Japan will implement its largest visa fee increase in nearly 50 years, effective July 1, 2026. Tourist visas will increase from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000; multiple-entry visas from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000.
The surge aims to align costs with inflation and management expenses, as stated by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Even post-increase, Japan's visa fees are reportedly still lower than those in the U.S. and Germany.
Despite the hike, Japan anticipates little impact on tourism, maintaining strong visitor numbers due to a weak yen. This fee adjustment is part of a broader immigration reform that also raises fees for residence-status changes and permanent residency applications.
New legislation allows higher charges for immigration services, addressing the needs of a growing foreign population now at 4.13 million. Additional funds will enhance language education for immigrants and bolster immigration management.
The upcoming Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), set for launch in fiscal 2028, will require visa-exempt travelers to submit their information pre-departure, increasing monitoring of immigration compliance.