Mirella Pandjaitan
Jan 09, 2026
The Japanese government will raise its departure tax threefold starting July 2026, alongside the introduction of a new travel fee, as part of a strategy to manage overtourism. Originally implemented on 7th January 2019, the International Tourist Tax is automatically added to airline and ferry tickets.
The departure tax will increase from 1,000 yen (approximately IDR 107,000) to 3,000 yen (approximately IDR 320,000) per traveller. This levy applies to anyone leaving Japan for international destinations, including Japanese nationals, while exceptions are made for airline crews and transit passengers departing within 24 hours.
As reported by Travel and Tour World, the additional revenue will fund key areas tied to tourism and infrastructure development: upgrading airport facilities, enhancing passenger services, and expanding transportation networks.
Moreover, these measures support sustainable tourism initiatives, such as environmental management and the promotion of lesser-known destinations across Japan. The funds will also bolster cultural preservation programs and strengthen Japan’s position as a premier global tourism hub.
A new travel fee on the horizon
In addition to the departure tax hike, Japan plans to introduce an entry inspection fee by 2028. The new system, named the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA), will charge visa-exempt travellers between 2,000 yen (around IDR 213,000) and 3,000 yen (around IDR 320,000) per person.
Visa issuance fees for travellers requiring entry permission may increase up to five times next year, although short-term, visa-free visitors will remain unaffected. Consequently, the total travel cost for visa-exempt visitors—including the departure tax and JESTA—could reach 5,000–6,000 yen (roughly IDR 533,000–640,000) per person.