The Japanese government has announced plans to raise the visa issuance fee for foreign nationals to 15,000 yen, a fivefold increase from the current 3,000 yen. The new policy will take effect from July 2026.
According to a report by Kyodo News, the decision is aimed at adjusting administrative costs related to visa processing and reflecting the surge in visa applications as Japan reopens after the pandemic. The new fee will apply to most common visa types, including tourist, business, and family visit visas.
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the fee increase is necessary to ensure resources for efficient and faster visa processing. However, the decision could make travel and work in Japan more expensive for foreign nationals.
Earlier, in 2025, Japan adjusted some public service fees, but this increase is seen as quite sharp. Countries with high numbers of visa applicants to Japan, such as Vietnam, China, South Korea, and the Philippines, are expected to be the most affected.
