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While Japan is looking to streamline its entry process with systems like the upcoming JESTA travel authorisation scheme, it’s also making travel more expensive. As reported by the Japan Times, the country is set to increase visa fees for foreign nationals significantly starting this July.
The first fee hike in 48 years will affect travellers from countries that do not have a visa-waiver agreement with Japan. Single-entry visa fees are set to increase from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 and the cost for a multiple-entry visa will rise from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. These new fees will apply to applications submitted on or after July 1 2026.
In addition to the visitor visa fee hike, a separate bill has been enacted to increase visa-related charges for foreign nationals in Japan. According to the report, the fee to change residency status or extend a period of stay currently ranges from ¥5,500 to ¥6,000, but would increase to between ¥10,000 and ¥70,000. Meanwhile, the application fee for permanent residency would increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
The fee hikes for residents won't be going into effect immediately, as the government is planning to have the changes in place before the end of the current fiscal year on March 31 2027. The government has said that the additional revenue will be used to help cover the administrative costs associated with Japan’s growing foreign resident population.
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