The National Tax Agency presented an outline of the new "International Tourist Tax" on its website this month. The tax which will levy a ¥1000 tax on all passengers leaving the country by sea or air, when departing the country is schedule to start from January 7, 2019. Although there are a small number of exemptions, everybody older htan 2 years old will be subject to the tax, adding close to €30 on the travel bill for a family of four. Although named "Tourist Tax" business travellers are also subject to the tax.
Travellers do not need to pay the taxes directly, as international transport operators (i.e. airlines and passenger shipping companies) are expected to collect the tax for the Japanese government. In an English language leaflet, the NTA gives an outline of the procedures that need to be followed.
Proceeds of the taxation are to be used for improvements in domestic tourism facilities.
Source: NTA
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