Japan has lifted foreign visa fees to five‑fold levels, marking the first price hike for travelers in almost five decades. The change, slated to take effect from 1 July, sets single‑entry visas at 15,000 yen from the previous 3,000 yen, and raises multi‑entry fees from 6,000 to 30,000 yen.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters that the revisions “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.” He said the ministry does not anticipate an immediate impact on inbound tourism, despite the steep rise.
The yen has weakened continuously since 2021, now hovering near historic 40‑year lows. The currency shift, coupled with a post‑pandemic travel rebound, has pushed Japan’s 2025 tourism figure to a record 42.7 million visitors.
Alongside visa fees, the Upper House passed a bill raising fees related to foreign residency. Permanaplle residency applications will now cost up to 300,000 yen, 30 times the current cap of 10,000 yen, while changes to residency status or extensions will cost as much as 100,000 yen.
These moves are part of Japan’s strategy to align its visa‑and‐residency costs with other G7 economies. In the United States, non‑immigrant visa application fees range from $185 to $315; in the United Kingdom, a six‑month short‑term visa costs £135.
