The cost of traveling to Japan, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, could soon rise further. Some travel spots made the country more attractive to foreign tourists in recent years.
But now the Japanese government has planned major reforms to visa fees, international departure taxes, and entry regulations in response to pressure from overtourism. The changes are likely to come into effect from 2026.
Government sources said the move is aimed at controlling tourism pressure, improving airport infrastructure, and shifting some of the domestic tax burden to foreign visitors rather than citizens.
Visa Fees Increase For The First Time In 40 Years
Japan’s visa fees were last raised in 1978. Currently, a single-entry visa costs ¥3,000 ($25.5 SGD), and a multiple-entry visa costs ¥6,000 ($51 SGD).
But the rates will be significantly increased from 2026. The government aims to create a fee structure in line with other developed countries.
By comparison, visa fees in the United States are S$238, in the United Kingdom around S$230, in France and Germany around S$128, and in Canada S$94. Japan is planning to get closer to this standard.
The new framework is expected to generate an additional revenue of about ¥300 billion (around S$2.55 billion) a year.
The government says the money will be used to renovate airports, develop tourism infrastructure and increase funding for high school education.
Departure Taxes Could Also Rise
Currently, each passenger leaving Japan is charged a ¥1,000 (S$8.50) departure tax, which is attached to the airline ticket. The new policy could triple that tax to ¥3,300 (S$28). For example, the equivalent tax in the United States is about the same amount.
Basically this will certainly increase the price of airline tickets, but the government says the additional revenue will be used to improve airport services and strengthen tourism management.
New Rules For Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of 74 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, currently enjoy visa-free benefits for short-term travel to Japan. There is no increase in visa fees for them right now.
However, from 2028, they will also have to come under a new digital process—Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA).
Under this JESTA program, travelers from visa-free countries will have to submit their passport and travel information online before entering Japan and pay a processing fee, which can be approximately S$51.
The initiative, similar to the US ESTA or the European Union’s ETIAS system, aims to modernize border security and tourism information management.
Tougher Measures Against Overtourism
The Japanese government has already taken various initiatives to combat overtourism. From July 2025, separate entrance fees have been introduced for foreign tourists at popular destinations such as Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Nara.
Additionally, the number of daily visitors to Mount Fuji has been set, and new taxes have been added in the name of environmental protection. Some cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, have already increased hotel occupancy taxes.
Political and Economic Context
However, some members of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have also proposed abolishing tax-free shopping for foreigners. They say many foreigners are using the facility to buy and resell goods, which is not in line with the country’s economy.
Economists say the government is seeking to raise revenue from foreign tourists without raising taxes on local citizens amid inflationary pressures.
Watch the video here:
@japan.news.expats Breaking news: Japan plans to raise visa fees up to five times higher after 47 years — a hot topic for anyone planning to renew or work in Japan soon.
♬ original sound – FINTRA Japan – Expats news – FINTRA Japan – Expats news
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