Japan approves a major overhaul of its visa fee schedule for foreign nationals, including Nigerians, raising application costs by roughly 400%. Multiple outlets report that the change is the first revision in nearly 50 years, with the latest update tied to fees last set in 1978. Under the new structure, effective July 1, 2026, the fee for a single-entry visa increases from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000. The multiple-entry visa fee rises from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000.
The adjustments are attributed to inflation and rising administrative or operating costs, and to the need to update long-standing fee levels. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi says the government does not expect a significant negative impact on inbound tourism.
Sources also note that the higher fees apply mainly to applicants from countries that require visas, such as Nigeria, China, and India. People holding passports from visa-exempt countries, including many in Europe and the United States, are not affected by the new pricing.
