Published on
January 12, 2026
Starting in July 2026, travelers from Iceland, Switzerland, Portugal, Malta, Italy, France, Sweden, and other European countries will face higher travel costs as Japan significantly raises its departure tax. The new tax, set to triple from JPY 1,100 to JPY 3,000, applies to all international travelers departing Japan, regardless of nationality. This fee increase is part of Japan’s broader strategy to manage tourism-related pressures, including overcrowding and strain on local infrastructure. With additional fees like JESTA and potential visa hikes on the horizon, visitors from Europe will experience substantial new travel obstacles when leaving Japan.
Starting July 2026, international travel to and from Japan is about to get more expensive for all travelers, including those from European countries like Iceland, Switzerland, Portugal, Malta, Italy, France, Sweden, and others. Japan’s government has announced plans to triple its departure tax, applying it to everyone flying or sailing out of the country, regardless of nationality. This is a part of the nation’s broader strategy to manage the rapid surge in tourism and the overcrowding it has caused at popular destinations.
Japan, which has long been a major player in the global tourism industry, is now making it clear that while its doors remain open to visitors, the cost of travel will soon be higher. This shift is sure to impact many travelers from European countries, who have enjoyed relatively easy access to Japan’s rich cultural, historical, and natural offerings in recent years.
The Departure Tax Explained
Japan first introduced a departure tax in January 2019 as a way to fund tourism infrastructure improvements and manage the increasing pressure on local communities caused by tourism growth. The fee, which was originally set at JPY 1,100, will now rise to JPY 3,000 per person. It will be applicable to everyone, including Japanese citizens, travelers from European nations, and all other nationalities, from the moment they depart Japan.
The tax is not something that travelers will see as a separate charge; rather, it will be added directly to airline or ferry tickets. This fee applies to all travelers aged two and above, and exceptions will be made only for airline crew members and transit passengers who remain in Japan for less than 24 hours.
What Does This Mean for European Travelers?
For Europeans, this departure tax will certainly add an extra layer of cost when traveling to and from Japan. Whether it’s a short trip to Tokyo or an extended vacation to Kyoto, travelers from Iceland, Switzerland, Portugal, Malta, Italy, France, Sweden, and other European countries will now face an increase in their travel expenses. While the additional cost is not astronomical, it will certainly make traveling to Japan more expensive for those on a tight budget.
The tax revenue, which Japan expects to reach around JPY 130 billion in 2026, is intended to manage the challenges of overtourism, including overcrowded streets, packed public transportation, and pressure on local communities. The government hopes to alleviate some of this strain by using the funds to improve infrastructure, ensure better visitor behavior, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Who Will Be Affected?
The departure tax applies to everyone flying or sailing out of Japan, irrespective of nationality. This includes travelers from the EU, including Iceland, Portugal, Italy, Malta, France, Sweden, and others. Whether you are traveling for business, leisure, or to visit family, the increased departure tax will be added to your ticket price when departing from any airport or port in Japan.
Travelers aged two and above are required to pay the tax. Airline crew members are exempt, and passengers who remain in Japan for less than 24 hours are also exempt from the tax if they are in transit.
The Introduction of JESTA and Visa Fee Increases
In addition to the increased departure tax, Japan is also introducing a new pre-travel screening system, called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), for travelers from visa-free countries. This system, expected to be rolled out by 2028, will require travelers to obtain online approval before departure. The fee for this online travel authorization is expected to range from JPY 2,000 to JPY 3,000 per person.
This additional requirement adds another layer of complexity and cost to international travel to Japan, especially for those who are used to easy, visa-free access.
Furthermore, Japan is also considering a significant increase in visa issuance fees for travelers from certain countries. This may include nationals from China and some Southeast Asian nations, potentially making it more expensive for travelers who require a visa to enter Japan.
What This Means for Japanese Citizens
While the departure tax increase primarily impacts international travelers, Japanese citizens will also be affected. They too will pay the higher departure tax when traveling abroad, although the government is exploring measures to soften the impact for local residents. One such consideration is lowering passport issuance fees to help balance the cost of these new taxes.
How These Changes Will Affect the Overall Cost of Travel
By 2028, travelers who wish to visit Japan may have to pay not only the increased departure tax but also the new JESTA fee. For example, if both charges apply, travelers could end up paying:
JPY 3,000 departure taxJPY 2,000 to JPY 3,000 for JESTA
This would put the total additional cost of traveling to Japan at approximately JPY 5,000 to JPY 6,000 per trip, a significant amount that adds up over time, particularly for frequent visitors. While these fees may seem manageable for one-time travelers, they can quickly add up for those who travel to Japan frequently.
Visa Fee Increases
In addition to the departure tax and JESTA fee, Japan is also contemplating an increase in visa issuance fees for certain countries. Travelers from countries like China and parts of Southeast Asia may face higher costs for obtaining a visa to Japan. This change will not affect travelers from countries that do not require a visa for short-term stays.
What European Countries Will Be Affected?
Here’s a detailed table listing the European countries that will be affected by Japan’s departure tax increase, along with the fee and regulations for each:CountryDeparture Tax (JPY)Additional Fees/RegulationsIceland3,000Applies to all travelers aged 2 and aboveSwitzerland3,000Increased departure tax; JESTA pre-travel screeningPortugal3,000JESTA fee expected between 2,000-3,000 JPYMalta3,000Visa fees may rise for some nationalitiesItaly3,000Increased departure tax applies to all travelersFrance3,000JESTA fee expected between 2,000-3,000 JPYSweden3,000Increased fees for travel; visa fee hikes likelyUnited Kingdom3,000Applies to all international departuresGermany3,000Increased tax; JESTA applies to travelers from EUSpain3,000Departure fee and JESTA screening for non-visas
The Bottom Line for Travelers
Japan’s move to increase its departure tax and introduce additional fees is part of a broader strategy to manage the challenges of a rapidly growing tourism sector. While these changes may be inconvenient and add to the overall cost of traveling to Japan, they are unlikely to deter many tourists from visiting the country.
For frequent travelers from Europe, these increased fees and regulations may impact travel plans, adding to the cost of a trip to one of the world’s most popular destinations. However, the rise in taxes is aimed at improving the travel experience for all visitors by reducing overcrowding and preserving Japan’s cultural and natural attractions.
While these changes may be seen as burdensome, the overall message is clear: Japan is still welcoming visitors, but it is now doing so with a higher price tag attached. Travelers from Iceland, Switzerland, Portugal, Malta, Italy, France, Sweden, and other European countries will need to prepare for the increased fees and plan accordingly for their trips starting in July 2026.
Starting in July 2026, Iceland, Switzerland, Portugal, Malta, Italy, France, Sweden, and other European countries will face higher travel costs as Japan triples its departure tax. This fee hike, part of Japan’s effort to manage tourism pressures and overcrowding, applies to all international travelers, adding extra costs for visitors from Europe.
Japan remains one of the most fascinating destinations globally, offering rich cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and natural beauty. Despite the added costs, it continues to be an alluring choice for millions of travelers.
