Japanese Passport Fees Set to Drop to Around ¥9,000 in July
Japan will lower application fees for 10-year passports starting July 1, 2026, as part of a revised passport law passed by the House of Councillors on April 24, 2026. Under the new fees, applicants applying online will pay ¥8,900, while those applying in person at government offices will pay ¥9,300. The change aims to boost passport possession and encourage overseas travel, particularly among younger citizens.
Fee Reduction Details
The revised passport law reduces the cost of a standard 10-year passport by approximately ¥7,000 compared to previous fees. Online applicants benefit from a lower fee of ¥8,900, reflecting the government’s push for digital services. In-person applicants will pay ¥9,300, still representing a significant decrease from the prior cost. These new fees apply exclusively to Japanese nationals aged 18 or older.
Legislative Background
The bill was passed during a plenary session of the House of Councillors on Friday, April 24, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the revisions are designed to increase passport ownership rates and support greater international mobility. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, with the new fee structure applying to all applications submitted on or after that date.
Policy Goals
Japanese officials stated that the fee reduction is intended to craft international travel more accessible, especially for younger adults who may have been deterred by previous costs. By lowering financial barriers, the government hopes to increase the number of valid passports in circulation and promote cultural exchange, education, and tourism abroad.
Application Process
Applicants can choose between submitting their passport applications online or in person at designated government offices. Payment is required at the time of application, and fees are non-refundable. The 10-year validity period remains unchanged under the revised law, and no adjustments were made to passport validity options for minors or temporary travel documents.
Official Sources
The fee changes were reported by multiple authoritative Japanese news outlets following the legislative vote. The Japan Times detailed the approved fees for online and in-person applications. Jiji Press, via The Yomiuri Shimbun, confirmed the ¥7,000 reduction and the effective date of July 1. Kyodo News, as reported by Mainichi Shimbun, emphasized the policy’s goal of boosting passport possession among younger populations.
Key Takeaways
- Starting July 1, 2026, Japanese passport fees for 10-year validity will be ¥8,900 for online applications and ¥9,300 for in-person applications.
- The reduction represents a decrease of approximately ¥7,000 from previous fees.
- The policy applies only to applicants aged 18 and older.
- The goal is to increase passport ownership and encourage overseas travel.
- The revised passport law was passed by the House of Councillors on April 24, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for the new passport fees?
- Japanese nationals aged 18 or older applying for a 10-year passport are eligible for the reduced fees starting July 1, 2026.
- Can I still apply for a passport with shorter validity?
- The revised law maintains the 10-year passport as the standard option for adults. Information on alternative validity periods for minors or special circumstances was not included in the verified sources.
- When do the new fees take effect?
- The new fee structure applies to all passport applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026.
- How do I apply online for a Japanese passport?
- Online applications can be submitted through the official government portal designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Payment of ¥8,900 is required at the time of submission.