International Tourist Tax
Departure Information & Landing Permit Requirements
International passenger transport business operators are required to pay the “International Tourist Tax” collected from international tourists to the appropriate tax office or customs office by the end of the second month after the international tourists’ departure by the following methods.
For example, the “International Tourist Tax” collected from international tourists leaving Japan between 1 and 31 March, 2019, shall be paid by May 31, 2019.
Domestic business operators
Domestic business operators shall pay the “International Tourist Tax” collected from international tourists to the tax authorities that have jurisdiction over their respective places of tax payment.
There are three payment methods:
(1) payment over the counter
(2) electronic payment (direct payment, internet banking, etc.) and
(3) payment by credit card
For details, please visit the National Tax Agency website.
Overseas business operators
Overseas business operators shall pay the International Tourist Tax collected from international tourists to the customs that have jurisdiction over their respective places of tax payment.
There are two payment methods:
(1) payment over the counter and
(2) electronic payment (Multi-Payment)
For details, please visit the Japan Customs website.
Tax Exemptions
Tax exemptions are divided into three categories: untaxable, non-taxable, and exempted.
Untaxable
- Shift and aircraft crew members
- Those being deported
- Those leaving Japan by a special means (e.g. government plane)
- Those who have returned to Japan without entering another country after departure from Japan due to weather or under other unavoidable circumstances
Non-taxable
- Transit pasengers (leaving Japan within 24 hours of arrival)
- Passengers of international ships stopping at Japan due to weather or under other unavoidable circumstances
- Children under the age of two
Exempted
- Diplomats, consuls, and other personnel stationed in Japan (for official purposes only and based on reciprocity)
- State guests and others with equivalent status (based on reciprocity)
- US Armed Forces personnel and UN Armed Forces personnel (for official purposes only)
Allocation of International Tourist Tax
Revenues from the International Tourist Tax will be allocated to the following three areas:
1: Create a more comfortable, stress-free tourist environment
2: Improve access to information about a wide variety of attractions of Japan
3: Develop tourist resources taking advantage of the unique cultural and natural assets of respective regions
Security
Security Level: 1
Crime and infrequent demonstrations are the primary security concerns for travelers to Japan. North Korean missile launches and nuclear tests have the potential to affect the security environment. The threat of terrorist attack in Japan is low, but concerns have increased regarding the terrorist presence across Asia in general. Natural disasters, including tropical cyclones and seismic activiy, regularly occur in Japan.
World Fuel Services partners with UnitedHealthcare Global Risk to offer superior security intelligence and risk mitigation services. Special reports are provided by UnitedHealthcare Global Risk. Contact UnitedHealthcare Global Risk.
