Japan Opens New Visa Processing Centers Across the Philippines to Meet Growing Demand

To accommodate the increasing number of Filipino travelers to Japan, the Japanese government has established new visa processing centers throughout the Philippines. This initiative aims to streamline the application process and provide more accessible and efficient services to visa applicants.

Key Details

Opening Date: April 7, 2025

Operator: VFS Global – a leading provider of visa outsourcing and technology services

Locations: Parañaque City, Makati City, Quezon City, Cebu City, and Davao City

Application Process

Applicants are required to book an appointment online through the official VFS Global Philippines website prior to visiting any of the centers. Visa applications are subject to a standard visa fee as well as a center usage fee of ₱520. Fees may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the type of visa being requested. All fees must be settled at the time of application submission.

Background

The newly launched Japan Visa Application Centres (JVACs) were introduced in response to a sharp increase in travel demand. In January, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines advised travelers to apply for tourist visas at least two months before their intended departure date due to a significant rise in application volume.

According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), over 710,000 Filipinos visited Japan between January and November 2024—an impressive 30.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. November 2024 alone saw a record 87,100 Filipino visitors, representing a 37% year-on-year growth.

The opening of these centers reflects the strengthening of bilateral relations and growing people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Philippines.

For further details or to book an appointment, please visit the VFS Global Philippines website.