Quick summary
Japan’s visa application fees increase substantially on April 1, 2026: single-entry visas rise from JPY 3,000 to USD $20 (approximately JPY 3,000), multiple-entry visas jump to $40, and transit visas cost $5. Citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India applying at Japanese embassies abroad are affected. Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and most European Union nationals remain visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days.
India receives subsidized rates of $6 for both single and multiple-entry visas. Submit applications by March 31, 2026, to lock in current fees — the official fee table confirms fees are based on submission date, not processing date.
Travelers from visa-required countries face a sharp increase in Japan visa costs starting April 1, 2026, as the Japanese government aligns fees with international standards for the first time in decades. The changes affect short-term tourism and business visas processed at Japanese diplomatic missions worldwide.
Australian and New Zealand citizens traveling for tourism remain unaffected. Both nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days — a status unchanged by the April fee adjustments. The fee hike targets nationals from countries without visa exemption agreements, including Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India.
The urgency is medium. Applications submitted before March 31, 2026, will be processed under current fees. After that date, the new structure takes effect at all Japanese embassies and consulates.
Fee structure and payment rules
The official fee table published by the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit confirms the new rates. Single-entry visas cost $20 for most nationalities, while multiple-entry visas rise to $40. Transit visas, previously minimal or waived, now cost $5.
India receives preferential pricing: $6 for both single and multiple-entry visas, and $1 for transit visas. This subsidy reflects bilateral agreements and does not extend to other South Asian nations.
| Visa type | Standard fee | India fee | Current fee (pre-April) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | $20 | $6 | ~$20 (JPY 3,000) |
| Multiple-entry | $40 | $6 | ~$40 (JPY 6,000) |
| Transit | $5 | $1 | Minimal/waived |
Payment must be made in cash or money order payable to “Consulate General of Japan.” Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted. Fees are non-refundable regardless of application outcome.
The changes form part of broader fiscal 2026 immigration reforms. Separate fee increases apply to in-Japan services — visa renewals rise from JPY 6,000 to JPY 100,000, and permanent residency applications jump from JPY 10,000 to as high as JPY 300,000. These domestic hikes do not affect tourist visas processed at embassies abroad.
Travelers planning flights to Japan from Australasia should verify their nationality’s visa status before booking. The exemption list is subject to change — contact the nearest Japanese consulate if uncertain.
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How Japan’s fees compare globally
Japan’s previous visa fees — unchanged for decades — sat well below international norms. The $20 single-entry rate now aligns with regional competitors but remains cheaper than Western counterparts. A United States B1/B2 tourist visa costs $185, while Canada charges $100 CAD for a visitor visa.
The multiple-entry fee of $40 undercuts the European Union’s Schengen visa, which costs approximately €80 (roughly $85 USD) and covers 26 countries. Japan’s fee applies to a single destination, making it less competitive on a per-country basis.
The increase reflects Japan’s surging tourism demand and the administrative burden of processing 32 million annual visitors as of 2024. Revenue from the hikes will fund digitalization upgrades at immigration offices and embassies, including expanded eVisa trials for select nationalities. Australia is testing an online application portal via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, though most visa-required countries still use paper submissions.
Steps to secure the old fee
The fee you pay depends on when your application reaches the consulate, not when you book flights or plan travel.
- Verify exemption status: Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (mofa.go.jp) or call your nearest Japanese consulate. Visa-free short stays up to 90 days remain unchanged for Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, and most EU nations.
- Gather documents early: Passport valid 6+ months, completed application form (download from embassy site), recent passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of financial means. Multiple-entry applications require evidence of previous Japan visits.
- Submit by March 20: In-person or via authorized agency. Mail submissions add 1–2 weeks — factor this into your deadline. Bring cash or a money order; no cards accepted.
- Track processing: Some consulates offer online status checks. If your consulate lacks this, call after 5 business days to confirm receipt and estimated approval date.
- Plan for rejection scenarios: If denied a multiple-entry visa, you may receive a single-entry visa at the lower fee. This still allows your trip but restricts future entries without a new application.
Watch: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expanding eVisa trials in Q2 2026. If your nationality is added to the online portal, future applications may bypass embassy visits entirely — though fees will remain at the new rates.
Questions? Answers.
Does this affect eVisa or online applications?
No confirmed eVisa system exists for tourist visas as of January 2026. Australia is testing an online application portal via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but most visa-required nationalities still submit paper applications at embassies. The $20/$40 fees apply regardless of submission method. Check your consulate’s website after April 2026 for digital options — revenue from the fee hikes will fund these upgrades.
How do Japan’s new fees compare to other G7 countries?
Japan’s $20 single-entry visa sits below the United States ($185 for B1/B2) and Canada ($100 CAD visitor visa). The $40 multiple-entry fee is competitive with the EU’s Schengen visa (~€80 or $85 USD), though Schengen covers 26 countries versus Japan’s single destination. The increase aligns Japan with “international standards” after decades of unchanged rates, per the Ministry of Justice’s fiscal 2026 reforms.
What if my application is submitted before April 1 but processed after?
Fees are based on submission date at the consulate, not approval or collection date. An application filed on March 30, 2026, pays the old rate even if the visa is issued in April or May. This follows standard consular practice — the date your documents and payment reach the mission determines the fee tier. Confirm this policy with your specific consulate, as processing rules vary slightly by location.
Do Australian and New Zealand citizens need to do anything?
No. Both nationalities remain visa-exempt for tourism and business stays up to 90 days. The April 1 fee changes do not affect visa-free entry. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, work, or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa — and the new fees will apply. For standard short-stay tourism, nothing changes.
Can I pay the visa fee with a credit card?
No. Japanese consulates accept only cash or money orders payable to “Consulate General of Japan.” Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted. Bring exact change or a money order in the consulate’s local currency (USD in the United States, AUD in Australia, etc.). Fees are non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.
