Applying for A Tourist Visa Thru Accredited Agencies [Archive]

dm11

11-09-2006, 04:37 PM

Hi All,

My husband and I are planning to spend the New Year in Tokyo. We already purchased plane tickets and reserved a hotel. We have allmost all the documents required already. We are thinking of just applying thru one of the accredited agents of Japan Embassy (particularly the Budget Travel - 800 per person).

Has anyone tried applying thru an agent? Is personal apperance in Japan Embassy proven to be better that applying thru agent?

Thanks

Wigent

11-10-2006, 09:15 PM

Well, I guess no member has tried applying through an agency before.

Anyway, an advantage of applying through an agency is that you don't have to wait in the long line. I could interpret your second question as which would have a better chance of getting approved of visa-- personal or by agency.

I could say that there is no difference regarding your chances of getting approved (or denied) a visa. They're the same. You could or couldn't get a visa in either process. Your application would then depend on the documents that you submit.

Good luck!

mutley

11-11-2006, 09:22 AM

i have been to japan twice but never did i attempt to make use of the agencies. probably, may pagka-praning lang ako kasi alam ko na kaya ko naman mag-isa. fortunately, i've been always approved. i just made sureall my doxwere authenticandi'd be able to answer all the visa officer's queries consistently and with utmost honesty.

as wigent's posted reply, there's no differencereg on theapproval or denial.having the experiences of lining-up very early in the morning and be among the crowd waiting forthe numbers to be calledwere suchmy memorable humbling adventures.and whatwas more rewarding was the fact thatidid it by myself. however, it's your own choice.

btw, i'm just curious ...if the agency applies the visa for you, what does the agency get in return?you are obliged to buy the tickets from them? oryou just have to pay theP800? each or for you two?

dm11

11-11-2006, 10:03 PM

hi, 800 each... we can actually apply personally too and take a leave from work kaya lang sayang time if an agency can apply for us anyway.

midfall

11-13-2006, 10:09 AM

i have been to japan twice but never did i attempt to make use of the agencies. probably, may pagka-praning lang ako kasi alam ko na kaya ko naman mag-isa. fortunately, i've been always approved. i just made sureall my doxwere authenticandi'd be able to answer all the visa officer's queries consistently and with utmost honesty.

as wigent's posted reply, there's no differencereg on theapproval or denial.having the experiences of lining-up very early in the morning and be among the crowd waiting forthe numbers to be calledwere suchmy memorable humbling adventures.and whatwas more rewarding was the fact thatidid it by myself. however, it's your own choice.

btw, i'm just curious ...if the agency applies the visa for you, what does the agency get in return?you are obliged to buy the tickets from them? oryou just have to pay theP800? each or for you two?

hellow,,,,,can you share some questionof the visa officerwhen applying for tourist visa....please.and can you suggest enough amount to support your stay in jpan for 1 1/2 month.......they said that think of amount that can support 10 people......please answr.........arigatou..............

Wigent

11-13-2006, 10:10 AM

hi, 800 each... we can actually apply personally too and take a leave from work kaya lang sayang time if an agency can apply for us anyway.

Yeah. True. It's a time-saver.

Is there any disclaimer in your agency's part that you cannot blame them or something if you got denied?

dm11

11-13-2006, 10:18 AM

Hi Mutley, what time in the morning do you recommend to be at the embassy if we apply personally? And how much time is needed to apply? Can we complete everything by lunch time in case all our docs are complete or do we need the entire day?

Wigent

11-13-2006, 10:20 AM

hellow,,,,,can you share some questionof the visa officerwhen applying for tourist visa....please.and can you suggest enough amount to support your stay in jpan for 1 1/2 month.......they said that think of amount that can support 10 people......please answr.........arigatou..............

They're going to ask general questions about your trip. Don't worry, you'll know the answer. [H]

I don't know about that amount that can support 10 people. But if you try to make your itinerary like here (/forums/permalink/2367/2375/ShowThread.aspx#2375), I bet you can estimate how much you will spend. You just have to add your airline and hotel accomodation.

mutley

11-13-2006, 03:56 PM

@ dm11; i was abt to ask the same question as wigent's. if the agency applies your visa, what happens in case you got denied? is there a set condition/commitment? i'm just curious,how sure are you they will make every effort to have the visas approved?i'm sorry but these questions have no malice at all and i have no intention of "killing" a business for that matter.is there a commitment that once you are approved you are supposed to bepurchasing the round-triptickets from them at the gross(?) rate? [:S]

abt ur other question,pmed u already. i didn't know u asked the same question here at the forum. :)

