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After nearly 50 years of maintaining a fixed fee schedule, the Japanese government has officially announced an adjustment to the visa fee for Vietnamese citizens. This decision not only marks a historic milestone in Japan's foreign policy and immigration management but also attracts significant attention from the travel community and economic experts.
According to the latest announcement from the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, the new administrative fee schedule will officially take effect from April 1, 2026, applying to applications processed between the beginning of April this year and March 31, 2027. This is the first time since 1978 that Japan has decided to change its fee schedule, a move believed to be aimed at offsetting operating costs and adapting to the volatile global economic landscape.
From April 1, 2026, the application processing procedures at the Japanese Embassy will adopt a new fee schedule, marking the first adjustment after nearly half a century of maintaining the same price.
The adjustment of the Japanese visa fee in 2026 has sparked much public discussion, not only because of the increase but also because of the rarity of this event. For the past 48 years, this fee has remained virtually constant, facilitating travel for millions of Vietnamese visitors for tourism, study, and work. However, in the context of inflation and rising administrative costs, updating the fee schedule is a necessary step.
Representatives from Japanese authorities stated that this change plays a crucial role in improving the quality of public services and supporting more efficient residency management. For those passionate about exploring the beauty of the Land of the Rising Sun, this information is truly noteworthy, allowing for careful preparation in terms of finances and application procedures.
After 48 years of maintaining stable fees, the Japanese government officially announced an adjustment to visa fees for Vietnamese citizens, effective April 1, 2026.
As can be seen, the fees applied to ordinary passports show relatively modest changes and do not create a significant financial burden for travelers. Specifically, for single-entry visas used for short-term tourism or visiting relatives, the fee will increase by 20,000 VND, from 500,000 VND to 520,000 VND. Meanwhile, multiple-entry visas, intended for those who frequently travel between the two countries, will see an increase of 30,000 VND, raising the total cost from 1,000,000 VND to 1,030,000 VND. Notably, the fee for transit visas remains unchanged at 120,000 VND, a policy aimed at encouraging travelers to use Japan as a stopover on longer international trips.
Although the increase only ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 VND depending on the type of entry, this move has still attracted significant attention from the public and travel experts.
Besides the tourism segment, the group seeking permanent residency or settlement in Japan is also experiencing strategic changes. According to the Japan Immigration and Residence Management Agency, the fee for applying for permanent residency is expected to undergo a more significant adjustment, moving away from the current 10,000 yen.
The goal of this move is to tighten control procedures and ensure transparency in the management of foreigners. Japanese government officials also explained the fee increase as a solution to curb overtourism at popular destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo, while increasing government revenue without directly adding a tax burden to domestic citizens. This is a strategy that balances maintaining tourism appeal and protecting the quality of life for local residents.
This is seen as a strategic move to offset operating costs and address overtourism at popular destinations.
Currently, a typical all-inclusive tour to Japan ranges from 25 million to 35 million VND for a 5-day, 4-night trip, depending on the season and service standards. During peak seasons such as cherry blossom season or autumn foliage season, prices can be even higher due to the scarcity of flights and hotel rooms. In this mid- to high-end segment, travelers are generally more concerned with the quality of the experience, convenient flight times, and especially the likelihood of visa approval, rather than minor fluctuations in administrative fees. Japan continues to maintain its position as a top destination thanks to the perfect blend of majestic nature, rich cultural heritage, and a civilized, clean social lifestyle.
Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) shows that the market's popularity has never waned. In 2025 alone, over 678,000 Vietnamese tourists entered Japan, while conversely, the number of Japanese tourists visiting Vietnam also reached an impressive 814,000. These figures demonstrate the strong cultural and economic exchange between the two countries. Adjusting visa fees is seen as a necessary update to reflect this growing scale of tourist exchange. Most tourists are comfortable with the fee increase, as the increase is only equivalent to the price of a cup of bubble tea, and is not enough to deter their passion for exploring the diverse culture and cuisine of Japan.
However, for those planning a trip to Japan in the near future, consular experts still offer helpful advice. If you have prepared a complete visa application, submitting it in the last days of March will save you a small fee and avoid the rush caused by the "last-minute rush" mentality of the crowds. A well-prepared application with transparent finances and a clear itinerary remains the most important key to obtaining a visa to Japan. In the future, although fees may change depending on the economic situation, the allure of vast pine forests, ancient temples, and the dedicated Omotenashi service style will continue to inspire Vietnamese travelers to explore Japan.
