Japan Raises Visa Fees for Foreign Nationals by Fivefold

Japan will significantly raise travellers’ visa fees from July 1, 2026, announcing a fivefold increase for both single- and multiple-entry visas. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi confirmed the change at a press conference following a Cabinet decision, saying the revision reflects price increases and exchange-rate shifts since Japan last updated visa charges in 1978.

What’s changing

• Single-entry visa: ¥3,000 → ¥15,000
• Multiple-entry visa: ¥6,000 → ¥30,000

The new rates apply to visa applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026.

Why the hike now

Japan’s visa fees have not been adjusted in nearly five decades. According to Foreign Minister Motegi, the government reviewed the fee schedule to account for inflation and currency fluctuations that have eroded the real value of the original amounts set in 1978. Motegi emphasized the decision considered multiple factors and said the government does not expect the revision to produce an immediate downturn in inbound tourism.

The direct cost of applying for a Japanese visa will rise sharply. For short-stay tourists who only require a single-entry visa, the application fee increases by ¥12,000 (about US$75–90 depending on rates). Frequent visitors who use multiple-entry visas will see an even larger jump in upfront cost.

Applicants should submit visa applications with the new fee in mind when planning travel after July 1. Existing visas and applications submitted before that date should be unaffected.

While the fee increase is sizeable, officials argue it’s unlikely to immediately deter tourism, since visa fees make up a small portion of total trip costs for many international visitors. Nevertheless, the change could affect low-budget travellers or frequent short visits.

Implications for Indian travellers

India’s current Japanese visa fee stands at ₹500 (as of the most recent published schedule).

The Japanese announcement did not explicitly state country-by-country fee conversion or whether certain bilateral arrangements will adjust differently. Tokyo said the revised yen amounts will take effect on July 1; any rupee-equivalent fee for Indian applicants will depend on how Japan and Indian consular services implement the change and communicate updated application fees.

Indians planning travel should monitor official announcements from the Embassy of Japan in India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the definitive rupee charge and processing details.

Practical tips for applicants

• Check deadlines: If you intend to travel in July or shortly thereafter, submit applications early and confirm which fee applies to your application date.
• Confirm with official sources: Rely on the Embassy/Consulate of Japan in your country or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updated fee schedules and payment methods.
• Consider visa type: If you travel frequently for short trips, evaluate whether a multiple-entry visa still offers convenience despite the higher fee. For occasional tourists, factor the new fee into your overall trip budget.
• Watch policy updates: Governments sometimes pair visa-fee changes with other adjustments (processing timelines, fee waivers for certain categories, or streamlined e-visas). Keep an eye out for clarifications.

This is one of the most significant increases to Japan’s visa fees in modern times, driven by the long gap since the last revision in 1978.

For most travellers, especially occasional tourists, the fee hike will add to travel costs but is unlikely to be the sole deterrent. Frequent visitors and budget travellers should reassess cost-benefit and keep watch for country-specific fee conversions including the official rupee rate for Indian applicants which Japan and local embassies will announce ahead of July 1.

Tags: Japan Visa, Japan Visa Fees, Visa Fees Hike, Japan Tourism