MANILA, Philippines – Filipino travelers planning to visit Japan can now apply for visas through a newly established application center managed by VFS Service Philippines. This new process introduces lower handling fees compared to the previous system.

According to an announcement by the Japanese embassy on March 19, visas for short-term visitors, such as tourists, will remain free of charge. However, individuals applying for long-term visas will still be required to pay visa fees in addition to the service fee imposed by the application center.

New Visa Application Centers

        ✔ Quezon City: Level 3, Gateway Tower Mall, Araneta City

        ✔ Makati: Ground Floor, Makati Circuit Corporate Center Tower Two, AP Reyes St., Barangay Carmona, Theater Drive Circuit

        ✔ Parañaque: Level 3, Parqal Mall, Building 5, Diokno Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard

        ✔ Cebu: Level 6, Faustina Center, Cabahug Street, Kasambagan

        ✔ Davao: FEG 9-10, 2nd floor, Alfresco area, Felcris Centrale, Quimpo Boulevard

        ✔ Quezon City, Makati, and Parañaque: 7 AM to 2 PM

        ✔ Cebu and Davao: 7 AM to 12 PM

Application Fees and Requirements

Applicants are advised to:

        ✔ Arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment. Minors under 18 may be accompanied by one guardian.

        ✔ Bring all necessary documents, including a printed appointment confirmation, a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and other supporting documents.

        ✔ Wear bright-colored clothing for their appointment.

        ✔ Ensure their fingertips are free of cuts or abrasions for biometric registration.

VFS Global provides an online tracking system for applicants to monitor their visa status. The embassy expects the new centers to improve efficiency and reduce processing times. While visa processing may still take several weeks to two months, applicants are encouraged to plan their applications accordingly but not earlier than three months before their intended travel date.