Japan Embassy released new guidelines for acquiring a Japan Visa last June of 2024. As a Japanese culture enthusiast, I want to visit Japan as frequently as possible. I want to see all the cinematic places, enjoy the scenery, indulge in Japanese culture, and enjoy food tripping
The last time I went to Japan was in October of 2023. It was such a fantastic experience yet again for me. We stayed for a week, moving around Tokyo and Kyoto. Since RA and I are planning to go back this December, I applied this time for a MULTIPLE ENTRY Japan Visa.
This is the walk-through:
1. Prepare all the necessary documents and requirements.
- Application form
- Passport
- Passport ID (validity is within six months) – 45 x 35 mm in size
- PSA Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate (if married) issued within one year — if it is your first time applying for a Japan Visa
- Bank Certificate with ADB (Average Daily Balance) in the last six months or Bank Statement of the previous six months
- Itinerary for your planned trip
- Income Tax Return (ITR) — BIR form 2316 for employed individuals or BIR1701A for self-employed individuals/business owners
- Certificate of Employment for employed individuals
- Multiple Entry request form — if you’re aiming for a multiple entry visa
If you have a guarantor or sponsor for your visit, you will also need the following:
- Guarantee letter
- Proof of relation between the applicant and guarantor, e.g., birth certificate or photos
- Bank Certificate of the guarantor
- Photocopy of Tax Payment Certificate of the guarantor
- Employment Certificate of the guarantor
For assurance, visit the Japan Embassy website (https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000035.html) or inquire through your accredited travel agency.
2. Apply through a travel agency.
It would be best to have a travel agency to process your visa application. In my case, I chose Universal Holidays, Inc. Luckily, they had an ongoing promo of PHP 500 for the multiple entry visa application processing fees. Applying through UHI was indeed a hassle-free experience since everything was done online. They have this particular app called Visa Center, which you can download through the App Store or Play Store. This app is the UHI platform where you can track and access all the visa transactions. You will need to upload all the necessary documents through the app. After that, the agent will assess if the uploaded documents are complete and ready for submission. The agent will also notify you personally (so keep your lines open) to verify the visa application and to discuss if there are changes that need to be done. Then, once they approve all the documents, they will send you an SMS and email regarding the delivery instructions. Now, you can submit the requirements at their Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati office. If you are in Metro Manila, you can book a Grab or Lalamove to bring your documents or do it through LBC if you live outside Metro Manila. You can also claim the said documents personally through their office. The submission should be within their 8 am to 3 pm schedule daily during weekdays except holidays.
UNIVERSAL HOLIDAYS, INC.
Outer ground floor, Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines 1223
+63 (02) 8859 3829
Email: inquire@universalholidays.com
Website: https://www.universalholidays.com/
3. The Waiting Game
Your travel agency will be updating you on the progress of your application. As for UHI, you can track on the app to see if your documents have already been filed in the embassy. The usual processing time is around 1-2 weeks; this largely depends on the embassy’s workload or the number of applicants. As for my timeline:
18 July – Submitted the requirements through Grab
19 July – I received an SMS that the documents were already forwarded in the embassy
23 July – I received an SMS that my passport is ready for pick up
24 July – Applied for LBC delivery via email
25 July – I received my passport via LBC delivery. I was approved for a MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA with a 10-year validity.
Thoughts
Applying for a visa can be daunting sometimes, especially your first time. However, with the help of a travel agency, everything can be manageable. The most challenging part of the application process is accomplishing all the requirements without a mistake because a single oversight or misstep can be grounds for a visa denial. Make sure you double-check all the requirements as advised.
As for me, applying through UHI was very easy and convenient. Every step of the process was smooth and hassle-free. The most helpful thing was their app, which is easy to navigate and user-friendly.
Just a disclaimer: the contents of this post are based on my experience when I applied in July of 2024. If you have questions, browse the Japan Embassy’s website (https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000035.html) or inquire through accredited travel agencies for assurance.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll get your multiple-entry visa, too! Ganbatte ne!