Japanese visa fee rise won’t affect British travellers

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 4, 2026

British travelers to Japan will continue to enter without paying the newly increased visa fees, as they remain exempt under Japan's visa waiver program for short-term visits. This exemption helps maintain smooth and affordable travel between the UK and Japan despite Japan raising fees for nationals of other countries.

British travelers to Japan will not be affected by the recent increase in visa fees implemented this week. While some foreign visitors will now face visa charges of up to £140, authorities have confirmed that UK passport holders remain exempt from these fees.

Japan allows citizens of the United Kingdom, along with nationals from 73 other countries, to enter for short-term visits without obtaining a visa. This visa exemption permits stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or short-term activities. The Japanese tourist board emphasized that the new visa fee adjustments do not apply to these visa-exempt travelers.

The fee increase is part of Japan’s broader effort to regulate and manage entry into the country, but it specifically targets visitors from nations that require a visa prior to arrival. The exemption for British tourists helps to maintain ease of access between the two countries and supports continued travel and tourism flows.

British nationals planning visits to Japan for less than three months can therefore continue to enter without paying any visa fee or undergoing additional application processes, ensuring that short-term travel remains straightforward and cost-effective.

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