KUALA LUMPUR - Japan plans to raise visa issuance fees for foreign nationals by five times in 2026, according to its draft initial budget approved by the Cabinet on December 26, 2025. The move marks the first fee increase since 1978.

The current fee is approximately 3,000 yen (about $20), which remains relatively low by international standards. 

Under the proposal, the fee is set to rise to around 15,000 yen (about $95). 

Meanwhile, the fee for a multiple-entry visa is being considered at approximately 30,000 yen (about $190).

By comparison, tourist and business visas cost $185 (approximately 28,000 yen) in the United States, while many European countries charge €90 (approximately 16,000 yen).

The government expects to generate around 120 billion yen in fee revenue. 

The move comes amid a recent increase in inbound tourism. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, in November 2025, Japan welcomed 3.52 million foreign visitors, a 10.4% increase from the same month a year earlier. 

Cumulative arrivals through November reached about 39.1 million, surpassing the full-year total of 36.9 million recorded in 2024, the previous high.

At the same time, the government plans to reduce the 10-year passport fee from 16,000 yen (about $100) to around 9,000 yen (about $57), noting that only 17% of the population currently holds a passport.