October 19, 2025 | 03:49 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Japanese government is considering raising visa fees for foreign visitors, citing that current charges are low compared to those in the United States and European countries.
Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya revealed that while the details of this review haven't been finalized, the government is weighing various factors, including the possible impact on inbound tourism. "We'll examine the fees set in other countries. I believe Japan's fees are quite low at present," Iwaya said at a press conference on Friday, October 17, 2025, as quoted by Kyodo.
There are rumors that the increase, which would make fees equivalent to those in the United States and Europe, may take effect in the fiscal year 2026, following a public consultation period facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This planned fee increase would be the first in almost five decades, with the last adjustment occurring in 1978. Amid record-breaking tourism and increasing administrative costs, the government is attempting to address the growing financial demands of visa processing while ensuring Japan remains an attractive destination.
According to Travel and Tour World, Japan's current visa fees are among the lowest globally. A single-entry visa costs around ¥3,000 (approximately Rp330,000), and a multiple-entry visa costs ¥6,000 (approximately Rp660,000). These fees are significantly lower than those in major global destinations: the United States: US$185 (or Rp3 million) for a short-visit visa; the United Kingdom: £177 (or Rp3.9 million); and the Schengen countries: €90 or Rp1.7 million.
Spike in Tourist Numbers
Government reports indicate that the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan from January to September increased by 17.7 percent over the previous year, reaching approximately 31.65 million. This growth marks the fastest rate ever recorded to surpass 30 million in a single year.
The annual number is expected to exceed the record of 36.87 million achieved in 2024 and may even reach around 40 million. This surge is occurring amid a weakening yen and a dramatic rise in Chinese tourists.
The high volume of tourists has caused overtourism in some areas, leading to environmental damage in certain regions.
Iwaya stated that the government will also consider the impact of overtourism during this review. "But I personally don't think the potential raise will have a direct impact on overtourism," he added.
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