Japan to Increase Departure and Visa Fees for International Travelers by 2026

 

Kyoto Japan

✈️ Japan to Raise Travel Fees for International Visitors by 2026

Japan is preparing to increase key travel-related fees — including the departure tax, visa charges, and new pre-entry screening costs — impacting almost every international traveler.
The move, scheduled for fiscal year 2026, aims to modernize Japan’s tourism infrastructure and secure additional funding for public services.

💴 Japan’s Departure Tax to Rise in 2026

Currently, Japan charges a departure tax of 1,000 yen for anyone leaving the country.
Under the new plan, this fee will increase to bring it closer to global standards — for example, the U.S. charges around $22 (≈3,300 yen).

Officials say the additional revenue will help:

• Reduce airport congestion

• Strengthen security and screening systems

• Support public projects such as free high school tuition, which recently began and requires substantial funding

This marks Japan’s first major adjustment since implementing the departure tax in 2019.

⚖️ Balancing Costs Between Locals and Tourists

Since the departure tax applies to both Japanese citizens and foreign visitors, the government plans to soften the impact on locals.
One proposed measure is reducing passport renewal fees for Japanese nationals, ensuring that the tax hike doesn’t disproportionately affect residents.

🛂 Visa Fees Also Set for Revision

Japan’s visa fees, among the lowest in the developed world, are also under review.
At present, a single-entry visa costs around 3,000 yen, far less than:

• $185 in the United States

• €90 across most of Europe

Officials from the Foreign and Justice Ministries expect to finalize new rates soon, marking the first major update since 1978.
The revised fees are designed to bring Japan in line with international standards and provide stable funding for administrative services.

💻 New Digital Pre-Screening: JESTA Launching in 2028

Japan also announced plans to introduce a new online pre-entry screening system, called the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA).

Key details include:

• Launch year: Fiscal 2028

• Target group: Travelers from 71 visa-exempt countries

• Expected fee: Around 6,000 yen

• Function: Similar to the U.S. ESTA, requiring online registration and approval before entering Japan

This system aims to enhance border security and streamline travel for international visitors.

🌏 What It Means for Travelers

These updates mean that traveling to Japan could become slightly more expensive in the coming years.
However, officials emphasize that the changes are not intended to discourage tourism.
Instead, Japan aims to modernize its travel systems, improve airport operations, and ensure sustainable tourism management amid rising visitor numbers.

In short — Japan is restructuring how it funds tourism, not reducing its welcome to the world.

🧭 Key Takeaways

• Japan to raise departure tax in fiscal 2026 (currently 1,000 yen).

• Visa fees to increase for the first time since 1978.

• JESTA pre-screening system to launch by 2028 for 71 visa-exempt nations.

• Changes aim to enhance infrastructure and security, not discourage travelers.

• Japanese locals may receive passport renewal fee reductions to offset costs. Also Read: Sample Cover Letter for Japan Tourist Visa