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.auHere’s what’s notable right now about Australians traveling overseas and any associated fee changes:
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Australia has recently updated the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC), which is the exit tax levied on travelers leaving the country by air or sea. Reports indicate a hike to the PMC, with early 2026 coverage noting an increase of around $10, taking the total to about $80 for departures. This change is part of the federal budget measures and applies regardless of citizenship status or return intentions. The change includes a transition arrangement for passengers who already hold tickets. This is the most widely reported overseas-travel fee change currently in effect or set to take effect in the near term. [news coverage from May 2026 reports this exit-fee increase].[1][3]
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Some sources trace the PMC increase back to mid-2020s budget updates, including a prior step-up to $70 in 2024, with further inflation-aligned adjustments continuing afterward. While earlier figures are sometimes cited, the latest widely cited figure in May 2026 coverage is the $80 exit/PMC upon departure. If you’re planning travel soon, verify the exact amount for your departure date and whether any transition rules apply to your ticket. [industry summaries and traveler-focused outlets discuss the progression and rationale].[2][5]
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For travelers heading to Europe or other regions, there are additional potential costs related to visa or travel-authorization schemes (e.g., ETIAS-related fees for EU travel, ESTA-like increases in other jurisdictions). These are separate from the Australian PMC but can influence overall trip cost if you’re considering multiple destinations. If you’re planning a multi-country itinerary, it’s worth factoring in any anticipated regional travel-authorization fees in addition to Australia’s PMC increase. [EU ETIAS context and related notes include in recent travel coverage].[6]
Practical tips
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Check your departure date and apply the PMC correctly: some carriers and booking platforms may reflect the new amount, while others use the date of departure to determine the charge. If your ticket is already purchased, you may benefit from a transitional rule depending on your departure date. Confirm with your airline or travel agent for the exact PMC at checkout. [exit-fee transition details are commonly highlighted by travel outlets].[3]
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If you’re budgeting a trip, add around 10 extra USD in the total PMC amount to account for year-over-year inflation or small administrative adjustments, and verify the exact figure with official sources or your carrier. The updated charge is designed to be inflation-aligned, according to budget notes. [budget summaries and industry commentary discuss inflation alignment].[2]
Would you like me to pull the latest official government wording or airline notices for your specific travel dates and origin-destination pair? I can also estimate total trip costs including the PMC for your Paris-based planning.