New Japan Visa Centers Make Applications Easier For Filipinos

Filipino travelers can now apply for a Japan visa easily with five new Japan Visa Application Centers (JVAC) opening on April 7. These centers let people apply directly without going through travel agencies, making it simpler to plan a family vacation or solo trip to Japan.

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Japan opens new Visa Application Centers in the Philippines

Starting April 7, Filipinos can apply for a Japan visa directly at the new JVAC centers, which will be operated by VFS Global, a trusted partner of the Japanese Embassy in Manila. The embassy has stated that this transition will streamline the visa application process, making it more convenient for Filipino citizens.

Locations and Visa Application Process

The five new centers will be located in Cebu City, Davao City, Parañaque City, Makati City, and Quezon City, making them accessible to applicants from various regions.

The centers will operate Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, applicants should note that visa applications will only be accepted until 2:00 p.m. at Metro Manila locations and until 12:00 p.m. at the Cebu and Davao centers. Passports can be collected until 4:00 p.m. each day.

The JVACs will be conveniently located in the following areas:

• Cebu City: Faustina Center, Level 6, F. Cabahug Street, Kasambagan
• Davao City: Unit FEG 9-10, 2nd Floor, Alfresco Area, Felcris Centrale, Quimpo Boulevard
• Makati City: Makati Circuit Corporate Center, Tower Two, AP Reyes Street
• Parañaque City: Parqal Mall, Building 5, Diokno Avenue, Macapagal Boulevard
• Quezon City: Gateway Tower Mall, Araneta City, Cubao

The embassy clarified that tourist visa applicants for Japan must pay both a visa fee and a P520 center usage fee when applying at the JVAC. Optional services, such as the premium lounge for P1,500, are also available for a more personalized submission experience.

For other visa types, applicants must pay the standard visa fee plus the P520 center usage fee, with the total amount varying based on the visa type and nationality.

Additionally, although visa processing times were previously expected to take up to two months due to an increase in applications, the embassy has reassured the public that the new system should help process applications more efficiently. Applicants should still plan ahead and apply well before their intended travel dates.

Changes in the Visa Application Process

After April 6, the Japanese Embassy will no longer accept visa applications through travel agencies. If an applicant has already submitted their application via an accredited agency, they can still pick up their passports from that same agency. However, from April 7 onward, all new applications must be submitted directly to one of the JVACs.

For those with urgent visa needs, or those applying for diplomatic or official passports, the embassy advises contacting them directly or visiting the nearest consulate in Cebu or Davao. 

With these changes, Filipino travelers can expect a more streamlined visa application process for Japan. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Japan Visa Application Center's online portal, launched on March 19, for the latest updates and to schedule an appointment.

Click here to learn more about multiple-entry visas to Japan.