Japan is set to raise its visa application fees for the first time in nearly five decades, bringing charges more in line with those of the U.S. and European nations. The move aims to offset rising administrative costs amid a surge in international visitors, according to Nikkei Asia.
The new fee structure will benchmark visa prices against those in G7 and OECD countries, although the exact scale of the increase has not been finalized. The changes could take effect as early as the next fiscal year, following a period of public consultation by the Foreign Ministry.
Currently, Japan charges around 3,000 yen ($20) for a single-entry visa and 6,000 yen for multiple entries, among the lowest globally. By comparison, the U.S. charges $185 for short-stay visas, the U.K. $177, and Schengen countries like France, Germany, and Italy charge €90 ($105). Japan last revised its visa fees in 1978.
Officials note that record tourist arrivals have significantly increased processing costs. Japan welcomed 21.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025, surpassing 20 million for the first time during that period, up from 17.8 million a year earlier. Authorities believe the higher visa fees will not deter tourists and may help ease overcrowding at popular destinations.
The government is also considering requiring visa fees to be paid upfront, similar to the U.S. and European systems. This measure is expected to reduce frivolous applications and administrative workload.
Currently, Japan requires visas for travellers 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 making up nearly 90% of total visa issuances. Meanwhile, travellers from 74 countries, including the U.S., South Korea, and Australia, remain eligible for short-term visa exemptions.
Some members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have proposed broader tourism-related fee hikes. A May policy recommendation suggested repealing the consumption tax exemption for foreign visitors and increasing the international departure tax, citing concerns over large-scale duty-free purchases of home appliances and cosmetics for resale.
Government data shows that revenue from Japan’s international tourist tax reached a record 48.1 billion yen between April 2024 and April 2025, up 33% year-on-year, highlighting the growing financial impact of inbound tourism.
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