Japan to raise foreign visa fees fivefold in 2026

Effective July 1 2026, the Japanese government will increase visa application fees for foreigners five‑fold. The single‑entry visa will rise from 3,000 yen (≈$18) to 15,000 yen (≈$93), and the multiple‑entry visa from 6,000 yen (≈$37) to 30,000 yen (≈$186). This is the first overhaul of visa fees since 1978.

The change is presented as a response to soaring tourism, higher administrative costs and the need to fund a more sustainable immigration system. Officials say the fees have been frozen for decades and need to reflect inflation and currency shifts. The proposal has sparked debate within Japan, with some welcoming the additional revenue while others fear it could deter high‑spending tourists and skilled foreign workers that the aging economy seeks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that related immigration processes, such as renewals and status changes, may also see future price adjustments.