International Tourists are now subject to an International Tourist Tax of 1,000 yen, following a decision designed to improve tourism infrastructure Japan-wide. The levy is issued to foreign tourists departing from Japanese land and sea ports.
Travellers Departing Japan Are Now Subject To A 1,000 Yen Departure Tax
Starting January 7th 2019, International tourists visiting Japan will be subject to a 1,000 yen departure tax. The measure has been introduced to create a more comfortable travel environment for international visitors to Japan traveling through it’s international airports and cruise terminals. Significant re-investment of this revenue will go towards “developing tourist resources”, allowing visitors to take best advantage of the unique cultural and natural assets offered by the land of the rising sun.
The charge will be incorporated into the outbound ticket price for tickets booked from January 7th 2019 by airlines and cruise lines, guaranteeing ongoing funding for the expansion and enhancement of Japan’s world-leading tourism infrastructure. There are limited exemptions to the new tax, including for those whom are transiting for a “period of less than 24 hours and meet certain conditions and/or for children under the age of two” according to National Tax Agency Ministry of Finance. Australia and Hong Kong already operate similar systems successfully for departing passengers, supporting their own provision of facilities for millions of tourists each year.
Reference:National Tax Agency Ministry of Finance
https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/kansetsu/kanko/pdf/05.pdf
International Tourist Tax will be used for the following
-Increasing the face authentication gate for foreigners' departure procedures
-Introducing world-class fingerprint identification technology system
-Increasing free wi-fi spots and western-style toilets
-Expansion of tourism contents utilizing regional resources
-Enhancement of multilingual service at national park
Reference:https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/181216/plt1812160003-n1.html
The charge will be incorporated into the outbound ticket price for tickets booked from January 7th 2019 by airlines and cruise lines, guaranteeing ongoing funding for the expansion and enhancement of Japan’s world-leading tourism infrastructure. There are limited exemptions to the new tax, including for those whom are transiting for a “period of less than 24 hours and meet certain conditions and/or for children under the age of two” according to National Tax Agency Ministry of Finance. Australia and Hong Kong already operate similar systems successfully for departing passengers, supporting their own provision of facilities for millions of tourists each year.
Reference:National Tax Agency Ministry of Finance
https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/kansetsu/kanko/pdf/05.pdf
International Tourist Tax will be used for the following
-Increasing the face authentication gate for foreigners' departure procedures
-Introducing world-class fingerprint identification technology system
-Increasing free wi-fi spots and western-style toilets
-Expansion of tourism contents utilizing regional resources
-Enhancement of multilingual service at national park
Reference:https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/181216/plt1812160003-n1.html
