Travel Group Pushes for Easier Japan and Korea Visas for Pinoys With US or Canada Visas

Good news for Pinoy travelers who already have US or Canadian tourist visas — a major travel industry group is pushing to make your Japan and South Korea visa applications way simpler. The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) is proposing that Filipinos with valid US or Canada tourist visas be allowed to apply online and get their Japan and Korea visas almost instantly, skipping the regular processing hassle.

GTBA president Michelle Taylan explained the logic: "We have to remember that USA and Canada tourist visa holders have already gone through a stringent application process." In other words, if you've already been vetted by the US or Canadian embassy, Japan and Korea should be able to trust that screening and simplify their own process. Countries like Singapore and Turkey already do this.

The numbers back up the demand — in 2025 alone, over 390,000 Filipinos traveled to the US and Canada, while more than 660,000 visited Japan and 190,000 went to South Korea. That's a massive pool of vetted travelers who could benefit from a streamlined process. Taylan says the exemption would boost tourist arrivals, local economies, and people-to-people relations across all three countries.

The GTBA has already met with the Japanese Embassy in Manila, and Taylan reported that they were "receptive" to the proposal. She thanked Ambassador Endo Kazuya and consular officials for a productive discussion. The group is also seeking support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Tourism to push the initiative forward.

"It would be a win-win for Japan, Korea, and the Philippines," Taylan said, noting increased tourist arrivals would create business opportunities while Filipinos enjoy easier travel and cultural exchange. For the millions of Pinoys who dream of visiting Tokyo or Seoul, this could be a game-changer if it actually gets implemented.

Source: GMA News