Japan to Hike Tourist Visa Fees by 500% for Select Countries, Targeting China

The Japanese government has announced that it will raise visa issuance fees by more than 400% for tourists from certain countries starting this July.

This is part of a hardline policy by Prime Minister Takaichi aimed at strictly regulating the entry of foreigners.

During a regular briefing on June 19, Foreign Minister Motegi officially announced the measure, stating, "Due to factors such as inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, a fee hike is inevitable for the first time in 48 years."

Fees for single-entry visas will jump fivefold from $18 to $93, while multiple-entry visa fees will increase from $37 to $186.

The policy applies to about 100 countries, including China, India, and Vietnam—which were among the largest sources of tourists to Japan last year—but South Korea is not included.

Citizens from 70 visa-waiver countries, including the United States, are also excluded, allowing them to continue entering the country for free.

The Japanese government is currently preparing the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), aiming for implementation by 2028, though the fees for this system have not yet been determined.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to use the additional revenue generated from the visa fee hikes as a subsidy to reduce passport issuance costs for Japanese citizens by approximately $43.

Prime Minister Takaichi secured a landslide victory in the early general election held last February by taking a hardline stance on immigration issues and the expansion of China's economic and military influence.

Although foreigners account for only 3% of Japan's total population, the number of international students and workers has steadily increased since 2021, leading to observations that the ruling party's tough stance on foreigners is gaining support from conservative voters.

Recent changes to visa regulations have already led to a wave of closures among small restaurants operated by foreigners.

In line with this trend, the Takaichi cabinet proposed an immigration law amendment last March that would also increase residency permit fees.

Under the amendment, the application fee for permanent residency, which was previously around $60, would surge to as much as $1,900.

The Takaichi administration has also consistently raised the issue of the link between overtourism and illegal immigration. They are capitalizing on growing complaints from local residents regarding issues such as illegal trash dumping and trespassing, following a record-breaking 42.6 million overseas visitors last year.

Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "While tourism is vital to the Japanese economy, the deviant behavior of some foreigners is causing public anxiety," adding that the government would take a firm response.

Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Lee Dain | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.