Lilian Nyiva
The Japanese government has announced a five-fold increase in visa fees for foreign nationals, marking the first revision of the country's visa charges in nearly five decades. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the new fees will take effect from July 1, 2026, as part of efforts to address rising administrative costs associated with immigration services.
New Visa Charges
Under the revised fee structure, the cost of a single-entry visa will increase from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen, while the multiple-entry visa fee will rise from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.
The government said the changes represent the first adjustment to visa fees since 1978.
Reason for the Increase
According to Japanese authorities, the fee hike reflects the impact of inflation, the weakening of the yen, and the growing cost of processing visa applications as the number of foreign visitors and residents continues to increase.
Officials said the additional revenue will help strengthen immigration administration and improve related public services.
Impact on Tourism
Despite the significant increase in visa fees, the Japanese government said it does not expect the changes to discourage international visitors. Motegi noted that Japan remains a popular destination for tourists and expressed confidence that demand for travel to the country will remain strong.
Government's Broader Immigration Plans
The visa fee revision forms part of Japan's broader efforts to modernize its immigration system while maintaining efficient border management. The government says it will continue reviewing immigration policies to ensure they meet the country's administrative and economic needs as international travel continues to recover.
