I. Non-Immigrant Visa Requirements for Temporary Visitors to the Philippines / 9(A) Visa

Foreign nationals traveling to the Philippines for a legitimate, non-immigrant purpose such as sightseeing, amusement, sports and recreation, medical-related activities, visit family and friends, attending international conferences, scientific, education, commercial, and/or professional workshops, conventions, lectures, contract negotiations, business meetings and other company-related activities of similar nature, may apply for a 9(a) visa through the following options:

1. e-Visa Platform
2. Personal appearance in the Embassy

e-Visa Application Process

With the Philippine e-Visa system, eligible applicants may remotely apply for a 9(a) visa to enter the Philippines for tourism, medical, training, attendance in conferences, meetings and workshops/seminars, using their personal computers, laptops or even mobile devices by visiting the official website evisa.gov.ph. Please follow the instructions and submit the necessary requirements through the e-Visa system.

Once issued, the e-Visa may be presented in either digital or printed format upon entry to the Philippines. The e-Visa will no longer be affixed to passports and are not convertible to other types of Philippine visas, nor will it be eligible for an extension of stay.

9(a) Visa Application Process – Personal Appearance

Individuals applying for a visa that requires conversion to other types of Philippine visas or an extension of stay while in the Philippines should apply through appointment and personal appearance in the Philippine Embassy.

The following are the basic requirements required to be submitted together with the additional documents as appropriate by applicants for the purpose of stay in the Philippines of no more than 59 days:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. Confirmed appointment through: https://tokyopeconsularappointment.setmore.com/bookappointment
2. Original passport and photocopy of its data page. The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
3. Duly accomplished FA Form No. 2 (Affix your signature as it appears in your passport) https://tokyo.philembassy.net/downloads/visa-nonimmi.pdf;
4. One (1) Passport-size color photograph, taken within the last 3 months, pasted in the designated box on the application form (Note: Photo should be white or off-white background, neutral facial expression, no eyeglasses/accessories);
5. Original and photocopy of residence permit or proof of legal residence in Japan;
6. Duly accomplished Undertaking for Visa https://tokyo.philembassy.net/downloads/forms/undertaking-visa-applicant.pdf;
7. Flight itinerary showing flight information and name of applicant;
8. Hotel booking/certificate/email confirmation as proof of accommodation in the Philippines;
9. Self-addressed ¥600 Letterpack;

Additional basic requirements for Chinese nationals applying for 9(a) visa:

9. Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificate / Japan Insurance Certificate / My Number Card with Official English translation.

Additional Requirements for Temporary Visitor Coming For Pleasure

1. Proof of Financial Capacity

   Applicant Type	Required Document
   With income/gainful employment:	a. Original updated bank book with photocopy of the cover, inside page (showing name and bank information of the applicant), and the latest entry of funds and/or latest bank certificate.
   Without income/gainful employment:	a. Letter of Guarantee from spouse or parents or other guarantors; and b. Copy of guarantor’s valid ID + updated bank book and/or latest bank certificate

2. Proof of Occupation in Japan

   Applicant Type	Required Document
   If a student:	a. Certificate of Enrollment issued by school authorities.
   If employed:	a. Certificate of Employment issued by employer in company letterhead paper with information of the employee’s name, nature/status of employment, and financial remuneration.
   If self-employed:	a. Certificate of Business Registration issued by Japanese government (with Official English Translation).
   If retired / unemployed	a. Certificate/Letter stating the fact that applicant is retired/unemployed.

3. Notarized Letter of Support and Guarantee. If applicable, a notarized Letter of Support and Guarantee must be submitted by the inviting party/sponsor in the Philippines. The letter must:
   1. Attest that the inviting party/sponsor guarantees all financial expenses of the foreign visitor and his/her compliance with Philippine laws during their stay in the Philippines.
   2. Be addressed to the Consul General, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Tokyo, Japan with complete contact details and a copy of the inviting person’s passport. If the inviting party is a foreigner based in the Philippines, the letter must include proof of legal status/visa in the Philippines.
4. Certificate of Acceptance/Enrolment (in the school’s letterhead paper) if attending short term study/language course. The certificate shall state the information of the enrollee, duration of study/course, accommodation information (if applicable), and other pertinent information. Copy of the valid Business Permit of the Philippine-based institution offering short term study/language course shall also be required.Note: If enrollee is a minor, proof of financial capacity of parents shall be required, together with the parents’ valid ID and family registry showing filiation of minor enrollee.

Additional Requirements for Temporary Visitor Coming For Business

If being sent to the Philippines by Japan-based company/corporation, submit:

The Letter of Endorsement (in company letterhead paper) from the Japan-based company or employer certifying the visa applicant’s employment with the company, the purpose of travel/nature of the business trip to the Philippines, flight details, and place of residence/hotel while in the Philippines.

If being invited by a Philippine-based company/corporation, submit:

Letter of Invitation from the Philippine-based business partner/entity/counterpart company (in company letterhead paper) stating the applicant’s purpose of travel/nature of business trip to the Philippines. The letter should include the reference person(s) in the Philippines, flight details, and place of residence/hotel while in the Philippines, and guarantee the foreign visitor’s compliance with Philippine laws.

Note:
Foreign nationals who are issued 9(a) [Temporary Visitor] or (b) [Transit] visas are not permitted to study, practice their profession or seek employment in the Philippines without appropriate clearance/Study Permit or Special Work Permit from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

Foreign nationals who receive compensation from Philippine sources while admitted to the Philippines under a category 9(a) temporary visit visa must coordinate with their Philippine office counterpart for the issuance of a Special Work Permit (SWP), as may be required by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.