(Asia Financial Observer correspondent Jiuri,Jan 6, Tokyo)
Amid mounting fiscal pressure, the Japanese government is considering boosting revenue by raising fees related to international travel. According to Kyodo News, the government has largely finalized a plan at recent policy meetings to sharply increase visa application fees for foreign nationals, with overall levels potentially rising to as much as five times the current rates starting in 2026—a move that has drawn widespread attention.
Under the proposed plan, in addition to the already-approved hike in the International Tourist Tax, Japan would introduce or simultaneously raise fees associated with entry procedures. Single-entry visa fees are expected to increase to ¥15,000, while multiple-entry visas would rise to ¥30,000. The measures would primarily apply to foreign visitors to Japan and are slated for implementation in fiscal 2026, though detailed guidelines have yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, the government has confirmed that from July next year, the International Tourist Tax levied on all departing travelers will be raised from the current ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 and automatically collected at the time of purchasing international airline tickets. Authorities estimate that related tax revenue will reach approximately ¥1.3 trillion in fiscal 2026, a significant increase from the previous year. Officials say the additional funds will be used to improve transportation and airport infrastructure and to support the development and maintenance of regional tourism resources.
The measures, however, have sparked debate domestically. Critics argue that the departure tax applies equally to Japanese citizens, even though the policy is framed as a response to “overtourism” driven by the surge in inbound visitors, raising questions about fairness. Concerns have also been voiced that the sharp increase in visa fees could undermine Japan’s attractiveness to foreign tourists and business travelers.
Academic analysts note that departure taxes and visa fees are fiscal tools with relatively low collection costs and high administrative efficiency, making them effective for short-term revenue enhancement. However, they caution that excessive increases could dampen cross-border mobility, potentially affecting Japan’s long-term competitiveness and openness.
Many commentators view the adjustments not as isolated measures but as a reflection of Japan’s broader fiscal strain. With the government preparing a record-sized annual budget and social security and defense spending continuing to rise, Japan remains heavily reliant on debt issuance to fill funding gaps. Several local media outlets have warned that even as tax revenues hit record highs, the expanding national debt poses latent risks to the yen and household livelihoods.
Against this backdrop, raising visa fees and travel-related taxes is seen as one of the government’s pragmatic options to shore up finances. Nevertheless, the longer-term implications for tourism, business exchanges, and overall economic vitality remain to be seen.
