Starting July 1, travelers requiring a visa to enter Japan will see application fees increase dramatically, with single-entry visas rising from 3,000 yen ($19) to 15,000 yen ($93) and multiple-entry visas from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.
This fee adjustment is attributed to the depreciation of the Japanese yen and the increased strain on infrastructure due to a surge in tourism, which reached record levels in 2024 and 2025. Experts suggest that while the fee hike is not directly aimed at controlling overtourism, it may help offset administrative costs associated with managing the influx of visitors.
Despite these increases, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi indicated that the changes are unlikely to deter tourists, as many are repeat visitors. Additionally, a departure tax will also rise from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen, reflecting the growing proportion of foreign tourists among travelers departing Japan.
The tourism sector has become a vital contributor to Japan's GDP, and the government appears to be leveraging this demand to implement fee increases without significantly impacting visitor numbers. Political considerations may also play a role, as the government seeks to address public concerns regarding overtourism and immigration while managing the economic benefits of a robust tourism industry