How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa in Dubai? (For Filipinos)

According to passportindex.org Philippine Passport is number 57 all over the world, that's why visas are always a major hassle for many Filipino travelers. One look at the list of requirements some will definitely feel intimidated by it. I've heard lots of stories about getting denied of a visa but finally Japan actually relaxed in issuing Tourist Visas to Filipinos. Anyone who applied with proper documents is almost guaranteed to get a visa.

If you are planning on a short vacay to Japan and you are residing in Dubai the process of getting a visa is much easier than in Manila. Sounds good right?

When i am in Japan a lot of my friends from Dubai are sending me messages and asking me about applying a tourist visa to Japan.

So here you go, below are the steps on how to apply a Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos in Dubai, UAE. I hope the informations below can help you. I cannot guarantee you about getting a visa i just wrote about my own experience on applying a visa.

Best of luck! :)

Requirements for a Tourist Visa to Japan:

1. Passport

• Must have atleast 6 months validity, with signature and more than 2 blank pages.

2. Visa Application Form

• Make sure everything you write in the forms are correct. Don't leave any blank just put N/A if not applicable.
• You can download the application form here.

3. Bank Statement

• You need a 3 months bank statement to show that you are financially capable of supporting yourself for the duration of your vacation in Japan. It is known that the cost of living in Japan is high so you have to be smart about how you will be presenting your financial standing. 
• I got my bank statement through Emirates NBD. It cost 25dhs and they automatically debited it in your bank account.

4. Photo

• Needs to be taken within 6 months.
• In size 4.5cm x 4.5cm (2X2) in white background
• Photo must be pasted on the application form.

5. Certificate of Employment

• The position, date of joining, monthly salary and leave period have to be stated on the letter.

6. Schedule of Stay/Travel Itinerary

• Below is the sample of my schedule of stay. You can download the template here.

7. Additional Requirements

• Passport Copy
• UAE Visa Page Copy
• Hotel Bookings - I would suggest to book your Hotel in booking.com and choose a hotel that offers a free cancellation of booking, so whenever you find a cheaper hotel you can cancel it without paying charges. You need a credit card to book your hotel in booking.com however there are some travel agency who can provide a hotel booking for you. 50dhs - 100dhs/each per hotel booking.
• Copy of confirmation of Flight Booking - Do not book your flight yet when you haven't got your visa. Lots of travel agency can book your ticket and reserve your flight on your chosen date but after issuing the ticket it will be cancelled before 24hours. This is the dummy ticket. People in Dubai.. I bet you know this very well!

Where to apply?

You can apply your visa to Consulate General of Japan in Dubai near World Trade Center Metro Station. Below are the address, email and contact numbers of the consulate. Please note that visa application is from 9am to 12pm only and for Visa collection 12pm-1pm only.

Once you reach the consulate you need to get a number to the machine and wait for your number to be called. They will ask you a few question like why do you want to go to Japan, where you will go in Japan, about your job in Dubai and how many years you are working here. After submitting all your requirements they will give you a receipt with the date when to collect your passport and a sticker with number. I got my visa after 4 days! 

FYI! Visa application fee is FREE for Filipinos. Yay!

Consulate General of Japan in Dubai.

Telephone：＋971-4-331-9191

FAX： +971-4-331-9292

E-mail Address： 

dubai@du.mofa.go.jp（For General) 

ryouji@du.mofa.go.jp（For Visa）

Address: 

28th Floor, Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai, United Arab Emirates P.O.Box 9336

NOTE: 

If you have guarantors in Japan or you're visiting a friend/relative then you are required to send additional documents (Invitation letter, residence certificate, foreign registration etc.). I have a relatives in Japan but i've read in some other blogs that the most simplest and convenient way to apply a visa is not to declare that you have relatives and friends in japan so the embassy/consulate will not ask for more additional requirements proving your relationship and creating tons of invitation letters to your guarantor. I only know the process of getting a tourist visa without guarantor so in case you have questions. You can check the official list on this website 
http://www.dubai.uae.emb-japan.go.jp/index_english.htm

*Post a comment here, if you have any questions and will try my best to get back to you as soon as i can.


And on my next blog post i will be posting some of my photos during my trip in Japan and will post some tips about where to stay, where to go and what to eat? :)