2020 • 2 • 3

This visa guide is for Multiple Entry Japan Visa applications. This contains Japan visa requirements and the multiple entry form. If you’re interested in only a single-entry visa, read these instead: Japan Single-entry TOURIST Visa, if you’re applying as a tourist, or Japan Single-entry VISIT Visa, if you’re visiting friends or relatives.

Note that this visa guide is only for TOURISTS applying in the Philippines. If you’re traveling to Japan for BUSINESS or for cultural matters, I’m afraid I can’t be of help as our knowledge is limited to personal experiences of our team. Rules may be different in other cities and for other nationalities.

Over the past few years, the Japanese Embassy has been lenient when it comes to letting Filipino tourists. Getting a Japan visa is no longer as difficult as before. Processes have been streamlined, rules relaxed, and requirements reduced in an effort to boost tourism.

In fact, they have been handing returning tourists MULTIPLE-ENTRY visas even when they’re not asking for it. That’s what happened to me.

So does that mean that you should expect a multiple-entry visa if it’s not your first time? NOPE, not necessarily.

My first visa was single entry. My second, multiple-entry, and I didn’t even request for it. My third Japan visa was singe-entry again. My fourth, multiple-entry. It’s erratic like that. Clearly, they base it on many factors, which is why, if you’re gunning for a multiple-entry visa and you can’t leave anything to chance, you have to do the application right.

We have been handling the visa applications of our teammates and we have done applying for a multiple-entry visa many times. So allow me to share how we do it.

Update (Feb 2018). According to the staff at Reli Tours, they noticed since the year started, the embassy had been giving multiple entry visas ONLY to those who explicitly applied for it (meaning, those who filled out the form below). It was just their observation, nothing confirmed or official, but just sharing with you what they said.

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA?

Below is a form provided by the Japanese Embassy, enumerating the types of multiple-entry visas and corresponding eligibility requirements. If you meet any of the following criteria, you may request for one.

Japan Multiple Entry Visa Request Form 2019

Most people will fall under the first category, so let me highlight that for you:

Multiple visa for tourist Eligibility Categories:

For the purpose of this article, let’s label A to D. The reason: I’ll be referring to these categories again when I discuss the requirements so it is important to know where you fall under.

• Category A. If you have travelled to Japan as temporary visitor within the last three years AND have sufficient financial capability to support their trip.
• Category B. If you have travelled to Japan as temporary visitor within the last three years AND have travelled as temporary visitor to G7 countries (excluding Japan) several times within the last three years. The other G7 countries are: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (USA).
• Category C. If you have high financial capacity (but has not been to Japan in the past 3 years). The keywords here are HIGH FINANCIAL CAPACITY.
• Category D. If you are an immediate family member (Spouse/Child) of a person who has high financial capacity.

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JAPAN MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS

Here’s a checklist for those visiting as TOURIST, (which means you won’t be visiting a friend or a relative, and you’re staying at a hotel).

Note that this section contains just the basic requirements. There are additional documents needed depending on your eligibility category, listed in the following section.

1. Multiple Entry Visa Request Form

You can download it here.

You can also get the form from the agency.

At the bottom of the form, you’ll find a box where you will be asked to explain why you need a multiple-entry visa. If you feel like it’s not enough space for your explanation, you can use an extra sheet. Better yet, just provide an explanation letter.

2. Philippine passport

Must have at least 6 months validity from your target travel date.

Must have 2 blank pages or more.

Must have a signature. For newer passports, you can find the signature field on Page 3, the page next to the Bio Page. If it’s blank, you can sign it. For older e-passports, your digital signature is already on the bio page. No need to sign.

3. Accomplished visa application form.

The form must be completely filled out. Just put N/A if some fields are not applicable to you.

You may download it from here.

Use A4 paper when you print it out.

4. ID photo.

4.5cm x 4.5 cm.

White background.

Write your name at the back.

Paste it on the designated area on the application form.

5. Daily itinerary

• Also known as daily schedule.
• Download the format here.
• Must be printed on an A4-size paper.

Update: Covid-19 Form

On 3 February 2020, the Japanese Embassy in Manila announced that visa applicants must answer and submit an additional questionnaire in accordance to the Japanese government’s decision to impose restrictions on travelers who have recently visited areas that are affected by Covid-19.

All applicants must accomplish and submit this form, in addition to the other requirements.

✅ DOWNLOAD THE ADDITIONAL FORM HERE!

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Aside from the basic requirements listed above, you must also provide additional documents depending on the category you fall under.

