Japan Plans to Slash Passport Fee by Nearly 50%

The Japanese government is proposing a major reduction in passport fees to encourage more citizens to travel abroad. The current cost for a new 10-year adult passport could drop by up to 5,000 yen (approximately $45). Officials aim to submit the necessary law revision to the Diet, Japan's parliament, next year. If approved, the change would take effect in fiscal year 2025. The proposed cut is part of a broader strategy to revive outbound tourism. The industry has been slow to recover since the COVID-19 pandemic. A cheaper passport is seen as a direct incentive for first-time travelers and families. The standard 10-year passport for adults currently costs 16,000 yen (about $145). The fee would fall to around 11,000 yen ($100). Fees for shorter-validity passports would also decrease. This move aligns with a government goal of raising the passport ownership rate among Japanese citizens. Increasing international travel supports national economic interests.