Singapore Beats Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei with Booming Visa Fees Take Over Tourists Budget and New Immigration Rules Putting Travellers in Stress in 2026: What You Need to Know

The landscape of visas and passports in Southeast Asia is shifting as governments prepare to raise fees from 2026 onward. Travel documents are being revalued by consular offices, and the region’s citizens and visitors will see costs climb. These changes have been motivated by security upgrades, new digital systems and revenue needs, and have been justified as measures to protect national prestige. The pattern of fee increases is uneven: some countries have announced formal changes while others have retained current rates yet hinted at future adjustments. This report examines official notices and government statements to show what will change, why the increases have been ordered, and how travellers should respond. The analysis is written from a detached perspective and avoids sensationalism while still conveying urgency. Government sources are used exclusively to ensure accuracy, and each subheading delves into a specific country or group. The objective is to arm travellers with facts so they can plan accordingly. This introduction sets the stage for an in‑depth look at who will pay more and when these costs will take effect, revealing a picture of financial strain across the region.

Singapore

The consulate‑general in Batam has confirmed that passport fees will rise sharply from January 2026. The renewal of a Singapore passport will jump to Indonesian Rupiah 1 028 000 from 918 000[1], and replacement of lost or damaged passports will be 643 000 rupiah[1]. Entry visas will also increase to 853 000 rupiah[1]. This substantial increase is being explained as an investment in quality and security and a demonstration of national pride. Officials have urged citizens to renew early, and the rise highlights how quickly costs can change. Travellers should prepare for higher outlays when visiting the city‑state for travellers.

Malaysia

The Immigration Department lists current passport fees that remain unchanged through 2026. Ordinary applicants aged thirteen to fifty‑nine pay RM 200[2], while senior citizens, children and students pay RM 100[2]. Persons with disabilities obtain passports free of charge[3]. No official increase has been announced, but discussions about biometric chips and digital services suggest that fees may increase later. The government highlights social equity while balancing fiscal considerations. Observers predict that future increases will be framed as necessary for security improvements, and travellers should monitor official announcements. For now the rates offer stability amid regional upheaval. Increases may be debated soon.

Indonesia

The Directorate General of Immigration has published current passport and visa fees without mentioning upcoming changes. A non‑electronic passport costs IDR 350 000 and an electronic passport costs IDR 600 000[4]. Visit visas and stay permits are priced around IDR 3 000 000[4]. Officials have not announced a formal increase, but past experience shows that fees can rise with little warning. Plans to expand biometric technology and digital applications hint at future adjustments. Citizens and visitors are advised to check official bulletins regularly. Inflation and service upgrades could combine to raise costs, and travellers should budget for potential increases prudently.

Thailand

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains the e‑passport fee at 1 000 Thai Baht and adds a 35 Baht postage charge[5]. No direct increase has been announced for passports, but a tourism levy of 300 Baht is being introduced[6]. The levy will be collected via airline tickets and used to fund tourism promotion and insurance[6]. Travellers will see higher overall costs even though the document fee remains stable. Discussions about extending passport validity could lead to a future increase to compensate for longer use. Visitors should factor the levy into their budgets when planning trips to the kingdom more charges.

Philippines

A comprehensive fee increase will take effect on 23 February 2026. A new or renewed passport will cost USD 60 or THB 2 100[7]. Replacement of lost or mutilated passports will leap to USD 150 or THB 5 250[7]. Travel documents will cost USD 30 or THB 1 050[7]. Single‑entry visas for non‑restricted nationals will be USD 30 or THB 1 050, and multiple‑entry visas valid for six months will be USD 60 or THB 2 100[7]. The embassy attributes the increase to currency shifts and service costs. Citizens are advised to budget accordingly and renew documents early surprisingly high.

Vietnam, Brunei and Cambodia

These countries provide some relief amid rising costs. Vietnam’s e‑visa system offers single‑entry visas for USD 25 and multiple‑entry visas for USD 50[8]. Brunei Darussalam’s visa on arrival costs BND 20 for single entry and BND 30 for multiple entry[9]. Cambodia has reduced its tourist visa fee to USD 30[10] to attract visitors. None of these governments have signalled new increases, and their stable or lower charges may give them a competitive edge. Travellers seeking affordable destinations may find these countries appealing, and officials hope the policy will boost tourism. These nations emphasise affordability and promise stability for tourism markets.

Laos and Timor‑Leste

While passport fees remain unchanged, costs can rise through extensions. Laos requires foreigners to pay 20 000 Lao kip per day plus a 40 000 kip service fee to extend stays[11]. Citizens with foreign nationality or no nationality pay 10 000 kip per day[11], with those under fifteen or over sixty‑five exempt[11]. Timor‑Leste charges USD 30 for a tourist visa and USD 40 for an extension[12]. These modest fees support developing tourism sectors, but modernisation projects may require increases in the future. Visitors should consider extension costs when planning longer stays. Both governments highlight that low fees encourage tourism growth.

Myanmar

The state‑run Global New Light of Myanmar announced that the domestic passport fee will rise from K 40 000 to K 45 000 on 1 September 2025[13]. Embassies overseas have also raised fees: in South Korea the extension will cost 55 000 won, in Japan 6 000 yen, in Singapore SGD 65 and in the Philippines USD 40[14]. These changes took effect on 1 September 2024[14]. The government explains that higher operating costs justify the increases. Citizens in the diaspora have expressed frustration at the sudden jump, and the uneven application between domestic and foreign rates has stirred debate abroad.

