The Japanese Embassy in Manila launched its online visa appointment system on Wednesday, March 19, as it announced the opening of a dedicated Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) on April 7.

In a statement, the Japanese Embassy said the new system was launched to "provide better service and convenience to those applying for visas."

The online appointment system can be found on the VFS global website. VFS Service Philippines, Inc. is the operator of the JVAC.

Applicants can submit and receive their visas at five branches in the cities of Parañaque, Makati, Quezon, Cebu, and Davao.

The JVAC will be open from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, visa applications will be accepted only until 2 p.m. in the Metro Manila branches and until 12 p.m. in Cebu and Davao.

Applicants must pay a visa fee and a center usage fee of P520 upon application, with fees varying based on nationality and type of visa.

With the opening of the JVAC, accredited travel agencies will no longer accept visa applications starting April 6.

However, those who applied through them before the said date must still collect their passports from the same agency.

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