Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said on Monday that Japan will offer an online application option for single-entry visas for Chinese group tourists starting July 30.

The minister said the move aims to simplify visa application procedures and improve the efficiency of visa services at Japanese embassies and consulates abroad.

The Japanese Embassy in Beijing will allow some approved travel agencies to use the online service first. As a general rule, the travel agencies should apply for a group tourist single-entry visa for Chinese travelers to the country for a stay of up to 15 days.

The Japanese consulate in Shanghai will offer the online service at a later date, which will then be available to all individual tourists to Japan.

From April 2020, all group and individual tourists to Japan will be able to benefit from the online visa application service, with the exception of the Japanese Consulate General in Hong Kong.