Japan Raises Visa Fees 400% to ¥15,000 as Tourist Boom Strains Costs
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 1
Japan Raises Visa Fees 400% to ¥15,000 as Tourist Boom Strains Costs
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 1
Summary
July 1 marks Japan’s first visa fee increase since 1978, lifting single-entry visas to ¥15,000 from ¥3,000 and multiple-entry visas to ¥30,000 from ¥6,000.
Tokyo said the higher charges are meant to absorb price increases and exchange-rate swings, with the weak yen and heavier visitor volumes raising administrative and operating costs.
36.8 million visitors in 2024 and 42.6 million in 2025 helped fuel the pressure on infrastructure and public services, though officials and economists said the higher fees are unlikely to dent demand.
Japan is also raising its departure tax to ¥3,000 from ¥1,000 as foreign travelers now make up 74% of departures, far above the 20% to 30% seen before Abenomics boosted inbound tourism.
The fee increases fit a broader shift toward making non-residents bear more tourism and immigration-management costs, alongside new legislation allowing much higher residency-related charges.