Japan Considering Major Visa Fee Increase for Travellers Starting 2026

If Japan is on your travel bucket list, you might want to pay attention to this latest development. Reports suggest that the Japanese government is currently discussing a possible increase in visa application fees as part of plans to modernise its immigration systems.

The proposal has not been officially confirmed yet, but it has already caught the attention of travellers around the world. For many people planning future trips, the question now is simple: will visiting Japan soon become more expensive?

Here is what travellers should know about the proposed changes and what they could mean for future Japan trips.

Proposed visa fee increase

According to recent reports, Japan is considering a significant adjustment to visa application fees starting in fiscal year 2026 (April 2026).

If the proposal moves forward, the fees could change to the following:

• Single entry visa: from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000
• Multiple entry visa: from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000

To give travellers an idea of the potential cost difference, ¥15,000 is roughly around ₱5,600, while ¥30,000 is about ₱11,200, depending on exchange rates.

If implemented, this would be Japan’s first visa fee adjustment since 1978.

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Why Japan is considering the increase

The proposed change is linked to Japan’s efforts to modernise its immigration and visa processing systems.

Japan has seen a huge surge in international tourism, with record numbers of visitors entering the country in recent years. As travel continues to grow, the government is exploring ways to upgrade infrastructure and improve border management systems.

Part of the proposed fee increase would reportedly help fund several improvements, including:

• digitalisation of visa procedures
• upgrades to immigration processing systems
• stronger border management and screening technology

These changes aim to make visa processing faster and more efficient while handling the growing number of travellers entering the country.

What this means for travellers

For travellers who require a visa to enter Japan, the proposed increase could significantly raise application costs in the future.

However, not all travellers will be affected in the same way. Japan has visa exemption agreements with many countries, allowing short-term visits without applying for a visa.

For those who do require a visa, the increase could add to the overall cost of planning a Japan trip, especially for multiple-entry visas.

The proposal is still under policy review, and the figures or timeline could change.

It’s important to note that for Filipino travellers using a Philippine passport, the Japan visa fee is generally waived (gratis), so the proposed increase does not affect the visa itself. Only agency service or processing fees may apply. But for Filipinos holding a different passport, standard visa fees apply, and the proposed increase could affect the cost, on top of any agency fees.

Also read: Passport Stamp Reminder: What Filipino Travellers Must Know

Is the visa fee increase confirmed

At the moment, the proposal has not been officially confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Government discussions are ongoing, and any changes would still need further approval before implementation.

Until an official announcement is made, current visa fees remain unchanged.

What travellers should keep in mind

For now, travellers planning a trip to Japan do not need to worry about immediate changes.

Visa rules and fees currently remain the same, and any future adjustments will likely be announced well in advance before they take effect.

Still, it is a development worth keeping an eye on, especially for travellers who regularly visit Japan.

With Japan continuing to welcome record numbers of visitors, the country is clearly preparing its systems for the future. Whether or not the visa fee increase moves forward, one thing is certain: Japan remains one of the most popular destinations for travellers worldwide.