Japan in 2026: The New Departure Tax, JESTA and Staying Connected

Japan is one of the most popular long-haul trips for UK travellers, and a few rules have changed in 2026. The departure tax has gone up, a new pre-travel authorisation called JESTA is on the way, and the online immigration and customs forms are now part of most arrivals. This guide covers what UK passport holders need to know and how to stay connected from the moment you land.

Entry rules can change, so check the latest GOV.UK travel advice for Japan before you book and again before you fly.

Japan travel rules in 2026 at a glance

• Visa-free visits: UK citizens can currently visit Japan without a visa for up to 90 days as a tourist or for short business trips.
• Departure tax: the International Tourist Tax rose from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen per person on 1 July 2026.
• JESTA: a new online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors is planned for 2028. It is not needed yet.
• Visit Japan Web: the official online service for immigration and customs QR codes, which can speed up arrival.

The higher departure tax

Japan charges an International Tourist Tax on everyone leaving the country, including Japanese citizens. From 1 July 2026 it is 3,000 yen per person, up from 1,000 yen.

For most travellers you will not pay it separately. It is usually added to your air fare as a tax when you book. If you are flying with a ticket bought on or before 30 June 2026, the old rate normally still applies, even if you travel after 1 July.

• Check the taxes and fees section of your booking to see if it is included.
• Children are charged too, so a family of four pays the tax four times.
• Ferry passengers leaving Japan by sea are also charged, usually through their ticket.

JESTA: Japan's new travel authorisation

Japan is planning a pre-travel authorisation system called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization). It will work in a similar way to the US ESTA: visitors who do not need a visa, such as UK citizens, will fill in an online form before they travel and receive approval.

What we know so far:

• It is planned to start in 2028.
• It will apply to visa-exempt visitors, including UK passport holders.
• The fee has not been confirmed.
• You do not need it for trips before it launches.

As with any new travel authorisation, expect copycat websites to appear. When JESTA opens, use only the official Japanese government website, and check GOV.UK for the link.

Visit Japan Web: immigration and customs QR codes

Visit Japan Web is the Japanese government's free online service for arrival paperwork. You register your passport and trip details, then complete the immigration and customs declarations online. It gives you QR codes to show at the airport, which can save filling in paper forms on the plane.

• Complete it a few days before you fly, while you have reliable internet.
• Take screenshots of your QR codes as a backup.
• Each traveller needs their own details, though you can add family members to one account.

Having mobile data when you land makes this easier, because you can open Visit Japan Web or fix a mistake in the queue rather than searching for airport Wi-Fi.

Staying connected in Japan

Japan has fast, reliable mobile networks in cities and along main travel routes, including the Shinkansen lines. Coverage is generally good in rural areas too, although mountains and long tunnels can cause short gaps. A travel eSIM lets you use local networks without paying UK roaming rates.

Apps that make a Japan trip easier

• Maps: map apps handle train and metro routes well, including platform and exit information.
• Train tickets: rail operators offer apps and websites for booking Shinkansen and limited express seats, which work best with a live connection.
• Translation: camera translation is very useful for menus, signs and ticket machines. Download the Japanese offline language pack before you go as a backup.
• IC cards: on iPhone you can add a Suica, PASMO or ICOCA card to Apple Wallet and top it up in the app. On Android, support for these cards depends on your phone model, so check before you rely on it. You can still buy a physical card in Japan.

How much data will you need?

Maps, translation and messaging use modest amounts. Uploading photos and videos, video calls and streaming use much more. Use the travel data calculator to estimate your needs, then compare plans on the Japan eSIM page.

Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked using our device compatibility page. If you are new to eSIMs, how it works explains the steps from purchase to installation.

A Japan pre-trip checklist

• Check your passport is valid for your whole stay and read the GOV.UK advice.
• Look for the International Tourist Tax in your flight booking.
• Complete Visit Japan Web and save your QR codes.
• Install your eSIM at home and set it as your data line.
• Turn off data roaming on your UK SIM to avoid charges.
• Add an IC card to your phone wallet if your phone supports it.
• Download offline maps and a Japanese translation pack.

Frequently asked questions

Do UK citizens need a visa for Japan in 2026?

No, not for tourism or short business trips of up to 90 days. Check GOV.UK before you travel, as rules can change.

How much is Japan's departure tax now?

It is 3,000 yen per person from 1 July 2026. It is usually included in your air fare, and tickets bought on or before 30 June 2026 normally keep the old 1,000 yen rate.

Do I need JESTA for my trip?

Not yet. JESTA is planned for 2028 and the fee has not been confirmed. Until it launches, UK visitors do not need to apply for anything in advance.

Is Visit Japan Web compulsory?

It is not compulsory, but it can make arrival quicker. If you do not use it, you may need to complete paper forms or use kiosks at the airport.

Will a travel eSIM work on the Shinkansen?

Mobile coverage along the main Shinkansen lines is generally good, though you may notice short drops in tunnels.

Can I keep my UK number while using a Japan eSIM?

Yes. Most modern phones support dual SIM, so you can keep your UK SIM active for texts such as bank codes, while the eSIM handles data. Turn data roaming off on the UK SIM.