Visitors and residents in Japan may have noticed an important change this summer: since July 1, 2026, Japan has increased its visa fees for the first time in nearly 50 years. The most significant changes affect entry visas (査証, shashō). A single-entry visa that previously cost ¥ 3,000 now costs ¥ 15,000, while a multiple-entry visa has increased from ¥ 6,000 to ¥ 30,000.
According to the Japanese government, the increase reflects the fact that visa fees had remained unchanged since 1978. During that time, inflation, exchange rates, and administrative costs have changed considerably. Officials have explained that the new fees are intended to better cover the costs of processing applications and maintaining immigration services.
The government has also noted that Japan’s visa fees were among the lowest in many developed countries for decades. Revenue from the new fees is expected to support immigration administration, digital services, and assistance for foreign visitors and residents.
For those planning to study, work, or live in Japan, additional changes may be on the way. The government has announced plans to increase fees for several residence-related procedures (在留手続き, zairyū tetsuzuki) from October 2026. These changes would affect many foreign residents, including holders of Student Visas (留学, ryūgaku), Work Visas (就労ビザ, shūrō visa), and Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visas (日本人の配偶者等, Nihonjin no Haigūsha-tō) when renewing or changing their Status of Residence (在留資格, zairyū shikaku). One of the most notable proposals concerns Permanent Residence (永住者, eijūsha). The government plans to significantly increase the fee for Permanent Residence applications, although the exact details are still being finalized.
Another change is on the horizon for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Japan plans to introduce JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), an online pre-arrival registration system similar to those already used in countries such as the United States and Canada. Under JESTA, eligible travelers will need to submit basic information online before boarding their flight to Japan. Japanese authorities say the system will help improve border management, strengthen security checks, and reduce cases of overstaying.
While JESTA is expected to be introduced in the coming years, the new visa fees are already in effect. Together, these changes reflect Japan’s efforts to modernize its immigration system as international travel and the foreign resident population continue to grow.
If you are planning to visit, study, work, or live in Japan, it is always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements and immigration procedures before making travel or visa arrangements.
Leave a Comment