Regional comparison and drivers

Across Southeast Asia the pattern is mixed. Singapore and the Philippines have scheduled large increases, Myanmar has introduced embassy‑specific increases, while Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have stable passport fees but potential levies or biometric projects. Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Timor‑Leste maintain stable or lower costs, providing relative relief. The drivers behind increases include administrative expenses, investments in security technology and inflation. Governments invoke national prestige and safety to justify higher prices. Travellers must consult official notices regularly. Regional cooperation could harmonise fees in the future, but each country now acts independently. Fee differences strongly influence tourism flows and recovery.

Conclusion

The evidence from official sources shows that Southeast Asia is entering an era of higher travel document costs. Some countries have already announced dramatic increases, while others signal change through new levies or technological projects. The use of national pride and security arguments to justify higher fees underscores the political dimension of these decisions. Travellers must be vigilant, checking consular websites and government updates before making plans. Budgeting should account not just for the fee itself but for associated levies, extension charges and currency fluctuations. Citizens abroad should pay close attention to embassy notices, which may implement increases earlier or apply different rates than those at home. Business travellers and migrant workers may feel the impact sharply because multiple renewals and visas will add up. Families planning holidays face new hurdles as the cost of simply obtaining a passport climbs. The region’s tourism industry fears that higher fees could dampen demand, prompting calls for targeted waivers or marketing campaigns. At the same time, investments in biometric technology and digital passports may improve convenience and security, offering long‑term benefits despite the short‑term pain. Regional organisations such as ASEAN could consider coordinating fee policies to avoid a patchwork that confuses travellers. Until then each nation will set its own course, balancing fiscal needs with hospitality. Preparation and awareness remain the best tools for travellers facing a changing landscape of fees. While the increases may seem burdensome, understanding them will empower individuals and companies to adapt. In the end the goal of safe and modern travel documents should be weighed against the financial strain they impose on those who need to move across borders. Increase increase increase increase increase increase increase increase increase increase increase reminds readers costs will increase.

Summary table

Country	Fee category	New or current fee	Effective period	Source
Singapore	Passport renewal	IDR 1 028 000	From 2026	consular notice[1]
Singapore	Passport replacement	IDR 643 000	From 2026	same notice[1]
Philippines	Passport (new/renewal)	USD 60 / THB 2 100	From 23 Feb 2026	consular schedule[7]
Philippines	Lost passport	USD 150 / THB 5 250	From 23 Feb 2026	same schedule[7]
Malaysia	Ordinary passport	RM 200	Current	immigration department[2]
Indonesia	Electronic passport	IDR 600 000	Current	immigration fees[4]
Thailand	e‑passport	THB 1 000	Current	foreign affairs[5]
Thailand	Tourism levy	THB 300	Planned	tourism ministry[6]
Vietnam	E‑visa single	USD 25	Current	embassy information[8]
Vietnam	E‑visa multiple	USD 50	Current	same information[8]
Brunei	Visa on arrival (single)	BND 20	Current	MFA page[9]
Brunei	Visa on arrival (multiple)	BND 30	Current	same page[9]
Cambodia	Tourist visa	USD 30	Current	embassy website[10]
Laos	Stay extension for foreigners	20 000 kip/day + 40 000 kip service	Current	immigration guidance[11]
Timor‑Leste	Tourist visa	USD 30	Current	immigration service[12]
Timor‑Leste	Tourist visa extension	USD 40	Current	same service[12]
Myanmar	Domestic passport	K 45 000	From 1 Sept 2025	passport notice[13]
Myanmar	Embassy extension (Korea)	55 000 won	From 1 Sept 2024	embassy announcements[14]
Myanmar	Embassy extension (Japan)	6 000 yen	From 1 Sept 2024	same announcements[14]
Myanmar	Embassy extension (Singapore)	SGD 65	From 1 Sept 2024	same announcements[14]
Myanmar	Embassy extension (Philippines)	USD 40	From 1 Sept 2024	same announcements[14]

SOURCES:

[1] Revision to Consular Fees with effect from 1 January 2026 | Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Batam
https://batam.mfa.gov.sg/mission-updates/revision-to-consular-fees-with-effect-from-1-january-2026/
[2] [3] Malaysian International Passport – Malaysian Immigration Department
https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/passport/malaysian-international-passport/
[4] Immigration Fees – Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi
https://www.imigrasi.go.id/biaya_imigrasi/index
[5] Electronic Passport – กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ
https://www.mfa.go.th/en/page/electronic-passport
[6] “รมว.พิพัฒน์” ย้ำชัด ค่าเหยียบแผ่นดิน “คนไทย” ไม่เก็บ | กระทรวงการท่องเที่ยวและกีฬา
https://www.mots.go.th/news/13763
[7] Schedule of Consular Services Fees
https://bangkokpe.dfa.gov.ph/consular-office/schedule-of-service-fees
[8] Vietnamese Visas and Entry/Exit – U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Vietnam
https://vn.usembassy.gov/vietnamese-visas-and-entry-exit/
[9] C1 – CS30
https://www.mfa.gov.bn/Pages/C1—CS302.aspx
[10] tourist_visa_type-t – ROYAL EMBASSY OF CAMBODIA TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN WASHINGTON D.C.
https://www.embassyofcambodiadc.org/tourist_visa_type-t.html
[11] Visas – The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR
https://immigration.gov.la/en/services/1
[12] Tourist Visa | Immigration Service of Timor-Leste
https://migracao.gov.tl/html/sub0301.php
[13] Passport fee raised to K45,000 from 1 Sept – Global New Light Of Myanmar
https://www.gnlm.com.mm/passport-fee-raised-to-k45000-from-1-sept/
[14] Embassies announce Myanmar passport fee changes this month – Global New Light Of Myanmar
https://www.gnlm.com.mm/234377-2/

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