Japan will open the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) in the Philippines on April 7, 2025.
The decision has been confirmed through a statement by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, VisaGuide.World reports.
In order to provide better service and convenience to those applying for visas, we have decided to open the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) to accept and issue visa applications.
There will be a total of five locations of the Japan Visa Application Center in the Philippines, or more specifically: Parañaque City, Makati City, Quezon City, Cebu City, and Davao City.
Visa Applications Will Not Be Accepted at Accredited Agencies After April 6
Up to this point, visa applications are made through accredited agencies as the embassy does not accept walk-in applications.
With the opening of the new embassy on April 7, applications will no longer be accepted at accredited agencies.
If an applicant applies through agencies before April 6, the release of the passport will also be made at the agency where they applied.
Applications will no longer be accepted at the accredited agencies on April 6, 2025. Please note that from April 7, 2025, applications will be accepted at the Japan Visa Application Center.
The Embassy announced through its statement that it will be open from Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Application hours are from Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM for locations in Parañaque, Makati, and Quezon City while for locations in Cebu and Davao from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Visa Fee Applied Depending on Application & Nationality
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines also emphasized that a fee will be applied that will vary on nationality and application.
Visa application at the centre will incur a visa fee and a center usage fee (520 pesos). Fee may vary depending on nationality and application. Visa fee and center usage fee must be paid at the time of application.
Japan Aiming to Accelerate Visa Processing for Filipinos
Filipinos are often subject to longer waiting times when planning to travel to Japan.
In February this year, the Japanese Embassy in Manila unfolded plans to accelerate the processing of visas for Filipinos, aiming to reduce waiting times to just five days.
In a statement, the Embassy said that it is in the process of transitioning to the screening system, which would help accelerate the visa process amid the surge in the number of visa applications for tourism purposes.