Japan triples tourist tax to 3,000 yen to curb visitor surge

Japan raised its international tourist tax threefold to 3,000 yen (about US$20) effective 1 July 2026. The increase applies to foreign visitors and domestic travelers, and is automatically added to airline and cruise tickets booked after the date, so no extra payment is required at ports of entry. The government said the hike aims to temper the recent surge in overseas tourists and fund expanded infrastructure and capacity for handling larger visitor numbers. Projected annual revenue from the higher levy is expected to rise from roughly 50 billion yen to about 120 billion yen. At the same time, passport issuance fees were cut, while short‑term tourist visa fees rose fivefold, with single‑entry visas now costing 30,000 yen. The changes affect travellers from 74 countries, with visa‑free access still granted to visitors from the United States, South Korea and other nations, but visa requirements remain for citizens of China, the Philippines and Vietnam.