Are you wondering if you can apply for a Japan visa on your own without going through a travel agency? The answer is yes, you can. My friend and I did it ourselves—even though our application were rushed—and fortunately, we were still able to get approved.
Here’s our DIY Japan Visa application experience, which I hope can serve as a guide for anyone planning to visit Japan.
Planning the Trip
My friends and I planned a trip to Japan in February 2026. Honestly, the plan came together very suddenly. One day we were just casually talking about traveling, and before we knew it, we were already booking flights on December 1, 2025.
Our goal was simple: experience winter and see snow in Japan.
The catch?
We booked our flights even though we didn’t have a visa yet.
Our round-trip tickets to Tokyo via Cebu Pacific cost around PHP 11,000+ each, including 20 kg baggage allowance both ways, which was already a good deal.
Why We Didn’t Use a Travel Agency
One of our friends already had a multiple-entry Japan visa, and he advised us not to use a travel agency anymore because our travel date was already close.
According to him, agency visa processing at that time was quite expensive, especially for rush applications. Since we wanted to save money, we decided to try applying through VFS Global instead.
What is VFS Global?
VFS Global is an official visa processing center that accepts visa applications on behalf of various embassies, including the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
Instead of submitting your documents directly to the embassy, applicants must submit them through VFS Global Visa Application Centers. They handle the document intake, biometrics (if required), and application processing, and then forward everything to the embassy for evaluation.
Visa centers are available in Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
Click the link below for Japan Visa Application via VFS Global:
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/jpn/apply-visa
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/jpn/book-an-appointment
The Struggle to Get an Appointment
December passed, and unfortunately, we still couldn’t secure an appointment slot for visa submission. At that point, we were already getting nervous because our trip was getting closer.
It would have been a waste if our flights got canceled because we couldn’t secure a visa.
By January 2026, we were constantly checking the VFS website for available appointment slots. Our preferred location was Manila, although there were also centers in Cebu and Davao. We were even considering flying there if necessary, just to secure our visa.
Finally Getting an Appointment
Luckily, on January 6, 2026, my friend checked the website again—and on her first attempt, she immediately found an available slot for us. There were two of us applying for a visa, and we were able to secure an appointment on:January 15, 2026 – 2:30 PM
VFS Global, Parqal Mall, Aseana City (near Alabang area). Because our travel date was already approaching, we decided to book the Premium Lounge Plus service to prioritize our application.
The service cost PHP 5,990 per person.
Although it was expensive, we chose it to ensure faster assistance and priority handling, given the limited time we had.
Japan Tourist Visa Requirements
After securing the appointment, we started completing the requirements. Here are the Japan Tourist Visa requirements in the Philippines:
1. Visa Application Form
You must fill out the form completely and print it on A4 size paper.
Typed applications are preferred. Handwritten forms are discouraged to avoid errors.
2. Passport Size Photo
- White background
- With collar
- Must follow Japan visa photo specifications
3. Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
4. Birth Certificate
Must be issued by PSA and requested within one year prior to the appointment date.
5. Marriage Certificate (if married)
Also must be PSA-issued and requested within one year prior to the appointment date.
6. Proof of Funds
a. Bank Certificate
Request a Bank Certificate from your bank and make sure it includes your 6-month Average Daily Balance (ADB).
It is also better if your bank account has been active for a long time, as this strengthens your financial credibility.
A common guideline for show money is:
- At least PHP 100,000, or
- Around PHP 10,000 per day of travel
b. Source of Income
You must show proof of income such as:
- Income Tax Return (ITR) for business owners or private employees
- BIR Form 2316 for government employees
7. Certificate of Employment (COE)
Your Certificate of Employment should include:
- Your position
- Length of employment
- Salary or compensation
- Signature of the head of the agency or authorized officer
Many people say that being a government employee can be an advantage, since it indicates strong ties to the Philippines and a lower likelihood of overstaying abroad.
8. PRC ID (if applicable)
If you are a licensed professional, submitting your PRC ID can add credibility to your application, as it shows professional standing in the Philippines.
9. Travel Itinerary
Even if you haven’t booked your accommodations or tours yet, you must still submit a proposed travel itinerary.
This should include:
- Travel dates
- Cities to visit
- Planned daily activities
Our Appointment Day at VFS Global
Our appointment was on January 15, 2026, at Parqal Mall.
We arrived before our 2:30 PM schedule.
Security at the visa center is strict—only the applicants are allowed inside, so companions must stay outside. After verifying our appointment confirmation, we were directed to the Premium Lounge.
The lounge was actually very nice and comfortable. Unlike the usual visa agencies where people compete for seats, the Premium Lounge had couches and a relaxed waiting area, with around four or five staff members assisting applicants. We were given a queue number, and even though it was already our scheduled time, we still had to wait briefly until a staff member became available.
One good thing about the lounge is that they also offer:
- Printing services
- Photo services (in case your passport photo doesn’t meet the requirements)
Document Checking
Before 3:00 PM, our number was called.
The staff carefully reviewed each of our documents one by one. They also corrected small mistakes in our application form and asked us to update them immediately.
I guess this is one of the benefits of choosing the Premium Lounge service—they guide you thoroughly to avoid mistakes.
After reviewing our documents, they asked if we preferred:
- Pick-up, or
- Courier delivery
We chose courier delivery.
They informed us that:
- Visa processing takes around 5 working days
- Delivery takes another 2–3 days
Waiting for the Result
We honestly expected the process to take longer because many people were saying that Japan visa approvals had become stricter due to the increasing number of applicants.
Considering how rushed our timeline was, we were prepared for possible delays.
But thankfully…
Our Japan visas were approved. 😊
