Are you planning on flying out of Japan? A new departure tax of ¥3,000 is now applicable to most travelers.
Japan hiked its exit tax to ¥3,000 and increased tourist visa expenses. Here's how the increased fees effect overseas travelers.
Flying home from Japan suddenly costs somewhat extra. Japan has increased the International Tourist Tax, often known as the exit tax, from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 for everyone leaving the country. The higher price applies to airplane and cruise tickets booked from July 1.before July 1, the original ¥1,000 pricing remains valid.
Why prices are higher in Japan
Tokyo claims that as tourist numbers continue to rise, the additional money will assist combat overtourism and upgrade tourism infrastructure.
In 2019, Japan implemented a departure tax, which now brings in about ¥50 billion annually. The revised rate is anticipated to generate approximately ¥120 billion in revenue annually.
The relocation is indicative of a broader pattern in well-known locations. Instead of depending just on public spending, governments are increasingly employing tourism taxes to finance infrastructure.
The Change Is Being Driven by Record Tourism
With 42.4 million foreign tourists in 2025 the largest number ever Japan has set a lofty goal to draw 60 million visitors annually by 2030.
The government is searching for additional financing to keep up with demand as pressure mounts on airports, transportation systems, and tourism destinations.
Indian Visitors Continue to Pay the Same Visa Fee
For the majority of Indian travelers, the departure tax is the only additional expense.
Indian applicants are unaffected by Japan's hike in regular short-term visa fees, which went from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 for single-entry visas and from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000 for multiple-entry visas. Under the current setup in India, they continue to pay the approximately ₹500 visa processing charge.
Indian passport holders still require a visa before entering Japan, in contrast to visitors from 74 visa-exempt nations, such as South Korea and the United States.
The higher departure tax is the only additional expense Indian travelers must account for while planning their trip, as the visa charge is still the same.
Japanese Residents' Passport Fees Are Reduced
Japan has lowered the cost of applying for a passport for its own people, while foreign visitors are paying more. The cost of applying for a 10-year passport online has dropped from ¥15,900 to ¥8,900, and the cost of applying in person has also decreased by ¥7,000.
Travunited Take
Japan is striking a balance between growing tourism and escalating infrastructure expenses. Since these increased visa and departure fees are now included in the price of visiting Japan, Indian tourists should simply account for them in their travel budget.
