Live updates on visa rules, scam alerts, customs changes, and safety notices. Updated as news breaks.
Japan's International Tourist Tax ("Sayonara Tax") rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person for anyone leaving the country by air or sea on or after July 1, 2026.
Source: Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Nagano Prefecture (plus Matsumoto, Karuizawa, Achi and Hakuba), along with Kumamoto City and Miyazaki City, began charging new per-night lodging taxes on hotel and ryokan stays starting June 2026.
Source: Japan Tourism Agency / regional governments
Japan's consumption tax refund system for tourists is now entirely digital. Physical passport presentation is mandatory — no copies or photos accepted.
Source: Japan Tax Agency
Bali implemented a mandatory tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (~$10 USD) per foreign visitor. The fee is separate from visa costs.
Source: Bali Provincial Government
Updates added as news breaks. Report a scam or rule change →