Metro Manila, Philippines – Japan will open a new visa processing center on April 7 to address the backlog and fast-track applications, its embassy said Wednesday, March 19.
“In order to provide better service and convenience to those applying for visas, we have decided to open the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) to accept and issue visa applications,” the Japanese embassy said in a statement.
The JVAC will have branches in Quezon City, Parañaque City, Makati City, Davao, and Cebu.
The current system requires long and short term visa applications to go through accredited travel agencies as the embassy does not accept walk-ins.
JVAC business hours and releasing of passports are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
The embassy said applicants should pay a visa fee along with a center usage fee of ₱520.
“Fees may vary depending on nationality and application. Visa fee and center usage fee must be paid at the time of application,” the embassy said.
Japan National Tourism Organization data showed more than 800,000 Filipinos visited the north Asian country in 2024, a 31.6% increase year-on-year.
December saw the highest number of Filipino arrivals at 108,500 tourists for the winter holidays.
The Philippines ranked eighth in largest visitor arrivals in Japan behind the United States, South Korea, China, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
