2026 Multiple Entry Japan Visa Guide for Filipinos: 5 Easy Steps & FAQs
Want to apply for a Multiple Entry Japan Visa? Read on to know the steps.
Just recently, we tried our luck and applied for a multiple-entry Japan visa via JVAC in Cebu since we love traveling to Japan. In fact, we’ve been on a 10-day trip to Japan during spring.
We want to explore more of Japan in different seasons without the hassle of re-applying for a single-entry Japan visa like our previous applications.
Alas! We were granted a multiple-entry Japan visa for 5 years, and we’re sharing with you our experience so you know the entire process.
Step 1: Check if you qualify and gather your multiple entry Japan visa requirements
If you qualify for any of the following, you may apply for a Japan Multiple-Entry Visa for Temporary Visitor:
1. Japan Multiple Entry Visa for a Frequent Traveler [See specific requirements]
2. Japan Multiple Entry Visa for Philippine Nationals with Considerable Financial Capacity [See specific requirements]
3. Japan Multiple Entry Visa for Business Purpose and Cultural or Intellectual Figures [See specific requirements]
Japan multiple entry visa requirements submitted:
- Philippine Passport [with at least 6 months validity]
- Photocopy of passport bio page
- Completely filled out Application Form
- Photo (4.5cm × 3.5cm) pasted on the form
- Request for Multiple Entry Visa [Download Request Form]
- Employment Certificate
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
- Itinerary in Japan [Download Sample Form]
- Bank Certificate with Average Daily Balance (ADB) for 6 months
Step 2: Fill out the application form
Download the latest Japan visa application form and fill out the required fields. You may refer to the sample Japan visa application form provided by the Japan Embassy:
Step 3: Schedule a JVAC appointment and pay the fees
From April 2025, all Japan visa applications must be processed via the Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC) by VFS with branches in Quezon City, Makati, Parañaque, Cebu, and Davao. If you intend to seek assistance from a travel agency, your application will still be submitted to JVAC.
After gathering all your requirements, you can schedule a JVAC appointment online. Here’s our JVAC appointment guide for you to follow.
The multiple-entry Japan visa is FREE, but JVAC now charges a service fee of ₱800 for every application. See list of JVAC service fees.
Step 4: Submit your Japan visa requirements to JVAC
On your scheduled appointment date, you need to personally submit all your documents to JVAC, unless you paid for a travel agency service.
Once you’re inside JVAC, the process is pretty straightforward. You will be given a priority number to wait for your turn.
When your number is called, a JVAC staff will check all your documents and inform you of any lacking requirements. If indeed you lack something, depending on your circumstance, JVAC may ask you to comply and submit within the day.
When everything is in order, you will be given a receipt with a reference number, which you’ll need to present when claiming your passport.
Step 5: Track your application and claim your passport
Once you see from the JVAC online tracker that your passport is ready for collection, you may proceed to JVAC to claim your passport (regardless of outcome).
The estimated Japan visa processing time takes about 5 working days, especially within the Metro Manila area.
For reference, we submitted via JVAC Cebu and claimed our passports after 15 working days.
Multiple Entry Japan Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to write a cover letter if I want to apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa?
Not necessarily, unless you lack some requirements and you need to explain your situation. We did not submit a cover letter for our multiple-entry visa application. Be sure to submit the Request for ME Visa and indicate your reason/s on the box provided below the form.
2. Should I book my flights or hotels before my visa application?
No. The Embassy does not encourage you to book any flights or hotels prior to your Japan visa application. In case you get denied, not all airlines and hotels offer free rebooking or cancellations. It’s a risk you are willing to take if you still want to book ahead.
3. Can I apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa even if it’s my first time?
Sure. You may apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa even if you’re a first-timer, provided you meet the conditions mentioned in Step #1.
4. If I am eligible with complete requirements, will this guarantee my multiple-entry Japan visa?
There is no guarantee for a multiple-entry Japan visa even if you comply with all the requirements. It is still the embassy’s discretion. Some applicants are granted single-entry visas despite applying for multiple-entry.
5. Will I get denied if I apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa even if I don’t qualify?
There’s no harm in trying. You can write a cover letter explaining more details of why you want to apply for a multiple-entry visa. If the embassy sees fit, you might still get a single-entry Japan visa.
6. If I get denied, when can I reapply?
If denied, you can only reapply after six (6) months under the same category. But you may apply for another category immediately. For instance, if you got denied for Tourism, you can try the Visiting Relatives or Visiting Friends categories on your next application. Be sure to check the respective requirements.
That’s basically it! You may also read our Japan visa guide for Filipinos, Japan visa without ITR guide, and tips to increase chances of visa approval for more references.
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Disclaimer: While we were granted a multiple-entry Japan visa, this does not guarantee the same outcome for you. It still depends on your profile and the embassy’s discretion. Visit the official websites of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and VFS Global for more information.