New Japan Visa Application Centres in the Philippines? What You Need to Know

Great news! Starting April 7, 2025, the Japan visa application process is getting a major upgrade. No more relying on travel agencies—Japan is launching five dedicated Japan Visa Application Centers (JVACs) across the Philippines, making the process faster and more convenient. Operated by VFS Global, these centres aim to speed up Japan visa processing and reduce the long waiting times experienced by many Filipino travellers.

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Also read: 8 Japan Travel Tips Every Filipino Should Know in 2025

What’s changing?

For years, Japanese visa applications had to be submitted through accredited travel agencies, often resulting in long queues and delays. Due to the rising number of Filipino tourists in Japan, the Japanese Embassy in Manila is introducing new visa processing centres in the Philippines, allowing applicants to file their tourist visa applications directly at JVAC.

With this change, applicants can expect a more efficient system that will help fast-track Japan visa processing.

Where to apply for a Japan visa in the Philippines

The Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC) will have five locations nationwide:

• Metro Manila: Parañaque City, Makati City, Quezon City

• Visayas: Cebu City

• Mindanao: Davao City

These visa application centres in the Philippines will operate from Monday to Friday:

• Metro Manila: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Passport release: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Cebu & Davao: 7 a.m. to 12 noon

If you're wondering where to apply for a Japan visa in Metro Manila, these new centres will now handle applications directly, eliminating the need to go through a third party.

How to apply for a Japan visa in the Philippines

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With this updated visa application process, applying for a visa is now more convenient and straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Book an appointment online. Applicants must book an appointment through the Japan visa application system on the VFS Global website.

2. Prepare the necessary documents. Ensure you meet the Japan visa requirements for Filipino travellers, including your passport, application form, and proof of financial capacity.

3. Submit your application at JVAC. Head to your preferred visa application centre and hand over your documents.

4. Pay the visa and centre usage fee. The Japan visa and centre usage fees start at ₱520, but costs may vary depending on nationality and visa type.

5. Wait for processing. While the exact waiting time isn’t specified, the embassy expects a faster turnaround than the previous two-month backlog.

Why Japan is changing its visa processing system

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Japan has become one of the top travel destinations for Filipinos, and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has reported a record-breaking number of visitors. From January to November 2024, more than 710,000 Filipino tourists visited Japan, marking a 30.7% increase from the previous year. In November 2024 alone, 87,100 Filipinos travelled to Japan, a 37% rise from 2023.

With such high demand, the Japanese Embassy in Manila is enhancing visa outsourcing services to manage applications more efficiently. The new Japan visa processing centres in Cebu and Davao, as well as those in Metro Manila, will help reduce waiting times while ensuring a smooth visa application process for Filipinos.

What this means for Filipino travellers

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If you're eager to experience travelling to Japan—from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the cherry blossoms in Kyoto—this change makes it easier than ever to apply for a Japan tourist visa. With JVAC handling applications, Filipinos can now enjoy a more streamlined visa processing system, giving them more time to plan their trip.

However, since Japanese visa processing times may still take several weeks, the Japanese Embassy in Manila advises travellers to apply well in advance to avoid delays.

Also read: 20 Don’ts You Should Know While Visiting Japan

Final thoughts

This revamped Japan visa application process for Filipinos is a significant improvement for those eager to explore Japan. By opening five Japan Visa Application Centers (JVAC) and partnering with VFS Global, the Japanese Embassy in Manila is making it easier, faster, and more convenient to secure a visa.

So, if you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Japan, now’s the best time to start planning!