The Japanese government has approved a significant increase in visa fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, marking the first revision since 1978. Single-entry visa fees will rise from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 ($92.99), a fivefold increase, while multiple-entry visa fees will jump from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000 ($187.97). The decision was reached at a cabinet meeting on Friday, June 19, 2026, and will take effect for visa applications lodged on or after July 1, 2026.
First Revision in 48 Years
The fee hike is the first revision in visa fees in 48 years, since 1978. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi explained at a news conference in Tokyo: “The current visa fee was set in 1978, and we recently revised it to reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations since then. We made this decision after careful consideration of various factors, and we do not anticipate it will have an immediate effect on inbound tourism.”
Reasoning Behind the Increase
The move aims to generate revenue to cover administrative costs related to managing Japan’s rising foreign population. Last month, Japan’s Upper House enacted a bill to raise visa-related fees for foreign nationals by up to 30 times from current levels. The bill had cleared the Lower House in April. Under the new structure, the statutory maximum for fees for changing a status of residence or extending the period of stay has been raised from ¥10,000 ($63) to ¥100,000, and for applying for permanent residence, from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000.
Impact on Foreign Residents
The government proposes increasing fees for change of status of residence and extensions of stay from the current range of ¥5,500-6,000 to between ¥10,000 and ¥70,000, and applications for permanent residence from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. The changes are expected to take effect before the end of the fiscal year ending in March 2027. Additional revenue is expected to help address social security costs of the country's growing foreign resident population, who numbered a record 4.13 million at the end of 2025, expand Japanese-language education programs, and enhance measures against illegal overstayers.
Comparison with UK Visa Fee Changes
This development follows similar moves by other countries. The United Kingdom has announced plans to increase visa fees for individuals seeking to visit, study, work, or live in the country from April 8, 2026. According to the UK Home Office, the largest increase applies to the “Route to Settlement and other dependant relative,” which will rise by £222, from £3,413 to £3,635. Other notable increases include a £197 hike for indefinite leave to remain applications across multiple categories.
