Living in the Philippines and planning a trip to Japan? No need to fly home — Yixing helps you prepare and submit your Japan short-stay tourist visa right here in Manila.
Where to apply (2025 update)
Since 7 April 2025, individual tourist applications can no longer be lodged directly at the embassy and must go through the official Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC, run by VFS Global) — branches in Parañaque, Makati, Quezon City, Cebu and Davao.
- Official: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines — Visa
- Appointment: VFS Global Japan visa booking
- Form: Japan visa application form (MOFA official PDF)
- Checklist: Embassy tourist document list (PDF)
Documents
General: passport (signed, 6+ months validity, ≥2 blank pages); application form + 4.5×3.5cm white-background photo; PSA birth certificate (plus marriage certificate if married, issued within 1 year); day-by-day itinerary (flights, nightly accommodation name/address/phone, activities); flight and hotel bookings.
Employed: BIR Form 2316; Certificate of Employment (position, salary, tenure); bank certificate showing the last 6 months' balance.
Self-employed: DTI business name registration + Mayor's Permit (or SEC for a company); latest ITR (BIR 1701); bank certificate.
If sponsored: a Guarantee Letter from the Philippine sponsor or Japanese inviter, plus that party's income / tax / employment proof.
Processing
Typically 10–15 working days (excluding submission day).
🇨🇳 Note for Chinese passport holders residing in PH
Chinese nationals living in the Philippines must apply at the Japanese Embassy in Manila (via VFS) — official rules state you cannot apply from within Japan. Extra documents required: ACR I-Card / valid Philippine residence visa (proof of legal residence, mandatory) and confirmed flight/ferry booking. Well-resourced applicants may apply case-by-case for 3- or 5-year multiple-entry visas. Philippine passport holders need no residence proof.
* Visa policies, fees, centres and document lists change from time to time — always follow the embassy / official visa centre notice in force. Yixing provides document coaching and submission support; the consulate decides the outcome and Yixing does not guarantee approval.
