Japan’s government has increased the departure tax to 3,000 yen ($18) per traveler, a threefold rise, to address challenges stemming from the rapid growth in international visitors.
Fees for foreigner visitors who need visas to enter Japan were also hiked, rising fivefold to 15,000 yen for single-entry and 30,000 yen for multiple entries.
The government reduced passport application fees for Japanese nationals to make up for the added burden from the departure tax, with the charge for a 10-year passport dropping to 9,300 yen from 16,300 yen for applicants aged 18 or older.
The tax is collected through travel ticket purchases, regardless of the passenger’s nationality, and will be used to finance measures aimed at easing congestion, such as setting up designated areas at popular photo spots that are often crowded with foreign tourists.
Travelers transiting through Japan and staying less than 24 hours in the country, as well as children under the age of 2, are exempt from the tax.
The international tourist tax raised about 49 billion yen in fiscal 2025 and is expected to generate around 130 billion yen in fiscal 2026.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that the fees were raised to reflect inflation and the yen’s depreciation, and that the move is not expected to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.
The hike in entry visa fees was the first increase since 1978, and Japan’s visa fees had been considered low compared with those charged by other Group of Seven countries.
The government will use the tax income primarily to finance measures aimed at easing congestion and support regional tourism initiatives, such as turning local railways into tourist attractions and renovating station buildings, in an effort to attract visitors away from heavily congested areas.