Jakarta, ThedailyID — Japan has officially increased its international tourist departure tax from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 starting July 1, 2026, making it three times more expensive for travelers leaving the country by air or sea.
The so-called “Sayonara Tax” first took effect in 2019 as a small departure levy on international visitors. The Japanese government says the higher fee will help improve tourism infrastructure and address the growing challenges caused by overtourism.
Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, marking the busiest year in the country’s tourism history. Authorities believe additional funding is necessary to maintain services while protecting popular destinations from overcrowding.
The government plans to use the revenue to expand automated immigration gates equipped with facial recognition technology at airports and seaports. Officials also intend to preserve cultural heritage sites, improve digital tourism services, and promote lesser-known destinations beyond major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
The departure tax is not the only cost increasing for foreign visitors and residents.
Japan has also revised several immigration and visa-related fees. Applications to extend or change residency status now cost between ¥10,000 and ¥70,000, depending on the type of application. Previously, most applications cost around ¥6,000.
Permanent residency applications have also become significantly more expensive. The fee has increased from ¥10,000 to between ¥200,000 and ¥300,000.
Meanwhile, visa fees have risen sharply. A single-entry visa now costs ¥15,000, up from ¥3,000. A multiple-entry visa has increased from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000.
Authorities say the higher fees will support faster immigration processing and better public services as visitor numbers continue to climb.
In addition, local governments have introduced stricter measures to manage tourism-related issues. Tokyo recently launched the “If You Throw Trash, You Lose Cash” campaign to discourage littering in busy tourist districts.
Visitors caught throwing trash in areas such as Shibuya may face fines of ¥2,000. Authorities allow payments through cash, bank cards, or QR code systems.
Despite the higher costs, Japan hopes the additional revenue will create a smoother travel experience while encouraging tourists to explore regions beyond the country’s most crowded attractions.
