How I got my 2nd Japan tourist visa - part 1

For some people who were asking me at one time or another about how I got the visa, I don't recall all the details the first time I applied for one, so I will be able to share the experience for this most recent application I did.

NOTE: this is for FIlipinos - I do not know nor have I researched the application requirements of other nationalities..

For the first one though, I left nothing to chance, I remember asking an invitation letter from the husband of one of my dear friends - as he worked and lived in Nagasaki. If you do it this way, they may be asked to provide additional papers and information should they be your "guarantor" for shouldering your expenses or for your staying with them in your visit.

Unless otherwise stated, the documents below are original ones.
Only the passport will be returned to you after processing.

For the Japan visa apps I had filed so far, there was no personal appearance required. I guess having a complete set of documents help to avoid that hassle.

For 2010, here is what I submitted -

Philippine passport *

Please make sure its still valid for travel and not going to be expiring anytime within the year.

I would say it ought to be good for at least 6 more months unless you plan to stay in Japan for more than 6 months. Th passport should have at least 2 blank pages.

Filled-up Visa Application form *

This is available at the Japanese embassy website or at the entrance of their embassy.
I included the link in this post:
http://cuh888.multiply.com/links/item/79/Embassy_of_Japan_in_the_Philippines

I suggest you type instead of writing your answers on the printed pdf.. I think its neater and less of a hassle for the embassy folks especially if your penmanship is bad *grin*

Prepare two (2) most recent photos *

Measurements: 4.5cm x 4.5cm, with white background. One must be pasted on the application form.

Photos must be pasted to the designated portions of the visa application forms. Photos that have been stapled to the application forms WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Photos must be the proper size. Submitted photos of a size not confirming to the size requirements listed in the Embassy of Japan's visa application guidelines WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

From their guidelines:
The applicant is to appear alone and he or she must be facing forward.
The photos must be taken no more than 6 months prior to submission.
The photos must not be bordered and must conform to the size specifications.
Photos in which the applicant is wearing headbands, caps, etc., will not be accepted.
Photo's with backgrounds that are not plain and white (free of objects, designs and shading) will not be accepted.

The guidelines for photos document I mentioned also has a drawing of what was standard (so you can compare the actual to the drawing's size and proportions).

Anyway, I think if you just visit your favorite Photo Express shop, you will be able to tell them you want a Japan visa photograph and they can oblige. I had mine done in Kodak. Take out your earrings or jewelry prior to the picture being taken.

Birth Certificate of Applicant *

This must be from NSO Main Office / Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year. In case of non-record, you must submit certificate of non-record together with the one from Local Civil Registrar.

If you have plenty of time, go to your nearest big SM Mall and you will just pay (as of this writing) Php 140 per NSO copy you will be requesting. You can get it within 3 to 5 days but you will have to pick it up from where you paid and filed for it. At least you don't have to go to the NSO.

Another alternative if you do not have time to do the first option is to for you to contact the
NSO Helpline Birth Certificate Delivery (02) 737-1111 birthcertificates.com.ph

Try this link: http://nso.citizenservices.com.ph/

There is a chat feature on the site, and you can ask them about how much it will cost, how long, where you will pay for it etc. This is more expensive than the first alternative of going to SM...so at this point, I've conveniently forgotten how much it was, I only recall that one outlet I could go to pay for the delivery of the NSO certificate was Landmark.

Day to Day Itinerary *

This includes the date of entry and departure, names of people you will be meeting, hotels, addresses, telephone numbers etc.

I think you can download the form (it has examples on the 2nd page) from the Japan embassy site I stated above. Mine was an old blank copy from my first application.

Bank Certificate or Bank Book Copy *

As I would be shouldering all my expenses.
Exemption: If applicant is eligible for multiple-entry.

Income Tax Return (Form 2316) *

As I would be shouldering all my expenses.
Exemption: If applicant is eligible for multiple-entry.

In my case, I also included the following -

Employment Certificate

Photocopy of SSS ID and Certification of Contribution

This is probably not needed anymore, but since I gave it the first time I applied, I also included it now. I only found out when I went to the agency that it wasn't really a must unless it was for commercial purposes in going to Japan.

Round-trip ticket Manila/Japan

This is optional.

I did not give this the first time I applied and I still got the visa. That time,  I just gave them a reservation or locator number. But since this time I had a paid for the airplane ticket which was on sale (and the reason I jumped into buying one) -  I figured, it might as well have some use so that they won't think I will be turning Japayuki....LOL.

* Those with these mark is a must to be presented.

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

+++++
For other folks you may need the following:

Marriage Contract, if the applicant is married.
EXEMPTION of BIRTH CERTIFICATE and MARRIAGE CONTRACT -  If the applicant has his/her passport (old or valid) with a used Japanese Visa


DISCLAIMER: The writer may not update this article in the future.
Those who wish to get the most recent information on the how-tos of this procedure, should confirm the requirements from the Japanese embassy website or the agency they may choose to process for them.