Japan hikes tourist visa fees fivefold starting July 1

Japan will raise visa fees for foreign nationals who are required to obtain a visa, marking the first increase since 1978. Effective 1 July 2026, the fee for a single‑entry tourist visa will rise from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000, and the multiple‑entry visa will go from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. The government also plans to raise the statutory ceiling for residency‑status changes and permanent‑residence applications, with maximum fees of up to ¥100,000 and ¥300,000 respectively. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the changes reflect decades of inflation, a weak yen and a desire to bring Japan’s charges in line with those of other G7 countries. Officials expect the higher fees will not have an immediate impact on inbound tourism, but the additional revenue will help cover the administrative costs of processing a growing foreign‑resident population.

The fee revision was approved by the cabinet on 19 June 2026 and will apply to all visa applications submitted on or after the July 1 start date. Visa‑exempt travelers are not affected. The government argues the new rates are still lower than many Western counterparts and are needed to fund language‑training programmes and stronger enforcement against illegal stays.