What Is This 'Exit Tax'?
The fee is officially called the International Tourist Tax, but it's often nicknamed the "Sayonara Tax." It's a flat fee levied on almost every person who departs from Japan by air or sea, regardless of their nationality. This includes both foreign tourists
heading home and Japanese nationals travelling abroad. The key thing to understand is that this is a departure tax for travellers, which is entirely different from the complex 'exit tax' that applies to wealthy residents moving their financial assets out of Japan. For the average tourist, only the International Tourist Tax is relevant.
How Much Is the Tax Now?
This is where the "higher" part of the headline comes in. As of July 1, 2026, the International Tourist Tax tripled. It increased from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person per departure. For travellers from India, this is roughly equivalent to ‐1,600 at recent exchange rates, up from about ‐530. While not a trip-altering amount, it's a noticeable increase, especially for families or groups travelling together. This flat fee is charged for each departure, so if you were to leave and re-enter Japan during a single trip, you would pay the tax each time you leave.
Who Collects the Money?
This is the most crucial question for travellers, and the answer is simple: you almost never have to handle the payment yourself. The tax is collected by your transportation operator. When you buy a plane ticket or a cruise fare to leave Japan, the ¥3,000 tax is automatically included in the total price. You will not be asked to pay it at a separate counter at the airport or seaport. The airline or cruise company is responsible for collecting the fee as part of your booking and then remitting it to the Japanese government. This seamless process means most travellers pay the tax without even realising it's a separate line item.
Does Everyone Have to Pay?
Most travellers do, but there are a few specific exemptions. You are not required to pay the International Tourist Tax if you are: a child under the age of two; a transit passenger leaving Japan within 24 hours of arrival; or a crew member on the aircraft or ship. There are also exemptions for diplomats and in cases of emergency landings or diversions due to weather. However, for the vast majority of tourists and business travellers, the tax is mandatory.
Why Was the Tax Increased?
The Japanese government introduced the tax in 2019 and increased it in 2026 to secure a stable source of funding for enhancing the country's tourism sector. The revenue is specifically earmarked for three main goals: creating a more comfortable and stress-free travel environment, promoting Japan's unique cultural and natural attractions, and developing tourism resources across the country, especially in rural areas. Projects funded by the tax include upgrading infrastructure at airports and tourist sites, improving multilingual support for visitors, expanding free public Wi-Fi, and implementing measures to manage overtourism.
