In brief
From 1 July, Japan has quintupled visa fees for all foreigners, raising single‑entry fees from 3,000 to 15,000 yen and multi‑entry fees from 6,000 to 30,000 yen. The change, the first since 1978, follows a weaker yen and rising living costs. Officials argue the hike will not deter visitors, as the country welcomed a record 42.7 million international tourists last year. Additional fee increases for residency applications and extensions also accompany the policy, aligning Japan with other G7 nations. The government hopes the adjustments support the sustainability of its tourism sector while reflecting economic realities.
Japan has raised visa fees for all foreigners fivefold: from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen for single‑entry visas and from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen for multi‑entry visas. The adjustment will take effect on 1 July and marks the first price change in nearly five decades.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the increase reflects inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates, and that the government does not expect an immediate decline in inbound tourism. The yen has weakened since 2021, approaching 40‑year lows, making travel to Japan less pricey for many visitors.
Japan recorded a record 42.7 million international tourists in 2025, a post‑pandemic rebound that prompted the authorities to revisit fee structures. In May, the Upper House approved a bill raising other fees for foreigners, such as permanent residency applications from 10,000 to 300,000 yen and residency extensions from 10,000 to 100,000 yen.
The move places Japan’s visa and residency fees in line with other G7 economies. For example, the United States charges between $185 and $315 for non‑immigrant visas, while the United Kingdom’s short‑term visa costs £135. Japanese officials argue that aligning fees will support the country’s tourism sector and hospitality industry.
