Japan tightens insurance and tax controls for tourists

The Japanese government is sharply tightening entry rules for foreign tourists. The new rules are reported by Tengrinews. The goal is to reduce the growing financial burden on medical institutions and eliminate factors that negatively affect the state budget.

According to the new rules, tourists without insurance policies will no longer be allowed to enter Japan. Also, foreigners who have been treated in the country and have not paid will not be issued a repeat visa. In addition, hospitals will provide information about unpaid services directly to immigration authorities, and a list of debtors will be formed in various services.

The Japanese government explains these changes by the fact that in recent years there has been an increase in cases of foreigners using hospital services and then leaving the country without paying. In September 2024 alone, more than 11 thousand foreigners were treated in Japan, of which more than 90 left behind a debt of about 61 million yen. This has become a serious problem for hospitals and the local healthcare system.

Surveys show that 30 percent of tourists visiting Japan come without insurance. This poses a threat to the country's economy. Another serious problem is that only 63 percent of foreigners who are permanent or long-term residents of Japan are registered with the national health insurance program. For Japanese people, this figure is 93 percent. Therefore, it is expected that order and fairness will be restored in this area by further strengthening control.

According to the new rules, documents confirming the payment of insurance and taxes may be requested when extending a visa. At the same time, the Japanese government is also planning to radically change the popular "tax-free shopping" system. Starting November 1, 2026, a 10 percent tax will be collected directly at the time of purchase in the store, and later a special application will be required before departure to get a refund.

Japan has also decided to introduce an electronic travel authorization. The system, which is scheduled to be implemented by 2030, may start earlier. Citizens of 71 visa-free countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Singapore, will have to fill out a special online form to travel to Japan. This is similar to Korea's KETA or Canada's eTA system - although visa-free, it requires electronic registration in advance.

According to the latest statistics, 36.8 million foreign visitors came to Japan in 2024, and 3.91 million tourists visited the country in April 2025. Along with the increase in tourist arrivals year after year, queues and financial pressure are increasing at hospitals in major cities.

These strict measures by Japan apply not only to tourists, but also to foreigners living in the country permanently or temporarily. The new rules are aimed at ensuring financial stability in the tourism industry, increasing the responsibility of foreign visitors, and maintaining the quality of the country's medical services.

Photo: The New York Times