singapore tourist visa is normally issued for 30 days and is valid for 2 years.

There isn’t any way to extend its validity. You have the option to reapply after your existing visa expires or is used up. 

Yes, Singapore is open to Indian tourists.

Visa charges depends on the type of visa, you are applying for. The tourist visa of Singapore costs around INR 2500 with service charges. 

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What we know about the global Microsoft outage

A routine software update caused cascading chaos Friday that has engulfed global businesses from airports and banks to retail and law enforcement.

It wasn’t a cyberattack, but was caused by one of the world’s largest cybersecurity companies deploying a flawed update while trying to keep their customers safe from hackers.

CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company based in Austin, Texas, that’s widely used by businesses and government agencies that run on Microsoft computers, said that a defect in one of its updates for computers running the Windows operating system had caused the issue. The result was arguably the largest global information technology outage in history. 

Here’s what we know:

What has been affected?

The outage appeared to affect almost every major business sector in one way or another.

Airports and flights across the world were severely delayed or canceled altogether, as the computers on which these services rely were disrupted by the issue. Three of the largest airlines in the United States — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — all issued ground stops, citing communications problems.

Long lines snaked through airports from Berlin to Hong Kong, as electronic systems failed and staff members resorted to checking in passengers manually. One flier in the Indian city of Hyderabad posted a picture of a curiosity usually unseen in the modern digital age: a handwritten boarding pass.

Follow live updates on the global tech outage

The issue also affected banks, leaving some customers unable to access their money. People across Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere reported problems logging into their accounts at major retail banks. Meanwhile the London Stock Exchange, the largest of its kind in Europe, said some of its services had been disrupted although trading had not been impeded.

In retail, McDonald’s closed some of its stores in Japan because of what it said in an online statement was a “cash register malfunction.” And the British grocery chain Waitrose was forced to put up handwritten notes informing customers that it was only accepting cash. Some Starbucks locations temporarily closed after the company's mobile ordering system went down, while other locations stayed open and left their baristas scrambling to come up with new workflows.

Baltic Hub, a global shipping terminal in Poland, said in a statement it had been battling issues related to the outage. The Alaska State Troopers agency was among the law enforcement agencies to report issues, warning people that 911 was temporarily not working. And the British broadcaster Sky News, which is owned by NBCUniversal's parent company, Comcast, was briefly knocked off the air.

Some computers that were not on during the software update appear to have avoided the issue, according to initial reports.

What caused it?

Cybersecurity programs like CrowdStrike’s frequently and automatically update themselves to account for new tactics that malicious hackers have discovered. And there’s always a slight risk that any software update will be incompatible with other programs.

CrowdStrike’s update should have been routine, but an error in its code conflicted with Windows and proved catastrophic.

The company’s CEO, George Kurtz , said Friday morning on the "TODAY" show that while some customers would see their computers fixed automatically, others would require manual work to fix.

“The system was sent an update, and that update had a software bug in it and caused an issue with the Microsoft operating system,” Kurtz said. “Our systems are always looking for the latest attacks from these adversaries that are out there.”

How long until things go back to normal?

CrowdStrike identified the problem and issued a fix early Friday after the problem began to emerge. On Friday afternoon, Kurtz released a statement apologizing for the outage, adding that CrowdStrike was “operating normally.”

The fix required affected computers to download another software update, which some have been able to do automatically.

Many companies and services affected by the chaos, such as the New Hampshire Department of Safety, which said its 911 system was briefly down, reported that they were back online by Friday morning. 

Others haven’t been able to load the update, which would potentially require IT workers at some companies to reboot and tinker with every single affected computer.

“Many of the customers are rebooting the system, and it’s coming up, and it’ll be operational because we fixed it on our end,” Kurtz said. “Some of the systems that aren’t recovering, we’re working with them. So it could be some time for some systems that just automatically won’t recover.”

Alexander Smith is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital based in London.

Kevin Collier is a reporter covering cybersecurity, privacy and technology policy for NBC News.