@midfall; yes, general questionsonly abtthe trip.the japanese consul asked me only 2 questions ... what are you going to do in japan and how long willyou stay?i guessed that time only 2 were asked bec on the 2nd question i made some elaboration on my commitment to my job, at the same time, my dox were beyond their requirement.abt the amount, i don't have an exactidea bec it would depend on ur itenerary/plans.hmmm ... sigurofor 1 1/2 months, kung ako lang hah! ... mga php80-100k(?). just aconservative estimate. however, it depends onthe accommodation, places to go and shopping.

good luck! [ap]

midfall

11-14-2006, 04:24 PM

@ dm11; i was abt to ask the same question as wigent's. if the agency applies your visa, what happens in case you got denied? is there a set condition/commitment? i'm just curious,how sure are you they will make every effort to have the visas approved?i'm sorry but these questions have no malice at all and i have no intention of "killing" a business for that matter.is there a commitment that once you are approved you are supposed to bepurchasing the round-triptickets from them at the gross(?) rate? [:S]

abt ur other question,pmed u already. i didn't know u asked the same question here at the forum. :)

@midfall; yes, general questionsonly abtthe trip.the japanese consul asked me only 2 questions ... what are you going to do in japan and how long willyou stay?i guessed that time only 2 were asked bec on the 2nd question i made some elaboration on my commitment to my job, at the same time, my dox were beyond their requirement.abt the amount, i don't have an exactidea bec it would depend on ur itenerary/plans.hmmm ... sigurofor 1 1/2 months, kung ako lang hah! ... mga php80-100k(?). just aconservative estimate. however, it depends onthe accommodation, places to go and shopping.

good luck! [ap]

hello thanks for answering...........im also thinking if 100k is enough......except plane ticket and accomodation.........someone told me that if you're to estimate an amount when planning to go to japan.......multiplyyourself in to ten let say that you're alone but youre going to budget for ten stomach.....doblehin daw sa sampung tao yung budget mo sa sarili mo.kasi mahal daw dun........para ka daw nagsusuporta sa 10 tao dito sa pinaskapag andun ka katumbas lang ng sarili mo......

dm11

11-14-2006, 04:31 PM

@ dm11; i was abt to ask the same question as wigent's. if the agency applies your visa, what happens in case you got denied? is there a set condition/commitment? i'm just curious,how sure are you they will make every effort to have the visas approved?i'm sorry but these questions have no malice at all and i have no intention of "killing" a business for that matter.is there a commitment that once you are approved you are supposed to bepurchasing the round-triptickets from them at the gross(?) rate? [:S]

Hi. We only talked to a couple of accredited agencies over the phone. The other one charges 5K per person! We are considering Budget Travel and Tours since the charge is reasonable (800/person). This is because we have completed all our documents, all the agency has to do is to file the documents on our behalf. We just applied and got our US Toursit Visas this year so some of the documents are resused (expiry checked).

We haven't actually asked what will happen if we get denied but we are assuming the 800 pesos fee is for submission of Visa and regardless of the results, the amount has to be paid. We had informed the agency also that we already have our plane tickets and our hotel reservation so we are availing only of Visa Assistance. No problem or concern was raised.

We will try to go to the agency this Saturday to assess. We are just concerned that they may possibly even be the cause of Embassy's denial to give us Visa. E.g. they lose some of our documents, not filing properly, etc... We are a little paranoid ;)

Wigent

11-14-2006, 04:50 PM

hello thanks for answering...........im also thinking if 100k is enough......except plane ticket and accomodation.........someone told me that if you're to estimate an amount when planning to go to japan.......multiplyyourself in to ten let say that you're alone but youre going to budget for ten stomach.....doblehin daw sa sampung tao yung budget mo sa sarili mo.kasi mahal daw dun........para ka daw nagsusuporta sa 10 tao dito sa pinaskapag andun ka katumbas lang ng sarili mo......

I don't get this. You mean if I estimate myself to spend P100,000 then I multiply it by ten?

Anyway, to give you an idea, you can get a decent meal for Y500. But that's in convenience store or other fast food restaurantslike McDo or Yoshinoya. Of course, you're not going to do that always.

Meals in otherrestaurants can go up to Y800 to Y1000 or even more. So budget your food (times three for a whole day?) in this range.

