Japan is preparing to raise its visa application fees for the first time in nearly five decades, aiming to bring costs in line with global standards and offset rising administrative expenses amid record tourist arrivals.
According to Nikkei Asia, the Foreign Ministry intends to benchmark Japan’s visa fees against those charged by Group of Seven (G7) and OECD countries. The revised rates could take effect as early as the next fiscal year, pending public consultation.
Currently, Japan charges about 3,000 yen ($20) for a single-entry visa and 6,000 yen ($40) for a multiple-entry visa — among the lowest globally. In comparison, the U.S. charges $185, the U.K. $177, and Schengen nations like France and Germany €90 ($105). Japan last adjusted its visa pricing in 1978.
Officials say the surge in inbound travel has significantly raised visa processing costs. Japan recorded 21.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025, surpassing 20 million for the first time in that period and up from 17.8 million a year earlier. Authorities believe that slightly higher visa fees are unlikely to discourage travelers and may help alleviate overtourism in major destinations.
The government is also considering collecting visa fees upfront during the application process, similar to systems in the U.S. and Europe. This would streamline administration and help reduce frivolous or incomplete applications.
Japan currently requires visas for travelers from over 120 countries, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. In 2024, Chinese nationals accounted for 70% of all visas issued (5.24 million), followed by the Philippines (570,000) and Vietnam (320,000) — together representing nearly 90% of all visa issuances. Meanwhile, travelers from 74 countries, including the U.S., South Korea, and Australia, enjoy short-term visa exemptions.
In addition, members of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have proposed wider tourism-related tax reforms. A May policy recommendation called for ending consumption tax exemptions for foreign visitors and increasing the international departure tax, arguing that bulk duty-free purchases for resale contradict Japan’s vision of “a sustainable, tourism-oriented nation.”
Government data shows that Japan’s international tourist tax revenue reached a record 48.1 billion yen between April 2024 and April 2025, marking a 33% increase year-on-year.
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