Japan is preparing to raise multiple fees for international travellers, including airport departure, visa, and pre-entry screening charges, as part of a broader effort to secure new revenue sources and update what officials describe as “outdated” rates.
According to a report by the Asahi Shimbun, the Japanese government plans to increase the international tourist tax, known as the “departure tax,” from the current 1,000 yen to align with international standards. The United States, for instance, charges $22.20 (approximately 3,300 yen). The revision is expected to take effect in fiscal 2026.
Officials said the extra revenue will help ease airport congestion and strengthen screening systems. Any surplus funds could be redirected toward other policy goals, including the government’s free high school tuition program, which began this year and requires roughly 400 billion yen in additional funding.
Departure tax increase under review
The “departure tax,” introduced in 2019, applies to both Japanese citizens and foreign nationals leaving Japan. The government’s plan to raise this fee reflects what officials call “international benchmarking.”
To avoid adding pressure on domestic travellers, the administration is considering a simultaneous cut in Japanese passport renewal fees. According to Asahi Shimbun report, officials say the move would balance the financial impact between citizens and international visitors.
Visa and entry fees likely to rise
The government is also preparing to revise visa and residency-related fees that have remained unchanged for decades. Japan’s single-entry visa currently costs around 3,000 yen, far below rates charged by other major destinations such as the US ($185) or the EU (€90).
The foreign and justice ministries are expected to finalise the new rates soon. In addition, a new digital screening system, the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), will be introduced by fiscal 2028. Modelled on the US ESTA system, it will apply to travellers from visa-waiver countries and likely carry a fee of around 6,000 yen.
Japan’s visa fee structure has not changed since 1978, and many residency-related charges were revised this April for the first time since 1981. Officials say the updates are necessary to align Japan’s systems with international norms and ensure stable funding for public services.
As Japan seeks to balance fiscal needs with its global reputation as a welcoming destination, the upcoming changes signal a broader recalibration of how the country manages tourism and international mobility.
AloJapan.com