Japan announces a significant increase in visa application fees for foreign nationals, marking the first such revision since 1978. The changes will come into effect from 1 July and have been introduced to reflect inflation and ongoing fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
Under the revised structure, the cost of a single-entry visa will rise from 3,000 yen (approximately $18.69) to 15,000 yen. Multi-entry visas will increase from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen, representing a five-fold hike across categories.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that the adjustment is intended to align fees with current economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and the weakening of the Japanese yen, which has been near historic 40-year lows since 2021.
He added that the government does not expect an immediate impact on inbound tourism despite the increase.
Japan has experienced a strong rebound in international travel following the pandemic, further boosted by the weak yen. The country recorded a historic 42.7 million foreign visitors last year, reflecting sustained global demand for travel to Japan.
In addition to visa adjustments, Japan’s Upper House has passed legislation increasing several residency-related charges. The upper limit for permanent residency applications will rise to 300,000 yen from 10,000 yen. Fees for changing residency status or extending stays will also increase to as much as 100,000 yen, up from 10,000 yen.
Authorities have stated that the revisions are aimed at bringing Japan’s visa and residency fees closer to those of other G7 nations. Comparatively, non-immigrant visa fees in the United States range from $185 to $315, while short-term UK visitor visas cost £135 for stays of up to six months.
