The Mainichi Shimbun addresses several frequently asked questions that readers might have regarding the decrease in passport application costs in Japan starting from July 1.
In an era where costs are rising across the board, have passport fees decreased?
Response: Yes. Application processing charges will be reduced starting at midnight on July 1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to boost the number of individuals who possess a Japanese passport, as fewer than 20% of the population currently hold one. This percentage is considered low compared to global benchmarks, particularly against the backdrop of a weak yen and a more insular societal trend.
A: By how much will passports be less expensive?
A: Online applications will see a 10-year adult passport costing 8,900 yen ($55), a decrease of 7,000 yen ($44), whereas five-year adult passports will no longer be available. Regarding children, the age group will shift from under 12 to under 18. Individuals below 18 years old can only obtain five-year passports, priced at 4,400 yen ($27), representing a maximum saving of 6,500 yen ($41). All applications submitted through service desks will incur an additional fee of 400 yen ($2.50). In contrast, charges will increase for specialized passports requiring extra processing, such as travel documents provided to those who have misplaced their passports abroad and multi-entry visas utilized by individuals with suspended prison terms.
A: What causes the charges to decrease?
A: Up until this point, passport charges have covered the expense of safeguarding Japanese citizens abroad during conflicts or emergencies, allocating approximately 10,000 yen ($62) per 10-year passport for such reasons. Starting in July, Japan’s exit tax will increase from 1,000 yen ($6) to 3,000 yen ($19), with a portion of the extra income directed toward these security expenses, enabling the reduction in fees. Nevertheless, genuine costs related to IC chips and advanced anti-forgery holograms will still remain essential.
A: I will be traveling abroad at the beginning of July, so is it acceptable for me to submit my application on July 1st?
A: No, that’s not correct. Under regular conditions, it usually takes around two weeks from submission to receiving the document. During July, the National Printing Bureau will work on weekends and have additional staff, yet authorities anticipate processing could extend to three weeks or even a full month due to an anticipated increase in applications as individuals opt to apply earlier for reduced costs. It would be advisable to obtain your passport ahead of time or postpone your travel plans. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a dedicated hotline for passport-related queries, which will remain active until the end of August. Press Secretary Toshihiro Kitamura is advising citizens to “submit their applications far in advance,” citing potential delays.
(A Japanese version by Ryuko Tadokoro, Political News Division)