A Philippine tourism industry group is lobbying for a new visa-exemption scheme that would allow Filipino citizens holding valid US or Canadian tourist visas to travel to Japan and South Korea.
Under the proposal from the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), qualified travelers would apply through an online portal to receive near-instant approval. The system is modeled after the electronic visa programs used by countries like Turkey for holders of major Western visas.
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The initiative aims to reduce travel friction by leveraging the rigorous vetting processes already conducted by North American consulates.
Global Tourism Business Association president Michelle Taylan said the move would align the Philippines with other nations that are currently streamlining tourism programs.
“Essentially, it simplifies travel to Japan and Korea. If we want to be at par with other countries that are streamlining their tourism programs, we need to think in terms of what could lessen the friction for travelers. USA and Canada tourist visa holders have already undergone a stringent application process,” Taylan said.
Data from the association showed that more than 390,000 Filipinos traveled to the US and Canada in 2025. During the same period, over 660,000 visited Japan and about 190,000 traveled to South Korea. Taylan noted that easing procedures for these pre-screened travelers would likely stimulate local economies and deepen cultural exchanges.
The group said Singapore and Turkey already utilize similar facilitative policies for visa holders from major economies. By adopting this model, GTBA argued that Japanese and Korean embassies could reduce their administrative workloads and focus on other priority services.
The proposal also suggested that improved mobility could eventually bolster the standing of the Philippine passport, which is currently ranked 73rd globally. The group is now seeking formal support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Tourism, as well as the respective embassies of Japan and South Korea.
Taylan described the proposal as a mutually beneficial arrangement for all three nations involved.
“It would be a win-win for Japan, Korea and the Philippines. They would see an increase in tourist arrivals, boosting their local economies and creating new business opportunities, while Filipinos would enjoy easier travel and greater cultural exchange,” Taylan said.
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