Traveling from Manila to NYC...do I need a transit visa in Japan if I go outside the airport?

Question

My layover is 24 hours and I'd like to explore Tokyo Do I need to apply for a visa or will I just be given a pass at the airport? I am a Philippine passport holder. Links with info will be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Read below very carefully and prepare all necessary application to obtain transit visa before leaving Manila.

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/n...

You can't get any transit visa at the Narita airport on arrival.

You can stay inside of the terminal overnight if necessary.

Answer 2

You can apply for a shore pass at Narita airport and explore Tokyo for 24 hours, when the immigration officer grants you the shore pass at his discretion. Here's one man's story of how he got his shore pass. He makes it sound easy.

http://home.wangjianshuo.com/archives/20...

Now, there is no guarantee that you will get a shore pass. You may be denied, and then, you will be stuck at the airport for 24 hours.

A transit visa costs nothing for a Philippine national, so you might as well apply for a transit visa and guarantee you get to explore Tokyo.

So the answer is that you don't need a transit visa, but it's a good idea to get one.