Japan has quintupled visa fees for all foreigners, marking the first price increase in almost 50 years. Starting from July 1, single-entry visa fees will rise to 15,000 yen from the previous 3,000 yen.
Multi-entry visas will also see a similar increase, climbing from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen. These adjustments aim to reflect current inflation rates and significant exchange rate fluctuations that have impacted the Japanese economy.
This fee revision fits into a broader context of Japan’s economic strategy to adapt to global financial changes. The Japanese yen has consistently weakened since 2021, hovering near historic 40-year lows against major currencies. This depreciation, combined with a strong rebound in post-pandemic travel, has led to a record 42.7 million international tourists visiting Japan last year.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi explained the changes, stating the revisions were made to “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.” He does not anticipate an immediate negative impact on inbound tourism despite the significant fee hike. This statement was reported by the BBC on June 22, 2026.
The hike in visa fees is part of a larger legislative effort. Japan's Upper House enacted a bill in May to increase other fees relevant to foreigners. Under this new revision, the statutory upper limit for permanent residency applications will surge to 300,000 yen. This is 30 times the former cap of 10,000 yen. Changing residency status or extending a stay will also increase to 100,000 yen, up from the current 10,000 yen.
These policy changes suggest Japan is seeking to align its administrative charges with those of other major economies. Authorities pushing for these fee increases argue that Japan must bring its visa and residency-related fees closer to those in other G7 nations. For instance, non-immigrant visa application fees in the United States range from $185 to $315. A standard short-term visa for the United Kingdom, allowing a maximum stay of six months, costs £135.
The implications of these increases will be watched by international travelers and foreign residents. While the government anticipates no immediate impact on tourism, the long-term effects on traveler demographics and foreign talent attraction remain to be seen. Decision-makers will monitor how these higher costs affect Japan’s appeal compared to other global destinations and economies. The changes also reflect Japan's efforts to generate more revenue from its booming tourism sector and expatriate community.