Published on
October 25, 2025
By: Paramita Sarkar
In 2026, international travel to Japan could become significantly more expensive as the Japanese government plans to raise its departure tax and overhaul visa application fees. This move, the first major change since 1978, is set to shake up Japan’s tourism landscape, adding new financial burdens for foreign travelers. These changes are expected to fund much-needed upgrades to the country’s airports, enhance security measures, and support social policies such as free high school tuition.
The new fees are not just about raising revenue but reflect a shift in Japan’s tourism strategy, which is increasingly focused on managing overtourism and reinvesting in the country’s infrastructure. The government’s decision to adjust these fees, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly half a century, signals a new phase in Japan’s approach to tourism.
What Is Changing?
The Japanese government is introducing two major changes to its travel fees. First, the international departure tax, which was introduced in 2019 at a flat rate of ¥1,000 (₹575), is set to be increased. The new rate will align more closely with international standards, with some reports suggesting that Japan’s departure tax could rise to anywhere between ₹1,600 to ₹7,000 depending on the destination. This adjustment is aimed at funding major upgrades to Japan’s airport infrastructure and ensuring better security screening for travelers.
Additionally, visa application fees are under review. Currently, a single-entry visa costs ¥3,000 (₹1,725), while a multiple-entry visa is priced at ¥6,000 (₹3,450). If the fees are adjusted to match the levels seen in other developed countries, travelers could see significant price increases. For example, the UK charges £127 (₹13,400) for a single-entry visa, and the EU’s Schengen visa costs €90 (₹8,100). These changes could make Japan one of the costlier destinations for foreign tourists.
In another significant move, Japan is set to introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA) by 2028. This system will mirror the EU’s ETIAS, applying to travelers from visa-waiver countries and adding an additional charge of approximately ¥6,000 (₹3,450). These changes will not only impact the fees paid by travelers but could also make the process of visiting Japan more bureaucratically complex.
Where Are These Changes Happening?
The fee hikes will apply to all international flights departing Japan, impacting both tourists and business travelers. These changes will also extend to visa applicants from countries that require one to enter Japan, with adjustments in application processes and costs. While most travelers will be affected by the departure tax increase, those planning to visit Japan after 2026 will need to adjust to higher visa fees and additional charges related to the JESTA system.
As for the airport upgrades, these improvements will take place at major international hubs across Japan, including Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports, as well as Kansai International Airport in Osaka. The government’s plan is to enhance infrastructure to handle the record-breaking influx of tourists, which has placed significant strain on Japan’s facilities and services.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
The new departure tax and visa fee structure will be implemented in 2026. This provides ample time for travelers and businesses to prepare for the financial adjustments. The government has emphasized that this timeline is necessary to allow for the appropriate regulatory and infrastructural changes to be made.
Additionally, the JESTA system is set to launch in 2028, giving further time for the government to finalize the new travel authorization system. While the changes are still a few years away, the impact on Japan’s tourism market could be profound, with travelers needing to factor in the new fees when planning their trips to the country.
Why Is Japan Raising These Fees?
The primary reason behind the hike in travel fees is to fund the country’s growing infrastructure needs. Japan is facing the fiscal burden of supporting its ¥2.25 trillion (₹1.29 lakh crore) program aimed at providing free high school tuition, which includes both public and private institutions. By increasing fees paid by foreign tourists, Japan hopes to raise revenue without further burdening domestic taxpayers.
Japan’s decision to raise these fees also reflects the growing pressures of overtourism. With a record 31.6 million international visitors in 2023 alone, Japan’s most popular destinations, such as Kyoto, have been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tourists. The government is keen to manage this influx more sustainably by raising fees that will fund improvements in infrastructure and tourism management. This move is intended to address the strains placed on local communities, cultural sites, and public services.
How Will These Changes Impact Travelers?
The hike in travel fees is expected to affect the affordability of visiting Japan. For budget-conscious travelers, these changes could make Japan a less attractive option, particularly compared to other Asian destinations where travel costs remain relatively low. However, the increased fees are likely to be offset by the improvements in infrastructure and security, which could enhance the overall travel experience.
Moreover, the introduction of JESTA may add a layer of complexity for travelers from visa-waiver countries, who will need to apply for travel authorization before arrival. While these new measures are designed to improve the quality of tourism in Japan, they may also lead to frustration among some international visitors who view the increased costs as an unnecessary financial burden.
What’s Next for Japan’s Tourism?
As Japan’s tourism strategy evolves, the increased travel fees represent a shift toward a more sustainable and managed approach to tourism. The government is focusing on quality over quantity, aiming to ensure that Japan remains a desirable destination while mitigating the negative impacts of overtourism. While some tourists may be put off by the higher costs, Japan’s reputation for unique cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and world-class attractions will likely continue to draw millions of visitors each year.
The next few years will reveal whether Japan’s new travel fees, alongside infrastructure upgrades and social policy reforms, will successfully reshape the country’s tourism industry. However, one thing is clear: Japan is taking bold steps to secure its future as a premier global destination—at a higher cost to travelers.
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