Japan's Visa & Entry Rules: What's New in 2026 and What Changes by April 2027

Aug 8

Japan has undergone its most significant overhaul of immigration and travel fees in nearly half a century. Whether you're planning a short holiday or considering long-term residency, here's everything that changed in 2026 — and what's coming in April 2027.

2026: The Big Changes for Tourists & Short-Term Visitors

1. Visa Fees Quintupled — Effective July 1, 2026

For the first time since 1978, Japan has revised its consular visa fees. Approved by the Cabinet on June 19, 2026, the new rates took effect on July 1, 2026 and apply to all applications submitted on or after that date.

| -------------- | ------------- | ------------- | ----------- |

| Single-Entry | ¥3,000 | ¥15,000 | ~\$93 |

| Multiple-Entry | ¥6,000 | ¥30,000 | ~\$186 |

The Foreign Minister stated the increase reflects inflation and exchange rate fluctuations accumulated over 48 years.

Important: If your application was accepted before July 1, 2026, the old rates still applied. Payment is generally made in local currency at the embassy or consulate. Most consulates accept cash, money order, or cashier's check — not personal checks or credit cards (though eVisa applicants may pay by credit card online).

2. JAPAN eVISA Expanded — May 15, 2026

The online visa system now covers more countries. Eligible nationals and residents can apply entirely online for a single-entry short-term tourist visa.

Direct Online Application (no agency needed): Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, U.S.A.

Through Accredited Agencies: China (nationals residing in China), Philippines (packaged tours via designated agencies), Vietnam (packaged tours via designated agencies), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, Singapore, UAE.

Key eVISA Rules:

Valid for single-entry tourism only (up to 90 days; 15–30 days for some nationalities)
Valid for 3 months from issuance
Must display the "Visa issuance notice" on your phone at the airport — PDFs, screenshots, and printed copies are NOT accepted
Only ordinary passport holders are eligible.

Key Rules:

Single-entry tourism only (up to 90 days; 15–30 days for some nationalities)
Valid for 3 months from issuance
You must display the live "Visa issuance notice" on your phone at the airport. PDFs, screenshots, and printed copies are NOT accepted.
Only ordinary passport holders are eligible
Valid for travel by air or international scheduled passenger ferries (Busan/Shanghai routes)

3. Departure Tax Tripled — July 1, 2026

The International Tourist Tax (departure tax) increased from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person leaving Japan. It is automatically bundled into your airline ticket. If your ticket was issued before July 1, 2026, the old rate applied.

4. Tax-Free Shopping Overhaul — November 2026

Japan shifted from immediate tax exemption to a refund-based system. Tourists now pay the 10% consumption tax upfront at stores and claim it back at departure.5. Digital Nomad Visa Introduced

Japan has introduced a 6-month digital nomad visa for high-earning remote workers. While full details are still being rolled out, this marks a major shift toward accommodating location-independent professionals who want to base themselves in Japan legally.

5. Digital Nomad Visa Introduced

Japan launched a 6-month digital nomad visa for high-earning remote workers, marking a major shift toward accommodating location-independent professionals.

What Changes by April 2027?

⚠️ Important Context

Critical clarification: All confirmed changes taking effect in April 2027 concern long-term residency and permanent residency (PR) applications only. There are no confirmed changes to short-term tourist visas or the eVISA system scheduled for April 2027.1. Permanent Residency: The "5-Year Visa" Rule — April 1, 2027

The biggest change for long-term residents: starting April 1, 2027, Permanent Residency (PR) applicants must hold the maximum period of stay on their current visa — typically 5 years.

Background: Under the Immigration Control Act, the "longest period of stay" has technically always been 5 years. However, immigration officers historically accepted 3-year visas as sufficient. That flexibility ends on April 1, 2027.

Transitional Grace Period: If you held a 3-year visa as of March 31, 2027, you can still apply for PR under the old rules for your first PR application within that visa's validity period.

Bottom line: If you're on a 3-year visa and eligible for PR, apply before April 1, 2027 to avoid the stricter requirement.

1. PR Applicants Must Hold a 5-Year Visa — April 1, 2027

The Immigration Services Agency announced on February 24, 2026 that the "longest period of stay" requirement for PR applications will be strictly enforced starting April 1, 2027.

2. Permanent Residency Fees Expected to Skyrocket

While the exact date isn't locked to April 2027, the fee ceiling for permanent residency applications was raised by law (enacted May 29, 2026) from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000. The actual fee is expected to increase to approximately ¥200,000 — a 20-fold increase. Implementation is targeted before March 31, 2027.

Residence status changes and extensions are also expected to rise significantly, from the current ¥6,000 range to as much as ¥40,000–¥70,000 depending on circumstances.

3. PR Can Be Revoked for Unpaid Taxes/Social Insurance — April 1, 2027

Under Act No. 60 of Reiwa 6 (enacted June 14, 2024), a new ground for revoking permanent residency takes effect April 1, 2027. This applies to existing PR holders, not just new applicants.

Triggers: Willful and sustained non-payment of:

National tax
Residence tax
Public pension contributions
Public health insurance premiums

Important protections:

Single missed payments or genuine hardship with approved deferral plans are not targets
Requires a pattern of deliberate non-payment despite ability to pay
PR holders receive an opinion hearing before revocation
If revoked, status may be downgraded to Long-Term Resident instead of deportation in most cases

4. Employment for Skill Development (ESD) System — April 2027

The Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) is replaced by the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) system. Workers spend approximately 3 years developing skills to reach Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 status, with clearer paths to long-term residency.

5. Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 — B1 Japanese Requirement — April 1, 2027

Transitioning to SSW (ii) will require B1 level Japanese (CEFR), approximately equivalent to JLPT N3 — one step above the N4 required for SSW (i).

What About JESTA?

JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) — Japan's version of the U.S. ESTA — is not launching in April 2027. It is scheduled for fiscal year 2028 (between April 2028 and March 2029).

Once active, visa-exempt travelers from 74 countries will need to complete an online pre-clearance (expected fee: ~¥2,000–¥3,000) before flying. Any website selling "JESTA" in 2026 or 2027 is a scam.

Quick Reference: Who Needs a Visa in 2026?

| Your Situation | Do You Need a Visa? | Cost |

| ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |

| Citizen of 74 visa-exempt countries
(US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.) | No — 90-day stamp on arrival | ¥0 |

| Citizen of visa-required country | Yes — apply at embassy or via eVISA | ¥15,000 (single) / ¥30,000 (multiple) |

| eVISA eligible (see list above) | Yes — apply online | Same fees, paid by credit card |

| Everyone leaving Japan | N/A (departure tax) | ¥3,000 (from July 1, 2026) |

Final Tips for Travelers

Apply early — eVISA and embassy processing can take 5–10 business days; allow 2–4 weeks during peak seasons

Check your passport — must be valid for your entire stay

Book onward travel — immigration may ask for proof of return/onward ticket
Beware of scams — fake JESTA and eVISA websites are circulating. Only use official channels: mofa.go.jp
Use Visit Japan Web — not mandatory, but speeds up customs and immigration

Sources: Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Asahi Shimbun, The Japan Times, Fragomen, Newland Chase, TreeGlobalPartners, EIG Law, TKG Immigration Office, and official Japanese government announcements. Fees and policies remain subject to further revision. Always verify with your nearest Japanese embassy or the MOFA website before traveling.

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