Latest News About Australia Passenger Movement Charge Increase

Updated 2026-05-15 13:05

Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting and official updates.

Core answer

The Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) in Australia has been raised to 80 AUD for departures starting January 2027, up from 70 AUD. This is part of the budget measures announced by the government and is expected to raise additional revenue over the next five years.[2][3][5]

Context and key details

Timeline:
- Existing rate: 70 AUD per passenger.
- Increase: 10 AUD, effective January 1, 2027 for everyone departing Australia on international flights or sea transport.[5][2]
Rationale and impact:
- Government budget documents frame the increase as broadly in line with inflation and aimed at raising additional revenue from departures. Industry groups have criticized the move as a potential drag on travel demand and Australia’s tourism recovery.[3][4][2]
Revenue expectations:
- The government projects substantial additional revenue over five years (various estimates cite around several hundred million AUD in incremental revenue; one source notes up to around 755 million AUD over five years). Exact figures vary by source and projection window.[2][5]
Industry response:
- Travel industry bodies and cruise lines have expressed disappointment, arguing the higher exit fee could dampen travel and cruise tourism to Australia.[9][2]

Notes on sources

Official measure and budget context: government communications and budget material discussing PMC adjustments and inflation alignment.[3]
Media reporting summarizing the 2027 increase to 80 AUD and stakeholder reactions.[5][9][2]
Additional background on the PMC history and purpose (information on the nature of the charge).[8]

Illustration (example)

A simple depiction: Departure PMC evolution
- 1995: PMC introduced (low initial rate)
- 2017: prior increase
- 2024: PMC raised from 60 to 70
- 2027: PMC raised from 70 to 80 This progression helps show inflation-aligned adjustments over time.[4][3]

Would you like a brief one-page summary for travelers, or a quick comparison table showing PMC against similar charges in other countries? I can tailor the output for travel planning, economics, or policy audiences. Citations correspond to the sources above.

Sources

Cruise Lines Say Chalmers' Budget Another Blow To The Campaign To Win More Cruise Ships For Australia - Cruise Passenger

Cruise lines are disappointed at the Treasurer Jim Chalmers' budget increase of the Passenger Movement Charge. CLIA points out the it won't help Australia's attempts to persuade cruise lines to send more ships to the region.

cruisepassenger.com.au

‘Shocker’: Outrage as travellers slugged with exit fee hike

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.

www.perthnow.com.au

Increasing the Passenger Movement Charge

Improve the administration of the Passenger Movement Charge. The Government will increase the Passenger Movement Charge from 1 July 2024 by $10 from $60 to $70 per passenger. The Passenger Movement Charge is a charge levied on passengers departing Australia on international flights or sea transport, irrespective of a passenger's intention to return to Australia. The Passenger Movement Charge was last increased in 2017, and the increase is broadly in line with inflation.

structure.gov.au

You'll Soon Pay More to Leave Australia

The Australian government will increase the Passenger Movement Charge payable when departing Australia to $70 from 1 July 2024.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

A travel charge most Australians don't know they pay is rising again

The budget included a further increase on a long-standing hidden tax affecting Australian travellers.

www.sbs.com.au

Travel Daily | TD breaking news - Government raises Passenger Movement Charge to $70

Tax on travel and tourism increases 16%, boosting overall revenue to almost $1.4 billion annually. Federal...

traveldaily.com.au

| Passenger Movement Charge increase will see an extra ...

Budget announcement of $10 hike in Passenger Movement Charge(PMC) disappointing given Travel still on cusp of recovery Increased PMC at $70 for everyone leaving Australia means $1.3Bn generated in total PMC revenue in 24/25 ($420M of which to be spent on Border Management) Growing tax receipts through increased travelling and traveller numbers would have been a better and fairer outcome

atia.travel

Australia Passenger Movement Charge Increase lifts exit fee to $80 in 2027 — Mogaz

Australians and overseas visitors leaving the country will pay $80 in exit fees from 1 January 2027, after the federal government lifted the passenger movement charge by $10 in Tuesday night’s budget. The charge, which applies to departures by air or sea, is paid by almost everyone leaving Australia. The increase means the levy will rise from $70 to $80, an extra 14.29 per cent on top of the current fee. For a family heading overseas after the new rate takes effect, the cost will be immediate:...

Latest News About Australia Passenger Movement Charge Increase

Sources

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