Planning frequent trips to Japan? A multiple-entry visa is your ticket to seamless visits. This guide covers everything you need to know about the application process, eligibility criteria, essential documents, and new requirements for high-income individuals.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa, Filipino applicants must meet the following basic criteria:
- Filipino Nationality: You must have a Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or an ordinary IC passport that meets ICAO standards. Passports issued from 2007 onwards typically meet these standards.
- Temporary Visitor Intentions: Your stay in Japan must be less than 90 days for purposes like sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, or non-remunerative business activities.
- Short-Term Stay: The visa is for short-term stays only, without engagement in work or profit-making activities.
Additionally, you need to satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- Recent Travel to Japan: Have you visited Japan in the last three years without violating any laws or facing immigration issues? If yes, and you have sufficient financial capability, you qualify.
- Travel History to G7 Countries: If you've traveled to Japan and other G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, UK, US) in the last three years, you're eligible.
- High Financial Capability: Demonstrating substantial financial capability can also make you eligible.
- Relation to a High Financial Capability Holder: If you're a spouse or child of someone with high financial capability, you qualify.
Required Documents
Depending on your eligibility scenario, the documents vary. Here’s a breakdown:
Basic Documents for All Applicants:
- Completed Visa Application Form: Download and fill out the form.
- Recent Passport Photo: Must be clear, unpixelated, and have your name and birth date written on the back.
- Daily Schedule in Japan (Taizai Yoteihyo): Provide a simple itinerary with addresses and contact details of your accommodations.
- Request Form for Multiple-Entry Visa: Specify the reasons for needing a multiple-entry visa.
Scenario 1: Recent Travel to Japan:
- Proof of travel to Japan in the last three years (used visas and entry stamps).
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) or a letter explaining its absence.
- Bank certificate issued within three months of application.
- Certificate of Employment (if possible).
Scenario 2: Travel to Japan and G7 Countries:
- Proof of travel to Japan and G7 countries in the last three years.
- Financial documents might not be required but check with your travel agency.
Scenario 3: High Financial Capability:
- Birth certificate from PSA.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Latest ITR or other proof of income.
- Bank certificate or other financial documents.
Scenario 4: Relation to a High Financial Capability Holder:
- Proof of your guarantor’s financial capability (e.g., bank certificate).
- Guarantee letter
- Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor
- Bank certificate and income tax return of the guarantor
- Birth certificate from PSA.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
Additional Details
- Valid Philippine passport in good condition, must be signed and have at least two blank visa pages
- Visa application form which can be downloaded here
- One's itinerary in Japan, which includes port of entry, intended place to stay, and the contact number of the accommodation
- A passport photo 2 x 1.4 inches with a white background taken within six months.
- Birth Certificate: It must be issued within one year by the PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center nationwide. If your birth certificate indicates "Late Registration," you will need to provide additional documents such as a baptismal certificate and school records (Form 137).
- Marriage Certificate: If you are married, you need to submit a marriage certificate issued within one year by the PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center nationwide. If there is no record in the PSA, you can submit a “Certificate of Non-Record” from the PSA along with a marriage certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.
- Late Registration: If the marriage certificate indicates late registration, additional documents may be required, similar to the birth certificate scenario.
- Certificate of Non-Record: In cases where the PSA does not have a record of the marriage, a "Certificate of Non-Record" along with a local civil registrar-issued certificate will suffice.
New Requirements for High-Income Individuals
Japan has introduced additional requirements for multiple-entry visas targeting individuals with considerably high incomes. This move aims to streamline the application process for wealthy applicants and encourage more visits from this demographic. Here’s what you need to know:
Enhanced Financial Proof
For high-income individuals, the financial documentation required is more stringent to ensure applicants meet the high financial capability criteria. This includes:
- Detailed Bank Statements: Recent bank statements showcasing significant balance over an extended period.
- Investment Portfolios: Proof of substantial investments in stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments.
- Property Ownership Documents: Evidence of owning valuable real estate properties.
- Business Ownership Proof: For business owners, documents proving the ownership and profitability of their business.
Additional Documents
- Enhanced Financial Stability Proof: High-income individuals must provide additional financial documents such as:
- Bank statements covering a longer period.
- Detailed investment portfolios.
- Documents proving property ownership.
- Proof of business ownership and profitability.
- Detailed Travel Itinerary: A more detailed travel itinerary, including accommodation and contact details, to assure the embassy of the applicant’s travel plans and intentions.
- Supporting Letters: Letters from employers, business partners, or financial institutions verifying the applicant’s financial status and purpose of travel.
Application Process
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required documents based on your scenario.
- Submit to Accredited Agencies: Applications must be submitted through accredited travel agencies. The Embassy of Japan does not accept direct applications. Choose an accredited travel agency from this list provided by the Japanese Embassy.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Fees vary by agency, so check beforehand. Depending on the travel agency, costs around P950 to P1,200 for a single-entry visa.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary. It usually takes around 5 to 14 working days but can be longer during peak seasons.
- Collect Your Visa: Once approved, collect your passport with the visa from the agency.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Accuracy and Completeness: Ensure all forms are accurately filled out and all required documents are included.
- Financial Stability: Demonstrating stable and sufficient financial capacity can significantly enhance your chances.
- Travel History: A positive travel history, especially to Japan and G7 countries, supports your application.
- Seek Guidance: Contact your travel agency for any specific requirements they might have, as they can vary slightly.
Applying for a Japan multiple-entry visa involves thorough preparation and understanding of the requirements. By meeting the criteria and providing the necessary documentation, you can enhance your chances of obtaining the visa, making your frequent trips to Japan hassle-free and enjoyable.