UPDATE: The Embassy of Japan Clarifies Visa Fees for Filipino Nationals
Here's everything you need to know
by Leana Vibal
Published on Jun 23, 2026
(SPOT.ph) In a press conference on June 19, Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu announced that they will raise the visa application fees fivefold starting this July—marking the first time fees will change in almost 50 years. In his words, the change was deemed necessary in response to rising prices and changes in foreign exchange rates.
As one of the top destinations for Filipino travelers, news of Japan’s steep visa fee hike—from JPY 3,000 to JPY 15,000 for single-entry visas and from JPY 6,000 to JPY 30,000 for multiple-entry visas—sparked widespread concern. While some were quick to point out that Filipino passport holders have historically enjoyed gratis Japanese visas, many were still left wondering: Does this increase apply to Filipinos?
SPOT.ph reached out to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines for clarification. Here’s what we know so far.
Here’s everything we know so far about Japan’s updated visa fees starting July:
The short answer: No.
In a very clear statement on the visa and consular services section of the Embassy of Japan's website, it says "Temporary Visitor Visa (for stay within 90 days at maximum) for Philippine Nationals remains as gratis,"—ending all further discussion on the matter.
Historically, the Philippines and Japan have entered into a gratis visa arrangement as part of their bilateral relations, under which Filipinos do not pay the base fee for their short-term visa applications. The fees you pay at the Japan Visa Application Center are typically service fees and add-ons, such as courier delivery and lounge access, designed to make your application experience more convenient.
It looks like there are now fewer roadblocks standing between you and your dream trip to Japan. With confirmation that the visa fee increase does not apply to Filipino passport holders, coupled with the recent rollout of Japan’s e-Visa system for Filipinos, visiting the Land of the Rising Sun just got a whole lot easier.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
Also read:
How to Apply for a Japan Visa at the New Visa Application Center
ICYMI: Filipinos Can Now Apply for E-Visas to Japan
UPDATE, June 24, 2026: The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines has clarified that Japanese visa application fees for Filipino nationals remain free of charge. The article and headline have been updated to reflect this development.
Leana is Spot's go-to for Arts & Culture and Things to Do. On any given day, she’s either glued to her screen—or gliding underwater like the mermaid she swears she is. Contact: leana@spot.ph