Starting in July 2026, Japan will officially raise the visa fee for foreign nationals to 15,000 yen, a fivefold increase from the current 3,000 yen, according to a Kyodo News report released on June 25.
The move is part of Japan's broader adjustment of immigration management policies, aimed at improving border control efficiency and boosting revenue from visa services. The decision followed a review by authorities of the potential impact on tourism and foreign labor flows.
Under the new rules, the 15,000 yen fee will apply to most types of entry visas, replacing the previous 3,000 yen fee. Visa-free travel arrangements or those covered by bilateral agreements may remain unaffected. The Japanese government expects this change to help better manage the number of foreign arrivals while ensuring national security.
Detailed information on which visa categories are affected and procedural guidelines will be published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before the measure takes effect.