Image caption: A group of tourists wearing traditional kimonos take photographs against cherry blossoms.
Five‑fold raise in visa fees
Japan’s new visa rates will take effect on 1 July: single‑entry from 3,000 yens ($18.69) to 15,000 yens, and multi‑entry from 6,000 yens to 30,000 yens.
Foreign‑minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the revision reflects inflation, exchange‑rate swings and the yen’s near‑historic low.
Officials say the hike should not erode Japan’s booming tourism market, which saw a record 42.7 million international visitors last year.
The move follows a broader fee increase plan: the upper‑house ban will lift the cap on permanent‑residency application fees from 10,000 yens to 300,000 yens and allow residency‑status changes to cost up to 100,000 yens.
Japan’s fees now compare more closely to other G7 economies, where U.S. non‑immigrant visas range from $185 to $315 and the U.K. short‑term visa costs £135.
