Japan Raises Visa Fees for First Time in Nearly Five Decades

Japan will raise visa fees for foreign nationals for the first time in 48 years, local media reported on Saturday. The change follows a Cabinet decision to increase the fee for a single-entry visa from 3,000 yen (Rp331,000) to 15,000 yen (Rp1.6 million). Fees for multiple-entry visas will also rise, from 6,000 yen (Rp661,000) to 30,000 yen (Rp3.3 million), Jiji Press reported. The revised fees will apply to visa applications submitted on or after 1 July. Japanese authorities said the increase is intended to address higher administrative and operational costs resulting from rising prices. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters that the revision was necessary due to inflation but said he did not expect it to have a direct impact on inbound tourism. Japan last adjusted its visa fees in 1978.