Key facts
- China will raise visa fees for Japanese citizens by approximately sevenfold starting September 14, 2026.
- The fee increase is a reciprocal measure following Japan's own visa fee hike on July 1, 2026.
- New fees apply only to Japanese applicants; third-country nationals are unaffected.
- Existing exemptions for short-term stays remain in place.
- Japan's single-entry visa fee rose from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen.
- Japan's multiple-entry visa fee rose from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.
China will significantly increase visa application fees for Japanese citizens starting Monday, September 14, 2026, a move described as reciprocal by Chinese officials. This action follows Japan's decision earlier this year to raise visa fees for all foreign visitors.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Japan, the new rates are a response to Tokyo's fee adjustments. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Friday, September 11, that the adjustment was made in accordance with the principle of reciprocity, and that the embassy had already issued a notice.
Japan's government made a cabinet decision on June 19, 2026, to increase its visa fees, which took effect on July 1, 2026. The single-entry visa fee in Japan rose from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen, and the multiple-entry fee increased from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen. This marked the first increase in Japanese visa fees since 1978.
The new Chinese fees apply exclusively to Japanese applicants. Visa applications submitted before September 14, 2026, will be processed at the previous rates, and fees for third-country nationals remain unchanged. Existing exemptions for short-term stays, such as tourism for up to 30 days, continue to apply. The increased fees will primarily affect longer-stay visa categories, including those for study and work.
The new fee structure in China includes four categories: single-entry, double-entry, six-month multiple-entry, and one-year multiple-entry visas. The new rates are 16,750 yen for a single-entry visa, 25,100 yen for a double-entry visa, 33,500 yen for a six-month multiple-entry visa, and 50,250 yen for a one-year multiple-entry visa.