Japan Plans Major Hike in Departure and Visa Fees for International Travellers

Japan is gearing up to increase fees affecting almost every international traveller, including departure taxes, visa fees, and pre-entry screening charges. The government aims to update rates that they describe as long overdue and to secure fresh revenue streams for public services.

Japan’s Departure Tax Set for a Hike

Japan’s “Departure Tax,” which is presently 1,000 yen for anyone leaving the country, is expected to increase in fiscal 2026. The increase would bring the fee closer to global standards. For instance, the United States charges around $22 (around 3,300 yen).

Officials claim the increased income will help relieve airport congestion and strengthen screening procedures. And if there’s any leftover money, that could support other priorities, including Japan’s free high school tuition program that started recently and needs substantial funding.

Balancing Costs for Locals and Visitors

The departure tax, implemented in 2019, applies to both Japanese nationals and foreign visitors. However, to minimise the impact on locals, the government is considering decreasing passport renewal rates for Japanese citizens simultaneously.

Visa and Entry Fees Also Under Review

Japan’s visa fees, which are among the lowest in developed countries, are also under review. A single-entry visa presently costs around 3,000 yen, which is far less than the $185 charged by the United States or the €90 standard across Europe.

Officials from the foreign and justice ministries want to finalise new rates soon, marking the first significant modification since 1978. The changes are expected to reflect Japan’s push to align with international standards and ensure stable funding for administrative services.

New Digital Entry System Coming

Apart from revising the departure fees and visa fees, Japan has also unveiled the plan to launch a new online pre-screening platform, the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), for 71 visa-exempt countries.

Japan plans to launch JESTA in fiscal 2028. The system will work like the U.S. ESTA, requiring travellers from all visa-exempt countries to register online and pay about 6,000 yen.

What This Means for Travellers

Visitors may see slightly higher travel prices in the coming years as a result of these updates. However, for Japan, the primary objective is to modernise its travel infrastructure while maintaining its status as a top global destination.

In short, the government is changing how it funds tourism, not to discourage visitors, but to ensure that its systems and services meet rising worldwide demand.