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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Japanese Embassy: Tourist visa for Filipinos remains free despite fee hike

Japanese Embassy: Tourist visa for Filipinos remains free despite fee hike

Published Jun 25, 2026 03:06 pm

At A Glance

  • The Japanese Embassy in Manila clarified that temporary visitor visas for Philippine passport holders remain free despite Japan's planned increase in visa fees.
  • The embassy said the "gratis" policy continues to apply to Filipinos traveling to Japan for up to 90 days.
  • Japan earlier announced higher visa fees for foreign nationals beginning July 1, prompting questions from Filipino travelers.
Canva photos
Canva photos

Good news for Filipino travelers!

The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has clarified that Filipino tourists will continue to enjoy free temporary visitor visas despite Japan's planned increase in visa application fees for foreign nationals.

In an advisory, the embassy emphasized that the visa fee hike does not apply to Philippine nationals applying for temporary visitor visas.

"Please note that Temporary Visitor Visa (for stay within 90 days at maximum) for Philippine Nationals remains as gratis," the embassy said on Thursday, June 25.

The clarification came after reports that Japan would increase visa fees beginning July 1, raising concerns among Filipino travelers planning to visit the country.

Fee hike affects other visa categories

Japan earlier announced that visa fees for foreign nationals would increase by as much as five times starting July 1.

Under the revised fee structure, the cost of a single-entry visa will rise from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen, while a multiple-entry visa will increase from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.

However, the Japanese Embassy stressed that Filipino applicants for temporary visitor visas—covering stays of up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and similar short-term purposes—will continue to be exempt from paying visa fees.

Easier travel for Filipinos

The clarification also comes as Japan continues to study measures to make travel easier for Filipinos.

Earlier this month, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya said Tokyo was exploring ways to improve and streamline visa procedures for Filipinos, including the possibility of visa-free entry.

The ambassador said the Japanese Embassy in Manila has been making "steady efforts" to improve visa processing while weighing factors such as public safety, national security, economic impact, and social considerations before any further easing of travel requirements.

Japan has also relaxed multiple-entry visa requirements for qualified Filipinos in recent years, while holders of Philippine diplomatic passports have been enjoying visa-free entry since October 2024.

People-to-people exchanges remain one of the pillars of Philippines-Japan relations, with Japan consistently ranking among the top overseas destinations for Filipino tourists and workers.

Related Tags

Japanese Embassy PH-Japan Visa application Travel Tourism
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