Travelling to Japan is set to become more expensive after the Japanese government officially tripled its international departure tax from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen (around RM87) per traveller beginning Wednesday, as authorities step up efforts to tackle overcrowding caused by record-breaking tourist arrivals.
The departure tax applies to everyone leaving Japan, regardless of nationality, and is automatically collected when travellers purchase their air or sea tickets. However, transit passengers staying in Japan for less than 24 hours and children under the age of two remain exempt. Travellers who bought their tickets before Wednesday will continue paying the previous 1,000 yen tax.
The additional revenue will be used to improve tourism infrastructure and reduce congestion at popular attractions. Plans include creating designated photo zones at heavily visited landmarks, upgrading railway stations, and transforming local railway lines into tourism attractions to encourage visitors to explore destinations outside the country’s busiest hotspots.
Japan also raised visa fees for foreign visitors requiring entry visas, marking the first increase since 1978. A single-entry visa now costs 15,000 yen, five times the previous fee, while a multiple-entry visa has increased to 30,000 yen. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the higher charges reflect inflation and the weaker yen, adding that the government does not expect the changes to significantly affect inbound tourism.
To offset the increased travel costs for its own citizens, Japan has simultaneously reduced passport application fees. Adults applying for a 10-year passport at passport centres will now pay 9,300 yen instead of 16,300 yen, while fees for five-year passports have also been lowered. Those submitting applications online will enjoy even cheaper rates.
Officially known as the International Tourist Tax, the levy generated approximately 49 billion yen during the fiscal year ending March 2025. With the latest increase, the Japanese government expects revenue to surge to around 130 billion yen in fiscal 2026, providing additional funding to improve tourism facilities while promoting more sustainable travel across the country.
