Japan Visa Fees Rise Fivefold from 1 July 2026

Japan is implementing its first visa fee increase in 48 years, and the new rates take effect in just eight days. On 19 June 2026, the Japanese cabinet approved a sharp rise in consular fees, with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi confirming the decision at a press conference the following day. The change was widely reported by international outlets including Euronews and Business Standard on 22 June 2026.

What is changing?

From 1 July 2026, the cost of a single-entry Japan visa rises from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 — a fivefold increase. Multiple-entry visas increase from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. The changes represent the first upward revision to Japan’s visa fee schedule since 1978.

Who is affected?

It is important to clarify that these fees apply only to travelers who require a visa to enter Japan. If your nationality is already eligible for visa-free entry — this includes most visitors from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and European Union countries — you will not pay any visa fee and your entry process remains unchanged.

Travelers from countries that are not on Japan’s visa-exemption list will face significantly higher costs when applying through a Japanese embassy or consulate. Applications submitted from 1 July 2026 onwards will be subject to the new fee schedule; applications already submitted and approved before that date are unaffected.

What to do now

If you are from a country that requires a visa and you were planning to travel to Japan this summer, we strongly recommend submitting your application before 30 June 2026 to lock in the current ¥3,000 single-entry rate. Consular processing times vary, so allow sufficient lead time.

For a full breakdown of which nationalities require a visa and how to apply, see our Japan visa guide. Travelers planning their routes into the country will also find our flights to Japan guide useful, as lead times for popular summer routes are already running long. Search for flights to Japan to check current availability.

This is a developing story. We are monitoring for any further changes to Japan’s visa or entry requirements and will update accordingly. For official confirmation of your visa status, check directly with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.

If you are finalising your trip dates, our best time to visit Japan guide can help you plan around peak season crowds and costs.