How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines (JVAC Rules)

If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, Osaka, or Hokkaido, navigating the visa application process is your very first step.

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines has centralized visa submissions through the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) operated by VFS Global. Whether you are applying on your own (DIY) or through an agency, all submissions must go through the JVAC system.

Here is everything you need to know about the requirements, fees, and scheduling a JVAC appointment in 2026.

1. What are the Japan Tourist Visa Requirements?

Before booking your JVAC appointment, ensure your physical documents are complete. The embassy is incredibly strict—even minor missing information can lead to your application being refused at the counter.

The Core Document Checklist:

• Philippine Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages. Crucial: You must sign the passport bio page.
• Visa Application Form: Must be printed on A4-size paper and typed out (handwritten forms are generally not accepted). Write "N/A" on all blank fields.
• ID Photo: One passport-sized colored photo ($4.5\text{ cm} \times 3.5\text{ cm}$) with a white background, taken within 6 months.
• Daily Schedule/Itinerary in Japan: A day-by-day plan of your activities, including flight info and accommodation details. (Booking hotels/flights is not required before approval).
• PSA Birth & Marriage Certificate: Must be issued within 1 year by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). (This is waived if you have a previously used/expired physical Japan visa in your passport).

Financial Documents (For Self-Funded Travelers):

• Bank Certificate: Original copy issued within 3 months. Crucial JVAC Rule: It must show your Average Daily Balance (ADB) for the last 6 months. If your bank cannot show the 6-month ADB on the certificate, you must submit 6 months' worth of bank statements.
• Income Tax Return (ITR): A photocopy of your BIR Form 2316 (must be signed by both you and your employer).
• Certificate of Employment (COE): Detailing your position, date hired, salary, and HR contact details.

2. How to Book a JVAC Appointment

Under the current JVAC rules, individual walk-ins are no longer accepted. You must schedule an online appointment before visiting a center.

Step 1: Gather your complete physical documents on A4-size paper.
Step 2: Visit the official VFS Global JVAC Portal.
Step 3: Register an account, choose your preferred JVAC branch, and secure a slot.
Step 4: Pay the VFS service fee (around ₱520) online or at the center.
Step 5: Print your appointment confirmation email and bring it to your schedule.

There are currently five official JVAC branches across the Philippines:

• Metro Manila: Makati, Parañaque, and Quezon City
• Cebu City
• Davao City

Note: If you prefer using a travel agency, you can still do so, but the agency will book and submit your documents on your behalf through the JVAC platform.

3. What Transit Card Do You Need in Japan?

Once your visa is approved, getting around Japan is incredibly smooth as long as you have an IC Card (contactless transit card):

• Welcome Suica / Pasmo Passport: Designed specifically for tourists visiting Tokyo and the Kanto region.
• ICOCA: The go-to transit card for Osaka, Kyoto, and the Kansai region.
• Note: Because these cards are interchangeable, a Suica bought in Tokyo will work on the Osaka subways and vice versa!