As international travel picks up after the pandemic, Asian countries are tightening entry rules and updating tourism policies. Japan has joined Singapore, South Korea, and Bhutan with new measures to manage visitors, secure borders, and keep tourism growth sustainable. These changes are not meant to shut the door on travellers. Instead, governments say the steps are necessary to deal with overtourism, infrastructure pressure and rising concerns around border security and misuse of travel systems.
Japan steps up controls alongside new tourism rules
Japan, one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, is preparing a series of policy changes starting in 2026. Along with new tourist taxes in cities such as Kyoto, Sapporo and Sendai, the country is strengthening systems that monitor travellers and regulate spending.
One key change involves Japan’s tax-free shopping scheme. From November 2026, foreign visitors will no longer be exempt from paying consumption tax at the point of sale. Instead, now travellers will need to claim refunds at airport counters before leaving the country. Officials say this move will help prevent abuse of the system and improve compliance.
Japan is also planning to increase its international departure tax from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen. The fee, included in air and cruise tickets, will be used to fund crowd control, multilingual signage and regional tourism infrastructure.
While Japan is not introducing pre-boarding bans like Singapore, officials say tighter data checks and documentation scrutiny will become more common as visitor numbers continue to rise.
Singapore blocks travellers before they board
Singapore has taken one of the strongest stances on border security. From January 30, 2026, the city-state will implement a No-Boarding Directive system. Under this rule, immigration authorities can instruct airlines to deny boarding to passengers who are considered ineligible, lack proper visas or fail to meet passport requirements.
Currently, such travellers are often flagged only after arrival. The new approach stops them from boarding flights altogether. Airlines that fail to comply face heavy fines, while staff who knowingly allow barred passengers to board could face legal consequences.
Singaporean authorities say the goal is to prevent security threats from reaching the country, rather than dealing with them at immigration counters.
South Korea extends entry relief, but with conditions
South Korea has taken a more balanced approach. While maintaining strict digital screening systems, the government has extended its exemption from the Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) until December 31, 2026, for travellers from 67 countries.
Travellers can still apply for K-ETA voluntarily to enjoy faster entry processes, but the application fee applies.
Officials have indicated that while entry remains relaxed for now, digital authorisation and monitoring will play a bigger role in the future.
Bhutan continues strict but clear rules
One of Asia’s most carefully managed tourist destinations, Bhutan has this rule where international visitors pay a US$100 Sustainable Development Fee per night, which helps limit tourist numbers and funds healthcare, education, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. Authorities say the model ensures that tourism benefits local communities while protecting Bhutan’s fragile ecosystem and heritage.
Why Asian countries are tightening rules
The surge in post-pandemic travel has brought new challenges. Popular cities are struggling with overcrowding, rising costs for residents and strain on transport and public services.
What travellers should do
Travellers planning trips to Japan, Singapore, South Korea or Bhutan after 2026 should prepare for higher costs, stricter document checks and new procedures at airports.
