- Japan has raised its visa fees for the first time in nearly five decades — and for most nationalities, the increase is significant. But for Filipinos, there is good news.
- The Embassy of Japan in Manila clarified on June 24 that temporary visitor visas for Philippine nationals will remain gratis — free of charge — despite Japan raising its visa fees effective July 2026.
- Here is the full picture.
Japan has raised its visa fees for the first time in nearly five decades — and for most nationalities, the increase is significant. But for Filipinos, there is good news.
The Embassy of Japan in Manila clarified on June 24 that temporary visitor visas for Philippine nationals will remain gratis — free of charge — despite Japan raising its visa fees effective July 2026.
Here is the full picture.
How much Japan's visa fees increased for everyone else:
Japan has raised its visa fees for the first time in nearly five decades. The fee for a single-entry visa has increased from US$18 to US$93, while a multiple-entry visa now costs US$186, up from US$37.
That is a fivefold increase on single-entry visas — from roughly ₱1,000 to approximately ₱5,400 at current exchange rates — for nationalities that are not exempt.
What Filipinos still need to pay — the consular service fee:
Although Philippine passport holders are exempt from the visa fee, applicants are still required to pay consular service fees of US$18.69 for a single-entry visa and US$37.43 for a multiple-entry visa.
In peso terms at current rates: approximately ₱1,100 for a single-entry and ₱2,200 for a multiple-entry visa. These are processing fees — separate from the visa fee itself — and they apply regardless of the exemption.
The numbers behind Filipino travel to Japan:
Japan welcomed 42.68 million international visitors in 2025. Of that total, 885,023 arrivals came from the Philippines, making the market Japan's ninth-largest source of international visitors.
Nearly a million Filipinos visited Japan in 2025 alone — and this exemption means the door stays financially accessible for every one of them planning a trip in 2026 and beyond.
What this means for your Japan trip budget:
The visa exemption removes one of the cost barriers. But the total cost of a Japan trip still adds up quickly — flights, accommodation, JR Pass, food, activities, and shopping. Here is how to make every peso work harder before, during, and after your trip.
Before you go — build your Japan fund smart:
Keep your dedicated Japan savings in a high-yield digital bank — Maya Bank at up to 15% (active users), Tonik at 4% Solo Stash, GoTyme at 3% flat — so your travel budget earns interest while you plan.
When paying visa and travel costs — use a low-forex card:
The consular service fee is charged in USD. Using a credit card with a high foreign transaction fee (typically 3.5%) adds unnecessary cost. Cards with low forex fees — like the Metrobank Travel Signature Visa at 1.68% — keep more money in your pocket on every dollar-denominated payment.
While in Japan — earn miles on every swipe:
Japan is one of the most card-friendly destinations in the world. Using a miles-earning credit card throughout your trip — hotels, restaurants, department stores, convenience stores — turns your Japan spend into progress toward your next trip.
When buying flights — time it right:
With PAL joining oneworld in 2027, the value of Mabuhay Miles for Japan travel is set to increase as partner airline redemption options expand. Building your miles balance now through everyday card spending means your next Japan trip could cost you significantly fewer pesos out of pocket.