The Embasssy of Japan in the Philippines sent an email today, December 06, 2021 to inform of the latest changes with the operations of Japan visa. Due to COVID-19, the operation related to immigration and visa affairs may change at any time.
Visa Suspension (Urgent)
Starting December 02, 0:00am, the visa that has already been issued has been suspended. (Excluding Spouse/Child of Japanese, Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident, Diplomatic visa.) Therefore, even if they have the visa, they cannot travel to Japan at this time. However, please note that those Spouse/Child of Japanese National, Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident, and Diplomat visas are not covered by this, and their visas will continue to be valid.
Scope of Acceptance of Visa Application
Only the following visa application can be accepted:
Long-term stay (with Certificate of Eligibility) Applications can be accepted for Spouse and Child of Japanese National, and Spouse and Child of Permanent Resident. For Long-Term Resident (Notice No.5 and No.6), applications can only be accepted if the “necessity to enter Japan within December this year” can be specifically explain in writing and present proof of documents.
Short-term stay - Spouse and child of a Japanese national, spouse and child of a Permanent Resident, and child of a long term resident (those whose family is separated conditions), application can only be accepted depending on how necessary it is to go to Japan within this year. Explanation and narratives should be in the form of writing together with proof of documents. Application without these reasons can't be accepted and wait til next year as early as January 2022.
Other acceptable Visa Application
Visas for humanitarian consideration or urgent need - applications can only be accepted if the “necessity to enter Japan within December this year” can be specifically explain in writing and present proof of documents.
Visa application for Permanent Resident whose re-entry permit expired -applications can only be accepted if the “necessity to enter Japan within December this year” can be specifically explain in writing and present proof of documents.
Certificate of Eligibility with “1584” status - applications can only be accepted if the “necessity to enter Japan within December this year” can be specifically explain in writing and present proof of documents.
This is a fluid and changing situation, please always check with the embassy website for most up to date advisories.