Planning a Japan trip? Visa costs to jump fivefold from July

TOKYO: Travellers planning a visit to Japan will have to budget for significantly higher visa costs from next month, after the Japanese government approved a sharp increase in visa issuance fees.

The fee for a single-entry visa will rise from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen (approximately OMR 8 to OMR 36), while the cost of a multiple-entry visa will increase from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.

Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu announced the revision during a press conference on Friday, describing it as the first visa fee increase since 1978.

According to the government, the move reflects rising administrative costs, inflation and the long-term depreciation of the Japanese yen.

Despite the substantial increase, Motegi said authorities do not anticipate an immediate impact on inbound tourism, noting that Japan continues to remain a highly attractive destination for international visitors.

The revised fees are scheduled to take effect in July, affecting foreign nationals applying for Japanese visas worldwide.

Japan has witnessed record growth in visitor arrivals in recent years, driven by a weaker yen, expanded flight connectivity and strong demand for leisure travel, particularly from Asian markets. The government is aiming to further boost tourism while ensuring that visa processing costs are adequately covered by application fees.