Japan introduces a new tourist tax

Last week, Japan introduced a new 'Sayonara tax' that applies to travellers departing from the country’s airports and cruise terminals. The tax is set at 1000 Japanese Yen (Dh34) and is a per person fee that applies to anyone over the age of two leaving the country. Transit passengers in the country for less than 24 hours are exempt from the charge which has been added to the cost of tickets issued by airlines, travel agents and cruise lines. The move comes as Japan gears up for an expected rise in holidaymakers before the 2020 Summer Olympics Games set to take place in Tokyo. A statement by the Japanese Government said that the tax aims to fund “a more comfortable, stress-free tourist environment.” Revenue from the tax will also be used to improve tourist information centres, add improved international language signage across the country and upgrade technology at passenger terminals for faster processing times. In 2018, Japan welcomed a record high 31.19 million tourists. The numbers represent a rise of 8.7 per cent from the previous year and are the seventh year in a row that visitor numbers have risen. The relaxation of visa requirements for travellers from Russia, India, the Philippines and other countries have helped to boost numbers as has the introduction of a mutual visa wavier arrangement scheme between Japan and the UAE. _____________________ Read more: 24 hours in Tokyo A luxury shopping guide to Kyoto, Japan Emirates to start daily A380 service to Osaka _____________________

Japan introduces a new tourist tax

Planning on visiting Japan? You'll now have to pay to leave the country