Updated Japan Entry Requirements for Filipinos

Updated as of June 29, 2023

Disclaimer: entry requirements are subject to change and travelers should check with their airline, the Japanese embassy, or the consulate in their home country for the latest information before traveling to Japan.

I went to Central Japan last April and these are the requirements you need to have as a Filipino tourist traveling to Japan:

Valid Passport

Travelers must have a valid passport to enter Japan with an expiration date of more than six (6) months.

If you’re traveling in April and your passport expiry date falls in August, you will have to renew your passport or request an extension from the Department of Foreign Affairs. To avoid any hiccups in my travels, I make sure I renew my passport a year before it expires.

Valid Visa

As of June 2023, Filipino tourists are still required to obtain a visa to enter Japan. The most common type of visa for tourism purposes is the Temporary Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa). Those who have relatives living in Japan can apply for a Visiting Relatives type of visa but the required documents to secure this type of visa will be different from the Tourist Visa.

Visas will be processed at the Embassy or Consulate of Japan in the Philippines via an accredited Travel Agency. Walk-in applicants (DIY) are not allowed. It’s best to check the official website of the Embassy or Consulate for the most updated visa application requirements and procedures.

Wondering how you can get a Japan Visa?

Vaccination Certificate or Card

Two months ago all foreign travelers, including Japanese citizens, were required to be fully vaccinated to enter Japan. Being fully-vaccinated means having at least three COVID vaccine shots. Those who have less than three vaccine shots were required to do COVID-19 testing.

Lucky for you, as of April 29, 2023, all travelers need not prove their vaccinations as the Japanese government has lifted this requirement. Also, COVID-19 testing is no longer mandatory to enter Japan.

However, it’s always best to bring a copy of your proof of vaccination just in case you will be asked to present this. You can either bring the DOH Vaccination Certificate or the World Health Organization Vaccination Card (Yellow Card).

Visit Japan Web

Visit Japan Web is a website used by travelers before they enter or arrive in Japan. This replaced the arrival card as a contactless solution during the pandemic. The Japanese government still continues to use this to streamline the arrival process of visiting foreigners and returning residents.

All travelers must create an account on Visit Japan Web and submit his/her details at least 72 hours before his/her arrival in Japan. You will need to have a valid email address to be able to sign up. After creating an account, you need your air ticket and passport so you can register your immigration and customs declaration information and get the QR code required for each procedure.

As of April 29, 2023, the Quarantine Declaration (Fast Track) has been removed as the Japanese government no longer requires vaccination proof or a test certificate to enter Japan. Last April 1, 2023, they added a new function “Tax-free Shopping Service”. This new feature is useful when purchasing tax-free items. Instead of showing your passport or other required document, you can now present the QR code displayed on Visit Japan Web. Do note that the QR cannot be used in all stores. Check the stores that will honor the QR code, present it to them, and follow their instructions.

Read this for a more detailed guide on how to use Visit Japan Web.

Immigration Declaration

Those who need to submit a disembarkation card at the immigration can register their disembarkation card on the Visit Japan Web and then submit the information to the immigration using the QR code generated.

Customs Declaration

After registering customs declaration information on the Visit Japan Web, you can use the electronic declaration terminal installed at the customs inspection area with your customs declaration QR code and passport. You can smoothly pass the customs inspection by going through the electronic declaration gate.
For how to use the electronic declaration gate at, refer to the following website: https://www.customs.go.jp/kaigairyoko/egate.htm

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance has always been recommended when visiting any foreign country, and Japan is no exception. With the current issues surrounding flight cancellations, delays, and missing baggage, having travel insurance has become essential.

Ensure that your travel insurance covers any potential medical expenses and emergencies, including COVID-19-related situations. You can now easily purchase travel insurance via the GCash App. Don’t forget to review the coverage and terms of your policy to make sure you are adequately protected during your stay in Japan.

Traveling to Japan from the Philippines requires careful planning — from securing plane tickets to booking accommodations, making itineraries, researching train routes, and securing passes. Always remember to follow the current entry requirements and abide by their laws. Stay informed by regularly checking the official websites of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate and local health authorities for any changes or updates in the entry requirements. It never hurts to be prepared so you can have a safe and enjoyable trip!

I hope this short entry will help you plan your next Japan trip. If you have any questions, or if you want some tips, feel free to leave a comment or message via e-mail. If you like this article and want to see or know more about my other trips and tips, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.