Some tourist spots like gardens, towers and other public places have entrance fee too. This can range to Y300 to Y1500 on adults.

Also add your transportation fees like your train rides. And of course, shopping and souveniers, that's up to you. [G]

mutley

11-14-2006, 07:48 PM

We will try to go to the agency this Saturday to assess. We are just concerned that they may possibly even be the cause of Embassy's denial to give us Visa. E.g. they lose some of our documents, not filing properly, etc... We are a little paranoid ;)

even i would get paranoid :). and to think once you get denied, you can only apply again after 6 months. this is the new policy of the eoj. ang lupit, di ba? oh well, this is just to avoid the applicantsfrom repeating the application over and over. probably, bec they knowone can apply for a tourist visa w/o any fee. no harm done on finances, ika nga. another tip: just don't depend too much on your US tourist visa stamped on your passports to have the easy access on acquiring the japan visa bec a lot of US permanent residents are sometimes get denied. this might help you to be on toes.

btw, if you plan to stay in japan for only abt a week, have you inquired abt the transit visa?

maybe, wigent can make some clarification on this.

Wigent

11-14-2006, 08:21 PM

If I remember it right, one of the requirements of a transit visa is a confirmed ticket to the US. You just get this kind of visa for the sake of going to the US via Japan.

mutley

11-15-2006, 08:31 AM

let's say, i have the US plane ticket and visa, with a japan transit visa, how many days can i stay before i should be bound for US? thanx.

Wigent

11-15-2006, 11:28 AM

You should stay until the departure date of your airplane to the US. Example, Northwest's schedule tells you that the plane will be leaving to the US a day later after your arrival in Tokyo then you should follow that.

I'm not sure about the durations of the transit visa but I think the embassy gives one or two weeks stay even the confirmed ticket says shorter.

dm11

11-17-2006, 03:05 PM

Hi, we decided to apply thru an accredited agency. We will submit the documents tomorrow. We are also enclosing this cover letter as a checklist to make sure all the documents we provided reach the embassy.
Please comment if this is okay and if the documents are sufficient or we are still lacking something.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
November 18, 2006<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Consulate General of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region> in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p>

Embassy of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Dear Visa Officer,<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>



I am submitting the below mentioned
documents in support of our application for Japanese Tourist Visas for me and
my wife through your accredited
travel agency Budget Travel and Tours
(Alabang Brach)[/i]::<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

For myself<o:p></o:p>[/i]

<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Complete visa application form with a required photograph attached
(2 copies).<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Original Passport (Old and Current)<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">NSO-certified Birth Certificate<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">NSO-certified Marriage Certificate<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Copy of Social Security Service Identification Card<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Certificate of Employment and Compensation from <my company>;<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Original copy of Most Recent Income Tax Return<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Bank Deposit Certificate from <my bank>;<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Recent Monthly Bank Statements from <my bank>;<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><Cooperative>; Certificate of Capital Share and Special Saving Fund<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Copy of Land Property Title<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Credit Card Statements

<o:p></o:p>

For my wife <Her Name:>;<o:p></o:p>[/i]

<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Complete visa application form with a required photograph attached
(2 copies).<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Original Passport (Old and Current)<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">NSO-certified Birth Certificate<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Copy of Social Security Service Identification Card<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Certificate of Employment and Compensation from <his company>;<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Original copy of Most Recent Income Tax Return<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Bank Deposit Certificate from Metro Bank<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Recent Monthly Bank Statements from <his bank>;<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><Cooperative>; Certificate of Capital Share and Special Saving Fund<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Copy of Contract to Sell of Property (Condominium)<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

For
both of us (Conjugal Documents)<o:p></o:p>[/i]

<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">NSO-certified Marriage Certificate<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Northwest Airline E-tickets<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><Hotel Name>; Hotel Pass/Voucher and Payment Slip<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">5-Days <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tokyo</st1:place></st1:city>
Tour Itinerary<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">5-Days <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tokyo</st1:place></st1:city>
Tour Estimated Expense<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

We also provided a set of photocopy of all
these documents.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Sincerely,

Wigent

11-17-2006, 09:25 PM

Hi, we decided to apply thru an accredited agency. We will submit the documents tomorrow. We are also enclosing this cover letter as a checklist to make sure all the documents we provided reach the embassy. (What if your agent didn't give this letter to the embassy?)
Please comment if this is okay and if the documents are sufficient or we are still lacking something.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
November 18, 2006<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Consulate General of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region> in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p>

