Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. This is an independent informational guide, not a Japanese government service. If MOFA instructions differ, follow the JAPAN eVISA portal at mofa.go.jp.
The Japan eVisa costs ¥3,000 (~£15-16). Accepted Japan eVisa payment methods are Visa and Mastercard credit cards, paid online at the JAPAN eVISA portal (mofa.go.jp). Payment is triggered by email after consular review, not at submission. UK banks may add a foreign transaction fee. Source: MOFA JAPAN eVISA (accessed 9 September 2026).
How Much Does the Japan eVisa Cost in 2026?
The standard consular fee for the Japan eVisa is ¥3,000 (approximately £15-16 GBP), charged exclusively in Japanese Yen for single-entry, short-term stay tourism visas (up to 90 days, tourism purpose only). For a full breakdown of all applicable charges, see our dedicated Japan eVisa cost and fees guide for UK applicants. Fee exemptions apply per bilateral agreements between Japan and the applicant’s country of passport — learn more in our comparison of the Japan eVisa vs visa exemption for British citizens. Cards issued outside Japan incur exchange fees from the issuing bank in addition to the ¥3,000 fee. The JAPAN eVISA system operates across 47 overseas establishments in 9 countries/regions. The current consular fees list applies to applications accepted on or after 1 July 2026.
| Amount in JPY | Approx. GBP (no fee) | GBP with ~3% bank fee |
|---|---|---|
| ¥3,000 | ~£15-16 | ~£16-17 |
UK bank foreign transaction fees vary: Monzo and Starling charge 0%, while Chase and Barclaycard apply 2.99%. The Japan eVisa payment portal does not add its own conversion surcharge; only your card issuer’s margin applies.
Which Credit Cards Are Accepted for the Japan eVisa?
The Japan eVisa payment portal accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards. JCB: unconfirmed. Amex, Diners: unlikely.
| Card Network | Confirmed? | Notes for UK Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Yes | Safest option; widely accepted on the MOFA gateway |
| Mastercard | Yes | Equally reliable; confirmed for UK-issued cards |
| JCB | Unconfirmed | Japanese-origin network; likely but not verified |
| American Express | Unlikely | Not expected to work; avoid relying on it |
| Diners Club | Unlikely | No evidence of acceptance |
Online payment only has been permitted since 1 June 2024. Cash, bank transfers, postal orders, and cryptocurrency are not accepted. UK-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards are the safest choice for Japan eVisa payment methods without issues.
Can You Pay with a Debit or Virtual Card?
Although the Japan eVisa payment portal labels its system as “credit card,” Visa or Mastercard-branded debit cards from UK banks including Monzo, Revolut, Starling, and Wise typically process as credit on international gateways. Virtual cards generally work, but confirm card validity and expiry dates before attempting Japan eVisa payment.
How to Pay the Japan eVisa Fee: Portal & Step-by-Step Guide
Payment is triggered by an email notification after consular review, via the JAPAN eVISA portal at mofa.go.jp. Bookmark the URL to avoid fraud websites. Payment email arrives ~5 business days after approval; total processing ~2 weeks for UK applicants. The application process is 100% online (submission, payment, and receipt) — see our complete step-by-step guide to applying for a Japan eVisa from the UK for full details.
Receive payment email
Wait for the notification from the JAPAN eVISA system.
Log in
Access the Japan eVisa payment portal securely.
Enter card details
Provide your credit card information.
Complete 3D Secure
Authenticate the transaction via your bank.
Receive payment confirmation
Await the “Notification of electronic visa issuance” email.
The visa is not issued immediately after card registration. The Consulate processes the final review, captures the fee, and sends the issuance email before the eVISA issuance notice becomes accessible. For expected timelines, read our guide on Japan eVisa processing time for UK residents. The Visa Issuance Notice must be displayed digitally on a smartphone or tablet with a live internet connection; printed copies are rejected at departure — see our guide on where to show your Japan eVisa at the airport. Review the MOFA payment manual and the MOFA video guide for reference.
Japan eVisa Payment Security, Errors & Refund Policy
Japan eVisa payment methods use SSL/TLS encryption and require 3D Secure (Verified by Visa/Mastercard Identity Check) on every transaction. UK banks may block JPY charges as fraudulent; notify them in advance and enable push notifications for two-factor authentication. Never enter card details on third-party agent sites.
| Error | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Secure timeout | Authentication window expired | Re-initiate payment; check bank app for push notification |
| Bank fraud block on JPY | Overseas charge flagged | Call bank, pre-approve the charge, retry |
| Expired session | Portal timeout | Log in again and restart payment |
| Unsupported card | Card network not processed | Switch to a Visa or Mastercard |
| Deadline expired | Payment window lapsed | Check if application was auto-cancelled; reapply if necessary |
For unresolved issues, contact the Japan Visa Information Hotline at [email protected] (English language, include your place of residence). The ¥3,000 Japan eVisa fee is non-refundable once processing begins, even if the application is denied. For a detailed breakdown of cancellation rules and recovery options, see our article on Japan eVisa fee refunds and eligibility. Initiating a chargeback may complicate future visa applications.
Japan eVisa Payment Methods FAQ
Can I pay for the Japan eVisa using PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay?
No. The portal requires manual card entry; digital wallets (PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay) are not supported.
Does the Japan eVisa accept debit cards, or only credit cards?
Visa/Mastercard-branded debit cards from UK banks including Monzo, Revolut, Starling, and Wise generally process successfully, despite the portal labelling the field as “credit card.”
How long do I have to complete payment after receiving the payment email?
The payment window is limited. If you fail to complete payment within the deadline specified in the notification email, your Japan eVisa application is automatically cancelled. Check the email and act promptly.
Is the Japan eVisa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. The ¥3,000 Japan eVisa fee is non-refundable once processing begins, even if your application is denied or cancelled. Chargebacks may complicate future visa applications.
What should I do if my Japan eVisa payment is declined?
Check that 3D Secure is enabled, contact your UK bank to pre-approve the JPY charge, and retry. For unresolved issues, contact [email protected].
Can someone else pay the eVisa fee on my behalf using their card?
Cardholder-to-applicant matching rules are not explicitly stated. Proceed with caution, keep proof of payment, and ensure the cardholder is aware of the JPY transaction and 3D Secure requirement.
Does Japan eVisa payment need 3D Secure or Verified by Visa?
Yes. Most international JPY transactions trigger 3D Secure two-factor authentication, including Verified by Visa and Mastercard Identity Check. Ensure your bank’s 2FA app or SMS authentication is ready before paying.
How much is the Japan eVisa fee in British pounds (GBP)?
Approximately £15-16 GBP at mid-2026 exchange rates, plus any foreign transaction fee. Monzo and Starling charge 0%; Chase and Barclaycard charge ~2.99%.
When will I receive payment confirmation after paying for the Japan eVisa?
The visa is not issued immediately after card registration. The Consulate processes the final review, captures the fee, and sends a “Notification of electronic visa issuance” email. You then access your digital eVISA issuance notice through the JAPAN eVISA portal.
Are there scheduled maintenance windows when the Japan eVisa payment portal is down?
Yes. MOFA publishes advance notices for scheduled maintenance (e.g., 20-21 June 2026, when the online payment service was suspended). Check the JAPAN eVISA portal for current maintenance schedules before completing a transaction.
