Japan raising visa fees for first time in nearly 50 years
Canadians without passport exemptions will pay five times more starting July 1—single-entry visas rising from $28 to $150.
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Japan is implementing its first visa-fee increase in nearly 50 years, dramatically raising costs for foreign nationals seeking entry.
The Japanese government approved the new fees, which take effect July 1. According to Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, Japan's previous visa fees were set in 1978. The increases reflect rising operational costs and changes in foreign exchange rates.
For Canadians, the impact varies by citizenship. Canadian passport holders do not need a visa for tourism or short-term business stays of up to 90 days. However, non-Canadian passport holders will face significant increases.
Current single-entry visa fees of C$28 (around JPY3,000) will rise to approximately C$150 (JPY15,000). Double or multiple entry visas will climb from C$56 (around JPY6,000) to approximately C$263 (JPY30,000).
Toshimitsu said he doesn't expect the fee hike to have an immediate effect on incoming tourist numbers. According to the Government of Canada, 688,000 Canadian visitors travelled to Japan in 2025.
Additional changes taking effect July 1 include an increase in Japan's mandatory departure tax from around C$8.71 (JPY1,000) to approximately C$26.28 (JPY3,000).
