Last updated: Apr 14, 2026
Japan is raising visa fees, residence permit costs, and departure taxes across the board in 2026, the biggest overhaul of its immigration fee structure in over four decades.
Whether you’re applying for a tourist visa, renewing a residence permit, or simply flying out of the country, you’ll pay more than before.
Visa Issuance Fees (From April 2026)
Under the new fee schedule published by Japanese consulates, fees have increased by roughly five times:
Single-entry visa: ¥15,000 (approximately US$100), up from ¥3,000
Multiple-entry visa: ¥30,000 (approximately US$200), up from ¥6,000
Transit visa: previously ¥700 — check with your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for the updated amount
New visa issuance fees took effect on 1 April 2026 at Japanese embassies and consulates worldwide, the first revision to these fees since 1978.
These fees apply when you submit a visa application at a Japanese diplomatic mission.
Exact amounts in local currency may vary by consulate, so confirm with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country before applying.
Many nationalities don’t need a visa for short tourist visits to Japan. If you’re visa-exempt, these fee changes don’t affect you for now.
Departure Tax (From July 2026)
Japan’s international departure tax — called the International Tourist Tax — is set to increase from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 (approximately US$20) from July 2026.
This one affects everyone flying out of Japan, regardless of nationality or visa status.
The tax is automatically included in your airline or ferry ticket price when departing Japan. Children under two and transit passengers are generally exempt.
If you’ve already booked flights from Japan departing before July 2026, you’ll still pay the current ¥1,000 rate.
Flights departing from July onward will include the higher tax.
Residence Permit Fees (Upcoming)
On 10 March 2026, Japan’s cabinet approved a bill to raise the legal cap on residence-related fees by up to 30 times, the first revision to these ceilings since 1982.
Here’s what the bill proposes:
Status change or extension of stay: statutory cap raised from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000
Permanent residency applications: statutory cap raised from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000
These are upper limits, not the fees you’ll actually pay right away. The actual fees are expected to be set later by cabinet order and will likely fall well below the caps, according to current projections:
Visa renewals and extensions: estimated at ¥30,000 to ¥70,000, depending on visa type and duration
Permanent residency: estimated around ¥200,000
The bill still needs to pass Japan’s parliament (the Diet). Final fee amounts are expected to be announced before implementation, likely within fiscal year 2026 or early 2027. Check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website for updates.
Planning a trip to Japan? Compare flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or Fukuoka on Wego to find the best deals. Check out hotels in Tokyo, hotels in Osaka, and hotels in Kyoto for your stay.
Sources
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Visa Fees
Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit — Visa Fees Effective April 1, 2026
Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle — Fees April 2026 to March 2027
The Japan Times — Japan Visa Fee Cap to Surge More Than Tenfold Under New Immigration Bill
The Japan Times — Japan’s Foreign Resident Population Hits Record 4.12 Million
Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Official Website
Visas Update — Japan’s Immigration Fee Hike Approved
South China Morning Post — Japan to Raise Residency Fees Despite Deepening Labour Crisis
Travel and Tour World — Japan Introduces New Visitor Taxes in 2026
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Visa Exemptions for Short-Term Stays
Fragomen — Japan Application Fees for Some Services Increasing
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
AloJapan.com