According to Kyodo News, at a cabinet meeting on June 19 local time, the Japanese government decided to increase the visa fees for foreign visitors to Japan to five times the original amount starting from July. The cost of a single-entry visa will be increased from approximately 3,000 yen (about 126 yuan) to approximately 15,000 yen; the cost of a multi-entry visa will be increased from approximately 6,000 yen to approximately 30,000 yen.
It is reported that this will be the first time in Japan’s history since 1978 that visa fees have been increased.
Japanese Foreign Minister Mochizuki Toshimu explained at a press conference that the increase was necessary to cope with rising prices and exchange rate fluctuations. He said, "I do not believe this measure will have an immediate impact on inbound tourism."
According to reports, there were earlier views suggesting that Japan’s visa fees are relatively low compared to major countries like the G7.
