As high as 228 euros: a full list of countries in which tourists have to pay entry fees

More and more often, countries that are in high demand among travelers are resorting to the introduction of a tourist tax. The fact is that an excessive number of tourists has a negative impact, in particular, on the lives of the residents of these countries. For example, real estate becomes unaffordable because landlords buy out vacation homes. Meanwhile, the authorities are trying to deal with the garbage left behind by tourists, and pollution is leading to a climate crisis. Thus, tourist taxes have become one of the solutions that certain destinations are relying on.

Travelers have to pay such taxes in addition to the usual expenses, such as accommodation and meals. Of course, this is not a new concept. If you've traveled abroad, you've likely paid a tourist tax before. You may have never even noticed it, as it is sometimes included in the price of airline tickets or in the taxes you pay at the hotel. The Euronews Travel service has published a list of all the destinations that will be subject to a tourist tax in 2024.

Barcelona has raised its tourist tax (again)

In 2022, city officials announced that Barcelona's tourist tax would be increased over the next two years. Since 2012, visitors to the Catalan capital have been required to pay both a regional tourist tax and an additional citywide fee. On April 1, 2023, the city authorities increased the municipal tax to 2.75 euros. The second increase took place on April 1, 2024 when the fee rose to 3.25 euros. The tax applies to visitors staying at official tourist sites. The proceeds will be used to finance urban infrastructure, including improvements to roads, bus services, and escalators.

Portimão, Portugal, introduced a tourist tax in March 2024

Portimão followed in the footsteps of neighboring cities by introducing a tourist tax in March. The port city in Portugal's Algarve region will vary the tax depending on the high and low season, setting it at €2 per night from April to October and €1 per night from November to March.

The Portuguese fishing town of Olhão, popular with tourists, also started charging visitors 2 euros per night from April to October last year. In the period from November to March, the tax is reduced to 1 euro. It does not apply to children under the age of 16 and is limited to five nights, i.e. a maximum of €10 per trip. These fees are used to minimize the impact of tourism on Algarve cities, including to improve cleanliness, safety and sustainability. Two of the 16 municipalities in the Algarve already levy a tourist tax: Faro (€1.5 per night for up to seven nights between March and October) and Vila Real de Santo António (€1 per day for up to seven days).

Bali introduced a tourist tax in February 2024

Bali attracts visitors from all over the world with its beaches, islands, and spiritual culture. But as we have already found out, tourism also means problems, and Bali hopes to solve some of them with a new tax that must be paid to enter the country. Starting February 14, 2024, international and domestic tourists will have to pay a fee of 150,000 rupiah (€8.80).

The tax will have to be paid at special cash desks at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. The authorities claim that the process takes less than 30 seconds. According to them, the proceeds go to projects that "preserve the environment, nature, and culture, as well as improve the quality" of Bali.

Tourist tax in Venice

Venice's tourist tax has been the subject of much debate and delay. The city in Italy is one of the most visited by tourists in Europe, which forces locals out of the narrow and crowded streets of the center. It is now confirmed that an entrance fee will be introduced in the lagoon city by the end of 2024. Visitors will have to pay 5 euros for entry on peak weekends and other days from April to mid-July, for a total of 29 days. During peak hours (from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), a one-day rate will be in effect, meaning that visitors who come to Venice for dinner or a concert will not pay an entrance fee.

The tax aims to reduce crowding, encourage longer visits, and improve the quality of life for city residents. Revenues from entrance fees will be used for services that help city residents, such as maintenance, cleaning, and reducing living costs.

Austria

In Austria, you pay an overnight tax that varies depending on which province you are in. In Vienna or Salzburg, you will pay an additional 3.02% to your hotel bill per person.

Belgium

In Belgium, hotels are also charged a tourist tax for each night of your stay. Sometimes this fee is included in the room rate, but some hotels separate it out and make it an additional charge, so you need to check your bill carefully. In Antwerp and Bruges, the fee is charged per room. In Brussels, the price varies depending on the size and rating of the hotel. In general, it is about €7.50.

