Japan To Raise Visa Fees and Airport Taxes for Foreign Tourists by 2026

Japan is raising key travel fees, and foreign tourists will definitely feel it, whether you need a visa or not. The Japanese government is set to seriously bump up visa application fees and the airport departure tax starting in fiscal year 2026.

This whole situation means a big change in how Japan handles tourism. Here is the simple guide for foreign visitors, breaking down the confirmed changes and how they hit your travel budget.

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The fee increases are happening because Japan needs cash to keep tourism running smoothly and wants its prices to match global rates.

Japan is packed with tourists, but the super-low current fees don't cover the rising costs for security and maintenance. By raising them, the government aims to achieve specific goals:

• Fund infrastructure. Get money for better airports, stronger security, and nicer facilities.

• Update fees. Visa fees haven't changed since 1978. The increases will bring Japan's costs closer to what you pay in G7 and OECD countries.

By targeting these hikes at people visiting from other countries, the government gets the revenue it needs without putting a bigger tax burden on Japanese citizens.

Also read: Kyoto Increased Hotel Tax Making Tourists Pay Up to ₱3,800 Per Night Starting 2026

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If you are a foreign traveler, you need to budget for these confirmed or proposed changes, as they will add to your total trip cost:

1. Will the visa application fee be higher? (Target: Fiscal 2026)

Yes, this is a big deal for people who need a visa to enter Japan.

Right now, the single-entry visa fee is roughly ¥3,000 (around ₱1,170) (super cheap). This fee is about to be seriously reviewed.

The Japanese government is planning to increase the visa fees for the 120-ish countries that require one. You should totally prepare for a huge jump in cost, with new fees expected to be similar to high G7 rates. This price change is meant to cover the actual, current cost of processing a record number of visa applications.

2. Is the airport departure tax increasing? (Target: Fiscal 2026)

Yes. This is the international tax everyone pays when they fly out of Japan, and it's usually already included in your ticket price.

• The current fee is a low flat rate of ¥1,000 (around ₱390).The fee is scheduled for an increase.

• The government is considering raising it to amounts closer to the U.S. departure tax (around ¥3,300, or ₱1,290), which would be a huge jump in price.

3. What about the new JESTA system? (Target: Fiscal 2028)

Japan will launch the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA). This is mandatory pre-entry screening.

This system will apply to travelers from visa-free countries (like the U.S. and U.K.), meaning they have to pay a fee similar to the U.S. ESTA system. While this doesn't directly change things for people who already need a full visa, it shows that entering Japan is getting tougher and more expensive for pretty much all foreign visitors.

Also read: Ryokan or Hotel in Japan? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Booking

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if you're planning on shopping a lot, pay attention! The popular tax break on purchases is being reviewed. The policy discussion is about getting rid of tax-free shopping to stop people from abusing the system by buying in bulk just to resell stuff. Instead of the current tax exemption right at the store, a refund system at the airport is being considered. This means you would pay the full price (including the 10% tax) upfront and then claim the refund when you leave. This proposed refund-based system is expected around November 2026.

The good news is that these price changes aren't happening right now. Most are planned for fiscal 2026 and later. However, since higher costs are definitely coming, future trips to Japan will be pricier. Use this early warning to get ready. Budget proactively by putting aside extra cash for a way higher potential visa fee and increased departure tax. Plan accordingly, because if you want to visit Japan under the current, cheaper fee structure (and use the current easy tax-free shopping), you should book and go before the end of 2025. Keep an eye on the official government sites for the new rates once they are officially announced.

For foreign tourists dreaming of a Japan getaway, the proposed hikes to Japan visa fees and the departure tax signal a definitive shift, making proactive budgeting for 2026 travel essential. While low visa fees currently provide a temporary cost advantage for many visitors, that benefit may soon vanish as the government moves to align its pricing with global G7 standards. These upcoming changes, including a likely switch to a tax refund-based system for shopping and a more expensive entry/exit process, mean that planning your visit now offers the most financially prudent opportunity to enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun before these new travel costs become the standard reality.

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