There is good news and bad news for travellers flying in and out of Japan.
The good news: The Japanese yen has slumped to its lowest level in 40 years, giving foreign tourists an exchange rate bonus.
The bad news: Visa fees were raised 1 July, coinciding with moves by Japan’s biggest airlines, ANA and JAL, to raise international fuel surcharges to record levels for July and August. Both airlines cited ongoing tensions in the Middle East for the hike.
For North America, Europe, Middle East and Oceania, the surcharge on top of base fares is ¥65,000 (approximately $406 USD), up ¥9,000 from the previous two months.
Japan has also overhauled its visa fee structure for the first time in nearly five decades.
From 1 July, single-entry visa fees rose from ¥3,000 (US$18.54) to ¥15,000 (US$92.71), while multi-entry visas jumped from ¥6,000 (US$37.08) to ¥30,000 (US$185.42).
The changes will apply to all foreigners required to obtain a visa before entering Japan.