Japan Visa and Tourism Fee Hike 2026: $2.23B Revenue Push

Traveling to Japan is about to get more expensive. The Japanese government is set to raise visa and tourism fees to plug a fiscal gap. According to reports from Nikkei, these hikes are expected to generate roughly 350 billion yen ($2.23 billion) in annual revenue.

Japan Visa and Tourism Fee Hike: Closing the Fiscal Gap

This financial maneuver comes as Tokyo looks for ways to compensate for lost income after ending the gasoline surtax last month. By shifting the burden to foreign visitors and residents, the government aims to meet its fiscal targets without increasing the tax load on domestic consumers already struggling with inflation.

The plan includes increasing departure taxes and hiking fees for residency applications and visa processing. While this bolsters the national treasury, it risks making Japan a less competitive destination in the global tourism market.

Impact on 2026 Tourism Projections

The timing is sensitive. Projections suggest that foreign visitors to Japan will drop by 3% in 2026, largely due to a slowdown in Chinese tourism. Tighter residency controls and higher fees might further discourage foreign workers and long-term residents, impacting the labor supply in critical industries.