Japan Raises Visa Fees Five‑Fold, First Hike Since 1978

Wed Jun 24 2026 18:18:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Japan lifts visa fees five times higher from 2026, first hike in almost 50 years.

Japan has implemented a five‑fold increase in visa fees for all foreigners, marking the first rise in nearly five decades. Single‑entry visas will jump from 3,000 to 15,000 yen, while multi‑entry visas rise from 6,000 to 30,000 yen, effective July 1. The change, aimed at reflecting inflation and a weakening yen, is not expected to curb inbound tourism immediately; Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international travelers last year. In addition, the Upper House is raising other fees such as permanent residency applications and status changes to align more closely with G7 peer costs.

Japan Raises Visa Fees Five‑Fold

Japan has increased visa fees five times for all foreigners, a first raise since 1978, with single‑entry visas jumping from 3,000 to 15,000 yen and multi‑entry from 6,000 to 30,000 yen, effective July 1.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the hikes align the country’s fees with inflation and currency shifts, noting the yen’s steady decline to near four‑decade lows.

Japan recorded a record 42.7 million international tourists in 2025, and officials say the fee changes are unlikely to curb inbound travel in the short term.

Other fees, including those for residency applications and status changes, are also being raised in a bill passed by the Upper House.

The adjustments bring Japan’s visa costs closer to those of other G7 nations, where US non‑immigrant visas can cost up to $315 and UK short‑term visas around £135.