Travel to Japan Gets More Expensive with New Visa and Departure Fees

Japan has announced plans to raise select travel-related fees and taxes, primarily targeting foreign visitors, as part of its efforts to modernize infrastructure and fund public programs.

At the center of the proposal is a sharp rise in the “sayonara tax,” which is the international departure fee currently set at ¥1,000 (about $6.60) since 2019.

Visa fees are expected to rise as well. Currently, a single-entry tourist visa runs ¥3,000 (about $20), and a multiple-entry version costs ¥6,000 ($39.50). Under the new framework, these prices could triple, significantly increasing the cost of entry for foreign travelers.

Starting in 2026, Japan also plans to raise hotel occupancy taxes and transport-related charges.

These measures will help fund upgrades to tourism infrastructure, particularly around heavily visited destinations such as Mount Fuji and other regions that have already adopted local visitor taxes. The extra revenue is expected to support environmental protection and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Meanwhile, international travelers heading to the US are also facing cost pressures. The I-94 land entry fee has increased from $6 to $30, while the ESTA travel authorization has nearly doubled from $21 to $40. Chinese nationals enrolling in the EVUS system will now pay $30, up from zero previously.

Photo by Max Bender on Unsplash