Published：Jun 18, 16:00Last updated：Jul 1, 12:29

Japan Tightens Immigration and Tourism Policies Through Fee Hikes and Visa Restrictions

Jun. 18, 2026 16:00

Japan will increase single-entry visa fees to 15,000 yen and multiple-entry fees to 30,000 yen starting July 1. The move, announced by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, marks a significant rise in travel costs. It comes amid Japan's economic adjustments, including Honda's exit from the Korean car market and debates over nuclear power. The hike may impact tourism and business travel, though official reasons were not specified.

Summarized

26News

12Media

Jul. 1, 2026 12:17

Japan's stricter visa rules are forcing foreign residents, like Nepalese entrepreneur Budhathoki Samjhana, to reconsider their futures. Despite labor shortages, opposition to immigration is growing, and new regulations threaten businesses built by foreigners. Samjhana, who aimed to bridge Nepal and Japan, faces potential expulsion, highlighting the challenges of Japan's immigration policies.

Jul. 1, 2026 12:29

Japan has increased visa fees for overseas travelers while reducing passport application fees to manage overtourism. The move, effective immediately, comes as the country faces a sharp rise in international visitors, prompting measures to balance tourism growth with sustainability.

Japan has implemented a series of stringent measures affecting both tourism and immigration, including visa fee increases, departure tax hikes, and stricter business visa requirements. The single-entry visa fee quintupled to 15,000 yen and multiple-entry visas rose fivefold to 30,000 yen starting July 1, 2026, while the departure tax tripled to 3,000 yen. These changes coincide with new capital requirements for business management visas that have caused application numbers to plummet, directly impacting foreign entrepreneurs like Uzbek AI founder Shakhboz Khayrilloev and Nepalese resident Budhathoki Samjhana.China.org+6

💰 Economic Rationale

The government projects the visa fee increase will generate 116.1 billion yen in annual revenue, with departure taxes adding another revenue stream. Officials cite inflation and exchange rate fluctuations as justification, noting fees hadn't been updated since 1978. Tokyo will implement a new 3% accommodation tax starting April 2027, expected to nearly triple lodging tax revenue from 8.1 billion to 19 billion yen. These measures follow Hakone Town's announcement of a 350 yen per night lodging tax beginning April 2028.China.org+4

🌏 Tourism Impact

While 2025 saw record visa issuance, Q1 2026 Chinese arrivals dropped 55% year-on-year. Japan introduced tiered pricing at attractions like Himeji Castle, charging foreigners higher fees than locals. The policies risk deterring budget-conscious tourists from key Asian markets as neighboring countries like South Korea extend visa-free policies. Meanwhile, China's visa facilitation measures and improved travel infrastructure have boosted its inbound tourism significantly.China.org+5

🏛 Policy Controversy

The measures have sparked debate about shifting infrastructure costs to tourists while creating barriers for foreign talent. Business visa changes contradict Japan's startup ambitions, as seen with Uzbek entrepreneur Khayrilloev's struggles. Nepalese resident Samjhana's case highlights how stricter rules disrupt foreign residents' lives and business plans. Critics question the transparency of fund usage and the policies' alignment with labor shortage realities.China.org+6

🏨 Accommodation Changes

Tokyo's accommodation tax will shift from fixed rates (100-200 yen/night) to 3% of room fees starting April 2027, applying also to private lodgings. Exemptions exist for stays under 13,000 yen per person nightly. The change follows regional trends like Hakone's planned lodging tax, reflecting efforts to manage overtourism through fiscal measures while increasing municipal revenues.Asahi Shimbun+2

Hondainbound tourismKorean car marketToshimitsu MotegiJapan Foreign Ministry

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Japan

Coverage highlights Japan's various tourism and immigration policy changes including visa fee adjustments, accommodation tax reforms, and departure tax increases.