Japan Increases Visa Fees and Exit Tax, Expecting Significant Revenue Boost

TOKYO, July 1 (CNA) - The Japanese government today began implementing increased fees for exit tax and visa applications for non-visa-exempt foreign visitors. The fee for a single-entry visa has been raised from the original 3,000 yen (approximately NT$600) to 15,000 yen (approximately NT$3,000).

According to the "Nikkei," Japan has been continuously expanding its visa-waiver program, currently offering visa-free short-term stays for citizens of 74 countries and regions under specific conditions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates that by 2025, approximately 80% of foreign visitors will enter Japan visa-free.

Conversely, citizens from over 120 countries, including China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, are required to apply for a visa to enter Japan. In 2025, out of 7.86 million visa applications issued by Japan, 5.71 million were for Chinese citizens, accounting for about 73%. The number of visas issued by Japan last year was second only to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level in 2019, primarily due to an increase in Chinese tourists.

However, Japan's visa fees are significantly lower compared to those in Western countries. The fee for a short-term stay in the United States is $185 (approximately NT$5,900), the UK is £135 (approximately NT$5,800), Canada is C$100 (approximately NT$2,200), and Schengen Area countries in Europe uniformly charge 90 euros (approximately NT$3,300).

Japan continues to promote its policy of attracting foreign visitors. Last year, an estimated 42.43 million people visited Japan, setting a new record, with a future target of 60 million visitors by 2030.

The increase in visa fees involves raising the single-entry visa fee from the original 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen. The fee for multiple-entry visas within a specified period has been raised from 6,000 yen (approximately NT$1,200) to 30,000 yen (approximately NT$6,000).

The visa fee hike aims to expand funding for services related to the increasing number of tourists visiting Japan. This measure is projected to generate approximately 120 billion yen (approximately NT$24 billion) in revenue for the Japanese government.

Furthermore, starting today, the Japanese government has also increased the International Tourist Tax (exit tax) levied on travelers departing Japan from the current 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen. The exit tax applies to both foreign visitors and Japanese citizens.

As a complementary measure to the exit tax increase, Japan is also reducing the fees for online passport applications for citizens aged 18 and above, effective today. The fee for a 10-year validity passport has been lowered to 8,900 yen, a 44% decrease from the previous price. Additionally, the fee for passports for individuals under 18 has also been uniformly reduced to 4,400 yen. (Compiled by Yang Wei-ching) 1150701

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