Japan will raise its departure tax and visa fees in fiscal 2026 to align with global norms and fund public needs as visitor numbers reach new highs, officials say. The changes will affect nearly all outbound air and sea travelers and most foreign nationals who require visas, though exact amounts and the specific start month within the fiscal year are still under review. The government says revenue will go toward airport upgrades, stronger security screening, and social programs — including plans to expand free high school tuition. Travelers planning trips in 2026 should expect higher costs tied to both the departure tax and visa fees.
Departure tax: current rules and planned change
Under current rules, people leaving Japan pay an “International Tourist Tax” of ¥1,000, usually folded into the airfare. Authorities plan to raise this departure tax to a level closer to what other major destinations charge.
- Comparison examples:
- United States: $22.20 (about ¥3,300)
- Germany: charges vary by destination
The government has not set the new Japan figure yet, but the change is expected sometime between April 2026 and March 2027 (fiscal 2026). To soften the impact on nationals, officials are considering lower Japanese passport renewal fees.
Visa fee changes
Japan’s visa fees have been unchanged since 1978:
- Current rates: ¥3,000 (single‑entry) and ¥6,000 (multiple‑entry)
The government plans to revise them to better reflect international practice. By comparison:
- UK: £127 for a standard visitor visa
- Canada: C$100
- Schengen Area: €90
Officials signaled a significant increase in fiscal 2026, but exact amounts are TBA. About 74 countries are visa‑exempt for short stays, so most short‑term visitors from visa‑waiver countries will not pay the higher visa fees. Travelers from non‑exempt countries should expect larger upfront costs.
New travel authorization (JESTA) and other fee reviews
- From 2028, Japan will launch the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA). Travelers from visa‑exempt countries will need an online travel authorization and will pay a small processing fee.
- Authorities are also reviewing other travel‑related fees, including charges linked to permanent residence and in‑person visa extensions.
Current status and rollout process
As of October 24, 2025, both the departure tax and visa fee hikes are formally planned and in final review. The Cabinet is expected to announce the exact amounts and the month of rollout within fiscal 2026 after consultations with ministries and industry groups.
- After announcement:
- Airlines will update fare displays to show the new departure tax line item.
- Overseas Japanese embassies and consulates will publish updated visa fee charts.
- Analysis from VisaVerge.com notes coordinated timing across agencies aims to give carriers and consular posts enough lead time to adjust systems before collection begins.
Policy changes overview (summary)
- Departure tax:
- Current rate: ¥1,000 per departing traveler (usually included in airfare)
- Planned increase: Government signals a higher figure broadly in line with other major countries; ¥3,000–¥3,300+ range often cited in comparisons, exact rate TBA
- Timing: Fiscal 2026 (April 2026–March 2027), month to be announced
- Possible offset: Studying a cut to Japanese passport renewal fees
- Visa fees:
- Current rates: ¥3,000 (single‑entry) and ¥6,000 (multiple‑entry)
- Planned increase: New pricing to reflect international norms; exact figures TBA, rollout expected in fiscal 2026
- Impact scope: Mainly affects nationals from non‑exempt countries; about 74 countries remain visa‑exempt for short stays
- Additional measures:
- JESTA (2028) — travel authorization with small processing fee for visa‑waiver travelers
- Review of other travel‑related fees (permanent residence, in‑person visa extensions)
Why the government is raising fees
The Ministry of Finance and related agencies say revenue will support:
- Better passenger flow
- Advanced screening technology
- Upgrades to airport facilities
- Funding domestic programs, notably expansion of free high school tuition
This dual purpose — travel infrastructure and social investment — is intended to keep tourism growth sustainable and spread benefits more widely to residents.
Officials say the plan is not about pricing out visitors, but about keeping Japan’s infrastructure ready for another decade of growth.
Impact on travelers
- Outbound passengers:
- The higher departure tax will likely appear as a slightly larger line item in tickets issued for travel in fiscal 2026.
- Airlines collect and remit the tax, so travelers may not see a separate bill but will notice a higher total price.
- The tax applies to all travelers — Japanese citizens and foreign residents — leaving by air or sea.
- Inbound travelers requiring visas:
- Single‑entry and multiple‑entry visa fees will rise from their decades‑old levels.
- The increases will help fund visa processing, technology upgrades, and fraud prevention.
- Consulates will provide instructions and updated fee schedules once new prices are approved.
- Visa‑waiver travelers (from 2028):
- Will need JESTA, an online authorization similar to the U.S. ESTA.
- Applicants should fill out a short form and pay a small processing fee before boarding.
- Frequent travelers may want to apply well before departure to avoid last‑minute problems.
Impact on industry, employers, and communities
- Employers and HR teams:
- Review budgets for 2026 travel and staff mobility programs.
- Multinationals should adjust cost projections for higher departure taxes and visa fees.
- Schools and research institutes should refresh grant budgets for visiting scholars from non‑exempt countries.
- Travel agencies and airlines:
- Will have to update fare quotes, booking engines, and customer notices to display the correct taxes once announced.
- Airports and carriers want predictable changes so systems can be reprogrammed in a single update.
- Local communities and airports:
- Funds can accelerate staffing, better machines, and infrastructure upgrades that reduce crowding and improve the traveler experience.
- Local governments may receive support for tourism management in hotspots like Kyoto, which is introducing a tiered accommodation tax in 2026.
Practical advice for travelers and planners
- Expect higher costs in fiscal 2026; budget for increased departure tax and visa fees if applicable.
- If you’re from a visa‑exempt country, you likely won’t pay higher visa fees — but from 2028 you’ll need JESTA.
- Consider applying for visas or booking travel earlier if your trip falls near the likely rollout window.
- Families and groups should multiply added costs per traveler to avoid surprises.
- Employers and institutions should update travel budgets and grant forecasts now.
Where to get official updates
The Immigration Services Agency maintains public guidance on entry rules and policy updates, and is expected to post details once fee changes are final. For official information on visas, status of residence, and border procedures, see the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Until the Cabinet publishes exact numbers, plan conservatively: build in a margin for higher ticket costs due to the departure tax and set aside extra for visa fees if you’re from a non‑exempt country. The direction is clear — higher departure and visa charges starting in fiscal 2026, and a new JESTA requirement from 2028 — so watch for the Cabinet decision and budget accordingly.
This Article in a Nutshell
Japan will increase its departure tax and raise visa fees in fiscal 2026 as part of efforts to match international standards and finance airport upgrades, enhanced security screening, and social programs such as expanded free high school tuition. The departure tax, now ¥1,000, is expected to rise toward levels seen in countries like the United States (around ¥3,300), though exact figures remain under Cabinet review. Visa fees, unchanged since 1978 at ¥3,000 and ¥6,000, will be significantly increased for nationals from non‑exempt countries. From 2028, JESTA will require online authorization and a processing fee for visa‑waiver travelers. Travelers, employers, airlines, and institutions should prepare for higher travel costs and await official announcements for precise amounts and the month of implementation.
