Japan raises visa fees fivefold for foreign nationals

The Japanese government has decided to increase the cost of short-term (single-entry) visas for foreign nationals by five times.

According to Kyodo News, starting in July this year, applicants will have to pay 15,000 yen (approximately $90) for a single-entry visa, up from the previous fee of 3,000 yen.

The agency noted that this is the first increase in visa fees since 1978.

As for multiple-entry visas, which allow visitors to enter Japan several times within a specified period, the fee will rise from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen (approximately $185).