The cost of departing from Japan is about to increase. Starting in July 2026, the nation intends to triple the departure tax for all international visitors, with additional travel fees anticipated in the near future.
From July 2026, the expense of leaving Japan will grow regardless of your origin or destination. The government plans to increase the departure tax for all international passengers by a factor of three.
The departure fees will rise from the existing JPY 1,100 to a maximum of JPY 3,000 per individual, applicable to everyone departing the nation via air or sea.
Understanding Japan’s Departure Tax
A departure tax is levied on travelers exiting Japan by air or sea. This fee is incorporated into the ticket prices and is utilized for enhancing tourism management and infrastructure.
Who is Required to Pay the Increased Tax?
The guideline is straightforward.
- All passengers aged two years and older will incur this charge
- It encompasses all nationalities, including Japanese residents
- The tax is applied upon departure from Japan to another destination
This charge will not appear as a distinct invoice. It is integrated into the fare of your airline or ferry ticket.
A few exemptions exist. Airline crew members are not subject to this fee. Passengers in transit who leave Japan within 24 hours are also not liable for the charge.
Reasons Behind Japan’s Departure Tax Increase
This tax was implemented in January 2019 and has since become a significant revenue stream.
In the fiscal year concluding March 2025, Japan is projected to garner a remarkable JPY 52.48 billion from this departure tax. This increase coincided with a substantial rebound in international travel.
The government asserts that the additional funds will assist in managing the overcrowding at highly frequented tourist attractions. This includes busy thoroughfares, crowded transport, and pressures on local populations. The goal is to enhance visitor conduct and alleviate crowding.
For the financial year 2026, Japan anticipates that tourism-related tax earnings will reach approximately JPY 130 billion, nearly 2.7 times the current figures.
Implications for Japanese Citizens Traveling Abroad
Japanese nationals will not be exempt from this change. They too will face the increased tax when traveling internationally.
To mitigate the burden, the government is contemplating a reduction in passport issuance fees for its residents. The plan aims to utilize a portion of the additional tax revenue to offset costs for local citizens.
No final decisions have been made yet, but this topic is under consideration.
Anticipation of Additional Travel Fees
The departure tax is just one of the impending adjustments.
By 2028, Japan plans to establish a new pre-travel screening system named JESTA for visitors from countries that do not require a visa. It operates similarly to an online travel authorization and must be approved before departure.
The projected cost for JESTA is estimated to be between JPY 2,000 and JPY 3,000 per traveler.
If both fees are applicable, travelers might pay:
- JPY 3,000 departure tax
- JPY 2,000 to JPY 3,000 for JESTA
This results in an overall increase of around JPY 5,000 to JPY 6,000 per trip.
Increased Visa Fees for Some Travelers
Travelers needing a visa may also encounter higher expenses.
Japan is considering a hike in visa issuance fees by as much as five times for select nationalities, such as visitors from China and certain Southeast Asian regions. Those traveling short-term with visa exemption will not experience these adjustments.
Summary for Travelers
Japan is not shutting its doors. However, it is clearly increasing the costs associated with international travel.
For anyone planning trips starting in 2026, anticipate higher exit expenses along with new pre-travel evaluations. Frequent travelers will find these charges accumulate quickly. For occasional visitors, it may still seem a minor cost compared to their overall travel budget, but it will certainly be noticeable.
Japan continues to rank among the world’s most sought-after travel spots. The current indication is clear: visitors are welcome, but it will come at a steeper cost.
Fonte: Travelo Biz
