New Japan visa rule for these passport holders

Dubai - The new programme started on Wednesday, August 1.

Japan recently announced that they have relaxed the visa rules for Filipinos looking to visit their country. The new programme came into effect on Wednesday, July 1.

According to the Inquirer, Japan has expanded the list of Filipino passport holders who are eligible to apply for a multiple-entry visa. In a statement, the Embassy of Japan in Manila said: "The relaxation of visa requirements for short-term stay for nationals of the Philippines was decided in order to promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines."

The new, relaxed visa rules are applicable for those travelling to Japan for business purposes and for cultural and intellectual purposes. According to the guidelines released by the embassy, the latter refer to artists, lawyers, doctors, scientists, sports players, professors (all with relevant accomplishments). It also covers high-ranking museum officials, researchers and local government officials.

The validity of the visas has also been doubled from 5 years to 10 years.
The relaxed requirements are expected to improve the convenience for tourists visiting Japan and an increase in visitors to the country.

• UAE
• Philippines