Japan to increase visa fees, taxes for foreign tourists

Since 1978, a single-entry visa to Japan has cost approximately 3,000 yen and a multiple-entry visa has cost approximately 6,000 yen. These fees are much lower than those charged by other countries in the Group of Seven (G7) and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. With this in mind, the Japanese government currently plans to increase visa application fees to levels comparable to those of Western countries as early as fiscal year 2026. However, the specific amount has not yet been determined.

JESTA will launch in 2028

The increase in visa fees will affect tourists from about 120 regions and countries. Visitors from more than 70 countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia, can enter Japan without a short-term visa. Currently, they are not affected by price increases. However, by 2028, Japan will launch the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) for tourists from visa-free countries. They will be asked to submit passport details, travel history and background information. They also need to pay a small processing fee.

Another change being considered for fiscal year 2026 is an increase in the international tourism tax. Known as the “departure tax,” it is levied on Japanese citizens and foreigners and is currently only 1,000 yen. The government is also considering whether to eliminate the consumption tax exemption for foreign tourists and is reviewing fees for residency procedures, such as the 10,000 yen fee for a permanent residence permit and the 6,000 yen fee for in-person extensions. Some fees were raised in April for the first time since 1981.

Speaking about the various proposed fee hikes, a senior diplomat said, “The details of the review have not yet been determined, but we are considering various factors, including the possible impact on inbound tourism. We will review the fees set by other countries. I think Japan’s current fees are quite low.”

It is expected that the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan will exceed 40 million in 2025

Japan’s tourism industry continues to prosper. In the first nine months of this year, the number of foreign tourists here exceeded 30 million for the first time in history. Data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (NTO) last week showed that Japan received 31.65 million overseas tourists from January to September. At the current pace, annual numbers are expected to cross the 40 million mark for the first time.

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