Published on
November 10, 2025
By: Paramita Sarkar
Travellers planning visits to Japan and the European Union (EU) should prepare for significant increases in visa and travel‑authorisation fees beginning in 2026. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that revisions to its visa‑fee structure and departure‑tax concept are under review for fiscal 2026. Meanwhile, the European Commission has officially announced that the fee for its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will rise from €7 to €20, effective once the system launches in the last quarter of 2026.
What exactly is being changed?
In the European Union, the travel‑authorisation fee applicable to non‑visa‑requiring visitors will increase to €20 from the current €7. The official EU website states the adjustment is intended to cover rising operational costs, inflation and additional technological infrastructure for ETIAS.
In Japan, the visa‑fee schedule published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists current fees but states that changes are under consideration for fiscal year 2026; a definitive new fee has yet to be published.
Who is involved?In Japan: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, which sets visa application procedures and fees.In the European Union: the European Commission, responsible for border‑policy and ETIAS implementation across the 27 member states of the Schengen zone.Where will the changes apply?Japan’s fee revision applies country‑wide for all short‑stay and tourist visas.ETIAS applies across the Schengen area member states of the European Union (30 countries participating) for visitors from over 60 visa‑free countries.When will the new fees take effect?The European Union confirms the ETIAS fee increase will occur when ETIAS becomes operational in the last quarter of 2026.Japan’s revisions are projected for fiscal year 2026, though a specific date has not yet been published.Why are these increases happening?
For the European Union, the raised fee is meant to offset higher costs of border‑security infrastructure, technological upgrades and to bring its authorisation scheme in line with similar systems worldwide.
In Japan, the rationale is managing surging foreign‑visitor numbers, improving visa‑processing systems, and aligning visa fees with international trends.
How will travellers be affected?Visitors planning travel to Europe will need to apply for ETIAS and pay the €20 fee before entry into the Schengen area once the system is live. Some travellers under age 18 or over age 70 are exempt.Those visiting Japan for tourism will face fee structures that may increase; while specific amounts are not yet final, the presence of a review implies higher costs in 2026.Travel budgets should account for the fee hikes, and applications should be submitted in advance to avoid delays or cost surprises.Broader Implications for Global Travel
The fee hikes in Japan and Europe signal a broader shift in the global travel‑cost landscape. The combination of digital‑authorisation systems, elevated border‑security standards and inflation‑driven increases is reshaping the cost of entry for many destinations. For frequent‑travel visitors or families planning multi‑destination trips in 2026, the new fees could add noticeably to overall travel expenses.
Exchange‑rate movements, service‑charge additions and supplementary fees (especially for e‑visa or online payments) amplify the impact. While the increases are modest in absolute terms, their timing and coverage suggest travellers may need to rethink destination budgets, especially for trips to Tokyo or across Europe’s Schengen area.
Final Word
With official confirmation from Japan and the European Union, travellers must prepare for higher visa and authorisation costs starting in 2026. The window to lock in current‑rate fees is closing, and proactive planning is required for those eyeing visits to Tokyo, Brussels or wider Europe. For anyone budget‑sensitive or planning multiple trips, being aware of these changes is now essential.
