Japan to increase visa fees for foreign nationals fivefold from July

The Japanese government has decided to increase visa fees for foreign nationals fivefold starting in July. The fee for a single-entry visa will rise from the current 3,000 yen ($18.60) to 15,000 yen ($93), Japan's Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, said, according to Japan Today, cited by Report.

"We do not expect this measure to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism," the minister said.

The report notes that this is the first increase in visa fees since 1978, introduced amid inflation and the weakening of Japan's national currency.

Fees for multiple-entry visas, which allow travelers to enter the country several times during a specified period, will also increase fivefold-from 6,000 yen ($37.19) to 30,000 yen ($185.97).