Do Filipinos Need a Visa for Japan?
Yes. Philippine passport holders need a visa for Japan, even for a short holiday. Tourists apply through a VFS Japan Visa Center (Parañaque, Makati, Quezon City, Cebu, Davao), not at the Embassy. The tourist visa itself is free for Filipinos, including after the July 1, 2026 fee increase; VFS charges its own handling fee.
Where to Apply
Through the Japan Visa Center operated by VFS Services Philippines Private, Inc. (started 7 April 2025). Book an appointment on the VFS site linked by the Embassy. There are 5 Visa Centers:
- ParañaqueUnit 305-307, Level 3, Parqal Abaca Building 5, A. Luz Drive cor. Imao St, Aseana City, Brgy. Tambo, Parañaque 1701, Metro Manila
- MakatiGround Floor, Makati Circuit Corporate Tower Two, AP Reyes St, Brgy. Carmona, Theater Drive, Circuit, Makati City 1207
- Quezon CitySpace GT03014S, Level 3, Gateway Tower Mall, Araneta City, Brgy. Socorro, Quezon City 1009
- CebuUnit 9, 7th floor Faustina Center, Bonifacio District, Cabahug St., Kasambagan, Cebu City 6000
- DavaoFES-09, Second Floor, Felcris Centrale, Quimpo Boulevard, Brgy. 40-D, Davao 8000
Documents for a Tourist Visa
Every applicant submits these, according to the Embassy's tourist visa checklist:
- Passport (with holder’s signature)
- Photocopy of passport identification page
- Visa application form with a 4.5 × 3.5 cm facial photo attached
- Itinerary in Japan (Embassy form)
Documents That Depend on Your Situation
The rest of the list depends on who pays for the trip and on your civil registry records:
- PSA-issued Birth Certificate, and Marriage Certificate if married, issued within 1 year — not needed if your passport contains a used Japan visa
- If PSA copy unreadable: Birth/Marriage certificate from the Local Civil Registrar; if "Late Registration": Baptismal Certificate and School Record (Form 137); if no PSA record: LCR Birth Certificate + PSA Negative Certificate — only in those cases
- Applicant’s Bank Certificate showing balance for the last 6 months (or bank statement showing 6 months of transactions if ADB not shown) — if you pay part/all of the trip
- Applicant’s Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316 signed by employer and employee; business owners also proof of actual tax payment) — if you pay part/all of the trip
- Certificate of Employment (period, salary, position); business owners: DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration + Mayor’s Permit; students: School ID or Certificate of Enrollment; letter of explanation if tax/employment documents cannot be provided (other than retirees, full-time housewives, unemployed) — if you pay part/all of the trip
- Guarantee Letter (Embassy form), proof of relationship with guarantor, and the guarantor’s bank certificate, tax payment certificate (copy) and employment certificate — if a guarantor in the Philippines pays part/all of the trip
Processing Time and When to Apply
At least 1 week (5 working days) from the Embassy’s acceptance of a Visa Center application. The Embassy warns that tourist visas may currently take several weeks due to high volume; early release for a departure date is not accommodated.
Single-entry tourist visa is valid for travel within 3 months of issue — do not apply earlier than 3 months before travel.
Visa Fee After July 1, 2026
Visa fees rose from about ¥3,000 (single) / ¥6,000 (double/multiple) to about ¥15,000 (single) / ¥30,000 (multiple) for applications accepted from 1 July 2026. Filipinos are not affected for tourist visas: the Embassy states that the temporary visitor visa (up to 90 days) is free for Philippine nationals and stays free after the revision. The Visa Center charges its own handling fee, which the Embassy does not publish, so ask VFS for the current amount.
Can Filipinos Get a Japan eVISA?
Only in one case. eVISA is only for Filipino residents on a packaged tour arranged by a registered travel agency (issuance started 15 December 2025), applied through the Visa Center; period of stay 15 days. Independent tourists get a visa sticker.
Multiple-Entry Visas for Filipinos
Frequent travelers can apply for a multiple-entry visa instead. The Embassy lists two types:
- Multiple-Entry Visa for Temporary Visitor (frequent traveller): up to 30 days per visit. Eligible if one of these applies: Travelled to Japan as a temporary visitor in the last 3 years and has financial capacity; Travelled to Japan and to G7 countries (several times) as a temporary visitor in the last 3 years; Applicant with sufficient financial capacity; Spouse/child of an applicant with sufficient financial capacity
- Multiple-Entry Temporary Visitor Visa (Philippine nationals with considerable financial capacity): up to 90 days per visit. Eligible: Applicant with considerably high income; Spouse or child of such applicant
If Your Application Is Refused
Rules that are easy to miss, from the Embassy's visa page:
- If refused, you may re-apply for the same purpose only after 6 months; reasons for refusal are not disclosed.
- Applicants have 3 months to submit additional requirements, otherwise the application is terminated.
- Groups travelling together for the same purpose should, as a rule, apply together.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Japan tourist visa for Filipinos?
The visa is gratis (free) for Philippine nationals, and stays free after the July 1, 2026 fee revision. The VFS Japan Visa Center charges a separate handling fee.
How long does a Japan visa take in the Philippines?
At least 5 working days after the Embassy accepts the application from the Visa Center. The Embassy warns that tourist visas may currently take several weeks, and it will not speed up an application for a departure date.
Can I apply for a Japan visa directly at the Embassy in Manila?
Not as a tourist. Tourists apply through a VFS Japan Visa Center; direct application is only for special categories such as diplomatic or humanitarian cases.
Can Filipinos apply for a Japan eVISA?
Only Filipino residents on a packaged tour arranged by a registered travel agency. Independent travelers get a visa sticker in their passport.
Sources
- MOFA — JAPAN eVISAEligibility by country of residence (page dated May 15, 2026)
- MOFA — JAPAN eVISA FAQHow the visa notice is shown; single entry, tourism only
- MOFA — Visa fees from July 1, 2026About ¥15,000 single / ¥30,000 multiple
- MOFA — Visa overviewShort-term stay rules; visas issued only abroad
- Embassy of Japan in the Philippines — Visa informationVFS Japan Visa Centers, processing time, fee (gratis for Filipinos)
- Embassy of Japan in the Philippines — Tourist visa requirements (PDF)Document checklist
- Embassy of Japan in the Philippines — Multiple-Entry Visa for Temporary Visitor (frequent traveller) (PDF)Eligibility and stay per visit
- Embassy of Japan in the Philippines — Multiple-Entry Temporary Visitor Visa (Philippine nationals with considerable financial capacity) (PDF)Eligibility and stay per visit
Sources checked: September 24, 2026
Researched and fact-checked by the TravelSafe Japan team against the sources above. AI tools helped with drafting; every rule, number and date was checked by an editor. General information, not legal or medical advice. Spotted an error? Tell us · How we verify