When applying for a tourist visa to Japan or Korea and you’re a Philippine Passport holder, one of the common requirements is an Income Tax Return (ITR) as proof of financial stability. But what if you don’t have an ITR? Whether you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or in a situation that exempts you from filing, you can submit an explanation letter. This document will clarify why you don’t have an ITR and provide additional assurance of your intent to return home after your trip. So here’s a guide on how to write a no ITR explanation letter for Philippine passport holders who want to travel to Japan and Korea.
What to Include in Your No ITR Explanation Letter?
Writing an explanation letter for a tourist visa application is an important step in ensuring your application gets approved. Here’s what you should consider when drafting your letter:
- Keep It Straightforward and Honest Begin the letter by stating your reason for not submitting an ITR. Be honest and provide any relevant details about your employment situation. If you’re a freelancer, student, or unemployed, explain your circumstances briefly but clearly.
- Show Your Enthusiasm for the Trip Mention the purpose of your visit to Japan or Korea, including specific activities you plan to do. This could be anything from sightseeing to attending cultural festivals. Showing your genuine excitement for the trip can support your intent to return home once the vacation ends.
- Highlight Financial Proof and Stability Although you don’t have an ITR, it’s important to offer alternative financial documents. Mention any other forms of proof, such as bank statements, employment certificates, or sponsorship from family members. This reassures the visa officers that you can financially support your trip.
- Subtle Proof of Intent to Return Visa officers want to be assured that you have no intention of overstaying. Conclude your letter with a subtle hint of reasons for returning home, such as family, ongoing employment, business commitments, or studies. This can ease concerns about illegal overstays or job hunting abroad.
Sample No ITR Explanation Letter
Below is a sample of an explanation letter you can use when applying for a Japan or Korea tourist visa without an ITR:
Japan Visa No ITR Explanation Letter
This is the explanation letter I wrote for my Japan visa application. And I got approved back in 2019. At that time, I didn’t have any international travel history as well. And earlier this year 2024, I applied again for a tourist visa and got approved.
You can also use this template for your Korean Visa Cover Letter explaining why you don’t have an ITR. Just make sure to change the address. Two of my friends followed this and got approved. One of them even got a multiple-entry visa.
Korean Visa Cover Letter for ITR with No Stamp
When I traveled to Korea back in 2022 to watch the BTS concert, I already had an ITR. (If you’re curious, I availed Taxumo’s services to file as a freelancer. This is not sponsored, but you can use my code C2Q0I to get a discount.) But I learned from someone in TikTok that they require an ITR with a stamp, mine isn’t because I file my taxes online. In the TikTok I watched, OP said the consul told her to write an explanation letter as to why her ITR isn’t stamped. So I did the same thing and I even included my BIR remittance receipt and the filing confirmation from BIR as well.
Key Tips for Writing Your Explanation Letter
- Keep it short: Aim for a one-page letter that covers all necessary points.
- Be professional: While you can show your enthusiasm for your trip, maintain a respectful and formal tone.
- Attach supporting documents: Provide as much alternative proof of financial stability as possible.
Writing a compelling and honest explanation letter can significantly improve your chances of securing a tourist visa to Japan or Korea, even without an ITR. By focusing on your financial stability and reasons to return home, you’ll show the embassy that you have no intentions of overstaying.
