Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17741408233871774140818827.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">In this file photo taken on March 27, 2018 a visitor takes a photograph of cherry blossoms in full bloom in the Japanese capital Tokyo.<em> Kazuhiro Nogi, AFP </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — This Tuesday, the Embassy of Japan released a FAQ guide answering the most common questions regarding the visa application process for Japan. Mike Suzuki, a representative of the Japanese Visa Application Center (JVAC), tackled the concerns mentioned in the video and addressed the following: </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>1. Should we book our plane tickets before visa application? If not, then how many days prior to the planned travel should you apply for the visa?</strong></div><p>There’s no need to book a flight before applying for the visa, and if the submitted application contains no errors, the processing time at VFS Global will take an estimated 2-3 business days, with the embassy of Japan taking 6. </p><p>It’s commonly recommended to prepare visa applications approximately 1-2 months ahead of the scheduled departure. However, future travelers are advised to plan accordingly when entering the country during its peak seasons, as visa processing may take longer than expected.  </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>2. I’m the head of our family and I’m planning to handle the applications of my wife and my two children. Should I schedule four appointments on the website or just one?</strong></div><p>The representative, who in this case is the head of the family, is advised to manage the signed authorization letters for each individual, together with their visa requirements. </p><p>Adults must sign their authorization letters, while for children below 13 years old, the mother must sign on their behalf. In case the mother is unable to sign the letters, a guardian duly authorized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development may do so. </p><p>All applicants must ensure their signatures are consistent across their respective documents to avoid further delays. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2026/3/4/japan-korea-top-spring-destinations-among-asian-travelers-klook-1717">Japan, Korea top spring destinations among Asian travelers: Klook</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>3. I booked a premium plus appointment through call via a link on the official VFS Global Website. Is this real or a scam? I’m a bit worried.</strong></div><p>If the link provided through the call was generated from the official VFS Global Website, it can be considered a valid appointment. Due to the rise of online scammers, applicants are advised to exercise extreme caution to avoid fraudulent appointments and fake travel agencies.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>4. If you applied for a single entry visa, is it possible to change it during submission to a multiple entry one? Or is there a chance for them to give you a multiple entry one instead?”</strong></div><p>In order to change the application details, an applicant has to withdraw their application first and reapply online, as the Embassy of Japan can only review the info initially submitted in the application and therefore cannot entertain last-minute revisions. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>5. For the premium lounge, could we have our picture taken and printed there?</strong></div><p>Photo-taking and printing services are included in VFS Global’s premium lounge to accommodate such requests. </p><div><br/></div><p>A few months before the release of the FAQ video, the Japanese government announced plans to implement its new online pre-travel authorization, the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), by 2028. </p><p>The new system aims to strengthen border control and streamline immigration processes for foreign nationals by skipping in-person checks to avoid overcrowding as the country braces itself for another record-breaking number of inbound tourists, as observed in recent years. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/2/24/vacation-why-japan-is-a-good-choice-for-your-wallet-1438">Vacation? Why Japan is a good choice for your wallet</a></div><p>Japan also plans on increasing visa and residency fees, with some possibly jumping over tenfold its current prices. </p><p>As the Japanese government continues to make sweeping changes to its tourism and immigration policies, it’s important for applicants to stay updated on the latest developments to ensure a smooth and stress-free application process. </p><p>For any further inquiries on the visa application process, you may reach out through VFS Global’s official email address at <a href="mailto:info.japanphp@vfshelpline.com">info.japanphp@vfshelpline.com</a>.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/1/20/record-tourists-to-japan-despite-plunge-in-chinese-visitors-1049">Record tourists to Japan, despite plunge in Chinese visitors</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/36RsDfqVy3w?si=1yksvxc1hGamJfjs" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Last Tuesday, the Embassy of Japan released a FAQ guide answering the most common questions regarding the visa application process for Japan. Mike Suzuki, a representative of the Japanese Visa Application Center (JVAC), tackled the concerns mentioned in the video and addressed the following:</p>

Last Tuesday, the Embassy of Japan released a FAQ guide answering the most common questions regarding the visa application process for Japan. Mike Suzuki, a representative of the Japanese Visa Application Center (JVAC), tackled the concerns mentioned in the video and addressed the following:

Missed Sakura season? Japan embassy shares visa tips for your next trip

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Missed Sakura season? Japan embassy shares visa tips for your next trip

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Kyler Loyola

Published Mar 22, 2026 09:14 AM PHT

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Japan

travel

cherry blossom

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