The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) has released a statement expressing their full support for the Embassy of Japan in ensuring a smooth and efficient visa application process.
“We are working closely with VFS Global, the official partner of Japan visa applications, to uphold the highest standards of service and compliance,” the PTAA statement said.
Effective April 7, Japan visa applications will now be processed by VFS Global through the assigned Japan Visa Application Centers located in Makati, Parañaque, Quezon City, Cebu, and Davao. (Related news: Japan Embassy enhances visa application process with VFS)
“All the registered members of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) can submit visa applications on behalf of their clients at our Japan Visa Application Centers by booking appointments in advance and with proper authorization from their clients,” VFS Global stated.
It added, that any travel agent who is not a member of PTAA or PIATA can write to VFS Global for guidance. No agreement signing is required as long as travel agents can demonstrate they are member of the said associations.
The latest Advisory from the PTAA encourages visa applicants in need of assistance, such as filling out forms, scheduling appointments, and other related services, to seek help from PTAA-certified member travel agencies. By selecting a PTAA-certified agency, applicants can be assured of professional, reliable, and quality service, as members adhere to the strictest industry standards and guidelines.
For the past ten years, individuals applying for a visa to Japan have been required to go through one of seven designated travel agencies in order to submit their application to the Japanese Embassy. These travel agencies served as intermediaries between the applicant and the Embassy, helping to facilitate the visa application process. This system has been in place for almost a decade, supposedly to streamline and manage the visa application process. The increase of visa applicants to Japan has increased tremendously and the need to enhance the process was considered.
PTAA Executive Vice-President, Jaison Yang, shared with Travel Update PH that they are pleased for their members, stating, “Now that we no longer rely on accredited agents, it is also beneficial for our branding. No one can now claim that they are the only accredited agencies by the Embassy. It enhances our image as individual travel agents.”
President Aileen Clemente of the accredited travel agency Rajah Travel Corporation expressed optimism about the transition, stating, “While it may adversely affect our docs visa business, we hope this encourages more travel to Japan in general. This is a good move for Japan (notwithstanding efficiency of the visa operations) if we are talking about exchange of cultures since it quite eases the visa processing. I will always want to selflessly look at the bigger picture and always encourage travel and the benefits of cultural exchanges in the process.”
Individual Japan visa applications at VFS centers will incur a charge of P520. This fee does not include additional charges such as courier service to receive your passport (P370), Premium Lounge for VIPs (P1,500), Photography (optional at P180), and Form Filling (optional at P300). These services can also be arranged through a travel agent, including the Premium Lounge at the center. Travel agent fees will vary depending on the services chosen by the applicant.
For more information on the Japan visa application, visit VFS Global site