Japan Raises Visa Fees Fivefold, First Hike in 50 Years

Mon Jun 22 2026 16:59:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Japan lifts single-entry visa cost from 3,000 to 15,000 yen and multi-entry from 6,000 to 30,000 yen, citing inflation and a weakening yen.

Japan has increased visa fees for all foreigners, the steepest change in five decades. New single-entry fees rise from 3,000 to 15,000 yen and multi-entry from 6,000 to 30,000 yen. The move is aimed at offsetting inflation and currency fluctuations. Officials expect no immediate hit to inbound tourism, though the yen’s decline and a post‑pandemic travel rebound continue to drive tourist numbers.

Japan raises visa fees fivefold, first hike in 50 years

Japan has implemented a five‑fold increase to visa fees for all foreigners, marking the first price hike in nearly 50 years.

From 1 July, single‑entry visa fees will be raised from the current 3,000 yen ($18.69; £14) to 15,000 yen, while multi‑entry visas will now cost 30,000 yen, up from 6,000 yen.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the revisions “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations”.

“We do not anticipate that it will have an immediate impact on inbound tourism,” he added.

The Japanese yen has been weakening continuously since 2021, hovering near historic 40‑year lows.

Alongside a post‑pandemic travel rebound, the country welcomed a record 42.7 m international tourists last year.

In May, Japan’s Upper House enacted a bill to raise other fees relevant to foreigners, including a statutory upper limit for permanent residency applications set to 300,000 yen (30× the current 10,000 yen) and costs to change residency status or extend stays up to 100,000 yen from 10,000 yen.

Japan’s officials argue the fee hikes bring visa and residency charges closer to those of other G7 economies, where non‑immigrant visa fees range from $185 to $315 in the US or £135 for short‑term UK visas.