Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting:
Australia is increasing the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) to depart the country. Reports indicate an increase of about $10, taking the PMC to around $80 per passenger for air or sea departures, effective from January 1 of the next year. This change is part of the 2026-27 federal budget and is expected to raise substantial revenue over five years. [Source coverage from Perth Now and related Australian outlets confirms the $80 PMC and the budget context.]
The PMC hike is drawing strong feedback from the travel industry, with tourism bodies arguing it makes travel more expensive and could impact visitation and Australians’ travel plans. Industry leaders have called for reinvestment of PMC revenues into border enhancements and border tech.
In addition to the PMC change, Australia has previously seen other travel-related fee and visa charge adjustments tied to the annual budget cycle, including visa application charges for various subclasses (e.g., visitor, student, working holiday), which can affect the overall cost of international travel. These measures were highlighted in SBS and other outlets as part of broader travel-cost discussions.
What this means for you:
Would you like a quick, country-specific snapshot (e.g., fees for a typical trip to Europe, Asia, or North America) and a rough total cost estimate for a family of four leaving Australia next year? I can compile a simple estimate using current PMC and common visa-fee levels.
Aussies travellers heading overseas can expect to cough up a hefty exit fee after the Federal government hiked the cost of leaving Australia — a move that has left the travel industry fuming.
thenightly.com.auDON’T CHARGE AUSSIES MORE TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS! Attention, all Australians who love to travel! Holidays could soon cost more! Three leading industry groups have sent an urgent letter to the Prime Minister, demanding the Federal Government not increase the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) in next week’s federal budget or risk damaging tourism. The Tourism & […]
ttf.org.auThe federal budget has hit tourists with a tax hike to travel overseas, imposing a $10 hike to exit fees.
www.perthnow.com.auAnyone leaving Australia will have to pay even more, after the Albanese government announced a new exit fee in Tuesday’s budget.
www.perthnow.com.auThe latest news updates and changes.
www.servicesaustralia.gov.auThe federal budget contains application fee hikes for a number of visas, while another change means the cost of an overseas holiday will increase.
www.sbs.com.auNew travel rules and fee hikes will affect travelers in Australia. EU introduces biometric registration, and fees for travel authorisations increase.
www.travelandtourworld.com