Japan's Fivefold Visa Fee Hike Targets Chinese Tourists as Demand Declines

Japan's cabinet approved a fivefold increase in visa fees for foreign visitors on June 19, raising single-entry visa costs from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen (approximately 630 yuan or $93) and multiple-entry visa fees from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen (about 1,260 yuan). The new fees take effect on July 1, marking the first such adjustment since 1978. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi justified the move by citing rising administrative costs due to inflation and currency fluctuations, and emphasized that even after the hike, Japan's fees remain below those of the United States ($185) and the United Kingdom ($177).

However, the policy has intensified long-standing grievances over unequal treatment, as China remains the only major tourism source market among Japan's top five that requires a visa, while South Korea, the United States, Taiwan, and Hong Kong all enjoy visa-free access. In 2025, Chinese mainland tourists contributed approximately 100 billion yuan (over $14 billion) in spending, accounting for more than 20% of all foreign visitor consumption in Japan, the highest share of any country.

Ironically, Chinese demand for travel to Japan has already slumped. Japan National Tourism Organization data released on June 17 showed that Chinese mainland visitor numbers in May 2026 fell 60.4% year-on-year to 313,000, marking the sixth consecutive month of decline. Total foreign visitors to Japan in May reached 3.56 million, down 3.6% from the same period last year.

Critics argue that the fee hike, while officially applied to all nationalities requiring a visa, disproportionately affects Chinese tourists who are the largest paying cohort. The perception of inequity is compounded by the fact that Japan grants visa-free entry to 74 countries and territories, excluding mainland China. Some industry observers contend that the real issue is not the cost itself but a long-standing policy disparity that has been magnified by the sharp price increase.

Beyond tourism, the visa adjustments reflect broader diplomatic and security considerations. In 2025, Japan also raised the ceiling for permanent residency application fees from 10,000 yen to 300,000 yen, a thirtyfold increase. Officials maintain that the changes align Japan's fees with those of other Group of Seven nations and help manage overtourism. Nevertheless, the timing and targeting of the latest hike have sparked widespread debate about fairness in Japan's border policies.