Japan visa fee hike, eVisa for Filipinos: Everything we know so far

Beginning July 1, foreign nationals planning to travel to Japan will have to pay visa fees that are five times higher, according to an announcement by the Japanese government.

Fees for a single-entry visa are expected to increase from ¥3,000 (≈P1,141.46) to ¥15,000 (≈P5,706.27), while fees for a multiple-entry visa are expected to increase from ¥6,000 (≈P2,282.51) to ¥30,000 (≈P11,412.54).

Are Filipinos affected?

The revision of visa fees marks the first increase since 1978, according to The Japan Times. But are Philippine passport holders affected by this change?

According to the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, a "temporary visitor visa for Philippine nationals is gratis," or free of charge.

However, travelers are required to pay a consular fee of P1,150 for a single-entry visa and P2,300 for a multiple-entry visa, according to a memorandum covering the period from April 1 to June 30, 2026, released by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

In an email sent to GMA News Online on Wednesday, the visa department of the Embassy of Japan said it is set to release an official announcement regarding changes to Japan visa fees for Philippine passport holders. The announcement will soon be posted on its website.

Japan eVisa now open to Filipinos

On the bright side, the Japanese Embassy has opened its eVisa system to Filipino travelers joining package tours organized by designated travel agencies. However, it is important to note that the eVisa is limited to short-term stays of up to 15 days.

Here is the list of registered travel agencies for package tours in the Philippines.

• Reli Tours & Travel Company
• Amkor Travel & Tours Inc.
• Attic Tours Phils., Inc.
• Golden Eagle Travel & Tours, Inc.
• Friendship Tours and Resorts Corp.
• H.I.S. Philippines Travel Corp.
• JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.
• Luxury Vacation Holidays & Tours, Inc.
• Rajah Travel Corp.
• Universal Holidays, Inc.

For interested applicants, here is a step-by-step process on how to acquire a Japan eVisa.

Step 1: Access the Japan eVisa website, check your necessary documents, and proceed to the online visa application page.

Step 2: Create an account and fill out the online application form, where you will be required to upload your photo, passport, and other necessary documents.

Step 3: Once you submit your online application form, you will receive an email regarding the status of your application.

Step 4: If the application is successful, you will receive an email regarding fee payment, which can only be made by credit card.

Step 5: Once your payment has been completed and confirmed, you will receive an email stating that your eVisa has been issued.

Step 6: To access your eVisa, log in to the Japan eVisa website and click "Visa Issuance Notice (to display)."

Since there will be no visa sticker attached to the passport, travelers with an eVisa are required to display the "Visa Issuance Notice" on their smartphones upon arrival at the airport. Printed copies, screenshots, and PDF files will not be accepted.

In 2025, Japan recorded 42.7 million international visitors, a 15.8% increase from the 36.9 million recorded in 2024, according to Nippon.

However, in January, tourists in Japan fell by 4.9% year on year, marking the first decline in four years.

—CDC, GMA News