Japan Visa For Philippines Citizens: Where To Apply?

Does a Filipino passport need a visa for Japan? Yes, Filipino citizens are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Japan. Recently, changes have been made to the visa policy due to a rise in Filipino tourists and an increased demand for visas.

This guide will provide you with all the essential details on how to get a Japanese visa for a Filipino and where to get a compliant visa photo.

Table of contents

• Japan visa policy for Philippines citizens
• Where to apply for a Japan visa from the Philippines?
• Japan visa application process for Filipinos: step-by-step
• Documents required for Japan tourist visa application
• Japan visa photo requirements
• Get your Japan visa photo online!
• Japan Visa Photo App
• Japan visa fees for Filipinos

Japan visa policy for Philippines citizens

Every Filipino citizen needs a visa to Japan, regardless of the trip's purpose. Here are the types of visas available:

• Tourist Visa — for visits of up to 90 days, mainly for tourism.
• Multiple-Entry Visa — for those who travel frequently or have substantial financial means.
• Business and Cultural Exchange Visas — for business-related activities or cultural exchanges.

Important: The Japanese embassy in the Philippines has halved its daily visa application intake, leading to long wait times and overwhelmed agencies. It's now recommended that applicants submit their visa requests at least two months before their planned departure, as processing times may now exceed the normal five working days.

By the close of 2025, the Japanese embassy intends to shift to a “visa center system”, where visa processing will be outsourced to specific agencies.

Where to apply for a Japan visa from the Philippines?

Can I apply for a Japan visa in another country? — Yes, Filipino citizens are allowed to apply for a Japan visa in another nation.

How to get a Japanese visa in the Philippines? — Applicants can apply through the following options:

• Embassy of Japan in the Philippines:
  Address: 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300
  Contacts: (02) 8551-5710
  Office Hours: Monday to Friday, except holidays 08:30 -12:30; 13:30 -17:15.
  Website: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines' website

For travelers with a Philippines passport, visa to Japan applications can be processed through the following accredited agencies:

• Reli Tours & Travel:
  Locations: Various branches across Metro Manila and other areas.
  Website: Reli Tours.
• Universal Holidays, Inc.:
  Location: Ground Floor, Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Makati City.
  Contact: Call 02-8859-3800 for inquiries.
• Discovery Tour, Inc.:
  Location: Units 301 and 302, Sagittarius Building, Makati City.
  Contact: Reach them at 02-8812-3328.
• Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation:
  Location: Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City.
  Contact: Dial 02-8810-9622 for assistance.

Japan visa application process for Filipinos: step-by-step

Applying for a Japan visa as a Filipino involves a few key steps:

1. Gather all the necessary paperwork before you begin.
2. Fill out the form accurately in English. You can download the application from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines' website.
3. Submit your application either at the Embassy or through any of the accredited agencies mentioned earlier.
4. Attend an interview, if needed.
5. Wait for approval. The processing time for a Japan tourist visa for Philippine passport holders usually takes around 5 to 7 working days, but due to possible delays, you should apply at least two months before your planned travel date.
6. Once processed, you'll be informed of the decision. If your application is approved, the visa will be attached to your passport. You can pick it up in person or have it mailed to you if you applied through a mailing option.

Documents required for Japan tourist visa application

According to Japanese visa application requirements for Filipinos, you need to provide:

• A filled-out visa application form, downloadable from the Embassy's website.
• Recent passport-sized photos.
• A valid passport with a minimum of six months remaining before expiration.
• A bank certificate or proof of financial capability.
• A detailed travel itinerary in Japan.
• A letter of invitation, if relevant.

Japan visa photo requirements

Following visa requirements from the Philippines to Japan, your visa photo must meet these criteria:

• It should be taken within the last six months.
• The photo size must be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, with your face occupying 80% of the space.
• The digital file must not exceed 2 MB, and acceptable formats include JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, and HEIC. Avoid using scanned photos.
• The background should be plain white.
• Ensure the lighting is balanced, with no shadows on your face or the background.
• No other people or objects should be present in the photo.
• Face the camera with a neutral expression, ensuring your face is completely visible.
• Keep your eyes open, and ensure your hair does not cover your face.
• Glasses are not permitted.
• If wearing a head covering for religious reasons, it must not obscure your face.

Here is a photo example:

Get your Japan visa photo online!

Obtaining a high-quality photo for your Japan visa can be simple with the help of online tools. Visafoto.com offers a quick solution by transforming your photo to meet all necessary Japan visa requirements for Filipinos.

How to Begin? Simply take a photo of yourself in natural light and upload it to our tool below. You won't need to worry about the format, background, or dimensions — we'll handle all of that for you. Since 2013, Visafoto has specialized in processing photos for various official documents, including passports, visas, and driving licenses, across the globe.

First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this one:

You'll get both a digital copy for online submission and a version ready for printing. If you're unhappy with the outcome, we offer a free replacement. Plus, if officials reject the photo, we'll give you a full refund.

Japan Visa Photo App

Another excellent choice for creating a Japan visa photo is the 7ID app by Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app makes capturing photos for IDs, passports, and visas straightforward using your smartphone — whether it's an iPhone or Android.

To get started, upload your photo to the app, select the type of document and country, and let 7ID handle the rest. The app will automatically adjust your photo to meet official standards, ensuring the correct size, format, and alignment of your face and eyes.

You'll receive both a digital file and a print template compatible with standard paper sizes such as 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. For any questions or help, our customer support is available 24/7.

Japan visa fees for Filipinos

In 2025, the Japan visa costs for Filipinos are:

• Tourist Visa: PHP 1250 (about USD 22).
• Business Visa: PHP 1500 (about USD 26).