Japan issues additional requirements for multiple-entry visa of 'considerably high income' individuals
Japan is one of the world's top tourist destinations due to its gastronomical delights, bustling cityscapes, and other spectacular attractions.
But a traveler to the Land of the Rising Sun must have a visa, and starting June 10, additional documents would be needed to secure a multiple-entry visa, particularly those under the "considerably high-income individual" category.
A multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter Japan many times for at least 15 to 30 days per stay within a specified period.
It's different from the single-entry visa only allowing a one-time stay of up to 90 days.
Except for retirees, housewives, and unemployed individuals, the Japanese Embassy would soon require "considerably high-income" individuals to provide the following documents for a multiple-entry visa:
- Original copy of the bank certificate showing the balance within the last six months. If the average daily balance isn't shown, bank statements showing one's transactions over the past six months must be provided;
- Original copy of the employment certificate stating one's period of employment, salary, and position. Business owners, meanwhile, submit a copy of their Department of Trade and Industry certificate of business registration and a City Hall mayor's permit; and
- A photocopy of the Bureau of Internal Revenue tax payment certificate (Form 2316) bearing the signature of the employer and employee. Business owners must also submit proof of actual payment of tax.
Those who cannot provide these documents must provide a letter explaining why.
The spouses and children of "considerably high-income" individuals may also apply for a multiple-entry visa. They must provide a Philippine Statistics Authority-issued birth certificate or marriage certificate to prove the relationship.
As it stands, here are the requirements for applying for a single-entry visa to Japan:
- 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
- PSA-issued original birth certificate
- If the birth certificate is registered late, a baptismal certificate and a Form 137 from high school or elementary issued within at least three months must also be submitted
- Submitting a birth certificate must only be done by those who never applied for a Japan visa before
- Letter of authorization addressed to the Japan Embassy for verification
- Married individuals must submit the original marriage certificate issued within one year
- Bank certificate of a personal account (not company or business) issued within three months
- A copy of one's latest income tax return
If someone else will be shouldering your travel expenses, you must also submit the following:
- Guarantee letter
- Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor
- Bank certificate and income tax return of the guarantor
After fulfilling the requirements, one must choose an accredited travel agency from this list provided by the Japanese Embassy. Depending on the travel agency, costs around P950 to P1,200 for a single-entry visa.
One may apply for a multiple-entry visa if they meet certain conditions and requirements including previously traveling in Japan as a temporary visitor in the past three years, previously traveling to Japan and G7 countries several times in the last three years, and having sufficient financial capacity.
Visa processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Travelers are advised to process their requirements a month before their trip in case of emergency.
They're also advised to not book a hotel or a flight yet unless the visa is approved already.
More importantly, submission of requirements doesn't automatically mean securing a visa.
