Japan Embassy opens visa applications for individual travelers

The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has announced it is now accepting applications for individual tourist visa and multiple-entry visa.

In a post on its Facebook account, the Embassy said it accepts applications for all kinds of visas, including temporary visitors for individual travel, visiting friends, and multiple-entry.

It added that there is no need for registration to entrants, returnee follow-up system and the requirements for visiting friends have been relaxed as there is no need for an inviter's "written pledge."

The Embassy said the issuance of visas for the mentioned procedures will start on October 11 so those who will enter Japan on or before October 10 will need to apply for visa based on previous procedures.

It further said the suspension of validity of multiple-entry visa and APEC Business Travel Card will be lifted on October 11 as long as it is still valid. The multiple-entry visa will be cancelled if an applicant has obtained a single-valid visa.

Visa exemption arrangements, which were temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will also resume on October 11.

“Philippine nationals are not subject to the visa exemption arrangements and are required to obtain an appropriate visa,” the Japan Embassy said

Starting October 11, Japan will no longer require on-arrival test at the quarantine station, self-quarantine in places such as residence or accommodations, and restrictions from using public transportation.

“In addition, all returnees and entrants will now be required to provide either a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (3 doses) of vaccines on the Emergency Use List of World Health Organization (WHO) or a certificate of a negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to departing from the original country/region,” it added.—Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA News