Recent flight deals made it incredibly inexpensive to travel to Japan — a bucket-list destination for many — but, as of early January, the country began charging visitors when they leave, a concept known as a departure tax.
This “sayonara” tax will cost travelers approximately $9.23 added to airfare when booking a flight out of Japan, or to boat fares for those who depart by sea.
The tax does not apply to children under 2 years old, or to those who visit Japan for fewer than 24 hours, for example, during a layover.
In light of the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, according to government officials, the revenue brought in by the tax will help support tourism and infrastructure, as well as technological advancements for travelers such as facial recognition services at airports and seaports to accelerate entry and departure. Japan also hopes to offer free WiFi on all public transportation by the time the Olympics begin next year.
With a $9-per-person tax, Japan hopes to bring in approximately $461 million in additional revenue by the end of the year.
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