Japan increases tourist exit tax, cuts passport fees for citizens

Japan raised its departure tax from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen (about $18) on Wednesday, July 1, applying the increase to all travellers leaving the country, including Japanese citizens.

The international tourist tax is incorporated into the cost of airline, cruise and other travel tickets purchased from Wednesday onward, as per Japanese media.

The levy has previously generated around 50 billion yen (approximately $308 million) annually for the government. With the increase, authorities expect to raise an additional 120 billion yen (about $739 million) per year.

The government said the extra revenue will be used to address overtourism and other challenges linked to the growing number of foreign visitors.

At the same time, Japan is reducing passport application fees starting Wednesday in a move aimed at easing the financial burden on its citizens traveling abroad.

The fee for a 10-year passport will be cut by 7,000 yen (around $43), according to the government.

By Tamilla Hasanova