Japan has announced a sharp increase in visa fees for foreign visitors, marking the country's first revision of visa charges in nearly five decades. Get today's headlines by email Under the new fee structure, which takes effect on 1 July, the cost of a single-entry visa will rise from 3,000 yen ($18.69) to 15,000 yen. Multi-entry visas will increase from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen. First Increase in Nearly 50 YearsThe fee changes represent the first adjustment to Japan's visa charges since 1978. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the revisions were intended to reflect inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Motegi said the government did not expect the higher fees to have an immediate effect on inbound tourism. Weak Yen and Tourism BoomJapan's currency has weakened steadily since 2021 and remains close to its lowest levels in around four decades. The weaker yen, combined with a strong recovery in international travel following the pandemic, has helped fuel a surge in visitors. Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international tourists last year. Higher Residency-Related ChargesThe visa fee increases come after Japan's upper house passed legislation in May raising several other charges affecting foreign residents. Under the changes, the maximum fee for permanent residency applications will increase to 300,000 yen, up from the current cap of 10,000 yen. Fees for changing residency status or extending a stay will also rise significantly, reaching up to 100,000 yen from the current 10,000 yen. Aligning With Other G7 NationsJapanese authorities have argued that visa and residency-related charges should be brought closer to the levels seen in other major advanced economies. In the United States, fees for non-immigrant visa applications typically range from $185 to $315. In the United Kingdom, a standard visitor visa allowing stays of up to six months costs £135. The government says the revised fee structure will better reflect administrative costs and bring Japan's charges more in line with those of its G7 counterparts. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 June 2026
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