Embassy of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Dear Visa Officer,<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>



I am submitting the below mentioned
documents in support of our application for Japanese Tourist Visas for me and
my wife through your accredited
travel agency Budget Travel and Tours
(Alabang Brach)[/i]::<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

For myself<o:p></o:p>[/i]

<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Complete visa application form with a required photograph attached
(2 copies).<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Original Passport (Old and Current)<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">NSO-certified Birth Certificate<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">NSO-certified Marriage Certificate<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Copy of Social Security Service Identification Card<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Certificate of Employment and Compensation from <my company>;<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Original copy of Most Recent Income Tax Return<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Bank Deposit Certificate from <my bank>;<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Recent Monthly Bank Statements from <my bank>; (A copy of your bank book is also a good idea)<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><Cooperative>; Certificate of Capital Share and Special Saving Fund<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Copy of Land Property Title<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Credit Card Statements

<o:p></o:p>

For my wife <Her Name:>;<o:p></o:p>[/i]

<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Complete visa application form with a required photograph attached
(2 copies).<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Original Passport (Old and Current)<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">NSO-certified Birth Certificate<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Copy of Social Security Service Identification Card<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Certificate of Employment and Compensation from <his company>;<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Original copy of Most Recent Income Tax Return<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Bank Deposit Certificate from Metro Bank<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Recent Monthly Bank Statements from <his bank>; (Same as above) <o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><Cooperative>; Certificate of Capital Share and Special Saving Fund<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Copy of Contract to Sell of Property (Condominium)<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

For
both of us (Conjugal Documents)<o:p></o:p>[/i]

<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">NSO-certified Marriage Certificate (Only one is OK) <o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">Northwest Airline E-tickets <o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><Hotel Name>; Hotel Pass/Voucher and Payment Slip<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">5-Days <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tokyo</st1:place></st1:city>
Tour Itinerary<o:p></o:p><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">5-Days <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tokyo</st1:place></st1:city>
Tour Estimated Expense<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

We also provided a set of photocopy of all
these documents.<o:p></o:p>

Thank you very much for your consideration (a little thank you won't hurt). ;)

Sincerely,

I think you're good to go. Most probably documents not written in the requirements list will be returned but if you're paranoid like most applicants I know you will submit as much as document as you can. Just separate those photocopies and wait for the visa officer to ask them. Be sure to alert your agent that you need some original documents back (example, like your e-ticket might be mistaken as non-essential and might not be returned to you). Most original documents will be returned at the time of application. It's hard to ask them back during verification time.

Good luck!

dm11

11-30-2006, 02:33 PM

Hi, the embassy has granted us our Tourist Visas. We submitted our application thru a travel agent. We were not required to make any personal appearance. We just waited one week :-).

Thanks to all who helped us thru this forum.

Wigent

11-30-2006, 05:34 PM

That's good news!

Don't forget your jackets. It's getting colder in Japan.

Enjoy your trip. [ap]

Maneki Neko

12-01-2006, 04:08 PM

Congratulations on your visa approval, dm11! Enjoy your trip!

midfall

12-02-2006, 06:29 PM

Hi, the embassy has granted us our Tourist Visas. We submitted our application thru a travel agent. We were not required to make any personal appearance. We just waited one week :-).

Thanks to all who helped us thru this forum.

wala na rin interview??????

dm11

12-04-2006, 09:55 AM

wala na rin interview??????

Wala na. We just submitted the documents to the travel agency. They submitted the documents to the Embassy. Normally, if the documents are lacking or if an interview is required they will advise the travel agency right away (as per the travel agent). In our case, it was not required. The agency got back our passports with the visa a week after submission.

The agency had the passports delivered to our office today. :-) Very convenient and good service. Cheap too.

Maneki Neko

12-07-2006, 03:54 PM

wala na rin interview??????

For sure, this is a case-to-case basis. Sabi nga ni dm11, kailangan lang naman ng personal appearance pag kulang ang documents mo at kailangan mo personally sumagot sa mga tanong ng embassy people.

So if you want to go through this "route", just make sure that all your documents are in order. :)

babylj

07-02-2008, 08:49 PM

pag na deny, malalaman ba ng agency yung grounds/basis if bakit na deny?

if ever kanino dapat magtanong...

Wigent

07-02-2008, 10:36 PM

Di sinasabi reason for denial, babylj-san. Kahit sa agency. Re-apply lang uli ang pwede.