In spite of the surge in the number of tourists from the Philippines, the Japanese Embassy in Manila aims to process and return tourism visa applications within five days.
However, the Embassy continues to advise travelers to apply at least two months in advance, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Embassy emphasized that it is currently in the process of transitioning its screening system, which would accelerate the visa process amid a surge in the number of visa applications for tourism purposes.
The Embassy of Japan in Manila also highlighted the importance of bilateral relationships with the Philippines, as well as the people-to-people exchanges that, according to the Embassy, form the foundation of that relationship.
Please be informed that the Embassy will continue to make efforts to complete the procedures and return the visa within five working days after it is submitted to the Embassy by the travel agencies.
The recent report from the Embassy comes following several reports indicating that Filipino tourists are being subject to longer visa waiting times when planning to travel to Japan for tourism purposes.
Over 818,700 Filipinos Visited Japan in 2024
Japan is among the most sought-after destinations for Filipinos wishing to explore other countries.
According to the figures from the Japan National Tourism Organization, in 2024, a total of 818,700 Filipinos travelled to Japan, accounting for a 31.6 per cent surge from the statistics registered in 2023 and a record high for the second consecutive year.
Transitioning to the new system will help to accelerate the visa processing procedure, as emphasized by the Embassy.
The new system, it added, will further streamline the visa process, as well as to continue strengthening our robust people-to-people exchanges as a vital part of Japan and the Philippines’ bilateral relations.
While the processing of visa applications for tourism purposes is expected to become faster, visa applications for official and commercial purposes, such as those for businesses, cultural exchange, and long-stay visas, among others, will continue to follow the old procedure.
Earlier this month, the Embassy announced that it opened a limited additional slot for tourist visa applications.
However, according to Kyodo News screening rules for Filipino visitors remain strict, taking into account income verification as well as other required documents. Additional restrictions and processing delays may lead Filipinos to choose other destinations.