Japan Visa Fee Increased By 400%: New Charges From July 2026

The Japanese government has confirmed a major Japan visa fee increase, the first revision to its visa pricing in nearly 50 years. The new charges come into effect from July 1, 2026 , and will apply to all visa applications filed from that date onward. Officials have linked the move to years of inflation and a steady fall in the value of the yen since the fee was last revised in 1978.

New Japan Visa Fee Hike 2026

The hike brings the Japan tourist visa fee to five times its previous charge.

Background to the Japan Visa Update from July 2026

• Japan's Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, said the fee had remained unchanged since 1978 and was revised to reflect inflation and currency depreciation over that period.
• The yen has weakened steadily since 2021 and remains near a 40-year low. Officials have said they do not expect the new fee to affect the number of tourists visiting the country.
• The decision also follows a year of strong tourism growth, with Japan welcoming a record number of international visitors last year. The additional revenue is expected to support Japan's immigration system.
• Officials have also pointed out that the revised charges bring Japan closer in line with visa fees in other G7 nations, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Canada.

What is the Impact on Indian Travellers

Since India is not on Japan's visa-waiver list, the impact on Indian travellers to Japan is direct.

For solo travellers, the jump from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 adds roughly ₹ 7,000 per person at current exchange rates. The cost rises faster for families and groups, since the fee is charged individually. A family of four would now pay close to ₹35,000 in visa fees alone, against roughly ₹ 7,000 earlier.

This is likely to affect pricing on Japan packages, as agents and operators may need to revise quotes or flag the added cost upfront, especially during peak season. Travellers planning a Japan trip for July or later should also account for longer visa processing times, with application volumes expected to spike before June 30 as people try to lock in the older fee.

Book your Japan tour packages with WanderOn before July 1 and travel on the current fee structure.