Bhutan

While most countries have tourist fees that do not exceed €20, the tax in Bhutan is sky-high. The minimum daily fee for most foreigners is $250 (€228) per person per day in high season and slightly less in low season. Still, it covers a lot of things, including accommodation, transportation in the country, a guide, meals and entrance fees.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria applies a tourist tax for overnight stays. It is very low and varies depending on the area and classification of the hotel. It may be up to about 1.50 euros.

Caribbean Islands

On most Caribbean islands, a tourist tax is added to the cost of hotel accommodation or to the check-out fee. The fee ranges from 13 euros in the Bahamas to 45 euros in Antigua and Barbuda.

Croatia

Croatia increased its tourist tax in 2019. However, the increased rate only applies during the peak season in summer. Visitors pay about 10 kuna (€1.33) per person per night.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, you only need to pay a tourist tax when visiting the capital, Prague. It is small (less than 1 euro) and is paid per person, per night, up to 60 nights. The tax does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

France increases tourist tax in Paris due to the 2024 Olympics

France has a tax on accommodation (taxe de séjour). It is added to the hotel bill and varies depending on which city you are in. Rates range from €0.20 to about €4 per person per night. Tourist centers such as Paris and Lyon use this money to maintain tourist infrastructure.

In the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games, the tourist tax on hotel rooms increased by 200 percent starting in January 2024. Depending on the type of accommodation, the fee ranges from 0.75 to 15 euros per night.

Germany

In Germany, there is a so-called "culture tax" ("kulturförderabgabe"), as well as a "bed tax" ("bettensteuer") in cities such as Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin. This fee is about 5 percent of your hotel bill.

Greece

The tourist tax in Greece is based on the number of hotel stars or the number of rooms you rent. It can be up to 4 euros per room. The tax was introduced by the Greek Ministry of Tourism to help reduce the country's debt.

Hungary

The tourist tax in Hungary is applied only in Budapest. Travelers must pay an additional 4% each night based on the price of their room.

Italy

Tourist taxes in Italy depend on where you are. In Sicily, they range from €1 to €3 per night. In Rome, they range from €3 to €7 per night depending on the type of room. Some smaller cities charge more.

Japan

In Japan, this comes in the form of an exit tax. Visitors to Japan pay 1000 yen (about 8 euros) when they leave the country. The official tourism website claims that this small tax has a "significant impact" on the country's economy.

Malaysia

The tourist tax in Malaysia has a flat rate and is charged for each night of stay. It is no more than 4 euros per night.

New Zealand

Many tourists, people on vacation, and some students and workers coming to New Zealand have to pay the International Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) upon arrival. It is 35 New Zealand dollars, which is about 21 euros. People from Australia are exempt from this fee.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has a land-based tourist tax and a water-based tourist tax. In Amsterdam, it is currently 7% of the hotel room rate. It is called "toeristenbelasting." In 2024, the tourist tax will increase to 12.5%, making it the highest in Europe. It will apply to both cruise passengers and overnight visitors.

Portugal

Portugal's low tourist tax is paid per person per night and applies only to guests who are 13 years of age or older. It amounts to about 2 euros and is currently applied in 13 of Portugal's 308 municipalities, including the cities of Porto, Lisbon, and Faro. You only need to pay for the first seven days of your stay.

Slovenia

The tourist tax in Slovenia varies depending on the location and rating of the hotel. It is slightly higher in large cities and resort towns, including Ljubljana and Bled, which is about €3.

Spain

If you are traveling to Ibiza or Mallorca, you will have to pay a tourist tax. This is a fee for the sustainable development of tourism, which applies to vacations on the Balearic Islands of Spain (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera), and also applies to every vacationer over the age of 16. In high season, the tax can reach 4 euros per night.

Switzerland

The tourist tax in Switzerland varies depending on the location. Its cost is calculated per night and per person and is about 2.20 euros. Accommodation prices usually do not include the tourist tax. It is indicated as a separate amount to make it easier to track. And this only applies to stays of up to 40 days.

USA

Hotel tax, or lodging tax for travelers who rent accommodation, is levied in most of the United States. It is also called a lodging tax. These fees apply to hotels, hostels, and motels. The highest rate is reportedly paid in Houston, where the tax is 17% of your hotel bill.

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