According to Kyodo News, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said recently that the government is considering raising the visa fee for foreign tourists to Japan in 2026. If it is finally implemented, this will be the first time in nearly 50 years that Japan has adjusted visa fees.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said that Japan's visa fees are currently much lower than those of European and American countries, and specific adjustment plans are still under study and will comprehensively assess the potential impact on inbound tourism. In addition, he also said that the move will also help alleviate the problem of excessive tourism. A report released earlier by the Japanese government showed that the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan from January to September this year reached 31.65 million, a year-on-year increase of 17.7%, and is expected to exceed 40 million throughout the year.

At present, the single visa fee for foreign tourists entering Japan is about 3000 yen, or about 142 yuan; the multiple round-trip visa fee is about 6000 yen, or about 284 yuan. In comparison, the short-term visa fee in the United States is US$185, or approximately RMB 1320; the UK is £ 127, or approximately RMB 1215; and the Schengen countries are 90 euros, or approximately RMB 747. It is understood that Japan's last adjustment of visa fees dates back to 1978.

In addition, the Japanese government will also explore adjusting the charging timing and consider changing the current "charging at the time of issuance" to the same "charging at the time of application" as in Europe and the United States. The move aims to prevent tourists from other countries from submitting applications at will, in order to reduce the administrative burden.