New visa processing center marks 'Golden Age' between PH, Japan - envoy

April 3 ------ The Japanese government said the opening of its new visa processing center in Manila shows the deeper people-to-people relations between the Philippines and Japan.

According to Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, the opening of the visa processing center marks the "Golden Age" of the two nations' ties. "This development marks an important milestone in the relations between Japan and the Philippines. Such improvement and the influx of Filipinos wanting to visit Japan reveal the improving people-to-people ties between our countries," Kazuya said in a press release. "I believe that the best indicator and proof of the 'Golden Age' of our relations is best demonstrated not merely between our governments but through exchanges among our peoples that bring our nations even closer together," he added.

Kazuya said the new visa center would have the capability to process a higher volume of visa applications per day and ensure a faster and seamless system. The applicants or their representatives, such as travel agents, may submit their applications in designated VFS Global Visa Application Centers starting April 7, 2025. Applicants are advised to check the VFS website for details on how to apply for a Japan Visa. They must first secure an appointment online through the VFS Philippines website.

Visa application at the center will incur a visa fee and a center usage fee P520, the embassy has said. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) said more than 710,000 Filipinos visited Japan from January to November 2024—a 30.7% increase from the same period of 2023.

Source: gmanetwork.com