How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa in Qatar

If you’re considering visiting an Asian country, Japan is a great option. It offers a variety of attractions, from anime and samurai to the impressive efficiency of its citizens. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore!

ALSO READ: 20 Best Pest Control Services in Qatar

For Philippine passport holders, obtaining a tourist visa is the initial requirement. There are three categories for applicants: those staying in hotels, those staying with relatives, and those staying with friends.

Japan

 

Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Filipinos who plan to visit Japan for a short stay must first apply for a tourist visa. The Japanese embassy categorizes these guests based on their purpose of visit:

  • Foreign residents for tourism (hotel stay)
  • Foreign residents visiting relatives
  • Foreign residents visiting friends

Moreover, Philippine passport holders have the option to apply for a multiple entry visa. To be eligible, they must have a record of previous visits to Japan and demonstrate their ability to cover travel expenses. Alternatively, if they have visited a G7 country within the past three years, they may also qualify. Spouses or children of individuals meeting these criteria can also apply for a multiple entry visa.

Requirements for Single Entry Visa

To visit Japan for a short trip, you need a tourist visa. Here are the requirements, which should be valid within the last three months:

  • Valid passport
  • Visa application form (use the link to download a copy)
  • Passport-size photo
  • Copy of valid Qatar ID for at least 3 months
  • Birth certificate (if applicable) showing the applicant’s relationship up to the third degree with a Japanese citizen
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of funds to support the trip (preferably a 6-month salary certificate)

Here are the required documents from the guarantor or sponsor in Japan:

  • Invitation letter
  • Supporting documents for the purpose of the visit (e.g., medical reasons, events)
  • Family register or kosekitohon (if the sponsor or guarantor is Japanese)
  • Proposed itinerary
  • Certificate of residence or jyuminhyo (which lists the relationship to all family members)

Additional requirements apply if the sponsor is a friend or a foreign national:

  • Valid residence visa
  • Certificate of residence (without individual number and resident record code)

If the sponsor is paying for the trip, these additional documents are needed:

  • Letter of guarantee
  • Certificate of income/taxation or certificate of tax payment
  • Copy of counterfoil of final tax return with the seal
  • Certificate of deposit balance

Remember: Do not use a stapler when compiling the documents.

Requirements for Multiple Entry Visa

Here are the requirements for obtaining a Multiple Entry Visa, applicable to those who have visited Japan or any G7 countries in the past three years:

  • Application form (with attached passport photo)
  • Passport compliant with ICAO standard
  • Applicant’s bank statement, income tax return, or income certificate
  • Applicant’s certificate of employment
  • Cover letter explaining the need for a multiple visa
  • Documents proving the applicant’s legal residency in their home country

Additional requirement for applicants with sufficient funds to support the trip:

  • In addition to income tax returns or bank statements, provide additional documents such as pension, retirement allowance, inheritance, etc.
  • Additional requirement for spouse or children with history of travel in Japan or G7 country or with sufficient funds
  • Documents to establish kinship

You can download some of the forms here:

Procedures for Applying for a Tourist Visa

  • When you have all the necessary documents, it’s time to visit the embassy. No appointment is needed; simply go during office hours.
  • The sponsor’s documents should be given to the applicant, who will then submit them along with the other paperwork to the embassy.
  • The applicant should make duplicate copies of the original documents because the embassy will not return them, except for the passport.
  • The processing of the visa application typically takes about a week. Embassy officials may contact you if they require additional documents.
  • The embassy will inform you of the result of your visa application. You will need to visit the embassy to collect your passport with the visa stamped on it.

A single-entry tourist visa is valid for three months, while a multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for 1 to 5 years. However, for each entry, a maximum stay of 90 days is allowed.

Fees for Visa Processing

Visa fee for single entry visa is 3,000 yen and 6,000 yen for multiple entry visa. Fees will be paid at the embassy when applying for the visa. 

Map of the Japanese Embassy in Qatar

Address and Contact Details of the Japanese Embassy in Qatar

  • Address: Al Shabab Street, New Diplomatic Area, Onaiza, Doha P.O. Box 2208
  • Telephone Number: (+974) 4440-9000 (open 24 hours)
  • Fax Number: (+974) 4029-3655
  • Email address: oejqatar@dh.mofa.go.jp

How to Get to Japan From Qatar

There are numerous flights available from Qatar to Japan, with a travel time of approximately 10 hours from Doha to Tokyo. Various airlines operate flights on this route, including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Jetstar Japan, and Saudia Airlines. Ticket prices typically range from $400 to $500.

Popular Destinations in Japan

Based on a popular travel website, Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka are the most sought-after destinations in Japan. If you haven’t finalized your itinerary yet, you can consider these recommendations.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, offers a blend of ancient and modern attractions. Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the country, is a must-visit. Follow the incense trails, believed to enhance one’s health. Hamarikyu Gardens showcase the city’s past as Edo, ruled by feudal lords.

To explore Tokyo conveniently, you can choose from tourist buses or opt for the efficient train system.

Fukuoka is another destination known for its ancient temples. Nanzoin Temple houses a magnificent reclining Buddha. Additionally, the city boasts Fukuoka Tower, the tallest tower offering breathtaking views of the sea and mountains from its top.

Remember to check if there are entrance fees and confirm the operating hours for each destination.

Learning About the Japanese Culture

The Philippines and Japan share a common history. Before embarking on your trip to Japan, why not familiarize yourself with the culture to enhance your journey?

Learn some basic Japanese phrases so you can converse with some of the locals. Start by learning “konnichiwa”  (hello), “ano” (excuse me?), and “arigato” (thank you)

As with most Filipino households, there are some places where you are supposed to remove your shoes before entering. For reference, you should remove your footwear as well if you see that there are shoes left in the entrance. Moreover, if the floor at the entrance is raised, it means that you should also take off your footwear. 

It is considered rude to eat or drink while walking in Japan. While there have been leniency in the past years, it is still considered bad manners to do so. What you can do is stay still in one place while you consume your food. 

On the other hand, it is perfectly acceptable to slurp your soup or noodles. It is your way of appreciating the wonderful meal that the cook prepared. In addition, you should remember to use your chopsticks properly. You should not stick it in your food when you are not using it nor should you use another chopstick to pass food. 

Remember to be respectful at all times. This means being on time, giving up your seat for the elderly, or not skipping lines. As a visitor, you are expected to abide by these. 

Video on Visa Application

In a YouTube video by Pearly Lilian, you can find a comprehensive guide on the requirements and procedures for applying for a Japanese tourist visa. The vlogger also explains the process of document submission at the embassy.

You can watch the full video here:

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on personal experiences that the OFW shared in the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video or on their social media accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visa Application

  • What is the role of a guarantor?

The guarantor is someone who lives in Japan and assures the embassy that the visa applicant will only stay in the country for a short stay.

  • Can I extend my tourist visa in Japan?

It is possible to extend your visa. You must renew it 90 days before your current visa expires. 

  • What is a JFC visa?

The JFC visa is for Filipino parents traveling to Japan with their Japanese-Filipino child/ children

Summary

In order for Philippine passport holders to embark on a captivating journey to the remarkable country of Japan, obtaining a tourist visa is an essential requirement. To facilitate the visa application process, certain documents must be meticulously prepared. These include a valid passport, which serves as an indispensable travel document, and a duly completed application form with a recent passport-sized photograph. If you have a guarantor, you must provide a letter of invitation and bank statement. 

Submit your requirements at the embassy and expect a response within a week. The visa is valid for 90 days.

READ NEXT: How to Apply for Jordan Tourist Visa in Qatar