Why Can’t Departure Taxes Be Higher for Foreigners Only? To put it simply, it is effectively impossible to implement a “dual pricing system” that charges higher rates only to foreigners for departure taxes or international flight facility charges (PSFC). This is due to the “principle of non-discrimination between nationals and non-nationals” enshrined in international treaties. International aviation and tax regulations strictly prohibit discrimination based on nationality, and if Japan were to enforce such a policy, it would risk provoking retaliatory measures from other countries—such as Japanese travelers being subject to higher taxes when traveling abroad. Consequently, the increase is applied uniformly regardless of nationality. However, the additional tax revenue will be used not only for measures to address overtourism—such as managing crowds and promoting proper conduct—but also to create a safe and secure environment for overseas travel, including reducing wait times at immigration through the introduction of facial recognition gates and protecting Japanese travelers. Since there are direct benefits for Japanese citizens as well, it can be said that everyone is being asked to share the burden equally.
Moving Toward Actual Fees for Foreign Visitors: Japan’s Version of ESTA, “JESTA,” Launches Meanwhile, a new system is also being implemented to collect fees from foreign travelers under the name of “service fees”—which are distinct from taxes—and to tighten immigration controls. On March 10 of this year, the government approved a draft amendment to the Immigration Control Act in a cabinet meeting, which includes the establishment of “JESTA (Electronic Travel Authorization System).” JESTA requires foreign nationals currently exempt from visa requirements to obtain prior online authorization and pay a fee when entering Japan for short-term stays such as tourism, disembarking from cruise ships, or for transit purposes. Examples of similar systems around the world include the U.S. “ESTA” (fee: 40 USD; approximately 6,440 yen at an exchange rate of 1 USD = approximately 161 yen), the UK’s “ETA” (16 pounds; approximately 3,424 yen at an exchange rate of 1 pound = approximately 214 yen), and Australia’s “ETA” (20 Australian dollars; approximately 2,240 yen at an exchange rate of 1 Australian dollar = approximately 112 yen). While this system prohibits the entry of foreign nationals without authorization to prevent illegal residency and other issues, it also aims to reduce entry wait times after immigration inspection (upon completion of JESTA authorization) by utilizing walk-through gates and similar technologies. This approach makes it possible to effectively collect fees exclusively from foreign nationals in the form of “administrative fees,” which are not bound by international regulations.
© Source travel watch