Good news for Filipino travelers! The Embassy of Japan has officially announced that Filipino tourists applying for a Japan visa—whether for single or multiple entry—will no longer have to pay a visa fee. This significant change, effective immediately, aims to streamline the visa application process and encourage more Filipino visitors to explore the Land of the Rising Sun.
However, while the visa fee is waived, applicants will still need to cover center-usage fees and any additional services. These fees will be managed by newly established Japan Visa Application Centers (JVAC), which are set to open soon.
No Visa Fee for Tourist Visas – But What About Other Visas?
The Embassy of Japan clarified that while the tourist visa is now free of charge, other visa types—such as those for long-term stays—will still have corresponding fees. This means that individuals applying for student visas, work visas, or family reunification visas will still need to pay the required processing fees.
According to the embassy, "We do not impose any fee for visas, at least for tourism visas. But, of course, travel agencies or visa centers have to do their own jobs and also have to manage to streamline thousands of visas a day—so, therefore, they do have a fee of their own."
Japan to Open Five Visa Application Centers in the Philippines
In line with this initiative, the Embassy of Japan will open five Japan Visa Application Centers (JVAC) across major cities in the Philippines. These centers will be located in:
- Cebu City
- Davao City
- Makati City
- Parañaque City
- Quezon City
Set to begin operations on April 7, 2025, these centers will be managed by VFS Global, a commercial firm specializing in visa and consular services. This move aims to enhance the visa processing experience for Filipino applicants, providing them with more accessible locations to submit their visa applications.
Key Dates and Changes in Visa Processing
With the opening of JVAC, there will be adjustments to the visa application process:
- Until April 6, 2025, the Embassy of Japan will continue to accept applications through its accredited travel agencies.
- Starting April 7, 2025, all tourist visa applications must be submitted through JVAC. Accredited agencies will no longer be authorized to accept applications directly but will instead facilitate submission to JVAC on behalf of travelers.
- Applicants are advised to apply early to ensure their visas are processed before their travel date.
- If an applicant has submitted their visa application before April 6, 2025, their passport will still be released through the agency where they initially applied.
Visa and Center Usage Fees Explained
While the visa fee itself is waived, applicants must still pay a center usage fee of PHP520 at the time of application submission. The center usage fee covers administrative costs related to processing and is a standard charge in many visa application systems worldwide.
Additionally, VFS Global offers premium services for those who wish to have a more comfortable and expedited visa application experience. One such service is the Premium Lounge, which provides a more personalized visa submission process for a fee of PHP1,500.
Role of Travel Agencies in the New Visa Application System
Despite the shift to JVAC, accredited travel agencies will remain a reliable option for visa applicants. These agencies will now act as intermediaries, collecting visa applications from travelers and submitting them to JVAC on their behalf. However, the embassy emphasized that this must be a "well-coordinated" process between the agencies and VFS Global, as it falls under "commercial activities."
What This Means for Filipino Travelers
The elimination of visa fees for Filipino tourists is a significant step towards strengthening the ties between Japan and the Philippines. This change makes Japan a more accessible destination for Filipinos eager to experience its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant city life.
With the upcoming opening of JVAC, applicants can look forward to a more streamlined and efficient visa application process. However, travelers should still plan ahead and submit their applications early to avoid any last-minute issues.
For those dreaming of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, the bustling streets of Tokyo, or the historic sites of Hiroshima, now is the perfect time to start planning your Japanese adventure!
