Japan will implement a significant visa fee revision from July 2026, marking the first increase in nearly 50 years. According to reports from Japan Times, the changes were approved through a Cabinet decision on June 19, with the fee structure remaining unchanged since its introduction in 1978. The government cited inflation and exchange-rate movements as key factors driving the revision, as reported by The Mainichi.
Under the revised structure, single-entry visa fees will increase to ¥15,000 (approximately ₹8,500) from the current ¥3,000, while multiple-entry visa fees will rise to ¥30,000 (approximately ₹17,000) from ¥6,000. As reported by Japan Times, the fee for a single-entry visa is now set at ¥15,000 (US$92), representing a dramatic increase from the previous ¥3,000. The changes affect both tourist and business travelers, with the revision taking into account inflation and currency exchange rate fluctuations over the past several decades.
Despite the fee increase, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that the government does not expect the move to significantly affect inbound tourism, according to Japan Times. Japan has experienced a strong recovery in international travel following the pandemic, with record numbers of foreign visitors helping to boost the country's tourism sector and economy. However, the country recorded a decline in foreign arrivals for the second straight month in May, with more than 3.55 million people visiting last month, down 3.6% year-on-year, as reported by Japan Today. The decline was largely attributed to a drop in visitors from China.
The steep increase in visa fees means prospective visitors will need to budget more for travel documentation before booking flights or accommodation. As reported by Japan Times, while visa fees typically represent only one part of total travel costs, the revision could be particularly noticeable for applicants who travel frequently and prefer multiple-entry visas. Those planning travel in the coming months may consider submitting visa applications before the new charges take effect to avoid the increased costs, particularly for multiple-entry visas. The timing of the fee increase coincides with Japan's ongoing efforts to maintain its tourism recovery momentum despite recent challenges.
