Japan has raised visa fees fivefold for foreign visitors, marking the most significant revision to its immigration pricing in nearly half a century. Taking effect on 1 July 2026, the increase pushes single-entry visa fees from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 (roughly €87 or $19), while multiple-entry visas rise from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. The decision, approved at a government cabinet meeting on 19 June, is the first revision since 1978 — almost 50 years during which Japan's visa pricing had remained frozen.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the change was necessary to reflect decades of inflation and substantial shifts in exchange rates, noting that the existing fee structure no longer covered the true administrative cost of issuing visas. Officials also argue the increase brings Japan's fees closer in line with those of other G7 nations: in the United States, non-immigrant visa fees range from $185 to $315, while a standard short-term visa to the United Kingdom costs £135. Despite the sharp rise, Tokyo says it does not expect the hike to dampen inbound tourism significantly. Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors last year, buoyed by a weak yen — hovering near 40-year lows — and robust post-pandemic global travel demand.

The visa fee adjustment is part of a broader immigration reform package. In late May, Japan's upper house passed revisions to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act that dramatically raise the legal ceilings for a range of residency-related fees. The cap on permanent residency application fees will rise from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000 (around €1,750), while fees for changing residency status or extending a period of stay could reach ¥100,000, up from ¥10,000. Actual fee levels within these new ceilings will be set through cabinet orders and public consultation, with implementation expected before the end of the 2026 fiscal year in March 2027.

Authorities say the additional revenue is needed to manage a growing foreign resident population, which reached a record 4.13 million at the end of 2025. Funding will go toward expanding immigration services, improving digital infrastructure, and supporting Japanese-language education programmes for residents. The reform package also introduces JESTA — the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization — a pre-departure screening programme for travellers from 74 visa-waiver countries, similar to systems already operating in the United States and United Kingdom. JESTA is expected to launch in fiscal 2028 and will allow Japanese authorities to assess overstay and immigration risks before travellers board flights or ships bound for the country.