Japan to Raise Tourist Fees and Revamp Visitor Policies in 2026
Japan is set to raise visa charges, departure levies and tax-free shopping rules in 2026 as travel demand surges and authorities shift toward sustainable tourism.
Overtourism refers to the excessive growth of tourism in a destination, resulting in strain on infrastructure, natural resources, and cultural heritage. It often manifests in overcrowded attractions, rising costs of living for residents, and environmental degradation. Cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik, as well as natural sites such as national parks, have become well-known examples. While tourism brings economic benefits, overtourism highlights the challenges of balancing visitor demand with sustainability and quality of life for local communities. Efforts to address overtourism include visitor caps, seasonal travel promotion, and the development of sustainable tourism policies.
Japan is set to raise visa charges, departure levies and tax-free shopping rules in 2026 as travel demand surges and authorities shift toward sustainable tourism.
Starting March 2026, Kyoto will implement Japan’s highest-ever hotel tax to combat overtourism and protect the city’s cultural heritage.
Tenerife has introduced a new eco-tax as record-breaking tourism numbers put growing pressure on the Canary Islands’ environment and local communities.
Venice will reimpose its daytripper fee in 2026 on selected Fridays to Sundays during April through July, extending the number of fee-days and reinforcing measures to manage overtourism.
Spain has withdrawn 53,000 illegal tourist flats from official registers as part of a crackdown aimed at reducing overtourism and strengthening the permanent rental market in cities and tourist regions.
Overtourism remains a challenge in Venice as the city’s expanded day-tripper fee raised over €5 million in 2025, sparking debate over whether it truly curbed crowds or just generated revenue.
Spain’s tourism is booming – but September is now as busy and costly as the summer. Hotel prices, tourist spending, and holiday habits have shifted, erasing the traditional ‘bargain’ phase.
Paris’s Montmartre neighborhood is facing a backlash from residents amid overtourism. Once a bohemian enclave, the area is now overrun by selfie lines, souvenir stalls, and short-stay rentals – prompting calls for urgent action to preserve its character.
European hot spots including Italy, Spain, and Greece are rolling out aggressive anti-overtourism measures – ranging from reservation-only beaches and short-term rental bans to cruise caps and digital border systems – to protect local life and heritage amid surging visitor numbers.
Starting in 2027, New Zealand will require foreign visitors to pay a fee – ranging from NZ$20 to NZ$40 – at four of its most visited conservation sites, reinvesting the revenue in maintenance, infrastructure, and boosting local communities.