Japan Plans Major International Travel Fee Increase

In a sweeping policy overhaul aimed at strengthening Japan’s fiscal base and modernizing its travel infrastructure, the Japanese government is preparing to introduce a Japan international travel fee increase that will affect millions of visitors and residents alike. Multiple fees — including airport departure taxes, visa charges, and pre-entry screening costs — are expected to rise as early as fiscal 2026, marking the first major adjustment in decades.

According to a recent report from The Asahi Shimbun, the Ministry of Finance and other related agencies are finalizing plans to raise Japan’s “departure tax,” officially known as the international tourist tax, from the current ¥1,000 to an amount that aligns more closely with international benchmarks. In comparison, the United States currently charges around ¥3,300 ($22.20) for similar levies on departing travelers.

Government officials say the revenue generated from the Japan international travel fee increase will help improve airport facilities, reduce congestion, and strengthen immigration and screening systems. Any surplus funds could be diverted toward other public programs — notably, Japan’s new free high school tuition initiative, which began this year and requires an additional ¥400 billion in funding.

Japan: Balancing Tourism Revenue and Domestic Costs

The departure tax, first introduced in 2019, applies to both Japanese citizens and foreign nationals departing the country by air or sea. Officials argue that the planned increase is essential to maintain competitiveness and “align Japan’s travel infrastructure with global standards.”

However, in an effort to offset the burden on domestic travelers, authorities are reportedly considering a simultaneous reduction in Japanese passport renewal fees. This adjustment would help balance financial responsibilities between citizens and international visitors, ensuring fairness as Japan seeks to stabilize post-pandemic travel revenue streams.

Visa and Residency Fee Revisions on the Horizon

The Japan international travel fee increase extends beyond departure taxes. Japan’s foreign and justice ministries are preparing to revise visa and residency-related fees that have remained largely unchanged for nearly half a century.

Currently, a single-entry visa to Japan costs about ¥3,000 — far below the rates in other developed nations. In comparison, the U.S. visa application fee stands at $185 (approximately ¥27,500), while the EU charges around €90 (¥14,000). Japan’s visa structure has not been revised since 1978, and many residency-related charges were only updated for the first time since 1981 earlier this year.

Officials emphasize that the fee adjustments are necessary not only for fiscal stability but also to ensure Japan’s immigration framework remains secure, efficient, and technologically advanced.

JESTA: Japan – New Digital Entry System

By fiscal 2028, Japan will introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), a digital pre-screening platform inspired by the U.S. ESTA model. Under this system, travelers from visa-exempt nations — such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia — will be required to register online before entering Japan.

The JESTA system is expected to carry a processing fee of around ¥6,000 and will apply to travelers from approximately 70 visa-waiver countries. The platform will collect passport data, travel history, and background information, helping Japanese authorities streamline border security while reducing administrative delays.

A senior diplomat involved in the policy discussions noted, “Japan’s fees are among the lowest in the developed world. While we aim to maintain our tourism momentum, aligning our systems with global standards is an unavoidable step toward sustainability.”

Tourism Boom Drives Policy Reform

Japan’s decision to pursue the Japan international travel fee increase comes amid an unprecedented surge in inbound tourism. Between January and September 2025, the country welcomed over 31.6 million foreign visitors — a historic record. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) projects that total arrivals could exceed 40 million by the end of the year, setting a new all-time high.

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