Filipino nationals who want to travel to Japan are finding it difficult to secure visa appointments as the Japanese authorities have decided to cut the number of available slots.
The reduction of visa appointments comes as part of the country’s plan to better manage the tourist influx, which is being driven by the weak yen in Japan, VisaGuide.World reports.
In addition to now offering fewer visa appointments, Kyodo News explains, that the Japanese embassy in the Philippines is also urging the nationals of the latter to submit their applications ahead of time.
The embassy has recommended that Japan visa applications be submitted by Filipino nationals up to two months before their planned time of travel.
This is double the time that has been recommended so far. However, taking into account the current travel boom from the Philippines to Japan, through this recommendation, the Japanese embassy wants to ensure that Filipinos get to have a smooth travel experience without facing any major inconveniences.
Daily Cap of Visa Slots Reportedly Cut by Around 50%
Passport holders of the Philippines who want to obtain a Japanese tourist visa mainly need to complete the application process through authorized agencies.
Commenting on the matter, an agency in Manila said that the embassy has reportedly cut the daily cap of appointments by about 50 percent.
As Kyodo News notes, the change in the availability of Japan tourist visa appointments has been overwhelming agency branches.
The latter have been experiencing long lines of people waiting for hours just to secure an appointment. However, not all have been lucky, as the appointments are being filled immediately in the early morning.
While it is yet to be confirmed by the Japanese authorities, it is believed that by the end of 2025, the embassy will change the current system and move into a visa center system. This change is expected to improve the problems that are currently being faced by both applicants and agencies.
Moreover, the change is much needed if Japan wants to remain a popular destination among Filipinos, as the current problems may push travelers to choose other destinations with more favorable entry rules.
High Number of Filipino Tourists Visit Japan Each Year
Japan sees a high number of Filipino tourist arrivals every year. Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization show that around 818,700 travelers from the Philippines reached the territory of Japan in 2024.
This number of Filipino tourists recorded last year represents a more than 31 percent increase compared to 2023.