Your Dream Japan Trip Is Now Just a Few Clicks Away — Here’s How You Can Get an E-Visa

Name one country that Filipinos keep coming back to. I’ll go first: Japan.

Whether it’s family, friends, coworkers, or just that one mutual on your Instagram feed, you probably know someone who’s either currently in Japan—posing at the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo or the Universal Studios in Osaka—or planning their next trip there some time soon. It feels as if it’s on the bucket list of every Filipino traveler. The only downside? Japan, in true economic powerhouse fashion, requires a visa. 

Well, guess what? Fulfilling your dream getaway to the Land of the Rising Sun may only be a few clicks away. Filipinos can now apply for an electronic visa or e-visa online.

But, as in any visa-requiring country, there’s a catch.

Who’s qualified for a Japan E-visa?

While Filipinos can now avail of Japan’s e-visa, they will only be eligible if their vacation is part of a packaged tour arranged by one of the Japanese Embassy’s authorized travel agencies.

At the moment, the e-visa is limited to single-entry, short-term tourist stays — meaning, Philippine passport holders can only use it for up to 15 days and for the sake of tourism alone. So, if you’re planning to fly out for education, business, or other purposes, you will have to take the traditional route and apply for a physical visa.

How to get a Japanese E-visa

The only thing Filipino travelers need to do is submit their e-visa application forms and the required documents, which can be done at any time of day.

This removes a massive weight off applicants’ shoulders since they are no longer required to submit bank statements or any other supporting documents to prove they have enough funds to support their trips. Though, in some cases, a physical appearance may still be requested. Otherwise, you are saved from the tedious process of booking an appointment and queuing at a visa application center just to secure a permit.

And the even better news? Waiting for the results may be shorter than usual, as decisions typically come out within five business days, depending on the volume of applications. Then you’ll only have to pay the visa fee, which stands at JPY 3,000 (or around P1,130), and you’re good to go.

All that’s left is to pack your bags—with your passport, approved e-visa, and accredited tour package in hand—and finally tick Japan off your travel bucket list.