Canadians Heading to Australia Face Higher Departure Taxes
Starting January 2027, the Passenger Movement Charge is rising by $10 per person — the latest in a global trend of climbing airport fees.
Canadians planning vacations to Australia should budget for a price hike: the country's Passenger Movement Charge is increasing by A$10 (roughly C$9.78) starting January 1, 2027.
The fee, which applies to international departures by air or sea, will rise from A$70 (C$68.45) to A$80 (C$78.22) per person. Originally introduced in 1978 at A$10 to cover customs, immigration, and quarantine services, the charge has evolved into a general revenue-raising tool that the Australian government adjusts every three years.
Travellers won't pay the fee separately — it's automatically added to ticket prices — but the increase will be noticeable for families or group travellers. For a family of four, that's an extra C$39.12 per trip.
Australia isn't alone in tightening airport finances. Thailand is increasing departure fees by over 50 per cent (from 730 to 1,120 Thai baht, or C$30.76 to C$47.19) effective June 20, while Japan will triple its departure tax from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 (C$8.66 to C$25.97) starting July 1.
For Toronto residents itching to escape to Australia's beaches and landmarks, the message is clear: if you're going, book and pay before the new year arrives.