Japan approves major visa fee hike first time in 50 years, new rates effective July 1

Japan has reportedly approved a significant increase in visa fees for foreign nationals, marking the first revision in nearly five decades. According to reports, the revised fee structure will come into effect for visa applications submitted on or after July 1.

Reports indicate that the Japanese Cabinet cleared the proposal on June 19. Under the new rates, the fee for a single-entry visa will reportedly rise from 3,000 yen (₹1,754) to 15,000 yen (₹8,774), while the cost of a multiple-entry visa will increase from 6,000 yen (₹3,509) to 30,000 yen (₹17,549) .

According to reports, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the revision was undertaken after taking into account factors such as inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates since the current visa fees were introduced in 1978. He reportedly stated that the government does not expect the hike to have a direct impact on inbound tourism.

The fee increase follows immigration-related legislation approved by Japan's parliament last month, which reportedly provides the government with greater flexibility to revise visa and residency-related charges.

The government is also reportedly planning to increase charges for residence status changes and visa extensions, with proposed fees ranging from 10,000 yen (₹5,849) to 70,000 yen (₹40,949) depending on the application category.

Japanese authorities reportedly said the additional funds would be utilised to streamline immigration procedures, expand Japanese language education programmes and strengthen enforcement measures related to residency violations.