Whether first time mo or nakailang balik ka na sa Japan, this guide will walk you through the entire Japan visa application process via VFS Global Philippines — yung official partner ng Japan Embassy for visa processing.

Step 1: Mag-Book ng Appointment via VFS Global

All Japan visa applications are by appointment only — no walk-ins allowed. Make sure to book early kasi mabilis maubos ang slots!

👉 Book here: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/jpn/attend-centre

📍 Available Branches:

• VFS Makati (Circuit Mall)
• VFS Cubao (Gateway Tower)
• VFS Parqal Mall (Aseana City)
• VFS Cebu (Keppel Center)
• VFS Davao

🕒 Appointment Hours:

• Submission of Documents: 7:00 AM – 12:00 NN
• Passport Pick-up: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  📅 Monday to Friday lang, except holidays

Step 2: Prepare Your Requirements

Here are the basic requirements for a Tourist Visa (Single Entry):

✅ Valid Passport (at least 6 months pa before expiry, may signature)
✅ Visa Application Form (Download here)
✅ Passport-size photo (45mm x 35mm, white background)
✅ Printed appointment schedule
✅ Daily itinerary
✅ Bank Certificate
✅ Income Tax Return (ITR) or explanation letter kung wala
✅ Certificate of Employment or Business Registration
✅ Supporting documents kung meron (e.g. previous travel, cover letter, digital bank records)

📎 Official checklists:

• Tourism Visa – Single Entry (SE)
• Tourism Visa – Multiple Entry (ME)

Step 3: What to bring sa Appointment Day

👜 Allowed Inside:

• Printed documents
• Valid ID
• Wallet or small purse
• Mobile phone (keep it silent)

🚫 Not Allowed Inside (per VFS/One Vasco policy):

• Laptops, powerbanks, chargers
• Food or drinks
• Backpacks or large bags
• Vape, sigarilyo, lighter
• Long umbrellas
• Sharp items or anything na pwede matawag na “weapon”

💼 Locker rental available: ₱75 (pero limited lang ang slots, so travel light!)

Step 4: Submitting Your Documents

Pagdating mo sa VFS:

1. Ipresent mo ang printed appointment confirmation
2. Dadaan ka sa security screening
3. I-screen muna yung documents sa front desk
4. Bibigyan ka ng queue number
5. Submit your docs sa designated counter
6. Piliin kung gusto mong i-pick up or ipa-deliver ang passport

🕐 Processing time varies per branch, pero kung gusto mo mabilis, book the earliest slot possible (7:00–8:00 AM).

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Mandatory Fees:

Service Fee (₱) VFS Service Fee 520.00 Locker Rental 75.00 Courier via LBC 370.00 SMS Notification 150.00

Optional Services:

Add-on Fee (₱) Photocopy 5.00 per page Colored Photocopy 25.00 per page ID Photo (onsite) 300.00 Form Filling Help 300.00 Premium Lounge ₱1,500–₱3,000

💡 Tip: Mas okay mag-track online kaysa umasa sa SMS — minsan hindi talaga dumarating yung text.

Step 6: Track & Claim Your Passport

⏱ Processing Timeline:

• VFS to Embassy: 1–2 business days
• Embassy Processing: 5–10 business days
• Return to VFS / Courier Dispatch: 1–2 days

📦 Options for Passport Release:

• Pickup: Sa branch kung saan ka nag-submit
• Courier Delivery: Usually 1–3 business days

📧 Expect an email once your passport is ready for release.

FAQs & Pro Tips

❓ Wala akong ITR. Pwede ba?

Yes! Just submit a letter of explanation at samahan ng COE or Business Permit.

❓ Okay lang ba ang Maya/GCash statements?

Pwede as supporting document, pero dapat meron ka pa ring Bank Certificate from a traditional bank.

❓ Nakalimutan kong pirmahan ang passport or ITR, what now?

Kung sa screening pa lang mapansin, they’ll ask you to fix it. Kaya double-check before your appointment.

❓ Worth it ba ang Premium Lounge?

Only if gusto mo ng mabilis at maging comfortable, and if you can afford it. Pero kung okay ka sa regular process, tipid ka pa.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Japan visa through VFS Global Philippines is totally doable kahit first-timer ka. As long as kompleto ang documents mo, maaga kang dumating, at organized ka, you’re good to go.

Good luck!