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

CATEGORY A: If you have traveled to Japan as temporary visitor within the past 3 years AND have sufficient financial capacity

• Proof of travel to Japan in the last 3 years. The used visas and landing permission stamps on your passport are accepted. If your qualified visas/stamps are on an old passport, submit the old passport too.
• Income tax return (ITR) Form 2316 . If you don’t have a current ITR because you’re new at your job or you’re working abroad or whatever, you can provide copies of invoice or payslip or other tax forms along with a letter explaining why you can’t provide this.
• Bank certificate. Or any other proof of financial capacity such as dividend certificate of stock. Must be issued within the past 3 months. There’s no telling how big a fund is “enough” to get approved, but (in case you’re wondering) my account had only a bit north of P100,000. I planned on staying for a week. I also have a friend who applied for a 5-day stay with only P50,000 in the bank. Hers got approved, too.

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CATEGORY B: If you have traveled to Japan as temporary visitor AND other G7 countries several times within the past 3 years

The keywords here are G7 COUNTRIES SEVERAL TIMES.

• Proof of travel to Japan in the last 3 years as temporary visitor. The used visas and landing permission stamps on your passport are accepted. If your qualified visas/stamps are on an old passport, submit the old passport too.
• Proof of travel to other G7 countries in the last 3 years as temporary visitor. Same as above, visas and stamps are accepted. Just submit the passports where they are affixed.

Note: Previously, for this category, no need for financial documents like ITR or bank certificate. However, we’ve been getting reports from readers that they were still required to submit financial docs even if they fall under this category. The Japanese website still does not list them as requirements though. It is possible that some agencies require financial docs while some don’t. What we recommend is to call the agency where you will lodge your application beforehand to confirm.

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CATEGORY C: If you have high financial capacity

This is for those who have high financial capacity BUT HAVE NOT BEEN TO JAPAN WITHIN THE PAST 3 YEARS.

We receive a lot of messages from people who have never been to Japan and have low financial capacity but are adamant in applying for a multiple entry visa. While that is possible, it can be risky. If it’s your first time to travel to Japan, the safer way is to apply for a single-entry first. This will give you better chances of approval.

If you have high financial capacity (kaching, kaching!) and you haven’t visited Japan as a temporary visitor in the past 3 years, here are the requirements:

• Birth certificate from PSA. Must be issued within the past one year. If late registration, you will also have to submit a baptismal certificate, high school or elementary school record (Form 137), and school yearbook (only if you have it).
• Marriage certificate from PSA. Only if you’re married. Must be issued within one year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center nationwide.
• Income tax return (ITR) Form 2316 . If you don’t have a current ITR because you’re new at your job or you’re working abroad or whatever, you can provide copies of invoice or payslip or other tax forms along with a letter explaining why you can’t provide this.
• Bank certificate. Or any other proof of financial capacity such as dividend certificate of stock. Must be issued within the past 3 months.

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CATEGORY D: Spouse or Child of someone with high financial capacity

• Birth certificate from PSA. Must be issued within the past one year. If late registration, you will also have to submit a baptismal certificate, high school or elementary school record (Form 137), and school yearbook (only if you have it).
• Marriage certificate from PSA. Only if you’re married. Must be issued within one year from PSA Main Office or Serbilis Outlet Center nationwide.
• Income tax return (ITR) Form 2316 of Guarantor. The guarantor is the spouse or parent with abundant financial resources.
• Bank certificate of Guarantor. Any other proof of financial capacity such as dividend certificate of stock is also accepted. Must be issued within the past 3 months.

If you’re applying to visit family or friends, you can find the list of requirements here: Japan Visa Requirements.

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HOW TO APPLY FOR A MULTIPLE ENTRY JAPAN VISA

1. Determine if you are eligible.

You’ll find all the eligibility categories above. In some cases, an applicant can fall under 2 or more categories. In that case, I recommend that you take a look at the requirements and figure out which category has the most needed documents that you can provide.

2. Complete the requirements.

Once you have figured out or decided your category, gather all the required documents as enumerated in the previous sections.

Make sure that all printed out documents are on an A4-size paper.

3. Submit via an Accredited Travel Agency.

Currently, there are only a handful of accredited travel agencies. They all charge different rates for the processing of the visa, but it’s somewhere between P800 and P2000. Some are stricter than others, too.

You can find the list of agencies and their office addresses here: Japan Visa Agencies

4. Wait for your visa.

Travel agencies say it usually takes 5-7 working days, but it is often shorter than that. I got my first and second muliple-entry visas after only 2 days. One of our readers said she got hers after 3 weeks. I guess you can never really tell.

Just to manage expectations: Just because you applied for a multiple-entry visa doesn’t mean you will be given exactly that. There’s still a chance that you will be granted a single-entry visa or your application will be denied. It is still at the sole discretion of the Embassy.

