Increased Departure Taxes in Three Countries Will Cost Travellers More

Australia is hiking its departure tax (known as the Passenger Movement Charge, or PMC), joining Japan and Thailand in  fee increases that will cost visiting Canadians more.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, anyone leaving Australia will face the increased charge, which is rising by $10 AUD ($9.81 CAD) to $80 AUD ($78.22 CAD) per person. The fee will apply based on departure date, not the date of ticket purchase. It applies to everyone leaving Australia, including people travelling on an Australian passport.

Meanwhile, Japan announced it is tripling its departure tax, from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 (C$8.66 to C$25.97).  The increase takes effect July 1, 2026. The tax will be bundled with airfare or cruise fees rather than collected at the point of departure. It applies to everyone leaving Japan who is over the age of two. Tickets purchased before July 1 will be subject to the lower fee.

Thailand has also announced an increase of more than 50 percent for its airport departure fees. The fee applies to anyone departing internationally from Thailand’s major airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Phuket International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport. 

Beginning June 20, 2026, the fee will increase from 730 to 1,120 Thai baht (C$30.76 to C$47.19). As with the Japanese fee, the cost will be included in ticket pricing and paid at time of purchase.

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