Japan raises its departure tax from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen, or about 18 dollars, effective on Wednesday.

All travelers leaving the country, including Japanese citizens, pay the international tourist tax. The charge is added to the price of air, cruise and other tickets purchased from Wednesday.

The tax has generated about 50 billion yen, or 308 million dollars, a year for government coffers. The tax hike is expected to bring additional revenue of about 120 billion yen, or 739 million dollars, a year.

The government plans to use the extra revenue to tackle overtourism and other challenges caused by an increasing number of foreign tourists.

Meanwhile, the government slashes passport application fees starting Wednesday as a measure to reduce financial burdens on Japanese traveling abroad.

The amount for a 10-year passport will be reduced by 7,000 yen, or about 43 dollars.