If a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun is on your bucket list, you might want to advance your plans significantly. Japan has unveiled a major overhaul of its travel-related charges, with a sharp increase in the international departure tax and tourist visa fees set to take effect from July 2026. This move is a strategic effort by the Japanese government to manage the challenges of overtourism while generating substantial revenue for public finances.
Soaring Exit Fees and Visa Costs
The cornerstone of this new policy is the tripling of the International Tourist Tax, commonly known as the departure tax. Starting July 2026, the levy will jump from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person. This charge is embedded in the cost of airline and ferry tickets. Crucially, the higher fee will apply universally to all travellers aged two and above leaving Japan by air or sea, with no exceptions for Japanese citizens travelling abroad.
Simultaneously, the government is preparing for a dramatic increase in tourist visa application fees. Reports indicate that the standard fee for a tourist visa is set to surge five-fold, from the current ¥3,000 to a staggering ¥15,000. Furthermore, fees for modifying visa status or renewing visas are expected to skyrocket from ¥6,000 to approximately ¥40,000, depending on the length of stay.
It is important to note that the visa fee hike will primarily impact travellers from countries that require an entry permit, such as China and several Southeast Asian nations. Visitors from visa-exempt countries will not be affected by this particular increase.
Revenue Goals and Tackling Overtourism
The financial implications of these measures are substantial. The Japanese government projects that these changes will bring in ¥225 billion in the 2026 fiscal year (April 2026 to March 2027), with annual revenue potentially climbing to ¥350 billion in subsequent years. The departure tax alone collected a record ¥52.48 billion in the year ending March 2025, highlighting its importance as a revenue stream.
The government has outlined a clear plan for allocating these new funds. Approximately 60% of the revenue generated will be specifically earmarked for initiatives designed to combat overtourism. This includes upgrading consular services, improving immigration systems, and managing overcrowding at popular tourist destinations. The remaining 40% will be directed toward other general budgetary requirements.
More Changes on the Horizon: The JESTA System
The financial adjustments for travellers do not end with the 2026 changes. By 2028, Japan plans to introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA) for visitors from countries that currently enjoy visa-free entry. This pre-screening system is likely to carry a fee ranging between ¥2,000 and ¥3,000 per person.
When combined with the tripled departure tax, the total additional cost per passenger could reach ¥5,000 to ¥6,000. This represents a significant shift in Japan's tourism strategy, as the nation seeks a sustainable balance between welcoming international visitors, maintaining fiscal stability, and preserving the quality of life at its iconic sites.
For Indian travellers and globetrotters worldwide, the message is clear: planning a visit to Japan before July 2026 could lead to considerable savings, allowing you to experience its rich culture and stunning landscapes before these sweeping new charges take full effect.
