If you've seen headlines about Japan's visa fees jumping fivefold, the short version is: it doesn't apply to you if you're applying with an Indian passport. Here's the full picture.
What actually changed
On 1 July 2026, Japan revised its visa issuance fees for the first time since 1978 — the first change in almost five decades. For most foreign nationals who need a visa to enter Japan, the cost jumped sharply: a single-entry visa rose from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000, and a multiple-entry visa rose from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. In rupee terms, that puts the "other nationals" fee at roughly ₹8,650 for single-entry and ₹17,350 for multiple-entry, according to the Embassy of Japan in India's own published rates.
Where Indian applicants stand
The Embassy of Japan in India has confirmed that this increase does not apply to Indian passport holders. Indian nationals continue to pay a flat ₹500 for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas — the same concessional rate that's been in place for years.
At a glance: Indian nationals — ₹500 flat, single or multiple entry. Other nationals — ₹8,650 (single) / ₹17,350 (multiple). VFS service charges apply on top for everyone.
One change that does apply to Indian applicants: the transit visa category has been abolished as part of this revision.
Why the exemption?
Japanese authorities haven't issued a detailed public explanation, but the exemption is widely understood to stem from the long-standing bilateral arrangement between India and Japan — the same arrangement that's kept Indian visa fees at a concessional rate for years, even as other administrative costs have risen elsewhere.
What this means if you're planning a Japan trip
Practically speaking — nothing changes for your budget. If you're an Indian passport holder applying from India, your visa fee stays exactly where it was. The application process, required documents, and VFS submission steps are unchanged as well. This is genuinely one of the more affordable long-haul visas available to Indian travelers right now.
If you're planning a Japan trip and want your application handled end to end — forms, documentation, and VFS submission — that's exactly what we do.