2 min read
Japan has announced a major increase in its international departure tax, making overseas travel more expensive from July 2026. The exit fee will rise from JPY 1,100 to JPY 3,000 per traveler, applying to all passengers leaving Japan by air or sea, regardless of nationality. The move is aimed at managing record tourism growth and improving visitor infrastructure.
Japan introduced the international departure tax in January 2019 to fund tourism development, ease pressure on popular destinations, and improve transport and visitor facilities. The fee is automatically included in airline and ferry tickets, making it largely invisible to travelers.
As global travel rebounded strongly after the pandemic, Japan saw a sharp surge in inbound and outbound travel. According to government data, the tax generated a record JPY 52.48 billion in revenue by March 2025, prompting authorities to reassess the levy.
From July 2026, all travelers aged two and above including Japanese citizens will pay JPY 3,000 when departing Japan. Airline crew members and passengers transiting within 24 hours will remain exempt.
A senior official familiar with the plan said the increase is necessary to “secure sustainable funding to manage overcrowding, modernize transport systems, and improve the overall travel experience.”
The government expects tourism-related tax revenue to rise to nearly JPY 130 billion in the 2026 fiscal year, almost 2.7 times current levels.
The departure tax hike may not be the last added cost. Japan is also preparing to launch a pre-travel authorization system, JESTA, by 2028 for visitors from visa-free countries. The expected fee is between JPY 2,000 and JPY 3,000.
If both measures apply, travelers could pay up to JPY 6,000 per trip in additional charges. Japan is also considering higher visa fees for some nationalities, particularly from China and Southeast Asia, though visa-free travelers would not be affected.
Despite the higher costs, Japan remains one of the world’s top travel destinations. For most visitors, the added fee is small compared to airfare and accommodation, but for frequent travelers, the increase could be noticeable over time. The policy signals Japan’s shift toward more regulated and sustainable tourism management.
