For the first time since 1978, the Japanese government has decided to raise visa fees. The cost of a single-entry visa will increase from 3,000 yen (US$18.54) to 15,000 yen, while multiple-entry visas will jump from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.

The new policy, which will come into effect on July 1, has been widely seen as Tokyo’s response to inflation and the yen’s depreciation. The change will bring Japan’s visa fees closer to the levels of its developed counterparts, including those in Europe.

Of Japan’s top five inbound tourism markets so far this year, mainland China is the only one whose travellers are required to obtain a visa.

An industry insider in Beijing said the cost surge would primarily affect single-entry applicants, noting that those seeking multiple-entry status already faced a high financial threshold, including proving a minimum annual income of 200,000 yuan (US$29,500).

“For multiple-entry applicants, these cost spikes are unlikely to tip the scales when planning a trip,” the source said.