Thailand And South Korea Joins China, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, And More Countries In Facing Tough Travel Challenges As Japan Raises Departure Tax To Three Thousand Yen

Published on December 11, 2025

Thailand And South Korea Join China, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, And More Countries As Japan’s 3,000 Yen Travel Fee Sets The Stage For Economic Impact Across Asia. The recent decision by Japan to raise its international travel tax to 3,000 yen, effective from fiscal year 2026, is expected to significantly affect travelers from across Asia. This move, aimed at tackling overtourism and improving the visitor experience, will place an additional burden on tourists from countries with high outbound traffic to Japan, including Thailand, South Korea, China, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. As a result, this new tax could reshape travel dynamics, influencing travel budgets and overall tourism flows across the region.

Japan, a global tourism hub, is set to impose a new travel tax, which will increase the international exit tax from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen starting in fiscal year 2026. This decision is expected to have significant implications for travelers from various Asian countries. The move comes as Japan continues its battle with overtourism, aiming to reduce the strain on tourist spots and increase sustainability in the industry.

With this rise in the travel tax, Japan has sparked concerns among countries whose citizens frequently travel to Japan. Thailand, South Korea, China, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia are among the nations most affected by this hike. Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind this tax increase, its potential impact on the tourism sector, and how it might affect travelers from these Asian nations.

Understanding Japan’s Travel Tax Increase

Japan’s international tourism tax, formally known as the “departure tax,” was first introduced in 2019 as a means to fund improvements in the nation’s tourism infrastructure. Initially set at 1,000 yen, the tax was collected from departing international travelers on top of their airline ticket prices. The move was aimed at addressing the issues stemming from overtourism and improving the overall visitor experience. The funds raised have been used to enhance Japan’s tourism-related infrastructure, including transport and tourist services, while also addressing environmental concerns and sustainability.

However, the recent proposal to raise the departure tax to 3,000 yen, effective from fiscal 2026, comes amid an ongoing surge in foreign visitors to Japan. The increase aims to fund measures to tackle congestion and nuisances at popular tourist destinations across the country, such as Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo. The increase in the levy will apply to all departing passengers, regardless of nationality.

The Impact on Travelers Across Asia

Japan’s decision to increase the departure tax is expected to affect tourists from across Asia, especially from countries with high outbound travel to Japan. The increase in the levy could add a significant cost to travelers’ expenses, particularly those visiting multiple times or for long stays. Thailand and South Korea, along with other neighboring countries, are among the largest contributors to the inflow of foreign tourists into Japan.

Below is a table listing the countries in Asia that are expected to be affected by the hike in Japan’s travel tax.

Why Japan Is Raising the Tax

Japan’s move to raise the departure tax is driven by its ongoing efforts to manage the negative effects of overtourism. Popular tourist destinations in Japan have been experiencing overcrowding, which diminishes the overall visitor experience and strains local resources. In response, the government has been seeking new ways to regulate the flow of tourists and make the tourism experience more enjoyable and sustainable for both visitors and locals.

The increase in the tax will help fund initiatives aimed at improving the infrastructure at major tourist attractions, enhancing the quality of services for international visitors, and mitigating the environmental impact of mass tourism. This includes better waste management, crowd control measures, and increased support for regions outside of the traditional tourist hubs like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Japan’s tourism sector has seen exponential growth in recent years. In fiscal 2024, the tax generated over 52.5 billion yen in revenue, a record high, thanks to a surge in foreign visitors. With the new tax hike, Japan plans to further enhance its offerings, making sure that the country remains an attractive and sustainable destination for future generations.

Consequences for Asian Travelers

For travelers from Asian countries, this increase in the exit tax could add up over time, especially for frequent visitors to Japan. Many tourists from Thailand, South Korea, China, Singapore, and other Asian nations tend to visit Japan for short trips, cultural experiences, or medical tourism. With the new tax in place, the overall cost of these trips will rise, making Japan a more expensive destination.

Travel agencies and tour operators may also need to revise their offerings and pricing strategies in response to the new tax. The increased cost could lead some travelers to reconsider their travel plans or opt for alternative destinations that may be more affordable.

Furthermore, the increase in the exit tax could influence the flow of travelers between Japan and neighboring countries. Countries that share closer economic and cultural ties with Japan, such as South Korea, China, and Thailand, may see some travelers shift to other destinations in Asia, where taxes and travel costs are lower.

Potential Benefits for Japan

While the increase in the tax may be seen as an inconvenience for travelers, Japan is positioning this measure as a long-term strategy to enhance its tourism industry. The additional revenue generated will help Japan maintain and expand its infrastructure, ensuring that the country remains an attractive destination for international visitors. By addressing overtourism, the government hopes to improve the quality of life for both locals and tourists, ultimately making the country a more sustainable and enjoyable place to visit.

Japan’s decision to raise the departure tax to 3,000 yen reflects its growing concerns over the pressures of overtourism and the need for sustainable tourism management. While this will undoubtedly impact travelers from countries like Thailand, South Korea, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and others, it is a crucial step for Japan to ensure that its tourism sector remains healthy and well-managed for years to come.

For travelers, this means factoring the new tax into their travel budgets and considering how it might affect their future plans to visit Japan. However, Japan’s commitment to using these funds to enhance its tourism offerings and infrastructure provides a hopeful outlook for the future of Japanese tourism, benefiting both tourists and locals alike.

Thailand And South Korea Joins China, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, And More Countries As Japan’s 3,000 Yen Travel Fee Sets The Stage For Economic Impact Across Asia. Japan’s decision to raise its travel tax to 3,000 yen, starting in 2026, will affect travelers from major Asian countries, increasing travel costs and potentially impacting tourism flows across the region.

As Japan continues to evolve its tourism strategy, travelers will need to stay informed about the changes and how they impact travel costs. The new travel tax is a significant development in Japan’s journey toward a more sustainable and enjoyable tourism landscape.