Confirmed!Japan to impose an "outbound tax" on all travelers starting 2019

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

Japan’s Japan Tourism Agency and Ministry of Finance recently announced the introduction of an “outbound departure tax,” which will apply to both Japanese nationals and foreign travelers. It is expected to take effect from 2019, with each person departing Japan being charged a departure tax of 1,000 yen.

▲ Dotonbori in Osaka is a popular attraction. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

The number of inbound travelers to Japan has hit record highs year after year. The Japanese government expects the number of visitors to exceed 40 million in 2020 and 60 million in 2030. To maintain tourist sites, cultural properties, and Japan’s landscapes, the government has decided to introduce an outbound tax similar to those in Europe and the United States, which is projected to generate an additional annual revenue of 40 billion yen.

▲ Terminal 1 of Narita Airport. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

According to Japanese media reports, the outbound tax policy is expected to be implemented starting in 2019. Although the specific details have not yet been announced, it is anticipated that the tax will be added to the cost of airline tickets and cruise fares.

Currently, many countries around the world already impose an outbound tax. For example, Australia generates approximately 80 billion yen (in annual outbound tax revenue alone), and South Korea has also implemented an outbound tax policy, charging 10,000 Korean won per person, which adds about 26 billion yen (in annual revenue) for South Korea.