Filipino travelers could soon breeze into Japan and South Korea with just a click. The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) is pushing Philippine authorities and foreign embassies to allow holders of valid US or Canada tourist visas to apply online for instant visas to the two Asian destinations.
GTBA president Michelle Taylan said the move would simplify travel procedures while boosting both outbound and inbound tourism. “It essentially removes friction for travelers,” Taylan noted. “Those with US or Canada visas have already cleared stringent checks, so this makes sense.”
Under the proposal, qualified Filipinos would bypass traditional visa processing and secure authorization online, following a model similar to Turkey’s e-visa system.
The timing could be significant: in 2025, over 390,000 Filipinos visited the US and Canada, while more than 660,000 traveled to Japan and 190,000 to South Korea. GTBA argues that easing requirements could further lift arrivals, stimulate local economies, and strengthen people-to-people ties across Asia and North America.
The association has already begun discussions with the Japanese and Korean embassies and is seeking support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Tourism.
Taylan stressed that the initiative could be a “win-win” for all countries involved, enhancing tourism flows and deepening cultural connections.
While details remain under study by Japan and South Korea, GTBA is optimistic that the online visa push could eventually make travel for Filipinos smoother, faster, and more accessible—especially for those already vetted through rigorous US and Canada visa processes.
