Thinking of your springtime or summer holiday escapade? If beaches and tropical islands are not your thing, consider visiting somewhere with four seasons. But you don’t need to look too far, because according to a popular Singapore travel search engine’s (KAYAK) analytics report, a lot of people residing in Singapore are highly considering Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok, as their top three destinations to visit this year.
Tokyo, Japan snagged the top spot from Bangkok last year as the most-searched destination in Singapore for 2018. That being the case, let us take a look at how Filipinos residing in Singapore can jumpstart their application for a Japan Visitor Visa to make their 2018 travel goals a reality. Here’s how:
Applying for a Japan Visitor Visa in Singapore
If you’re a Filipino or an expat staying in Singapore who does not come from any of the 68 countries with visa exemptions and are planning a short visit to Japan (15 days maximum), then take note of the following procedures and requirements for your Japan visitor visa application here in Singapore:
Requirements:
Remember to prepare the following documents prior your visit to the Embassy:
- A completely filled-out visa application form you can print and download here
- Your valid and original passport with at least two back-to-back blank pages.
- One recent and original 2 x 2 colour photograph taken within the last 6 months to be attached on your printed visa application form
- A copy of your certificate of employment
- Your latest bank statement (must be issued within the last 6 months)
- Note: It is recommended that you have at least SGD 3,000 in your bank account for safe measure.
- Your air ticket and flight itinerary
- A copy of your valid Singapore ID, front and back (E-Pass, S-Pass, etc)
Procedures:
- Prepare all the necessary documents specified above and visit the Japan Embassy in Singapore located at:
Embassy of Japan in Singapore
16 Nassim Road, Singapore 258390
Tel (+65) 6235-8855
Fax (+65) 6733-1039
Tip: Go to the Japan Embassy in the morning as visa applications are only accepted from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.
- Proceed to the Visa counter and present all your documents. Once the receiving officer accepts your papers, he/she will do a quick processing of your application before he/she hands you a schedule slip for the release of your visa.
- Wait for the release of your visa. This usually takes about 3-4 days.
- Pick up your passport along with your Visitor Visa at the Japan Embassy on the scheduled date.
Note: Take note of the schedule at the Embassy. Visa collection takes place in the afternoon (from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm), so be sure to come a little earlier than scheduled.
Applying for a Japan Visitor Visa in Singapore is free. You only need to submit all the necessary documents and follow the instructions given by the Japanese Embassy for a smooth-sailing application process. Once your visa is released, you can finally think about the places where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms and the amazing food in Japan.