Japan to raise visa fees, introduce pre-entry screening system for foreign arrivals

Japan’s parliament has approved revisions to immigration control legislation that will significantly increase visa-related fees and introduce an online pre-entry screening system for overseas travellers, according to official information.

Under the changes, the upper ceiling for fees will be raised to 100,000 yen for residence status renewals and 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications, up from the current threshold of 10,000 yen, Caliber.Az reports via Japanese media.

Existing charges are 6,000 yen for changing residence status or extending stays, and 10,000 yen for permanent residency applications.

The revised fee structure will be formally determined by cabinet order following a public consultation process. The government has cited rising administrative costs for the increase, while saying payment relief may be considered on humanitarian grounds or for individuals facing financial hardship.

However, lawmakers have raised concerns that eligibility criteria for such exemptions remain unclear. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan is expected to set out detailed guidelines.

The legislation also establishes the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, scheduled for introduction in fiscal 2028. The system will apply to nationals from 74 countries and regions eligible for visa-free short-term entry.

Under the scheme, travellers will be required to submit information online prior to departure, including personal details, purpose of visit, and intended destination. The data will be checked against security and criminal databases, and individuals suspected of potential illegal overstays may be denied boarding on aircraft or vessels.

Japan’s foreign resident population stood at approximately 4.13 million at the end of 2025, marking a record high, according to government data.

By Aghakazim Guliyev