Japan to Raise Visa Fees for Foreign Nationals Starting July 1

The Japanese government has decided to raise visa fees for foreign nationals fivefold starting July 1.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu announced the decision during a press conference on June 19, saying the current visa fees were set in 1978 and were reviewed in response to rising prices and changes in foreign exchange rates.

Under the new fee structure, single-entry visa fees will increase to 15,000 yen, or roughly 93 dollars, from the current 3,000 yen. The issuance fees for visas allowing multiple entries over a set period will be raised to 30,000 yen, or about 186 dollars, from 6,000 yen.

The said the decision was made after considering various effects and other factors. He also said he does not expect the revision to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.

According to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the “Cabinet Order on Fees Collected by Consular Officers,” which sets forth visa fees, has been amended and will come into effect on July 1, 2026.

For visa applications accepted at overseas diplomatic missions on or after that date, the fee, converted into Japanese yen, will be approximately 15,000 yen for a single-entry visa and approximately 30,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa.

As a general rule, payment shall be made in the local currency of the country or region where the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan issuing the visa is located. For applicants in the Philippines, this means the visa fee will be paid in Philippine pesos based on the converted amount.

Depending on the purpose of visit and nationality, fees may not be required or the amount may differ.

The Embassy also noted that the Temporary Visitor Visa for Philippine nationals, for stays within 90 days at maximum, remains gratis.

If a visa is not issued, no visa fee will be charged. Applicants who apply through an agency approved by the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan should also note that a separate handling fee charged by the agency will apply, in addition to the visa fee, in the event a visa is issued.