Japan Embassy Points to Unprecedented Filipino Visa Demand for Appointment Slot Shortage
The Japanese Embassy in Manila has officially addressed the current shortage of appointment slots for securing a Japanese visa, particularly as the spring season approaches. In a statement released on Wednesday night, January 28, 2026, the embassy attributed this issue to what it described as "unprecedented levels" of visa applications from Filipino citizens.
Surge in Applications Excluding Pandemic Period
According to the embassy, visa applications from Filipinos wishing to visit Japan have reached heights not seen before, excluding the period during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This surge has placed significant pressure on the visa processing system, leading to the current scarcity of available slots for applicants.
Visa Processing Overhaul and Rising Numbers
In response to this increasing demand, the embassy implemented a fundamental overhaul of the visa processing system starting in April 2025. This overhaul was designed to maintain proper screening quality while streamlining the overall process to handle the higher volume of applications more efficiently.
Data provided by the embassy highlights the dramatic growth in short-stay visas issued to Philippine passport holders over the past decade. The numbers show a more than sixfold increase, rising from at least 73,143 visas in 2013 to over 450,000 in 2023. This upward trend continued, with the figure further climbing to 490,907 in the most recent year.
Measures to Address Demand and Strengthen Ties
To cope with this surge, the embassy took several proactive steps. In April, it officially opened a dedicated visa application center aimed at addressing the increasing demand and fast-tracking visa issuances. Additionally, in December, the embassy introduced an e-visa system for tourists traveling to Japan via package tours organized by designated travel agencies, offering a more convenient option for eligible applicants.
The embassy emphasized that people-to-people exchanges remain a cornerstone of Philippine-Japan relations. It welcomed the growing interest among Filipinos in visiting Japan, noting that the number of Filipino visitors reached a record high of 880,000 in 2025. As the two nations approach the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship this year, the embassy stated its commitment to further strengthening these cultural and personal connections.
This situation underscores the deepening ties between the Philippines and Japan, driven by robust travel interest, while also highlighting the logistical challenges faced by embassies in managing such high demand for visa services.
