Japan has increased its departure tax from 1,000 to 3,000 yen, effective 2 July. This tax applies to all travelers, including Japanese citizens, with revenue aimed at solving the issue of excessive tourism. At the same time, passport fees will be reduced.
On 2 July 2026, the Japanese government will raise the International Tourist Tax from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen (approximately 670 baht). This measure applies to everyone departing Japan, including foreign tourists and Japanese citizens. The tax will be included in the price of airline, cruise ship, and international transportation tickets purchased from 2 July onward.
Previously, the departure tax generated about 50 billion yen annually for the Japanese government, roughly 11.2 billion baht. Following the increase, the government expects to raise an additional 120 billion yen per year, about 26.9 billion baht. The government states that this extra revenue will be used to address overtourism issues—specifically the problem of overcrowding—and to manage the impact of continuously growing numbers of foreign tourists.
Meanwhile, Japan has also announced a reduction in passport fees to lessen the financial burden on citizens traveling abroad. The fee for a 10-year passport will be lowered by 7,000 yen (approximately 1,570 baht), effective the same day.
Source: NHK