Japan Hikes Visa Fees by 400% for Nigerians, Other Foreign Nationals

The Japanese government has approved a major increase in visa fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals following a revision of a Cabinet order aimed at reflecting current economic realities and rising administrative costs.

According to reports by local media outlet Japan Times, the decision was adopted during a Cabinet meeting on Friday and represents the first adjustment to Japan’s visa fees in 48 years, since the charges were last reviewed in 1978.

Under the revised fee structure, the cost of obtaining a single-entry visa will rise from ¥3,000 (approximately $18.60) to ¥15,000 (about $92.99), representing a 400 percent increase. The fee for a multiple-entry visa will also increase from ¥6,000 ($37.20) to ¥30,000 ($187.97).

Japanese authorities said the new fees will apply to visa applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi explained that the review became necessary due to inflationary pressures and fluctuations in exchange rates over the past several decades.

“The current visa fee was set in 1978, and we have recently revised it to reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations since then,” Motegi said.

He added that the government does not expect the increase to negatively affect inbound tourism in the immediate future.

The development follows the passage of a bill by Japan’s Upper House last month authorising substantial increases in visa and residency-related charges for foreign nationals. The legislation had earlier received approval from the Lower House in April.

Under the revised framework, statutory limits for residency status changes and permanent residency applications have also been significantly increased. The maximum fee for changing residency status or extending a stay has risen from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000, while the ceiling for permanent residency applications has been raised from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000.

Government officials said the additional revenue generated from the new fees would help cover the administrative costs associated with managing Japan’s growing foreign population, which reached a record 4.13 million residents at the end of 2025.

Authorities also stated that the funds would support Japanese-language education programmes, strengthen immigration enforcement measures, and address issues relating to illegal overstayers.

Japan further justified the increases by noting that visa and residency-related charges in countries such as the United States and Germany are significantly higher than current Japanese rates.