Japan Raises Visa Fees for Foreign Visitors Fivefold Starting July 1

The Japanese Cabinet approved a five-fold increase in visa fees for foreign nationals, the first revision since 1978. Effective 1 July 2026, a single-entry visa will cost ¥15,000 (up from ¥3,000) and a multiple-entry visa ¥30,000 (up from ¥6,000). The new rates apply to all applications submitted on or after that date.

Japan to increase visa fees for foreign visitors from July 1

Visa charges have remained unchanged for 48 years. The government cited inflation, rising administrative costs and exchange-rate fluctuations as the primary drivers. A law enacted by the Diet last month authorises the government to raise immigration-related fees by up to 30 times current levels, enabling the present adjustment and a broader overhaul of residency-status charges.

Japan to increase visa fees for foreign visitors from July 1

• Foreign resident population: 4.13 million people at the end of 2025 (government data).

Japan to increase visa fees for foreign visitors from July 1

• International arrivals: 42.7 million in 2025, a 15.8 % increase over the 2024 peak of 36.9 million (Japan National Tourism Organization).

Japan to quintuple visitor visa fees from July

• Proposed residency-status fees: ¥10,000–¥70,000 for status changes and stay extensions; permanent-residency applications to rise from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.

Japan to increase visa fees for foreign visitors from July 1

• Revenue use: Funds will support immigration processing, Japanese-language education programmes and measures against illegal overstayers.

Japan to increase visa fees for foreign visitors from July 1

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi explained that the revision reflects higher prices and inflation, but the government does not anticipate an immediate impact on inbound tourism. He emphasized that the decision followed careful consideration of multiple factors and that the additional revenue is intended to cover the growing costs of managing Japan’s expanding foreign-resident population and to improve immigration services.

The Independent

The fee hike aligns Japan’s immigration charges with those of other advanced economies, such as the United States and Germany, where visa and residency fees are substantially higher. By generating extra revenue, the government aims to strengthen its immigration administration, mitigate overtourism pressures, and expand language-education support for newcomers. Officials assert that the increase is unlikely to deter travelers, given robust tourism demand.

Japan to increase visa fees for foreign visitors from July 1

• Visa fee increase: Applies to applications filed on or after 1 July 2026.

Japan to raise visa fees for 1st time in nearly 5 decades

• Broader fee reforms: Planned for rollout before the fiscal year ends on 31 March 2027, covering residency-status changes, stay extensions and permanent-residency applications.

Japan to increase visa fees for foreign visitors from July 1

• “The current visa fee was set in 1978, and we have recently revised it to reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations since then,” — Toshimitsu Motegi, Foreign Minister of Japan

Japan to increase visa fees for foreign visitors from July 1

• “We made this decision after carefully considering various factors, and we do not anticipate that it will have an immediate impact on inbound tourism,” — Toshimitsu Motegi, Foreign Minister of Japan

The Independent

*No conflicting reports were identified across the sources; all cited fee amounts and implementation dates are consistent.*

Japan to raise visa fees for 1st time in nearly 5 decades