As the demand from local tourists continues to increase.
In its website on Wednesday, March 19, the Japanese Embassy in Manila shared that a new visa processing hub will open in the Philippines early next month.
According to them, the Japan Visa Application Centre, which will be operated by VFS Service Philippines, Inc., is scheduled to begin its operation on April 7, 2025.
“In order to provide better service and convenience to those applying for visas, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines is pleased to announce the opening of the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) to accept and issue visa applications,” it said.
The JVAC’s five branches will be situated in Parañaque City, Makati City, Quezon City, Cebu City, and Davao City, with their exact locations as follows:
- Parañaque City – L3, Parqal Mall Building 5, Aseana
- Makati City – Ground Floor, Makati Circuit Corporate Center
- Quezon City – L3, Gateway Tower Mall, Cubao
- Cebu City – L6, Faustina Center, Kasambagan
- Davao City – Felcris Centrale
For the Metro Manila branches, the application hours will be from Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Meanwhile, the provincial offices will operate from Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 12:00 noon.
It was also noted that the JVAC will be closed every weekend and whenever the embassy is closed.
Moreover, “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 appointment-setting portal has also been opened concurrent to the embassy’s announcement on March 19.
As far as fees are concerned, applicants will have to shell out the visa fee and the Php 520 center usage fee, which must be paid “at the time of application.”
The opening of the Japan Visa Application Centre comes after the East Asian country recorded over 87,000 Filipino tourists arrivals in 2024, making the Philippines its 8th biggest tourism market.