Japan will increase visa fees sharply from July 1, with single-entry visas rising from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen. The change, the first since 1978, is expected to affect Chinese travelers most among major source markets.
The Japanese government announced the fee adjustment for single-entry visas to 15,000 yen and multiple-entry visas to 30,000 yen. Officials linked the move to inflation and the yen's recent depreciation, noting that the new rates align Japan more closely with European standards.
Mainland China remains the only one of Japan's top five inbound tourism markets whose citizens need visas. An industry source in Beijing stated that the increases would mainly impact single-entry applicants, while multiple-entry seekers already must meet a minimum annual income requirement of 200,000 yuan.
Additional factors such as limited flights and higher airfares are also projected to reduce travel by price-sensitive Chinese visitors.