That’s about it! Good luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’m traveling to Japan for the first time. Can I apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

Only if you have high financial capacity or you’re an immediate family member of someone with a high financial capacity.

But in general, it’s much much safer to apply for a single-entry visa if you’re a first-time applicant.

To apply for a single-entry visa, read: SINGLE-ENTRY JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS.

How much show money should I have in my bank account to be considered for “high financial capacity”?

They don’t say how much exactly. I don’t know. The agents I asked don’t know either. But it’s generally accepted that if you have a 7-digit amount in your account (over 1 million pesos), you’re eligible.

I’m visiting a friend or relative. Can I apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

I don’t know for sure. In general, it’s safer to aim for a multiple-entry visa if you’re applying as a TOURIST, not a VISITOR. According to some our readers, VISIT VISA applicants are less likely to be granted a multiple-entry visa.

How early should I apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

3 months before your target travel date is the earliest, in my opinion. Remember, whether or not you’ll be granted a multiple-entry visa is upon the discretion of the embassy. It is still possible that you be granted a single-entry vis even if you apply for multiple. The single-entry visa has a validity of 3 months, so if luck is not on your side and you’re granted a single-entry visa, you can still use it to enter Japan.

I prefer applying 1 month before the trip.

Do I need a travel agency to apply?

Yes. Unless it’s a special case, all visa applications must be coursed through any of their accredited travel agencies.

Here’s the complete list of officially accredited travel agencies: Japan Visa Travel Agencies.

Do I need to book flights and hotel before applying?

No. It’s not a requirement. However, on the application form, you will have to write down the specific AIRLINE and HOTEL ADDRESS you wish to book (or have booked).

Some travel agencies accept flight itinerary if the applicant is already booked for better chances. Some don’t. In general, it is not a requirement. If you haven’t booked flights yet, don’t. Get a visa first.

How long is the validity of multiple-entry Japan visa?

Multiple-entry visas will allow you to stay for 15 or 30 days per trip, depending on what is given to you.

But the visa can be used multiple times for 5 years.

How long does it take to process Japan visa application?

Up to 7 days, generally. But it varies. My first time, 5 working days. Second time, 2 days. Then on my third and fourth times, 7 days and 2 days respectively.

I know people who have waited weeks for theirs. Pretty hard to tell.

Is personal appearance required for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

NO. You can ask someone else to do submit the documents for you IF THE REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETE.

For good measure, write an authorization letter.

Should the application form be typewritten/computerized or handwritten?

Either is okay. I’ve tried applying with both. No problem.

If the question doesn’t apply to me, should I write N/A or just leave it blank?

Put N/A.

It confuses applicants because Japan and Korea have different policies, and most designated agencies process both Japan and Korean visas.

But here’s the generally accepted practice: For Japan Visa form, write N/A. For Korean Visa form, leave it blank.

What are the common reasons why multiple-entry Japan visa applications are denied?

I can only speculate, but based on the messages we receive from our followers, the usual reasons are the following:

• You’re not eligible for multiple-entry. You’re probably traveling to Japan for the first time and have insufficient funds but you’re applying for multiple-entry. You should apply for a single-entry visa first.
• You can’t prove that you can financially support yourself on this trip. You probably have insufficient funds or not in a good financial standing.
• You can’t prove that you intend to return (rootedness). You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, unemployed, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you intend to work there.
• Your intention/purpose in Japan is unclear. This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit. There may also be some inconsistencies in your application.

How many times can I visit Japan using a multiple-entry visa?

I don’t know if there is a limit regarding frequency of use. However, according to most forum sites, you shouldn’t spend more than 180 days in Japan. That’s total, cumulative number of days. This is just based on online forums. I don’t have official confirmation.

That’s the cumulative number of days. Not to be confused with the length of stay you are allowed PER TRIP, which is usually 15 or 30 days per trip, depending on what you are granted. Check your visa, the length of stay allowed is indicated.

I have just returned from Japan. How soon can I travel to Japan again?

Not sure if there is a limit. But I can tell you these:

In 2016: I exited Narita at 7:45pm to accompany my mom because she didn’t want to travel alone. Then, the next morning, I flew back and entered Narita again. That’s less than 24 hours apart, but I didn’t have any problem at the Immigration at all.

In 2018: I exited Nagoya on December 7 and flew to Sapporo for another trip on December 10. I didn’t run into any trouble either.

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Updates Log

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 2️⃣ • 3️⃣ – Added the new questionnaire (related to Hubei Province) to the list of requirements
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 2️⃣6️⃣ – first up

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