The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines announced on Wednesday the opening of multiple Japan Visa Centers across the country to provide “better service and convenience” to visa applicants.

In an advisory, the embassy said the Japan Visa Center, operated by VFS Service Philippines Inc., will officially begin operations on 7 April 2025. However, applicants can start booking appointments online through the VFS Global website beginning 19 March.

According to the embassy, the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) will have five branches nationwide. Three will be in Luzon, located in Parañaque City, Makati City and Quezon City. The Visayas will have one branch in Cebu City while Mindanao will have a branch in Davao City.

Visa processing schedules will vary by region. In Luzon, the JVAC branches in Parañaque, Makati, and Quezon City will be open from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meanwhile, the branches in Cebu and Davao will operate from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fees required

Visa applications at the center will require a visa fee and a center usage fee of P520. “Fees may vary depending on nationality and application,” the advisory said, adding that both fees must be paid at the time of submission.

The embassy also reminded the public that starting 6 April 2025, visa applications will no longer be accepted through agencies.

“Please note that if you applied through an accredited agency before 6 April 2025, the release of your passport will also be at the agency where you applied,” the embassy said.

“For cases related to diplomatic or official passports, or urgent cases requiring humanitarian consideration, please contact our Embassy or the nearest Cebu or Davao Consulate,” it added.