Australians planning a quick break to Bali, a family escape to Fiji or that long-promised Euro summer will have one more cost added to the suitcase in the 2026–27 Federal Budget. From 1 January 2027, the Passenger Movement Charge will rise from $70 to $80 per passenger, an increase of $10. The Budget papers confirm the charge applies to passengers leaving Australia by air or sea, unless an exemption applies. The change is expected to raise $755 million over five years.
The Passenger Movement Charge is not a new tax. Most travellers do not even notice it unless they examine the fare breakdown closely, because it is usually included in the ticket price. SBS says the charge applies to most people leaving Australia, by plane or boat. The new $80 fee will be based on the date of departure, not the date the ticket was bought.
There is some useful history to this change from the 2016–17 Budget period. The Passenger Movement Charge was also the subject of a fierce policy debate at that time, with parliamentary material noting a proposed increase of $5, from $55 to $60, associated with the working holiday maker reform package. Industry groups argued then, as they are now, that the charge was more than simple cost recovery and should be better tied to border services, airport processing and the traveller experience.
| Who feels the change? | What changes from 2027? | Why it matters |
| Families travelling overseas | A family of four may face $320 in Passenger Movement Charges | It adds to airfares, insurance, passports, accommodation and spending money |
| Business travellers | The charge becomes another fixed cost of international work travel | Small firms already watching margins may feel every extra fee |
| Tourism operators | Higher departure costs may affect travel demand and cruise competitiveness | Industry bodies have raised concerns about Australia becoming more expensive |
| Property buyers and sellers | Lifestyle costs can reduce savings capacity | A few extra costs can affect deposit goals, loan buffers and settlement confidence |
| Australians living between countries | More cross-border travel means more repeated charges | Power of Attorney and remote settlement planning become even more important |
So what does a travel tax have to do with property? Much more than people think. A first home deposit is often the result of dozens of small decisions: less dining out, delayed holidays, increased savings, careful budgeting and avoiding surprise expenses. A $10 increase might not ruin a holiday, but when it is added to more expensive airfares, insurance, fuel, health costs and everyday living pressures, it becomes part of the bigger household cash-flow story.
The link is important for sellers too. Many NSW property sales involve people travelling overseas, relocating for work, helping family overseas or managing assets from another country. Timing is important if you are leaving Australia close to settlement. Contracts, ID checks, mortgage discharge documents, signing requirements and Power of Attorney arrangements should be dealt with before the boarding call, not from a hotel lobby with bad Wi-Fi.
Julian and Renee know at Flash Conveyancing that life does not stop when you have a contract on foot. People buy while travelling, sell while moving, settle while overseas and negotiate while juggling work, family and flights. That is why clear communication, early document preparation and practical planning can make the difference between a smooth settlement and a stressful scramble.
Flash Conveyancing Advice
Tell your conveyancer early if you plan to travel during a property sale or purchase. Check signing requirements, identity checks, finance deadlines, settlement dates and whether a Power of Attorney is required. Do not jeopardise your contract over a holiday.
As travel costs rise and life gets busier, wise property planning means keeping your feet on the ground, even with your passport in your hand. Flash Conveyancing, led by Julian & Renee, helps buyers and sellers across NSW with contract reviews, sales, purchases, transfers, remote signing arrangements and settlements. With extensive experience in Blacktown, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, The Hills, Hornsby and Parramatta, and local knowledge across Acacia Gardens, Quakers Hill, Schofields, Marsden Park, The Ponds, Bella Vista, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Box Hill, Norwest, Riverstone, Seven Hills, Windsor, Winston Hills and surrounding suburbs, Flash Conveyancing offers calm guidance, clear communication and a personal touch to every property move.