Several Southeast Asian countries are introducing or maintaining tourism taxes in 2026 to fund sustainable practices and infrastructure. Thailand will levy a 300-baht entry fee on foreign visitors starting February, while Bali requires a one-time IDR 150,000 payment. Malaysia applies a nightly room tax, and Vietnam has no specific entry fee but ongoing tax discussions.
In 2026, tourism policies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are evolving with new fees aimed at supporting sustainable development. Thailand's government has approved a 300-baht levy, equivalent to about USD 8-10, for nearly all foreign visitors arriving by air, land, or sea. This fee, effective from February 2026, allocates around 70 baht per person toward visitor insurance coverage upon arrival, with the rest funding enhancements to public amenities, safety systems, and infrastructure in tourist areas. Details on collection at borders and airports were being finalized in early 2026.
On Indonesia's Bali island, the tourism levy remains at IDR 150,000, or roughly USD 10, per foreign tourist for each visit. This one-time payment can be made online via the Love Bali portal or at entry points like airports, providing a digital voucher or QR code as proof. The funds support environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and improvements in areas such as Ubud, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, helping manage the impact of growing visitor numbers.
Malaysia focuses on accommodation with its Tourism Tax of RM10 per room per night for foreign passport holders staying in paid lodging nationwide. Collected by hotels or booking platforms at check-in or reservation, this fee applies regardless of property type and aids marketing efforts and infrastructure in destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi. Malaysian citizens and residents are exempt.
Vietnam, as of March 2026, lacks a dedicated tourist entry tax but applies standard value-added tax and other service fees. Discussions continue on potential reforms to balance tourism growth with sustainability.
These measures reflect a regional push to fund tourism while addressing overtourism. Travelers should account for these costs in budgets for trips to these destinations.
