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.
