The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) has clarified that the latest advisory from the Japanese Embassy regarding the acquisition of tourist visas will not directly affect the industry, as the advisory is not erasing the role of pertinent travel agencies.

“I feel that the media mistook the news as that travel agencies no longer assist with Japan Visa. Travelers may opt to DIY (do it yourself) or still have a legitimate/PIATA (Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association)/PTAA accredited travel agent process it for them. Either way, we support and work closely with both the Japan Embassy and VFS,” PTAA press relations officer Chal Del Rosario told DAILY TRIBUNE.

Del Rosario said the messaging of the news article, stating that the Nippon country “will no longer course their applications through accredited travel agencies,” has affected Japan’s advisory.

“Because of the wrong messaging and clickbait subjects, people may think that we do not process this service anymore. Nevertheless, we continue to work hand in hand with embassies and VFS to help and assist travelers in their visa applications,” Del Rosario stressed.

The Japan Embassy earlier said that from 7th April 2025, it will start the opening of the Japan Visa Application Center operated by VFS Service Philippines Private, Inc. as a service provider.

According to the Embassy, to ensure a smooth transition to the Visa Center, the previously accredited agencies may continue to submit directly to the Embassy the visa application documents they have received before the start of the Visa Center, particularly until 6th April 2025.

In its official statement, the PTAA said they are working closely with VFS Global, the official partner for Japan visa applications, to uphold the highest standards of service and compliance.

The group also encouraged travelers who need assistance to course their Japan visa applications and related services through PTAA-certified and member travel agencies.

“By choosing a PTAA-certified agency, you can be assured of professional, reliable, and quality service, as our members adhere to the strictest industry standards and guidelines. Our commitment is to provide you with a seamless and worry-free travel experience. For a list of PTAA-accredited agencies, please visit our official website or contact the PTAA Secretariat directly,” they said.

New Visa Centers that the Japanese Embassy will start operating on 7 April are located in Parañaque (VFS Services Philippines Private, Inc., Unit No. 305, 306, 307, Level-3, Parqal Abaca Building 5, Along A. Luz Drive Corner Imao St, Aseana City, Barangay Tambo); Makati (Ground Floor, Makati Circuit Corporate Tower Two, AP Reyes Street, Brgy. Carmona); Quezon City (Space no. GT03014S, Level 3, Gateway Tower Mall, Araneta City, Barangay Socorro); Cebu (Unit 9, 7th floor Faustina Center, Bonifacio District, Cabahug St. Kasambagan, Cebu City), and Davao (FES-09, Second Floor, Alfresco Area, Felcris Centrale, Quimpo Boulevard, Barangay 40–D).