PSA: JAPAN VISA PROCESSING NOW TAKES UP TO TWO MONTHS

Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, Japan's allure remains unmatched. For enthusiasts of Japanese culture—be it anime, fashion, food, or simply the country's delightful weather—there's always a reason to keep rebooking flights to the Land of the Rising Sun. And if you want to be like your IG mutuals and post photos at some of the most famous Japanese like the Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Disneyland, and the Sensoji Temple, then you need to schedule and book that trip! But don't forget your Japanese visa, of course.

Just a little PSA though, for those who are planning that dream trip to Japan: the Japanese visa processing for Filipinos just took a little longer, as shared by the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines in a recent update. But the Cherry Blossoms in bloom are worth it, right?

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Japanese visa processing for Filipinos can now take up to two months

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines recently added an important notice about visa applications to the in-demand destination on their website. Written in red text, the notice reads, "Due to the rapid increase in the number of visitors from the Philippines, examination of visa applications for tourism purposes, may take several weeks longer than the standard processing time. Therefore, we highly recommend that applicants please apply at least two months prior to the date of travel."

And yes, this is for both single-entry and multiple-entry Japanese visa applications. That also means it's best to apply a minimum of two months in advance before your actual trip.

This is a significant jump as before this update, Japanese visa processing only took between seven to 10 business days. But fear not, because it is just a friendly reminder from the Embassy. You can still snag that low-fare ticket you've been eyeing during the seat sale—just don't delay filing your visa application!

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2025-01-16T04:05:26Z