Japanese media quickly reported on the "reciprocal visa fee measures," but what they are truly concerned about is the "short-term visa-free policy."
On September 11, major media outlets such as NHK Broadcasting Corporation swiftly reported on China's implementation of "reciprocal visa fees."
Japanese media stated: China has announced a significant increase in visa fees for Japanese citizens—raising the fee fivefold starting in August, from 3,000 JPY to 15,000 JPY.
On the 11th, the Consular Section of the Chinese Embassy in Japan announced that starting from the 14th of this month, visa fees for Japanese nationals entering China would be increased.
Previously, the cost for a single-entry visa was 2,250 JPY, and it will now rise to approximately 16,750 JPY—about 7.5 times higher.
Regarding the reason for the increase, China cited the "principle of reciprocity" as a countermeasure against the Japanese government's fivefold hike in visa fees for Chinese citizens in July.
Currently, Japanese tourists visiting China for short stays—such as tourism or business—enjoy a visa-free policy, so the impact of this price increase is limited at present. However, since the visa-free arrangement is set to end this year, if it is not extended, it could have significant implications for people-to-people exchanges.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876045764767756/
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