Japan Hikes Visa Fees Five‑Fold—What It Means for You

Tue Jun 23 2026 18:30:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Japan’s first visa fee hike in 48 years slaps tourists with a $90 pinch, but officials say it won’t hurt travel plans right away.

Tokyo officials have announced a five‑fold increase to the cost of visitor visas, driving single‑entry fees from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 and multi‑entry to ¥30,000. The move is aimed at matching currency fluctuations and inflation, following a surge in visitors and a weak yen. While the hike is immediate, officials predict a short‑term lull in tourism will not materialize. Other fees for residency applications will also rise, aligning Japan’s costs with other G7 nations. Travelers should check new prices before booking their next trip.

Japan’s tourist visas just got ten‑times pricier.

Starting 1 July, the single‑entry fee jumps from ¥3,000 ($18.70) to ¥15,000, and the multi‑entry visa from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the boost reflects inflation and a shaky yen, and that the change “won’t hit travel right away.”

Last year 42.7 million international visitors poured into Japan, breaking records, so the government is tightening costs to match G7 peers.

Meanwhile, other fees go up: permanent‑residency applications max out at ¥300,000 (from ¥10,000) and extending stays can cost ¥100,000 (from ¥10,000).

U.S. visitors face $185‑$315 visa fees; UK short‑term visitors pay £135.