By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The Embassy of Japan in Palau has reduced its fee for Temporary Visitor’s Visa from $27 to $26 effective April 1, which was last Sunday.
The Embassy said in a public announcement last week that the reduction is due to the exchange rate of Yen to US Dollar.
As of 10:30 a.m. Palau time, the current exchange rate based on the online currency.com figures was 118.06 yen to $1 US.
However, the Embassy said that the fee for Transit Visa remains at $6, which would mean that the reduction only applies to the TVV.
The Embassy said that the same requirements apply regarding submission of visa application noting, however, that these requirements are only for Palauan citizens.
A total of 873 applied for TVV and transit visa from Palau to Japan from January to December 2006 with no significant increase as compared to the previous years.
Foreigners seeking to apply for visa to Japan must pick up the procedures and requirements at the Embassy of Japan. (For details, please contact Ms. Kyoko or Bernie at 488-6455 or 6456 or fax your inquiry to 488-8065).
TVV is to allow a traveler to legally stay in Japan for up to three months with the copy of Visa Application Form available at the Japan Embassy near Palau Pacific Resort.
A valid passport must be signed by the holder and must have validity of at least six months plus two passport size pictures and the flight itinerary showing date of arrival and departure to and from Japan.
Visa applicant must apply in person at the Embassy of Japan. Visa will be ready for pick up after three working days at which time the applicant must pay the processing fee of $26 per visa with payment to be made in cash only.
For the Transit Visa, this is to allow traveler to transit in Japan for up to 15 days en route to another country with a processing fee of $6.
Since the processing would take for three working days, any applicant must apply for a visa at least three working days prior to departure from Palau.