Japan has approved a fivefold increase in visa fees for foreign nationals, effective July 1, 2026, the first such hike in 48 years. For Filipino travelers, the announcement has raised immediate questions about whether a trip to one of the country's most popular destinations is still worth the cost.

The Japanese government formalized the decision at a cabinet meeting on June 19, 2026. Under the revised fee structure, single-entry visa fees will increase from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen, while multiple-entry visa fees will rise from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen. The new rates apply to all applications submitted on or after July 1. 

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the change reflects rising prices and does not expect it to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.

What the increase means for Filipinos

The numbers look steep on paper. For Filipino applicants, a single-entry visa that previously cost the equivalent of around PHP 1,132 will now be charged at approximately PHP 5,661. A multiple-entry visa will rise from roughly PHP 2,264 to PHP 11,322. 

However, there is an important distinction for Philippine passport holders. Filipinos applying for a temporary visitor visa to Japan have traditionally not paid the visa fee directly, as the Japanese government has historically waived this charge for Filipino travelers. The handling fee for processing the application, however, still applies. 

The announcement comes weeks after Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said Tokyo is studying measures to make travel to Japan easier for Filipinos, including the possibility of visa-free entry. Endo had earlier said the Japanese Embassy in Manila has been making steady efforts to improve and streamline visa application processes. 

Why Japan raised the fees

The fee hike is part of Japan's broader plan to address the crisis of overtourism. It is the first increase in over 48 years, with the current fee structure dating back to 1978.

Japanese foreign ministry officials noted that the low visa fee had been taken advantage of multiple times and had led to false or incomplete applications. Officials said the higher fee was intended to discourage what they described as frivolous filings. 

Japan has seen record-breaking tourist arrivals in recent years. In 2025, international arrivals exceeded 42 million, driven by a weaker yen, the 2025 Osaka Expo, and strong global interest in Japanese culture. 

Is the trip still worth it?

Despite the higher visa costs, travel and tourism analysts say Japan remains a compelling destination for Filipino travelers, and the data backs this up.

Filipinos visited Japan in record numbers in 2025, with total arrivals reaching 885,100 — an 8.1 %  increase from the previous year, according to preliminary data from the Japan National Tourism Organization. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 211,200 Filipinos visited, positioning the Philippines as Japan's eighth largest source market for inbound tourism. 

The visa fee, analysts point out, represents only a fraction of total trip expenses. Tourism stakeholders have indicated that the visa fee increase represents only a small portion of overall travel expenditure, which also includes airfare, accommodation, transport, and shopping. 

The favorable exchange rate continues to work in Filipino travelers' favor. The yen traded at around PHP 0.38 to PHP 0.39 in 2025, giving Filipino travelers favorable purchasing power, particularly for luxury goods, tech items, and premium Japanese products. 

As of mid-2026, one US dollar buys approximately 158 to 160 yen, compared to 110 to 115 yen before 2022, effectively making Japan roughly 25 to 30 percent cheaper for foreign currency holders than it was five years ago. 

eVisa now available for Filipino applicants

Alongside the fee increase, Japan has expanded its electronic visa system for eligible Filipino travelers. The eVisa is available for Philippine passport holders residing in the Philippines who are applying for short-term tourism visas through designated travel agencies. Approved travelers receive a digital visa issuance notice instead of a physical sticker. 

Not all visa categories qualify for eVisa processing, as business, work, and long-term visas may still require traditional application procedures. 

Still worth the visit?

The visa fee increase is real, and for budget travelers, it adds a notable line item to trip planning. But with the yen still weak, airline seat sales continuing, and Japan's tourism infrastructure expanding, short-stay visas issued to Philippine passport holders have increased more than sixfold over the past decade, from just over 73,000 in 2013 to nearly 491,000 in 2024, reflecting the sustained and growing appetite of Filipino travelers for Japan regardless of policy changes. 

For most Filipinos planning a Japan trip, the visa fee is one more expense to factor in — not a reason to cancel.

‍