From July 2026, Japan To Triple Departure Tax For Foreign Visitors

If Japan is on your 2026 travel bucket list, then we have some news for you all! Japan is planning to significantly increase its departure tax for foreign visitors starting July 2026. The revised levy, which will be tripled under the new policy, is expected to impact millions of outbound passengers departing the country each year. Here’s all you need to know about this new change.

Japan Triples Departure Tax From July 2026

According to The Economic Times, whether you’re leaving the country by air or sea, from July 2026, you will have to pay a departure tax of ¥3,000 (₹1,720.5), up from the current ¥1,000 (₹573.5). Japan announced that it will triple its departure tax from July this year. The tax was first introduced in 2019, and it is the first time the Japanese government has increased it.

Also known as the International Tourist Tax, the new hike will apply to all travellers aged two and above, regardless of nationality, and is expected to increase overall trip costs for foreign visitors. Currently, Japan’s departure tax is charged on every international departure by air or sea and is automatically included in airline and ferry tickets, meaning travellers do not have to pay it separately.

The tax applies to all international departures from Japan, including Japanese citizens and foreign residents travelling abroad or returning to their home countries. However, certain exemptions apply, such as diplomatic missions and official government travel, Moneycontrol reported. Will this affect transit passengers, too? Well, it might! This depends on whether flyers formally depart Japan or remain in short-term transit.

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What Caused This Hike?

Japan’s decision to triple its departure tax comes amid growing concerns over overtourism. Not just that, the hike will also help increase revenue linked to travel in Japan. In recent years, the country has witnessed a sharp rise in visitor numbers due to its increasing global popularity. While the surge initially boosted the tourism sector, it has begun to strain transport systems, worsen crowding, create waste management challenges, and drive up maintenance costs at cultural and natural heritage sites. In response, authorities have introduced several measures in recent months to manage and curb overtourism.

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Is Japan on your 2026 travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments.

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