Japan to Raise Visa Fees for Foreign Tourists for the First Time in Over 40 Years

On November 10, Japanese media cited sources as reporting that the Japanese government plans to increase the visa application processing fees for foreign tourists starting from the 2026 fiscal year. This would mark the first time the fee has been raised since the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs began keeping relevant records in 1978.

According to the sources, the Japanese government will determine the extent of the increase by referencing visa fee levels in European and American countries and will use part of the additional revenue to address "overtourism." Currently, Japan's single-entry visa fee is 3,000 yen (approximately 139 RMB), and the multiple-entry visa fee is 6,000 yen (approximately 277 RMB), significantly lower than fees in the United States and many European countries.

In addition to visa fees, Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is also discussing an increase in the "departure tax" for foreign tourists. Japanese media reported that the Liberal Democratic Party plans to raise the "departure tax" from the current 1,000 yen (approximately 46 RMB) per person to 3,000 yen (approximately 139 RMB).