23 June 2026
Holidaymakers planning a trip to Japan will soon have to pay significantly more for their visas after the country announced its first fee increase in nearly half a century.
Japanese visas are increasing in price
From 1 July, the cost of a single-entry visa for foreign visitors will rise from 3,000 yen (£14) to 15,000 yen (£70), marking a five-fold increase.
Multi-entry visas will also become considerably more expensive, jumping from 6,000 yen (£28) to 30,000 yen (£140).
The revisions represent the first increase in Japan’s visa fees since 1978 and come as the country grapples with rising costs and a weakening currency.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the changes were necessary to keep pace with economic conditions.
He told reporters: “We do not anticipate that it will have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.”
According to the Japanese government, the higher fees are designed to “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations”.
Japan’s currency has been steadily weakening since 2021 and is currently hovering near its lowest levels in around four decades.
Combined with the post-pandemic resurgence in international travel, the weaker yen has made Japan an increasingly attractive destination for overseas visitors.
Last year, the country welcomed a record 42.7 million international tourists, underlining its enduring popularity among travellers eager to experience everything from Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to Kyoto’s historic temples.
The visa fee increases form part of a broader overhaul of charges affecting foreign nationals.
In May, Japan’s Upper House passed legislation raising several residency-related fees.
Under the new measures, the maximum fee for permanent residency applications will rise dramatically to 300,000 yen, up from the current cap of 10,000 yen.
Meanwhile, applications to change residency status or extend a period of stay could cost up to 100,000 yen, compared with the existing fee of 10,000 yen.
Officials backing the changes argue that Japan’s charges have lagged behind those imposed by other major economies and should be brought more closely in line with international standards.
In the United States, non-immigrant visa application fees currently range from $185 to $315 depending on the category.
Visitors travelling to the UK pay £135 for a standard short-term visa valid for stays of up to six months.
Despite concerns that higher fees could deter some visitors, Japanese authorities remain confident that demand will hold firm.
The country’s unique blend of ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, world-renowned cuisine and spectacular landscapes continues to attract travellers from across the globe.
With international arrivals reaching unprecedented levels, officials appear to believe that Japan’s appeal extends far beyond the cost of entry.
AloJapan.com