Japan Tourist Visa From Australia in 2026: New Fees, Who Still Needs One, and How to Apply
Short answer: If you hold an Australian or New Zealand passport, you still don't need a visa for tourism in Japan - you get a 90-day landing stamp on arrival. But if you live in Australia on a passport from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan or most other countries, you do need a short-term-stay tourist visa, and the cost jumped sharply on 1 July 2026. A single-entry visa now costs around AUD 156 (up from about AUD 31). Here's exactly what changed and how to apply from Australia.
Japan quietly rewrote its visa pricing for the first time since 1978, and a lot of travellers in Australia have been caught off guard. This guide breaks down the new 2026 fees, who is affected, the documents you'll need, and realistic processing times - the practical stuff we walk our clients through every day.
The big 2026 change: visa fees rose fivefold
From 1 July 2026, Japan increased its tourist (short-term stay) visa fees by roughly 400%. The change applies to applications lodged at Japanese diplomatic missions on or after that date. Anything already "under examination" before 1 July was charged at the old rate, so the increase is not retroactive.
Visa type | Old fee (approx. AUD) | New fee from 1 July 2026 (approx. AUD) | In Japanese yen |
|---|---|---|---|
Single-entry short-term stay | ~AUD 31 | ~AUD 156 | ¥15,000 |
Multiple-entry short-term stay | ~AUD 63 | ~AUD 313 | ¥30,000 |
Transit visa | ~AUD 7 | ~AUD 36 | ¥3,500 |
AUD figures are approximate and move with the exchange rate - always confirm the exact charge with the Japanese consulate handling your application. A visa-application-centre or agent service fee may also apply on top of the government fee.
One important exception: Indian passport holders
Because of a long-standing bilateral agreement between Japan and India, Indian nationals are exempt from the fee hike. Indian passport holders continue to pay the reduced treaty rate (around ₹500 for single or multiple entry). If you're an Indian citizen living in Australia, this treaty rate is tied to your nationality, but the exact amount charged when you apply through a consulate in Australia can differ, so confirm it before you lodge.
Who actually needs a Japan tourist visa from Australia?
This is where people get confused, because it depends on your passport, not where you live.
Australian and New Zealand citizens are visa-exempt and can enter Japan for up to 90 days for tourism with just a valid passport. Japan has similar visa-waiver arrangements with around 74 countries and regions.
If your passport is not on that waiver list - this includes India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Vietnam and the Philippines - you must apply for a short-term-stay visa before you fly. Japan does not offer visa-on-arrival for these nationalities. The good news: as a long-term resident of Australia (PR, student, temporary graduate, skilled visa, etc.), you can usually apply through the Japanese consulate that covers your Australian state rather than travelling back to your home country.
Thinking about a Japan trip and not sure if your passport needs a visa? The team at MyVisitVisa can confirm your status and handle the paperwork end-to-end. Check your Japan visa options here.
Documents you'll need (short-term stay)
Requirements are broadly consistent across the Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth consulates, but each has small differences - especially for eVisa eligibility. As a general checklist:
Document | Notes |
|---|---|
Passport | Must be valid for your trip. Six months' validity isn't strictly required, but check your airline's rules. |
Visa application form | One form per applicant, signed. |
Passport photo | Recent, plain background, to spec (usually 45mm x 45mm). |
Proof of Australian residency status | Your VEVO record (not the grant notification) showing a valid long-term Australian visa. |
Flight booking | Return itinerary from Australia to Japan, including any third-country stops. |
Daily itinerary | A simple day-by-day plan with hotel/accommodation details. |
Proof of funds | Recent bank statements showing you can cover the trip. |
If you're visiting family or friends in Japan, or someone is sponsoring you, additional documents (invitation letter, guarantor's paperwork) are usually required.
eVisa vs. sticker visa
Japan's eVisa is available for tourism through the Sydney consulate for residents of NSW and the Northern Territory, and it removes the need to hand over your physical passport. You'll need proof of your current NSW/NT residential address (driver's licence, bank statement or utility bill). Residents of other states generally lodge a traditional passport-sticker application through their state's consulate.
Processing times - apply early
Plan on roughly 10 business days for an eVisa, and don't cut it fine. Consulates recommend applying about two months before travel, and peak seasons (cherry blossom in spring, autumn leaves, New Year) get busy. Incomplete documents are the number-one cause of delays, so double-check everything before lodging.
What's coming next: JESTA (from around 2028)
Japan is developing an electronic travel authorisation system, often called JESTA, expected to launch around 2028. It's aimed at travellers from visa-exempt countries — meaning Australians and New Zealanders will eventually need to register online before flying, similar to the US ESTA or Europe's ETIAS. It won't be a visa, but it's worth keeping on your radar.
Want it done without the stress? MyVisitVisa is an Adelaide-based, IATA TIDS-accredited visa service. We prepare and lodge Japan tourist visa applications for residents across Australia. Start your Japan visa application with MyVisitVisa.
Frequently asked questions
Do Australian passport holders need a visa for Japan in 2026?
No. Australian (and New Zealand) citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. You just need a valid passport.
How much is a Japan tourist visa from Australia now?
Since 1 July 2026, a single-entry short-term-stay visa costs around AUD 156 (¥15,000) and a multiple-entry visa around AUD 313 (¥30,000). Indian nationals pay a much lower treaty rate.
Can I apply for a Japan visa in Australia on an Indian, Nepali or Sri Lankan passport?
Yes, if you're a long-term resident of Australia (PR, student, work or graduate visa). You apply through the Japanese consulate covering your state, using your VEVO record as proof of status.
How long does a Japan tourist visa take to process?
Around 10 business days for an eVisa, though it can be faster or slower. Apply about two months before you travel to be safe.
Does my passport need six months' validity for Japan?
Not strictly - it must be valid for your trip and return. But many airlines prefer at least six months, so check before booking.
Is the fee increase retroactive?
No. Applications already under examination before 1 July 2026 were charged the old fee. New applications pay the new rate.
Related reading on MyVisitVisa
Japan Tourist Visa page - requirements and how to apply: Japan Visa
Thailand, Vietnam & Indonesia tourist visas from Australia: myvisitvisa.com
Ready to go? Apply for your Japan tourist visa with MyVisitVisa and let our team handle the details.
Sources
Fees and rules can change. Please verify current figures with the relevant Japanese consulate before applying. Last verified: 29 July 2026.