Japan joins the Tourist Tax wave: what you need to know

Tourist Tax: Is this the new norm of global travel?

Big travel update! Japan is now set to join a growing list of popular tourist destinations — including the US, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland, and Thailand — in introducing or expanding tourist taxe in 2025. If you’re planning your next international getaway, here’s what this means for you… and how to stay ahead of the curve!

So, what exactly is a tourist tax?

Tourist taxes are government-imposed fees that visitors must pay when entering a country, staying in accommodations, or leaving the country. These fees are typically small but help fund environmental preservation, city maintenance, and infrastructure development.

Depending on where you’re headed, this could take the form of:

•     A flat fee at the airport (as seen in Thailand and Japan)
•     A nightly hotel surcharge (common in France, Italy, and Spain)
•     Tourist permits or cards (like Mexico’s FMM or Iceland’s nature tax)

While these taxes aren’t prohibitive, they are fast becoming a standard part of international travel — and for travelers planning longer stays, work exchanges, or even marriage abroad, they’re just one piece of the administrative puzzle.

Who’s charging what?

•     Japan: Expanding its “Sayonara Tax” (currently ¥1,000 when leaving the country).
•     France & Spain: City-specific nightly fees.
•     Thailand: $9 entry fee for air travelers.
•     Canada & US: Some regions charge hotel or lodging fees.
•     Iceland: New tax in 2024 aimed at preserving its pristine nature.
•     Italy: Fees vary by city and hotel class.
•     Mexico: Tourist cards and regional taxes.

But here’s what many travelers don’t think about:

If you’re planning long-term stays, studying, working abroad, or even getting married internationally — you might need more than just a passport and a suitcase.

That’s where Apoling Solutions comes in.

We provide apostille and certified translation services in the languages of the countries hopping on the tourist tax trend — including Japanese, Spanish, French, Italian, Thai, and Icelandic, as well as English for US, Canada, and UK documentation.

Whether you’re submitting legal documents for a visa, translating a birth certificate, or authenticating educational records, we make sure your paperwork travels as smoothly as you do.

Travel might cost a little more in 2025 — but with the right planning (and the right paperwork!), you’ll be ready for any adventure that comes your way.

Need help with translations or birth, marriage or death certificate apostille? Visit Apoling Solutions and let us handle the documents while you handle the itinerary.