Japamazing! It started with a ... VISA (Japanese VISA Application)

It all started with a ... dream. A dream which is followed by self-commitment. Yes! I finally booked that flight to Japan! What separated that dream from reality? Of course, "VISA".

Research indeed helped me in processing my VISA application.

A filipino citizen cannot enter Japan without a valid VISA. A budget traveler who has no sponsor nor relatives in Japan, can apply for a 15-day single entry VISA.

The requirements (Mandatory) are:

Philippine Passport - must be valid (valid at least 6 months prior expiration)

Application Form - Can be accessed from this site: 

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/consular_j/new%20visa/visa%20application%20form%202012.pdf

Photo - 4.5cm x 4.5cm with white background. This must be PASTED (not stapled) on the application form.

Birth Certificate - must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year

Marriage Contract (if the applicant is married) - must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year

Daily Schedule/Itinerary - Exactly on this format (proforma file can be downloaded from http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp):

I used the below Schedule (though I did not follow it)

Bank Certificate - BDO charges 100 pesos per copy of Bank Certificate. The important information to be included are: Opening date of the account, balance of the account as of the date of Bank certificate request (no need for the daily average balance).

Income Tax Return (Form 2316) original and photocopy

Additionally (optional), Certificate of Employment and Certificate of Leave of Absence can be submitted together with the mandatory documents.

Validity of Documents is three (3) month from the date of issue.

Reference: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/tourism.htm

Japan Visa can only be applied through accredited agencies. I applied mine through Friendship Tours for only 1,200 pesos. Their office is located at 3F Dusit Thani Manila Ayala Center Makati city Philippines. They are open from Mondays to Saturdays. Other information are available from their site: http://www.visa.friendshipmanila.com/

My Profile:

Provided all the mandatory documents and the optional ones like COE and Certificate of Leave of Absence.

Bank Certificate Balance: 75,000 pesos, account opened 2011

ITR - Annual Income not less than 500K

COE - Employer is an investment bank, employed since Sept 2012.

Got my VISA after two days!