Apply for a Japanese Visa Months Before Travel, Embassy Advises

(SPOT.ph) Spring in Japan is just around the corner, and we all know what that means: cherry blossom sighting, Instagram-worthy views, and a mad rush of tourists. If you're planning to go just in time to catch the pink flowers bloom, here’s your friendly reminder from The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines—get your Japanese visa sorted ASAP.

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines has released a notice to get your visa application (or renewal) sorted out at least two months before your flight. Yes, that means now... not the week before your departure and you're frantically Googling “what to do in Tokyo."

Also read: Here's When You Should Head to Japan for the Full Sakura Experience This Year

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines recommends applying for your visa two months before traveling

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines included the visa application notice on its website (under the Visa/Consular Services tab, for those who love a treasure hunt). The notice in red text says that because of a surge in visitors from the Philippines, processing visa applications for tourism may take several weeks longer than usual. 

It is advised by the embassy that visa applicants apply at least two months before the intended date of travel. This notice is applicable for those applying for single-entry and multiple-entry Japanese visas.

In a phone call with travel agency Reli Tours, we found that the two-month notice starts on January 14 onwards, and there is no confirmed end date as of publishing. If you choose to apply for a Japanese visa before the 14th, the Reli Tours agent says the usual visa processing period of 10 to 15 working days applies.

For more information, check out the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines' website.

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