China Slaps Higher Visa Fees on Japanese Travelers

China has significantly increased visa fees for Japanese citizens traveling to China, citing reciprocity as the reason. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Ning, the decision is based on the principle of mutual visa fee systems.

The new fees are effective from September 14 and will apply to single visas, which have been increased to 16,750 yen (approximately 146,000 won), about seven times higher than the existing 2,250 yen (about 19,500 won). One-year multiple visas will also increase from 7,500 yen (about 65,000 won) to 50,250 yen (about 439,000 won).

This move is seen as a response to Japan's recent increase in visa issuance fees for foreigners. In July, the Japanese government increased single entry visas from 3,000 yen (about 26,000 won) to 15,000 yen (about 130,000 won), and multiple entry visas from 30,000 yen (about 260,000 won).