Travel to Japan Becomes More Expensive: Departure Tax Triples Starting Today

The Japanese government has tripled its departure tax, known as the International Tourist Passenger Tax, effective today, July 1.

According to Japanese media, the departure tax required when leaving Japan has increased from 1,000 yen (approximately 9,500 won) to 3,000 yen (28,000 won) per person starting today.

The departure tax is mandatory for both foreign nationals and Japanese citizens when leaving the country. It is collected by being added to the price of airline or ship tickets purchased on or after today.

With this increase, the annual tax revenue is expected to rise from the previous 50 billion yen (478 billion won) to approximately 120 billion yen (1.14 trillion won).

The Japanese government plans to use the additional tax revenue to fund measures against "overtourism"—the negative impacts caused by a surge in foreign visitors—which has become a significant issue at tourist destinations across the country.

As the increased departure tax is also expected to burden Japanese citizens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has lowered passport issuance fees for its nationals.

Additionally, visa application fees for foreign visitors to Japan have also increased fivefold starting today.

The fee for a single-entry visa has risen from 3,000 yen (28,000 won) to 15,000 yen (143,000 won), while the fee for a multiple-entry visa has increased from 6,000 yen (57,000 won) to 30,000 yen (287,000 won).

Countries that frequently visit Japan, such as South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States, are visa-waiver nations. Reports indicate that criticism is emerging from China, suggesting that this measure is effectively targeting Chinese tourists who are subject to visa fees.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.