Japan hikes visa fees for Nigerians, first increase in 48 years
By Aboki Forex —
Japan has approved a major increase in visa fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals. The cost of a single-entry visa will rise from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 ($92.99). Multiple-entry visa fees will jump from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000 ($187.97).
This is the first revision since 1978. The new fees take effect for applications lodged on or after July 1, 2024. The Japanese government approved the changes at a Cabinet meeting on Friday.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the current visa fee was set in 1978. He said the revision reflects inflation and exchange rate fluctuations since then. He added that the government does not expect an immediate impact on inbound tourism.
The move aims to generate revenue to cover administrative costs for managing Japan’s rising foreign population, which now stands at 4.13 million. The Japanese parliament enacted a bill last month to raise visa-related fees by up to 30 times from current levels.
Under the new law, the ceiling for changing a status of residence or extending a stay has been raised from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000. The ceiling for permanent residence applications has gone from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000. Actual fee amounts will be set by cabinet order within these new limits.