Japan Plans First Visa Fee Hike in 40 Years

Visa Fees to Rise in 2026

Japan will raise visa fees for the first time since 1978, bringing them closer to G7 country levels. Officials say the change reflects inflation, administrative costs, and growing tourism-related expenses.

Currently, a single-entry visa costs about ¥3,000, while multiple-entry visas cost ¥6,000. The government has not confirmed the new rates but aims to align with other developed nations.

The U.S. charges $185, and European countries like France and Germany charge around €90 for short-stay visas.

Departure Tax Increase Planned

Japan plans to raise its ¥1,000 departure tax already included in airfares. Officials are reviewing international examples, such as the U.S., where similar fees reach about ¥3,300.

Extra revenue will fund airport upgrades, improve tourism infrastructure, and expand free high school tuition programs. Authorities estimate total annual revenue could reach ¥300 billion after all changes take effect. To balance the move, the government may lower passport renewal fees for Japanese citizens.

New Digital Travel Authorization System

Japan will introduce JESTA, a new electronic travel authorisation system, by 2028. It will apply to travellers from visa-free countries, including the U.S., UK, and Australia.

Visitors must register online with passport and trip details before entering Japan. The government expects to charge a small fee, likely around ¥6,000, for each application. Officials say JESTA will strengthen border control and streamline pre-screening of visitors.

Balancing Revenue and Tourism Growth

Tourism to Japan reached record highs, with 21.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025. Officials believe higher visa fees will not discourage travel but will help manage overtourism.

Japan issued more than five million visas to Chinese nationals in 2024, making them the largest group of visitors. Lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party also want to end tax-free shopping for tourists. They argue bulk buying for resale undermines Japan’s goal of sustainable, experience-based tourism.

Policy Shift After Decades of Stability

Japan’s visa fees have remained unchanged for nearly five decades, despite rising costs and travel demand. The upcoming increases mark a major shift toward international alignment and sustainable tourism funding.

Authorities plan to collect fees at the time of application to streamline processing and deter frivolous submissions. The reforms signal Japan’s effort to balance booming tourism with fairer contributions from foreign travellers. If approved, these changes will reshape Japan’s entry system and strengthen its long-term tourism strategy.