Japan is slashing passport application fees starting in July. The amount for a 10-year passport will be about 9,000 yen, or around 56 dollars, 7,000 yen less than the current cost.
The Upper House approved the revisions to the Passport Act unanimously on Friday.
The new fee for a five-year passport for those under 18 years old will be 4,500 yen, or about 28 dollars, and five-year passports for those aged 18 years or older will be abolished.
The move comes as Japan’s international tourist tax on people departing the country is set to be raised in July.
The Japanese government aims to reduce the financial burden on Japanese traveling abroad by trimming passport fees.
It also hopes to increase passport ownership, which is currently lower than in other major countries.
AloJapan.com