Traveling from the Philippines to Japan: Travel Requirements, Visa Application, Etc.

Time to get your booster shots.
by WindowSeat.ph | March 07, 2022

From its pop culture, cuisine, and shopping centers to cultural attractions and parks, Japan remains another favorite international destination among Pinoys, especially when the cherry blossoms are in full blossom during springtime. 

Here’s everything you need to know to help you prepare for your visit to Japan: 

Is Japan open to tourists now?

As of May 30, 2022, Japan is opening its borders to international tourists, specifically group tourist (or those in package tours) entries from June 10. Its borders were previously eased from March 1, 2022, allowing foreign nationals who aren’t tourists to enter the nation. This means that business travelers and visiting relatives of Japanese nationals and permanent residents may travel to Japan.

Who can travel from the Philippines to Japan?

• Japanese nationals 
• Visiting relatives of Japanese Nationals/Permanent Residents such as spouse, parents, children, sibling, grandparents, and grandchildren 
• Long-term Stay Visa holders 
• Foreigners visiting for Commercial Purposes (business meetings, conferences, training, etc.) 
• Foreign nationals who don’t reside in Japan but have a sponsor 
• Returning OFWs or trainees and Sea Crew 

Japan Travel Requirements

According to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the validity of visas issued before December 2, 2021 and visas with Remarks of “M19” on the sticker are still suspended due to the entry and visa restrictions by the Japanese government. 

Here are the requirements needed at the border control in Japan: 

• A negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of stay. Check the valid format of the Certificate of Negative Test Result here. 
• A Written Pledge and Questionnaire to be downloaded online. Find more information regarding Border Measures here.
• Registration of quarantine information here.  

Japan Visa Requirements

The following types of visas may be applied for: 

1. New acceptable visa
   From February 25, 2022, the following visas will be accepted, on the condition that receiving organizations or schools in Japan obtain a Certificate of Registration to the ERFS system before the visa application. 
   • Short-term stay for business/commercial purposes only 
   • Long-term stay for employment, technical intern trainees, and students 
2. Other purposes 

Types of visas:

• For Visiting Relatives 
• For Commercial Purpose
• For attending Conference by Private/Public Organization 
• For Visiting Relatives/Friends Invited by US Military Personnel (SOFA status) 
• For Spouse of a Japanese National living in the Philippines (Temporary Visit) 
• For Official/Diplomat 
• For house servant hired by Official/Diplomat 
• For Application with Certificate of Eligibility in Japan 
• For Medical Stay 
• For Nikkei-Jin (Japanese Descendants) 
• For Filipino Parents of Japanese-Filipino Children (JFC) traveling to Japan with the children 

Application for the following visas are temporarily suspended: 

• For Tourism 
• For Visiting Friends or Distant Relatives 
• For Transit 
• For Single-Entry Tourist Visa for Philippine Nationals Joining Package Tours Organized by Registered Travel Agencies 
• Multiple Entry Visa for Tourist 
• Multiple Entry Visa for Business Purpose and Cultural or Intellectual Figures 

Japan quarantine rules/measures

From March 1, 2022, the Japan home quarantine period has been shorted to 3 days from 7 days; this applies to anyone entering the country. 

Approved vaccines in Japan are from Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca. 

Current Japan COVID-19 situation

For more information and updates, don’t forget to visit the following pages: 

• Visa application 
• Japan border measures 
• Embassy of Japan in the Philippines