Traveler numbers have rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels this year, supporting tourism hotspots that have lost out during COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns.
But some popular destinations are already worried that overtourism problems will return.
As a result, some have resorted to introducing a “tourist tax” in 2022 and others are planning to introduce one next year.
But many places already have tourist taxes in place and if you’ve traveled abroad you’ve probably paid one before. You may never have noticed it, as it sometimes carries over to airline tickets or the taxes you pay at your hotel.
We’ve done all the research for you, so here’s everything you need to know about the countries you have to pay to enter.
Valencia will impose a tourist tax in 2023
Valencia has announced that it will introduce a tourist tax for travelers staying in all types of accommodation in the region, including hotels, hostels, apartments and campsites.
It will enter into force at the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024.
Visitors will have to pay between 50 cents and €2 per night depending on the accommodation chosen, up to seven nights.
Authorities say the fees will go towards the sustainable development of the region’s tourism sector. Proceeds will also be used to provide more affordable housing for residents of tourism hotspots.
Thailand will introduce a tourist tax at the end of 2022
Thailand would introduce a tourist tax of 300 baht (€8) at the end of this year.
The governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand told Reuters that part of the fee “was used to take care of tourists” as there were times when health insurance did not cover them.
It will also help fund new developments of tourist attractions, such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Venice will introduce a tourist tax in 2023
Venice may soon start charging tourists who visit from summer 2023.
Italian newspaper La Stampa reported in August that several measures had been proposed to control tourist numbers, such as an online reservation system. But more efforts need to be put in place to reduce the number – including a tax to enter the city.
The proposed levy would vary between €3 and €10, depending on whether it is low or high season.
The EU introduces a tourist visa in 2023
By November 2023, non-EU citizens, including Americans, Australians, Britons and other travelers outside the Schengen area, will be required to complete an application for €7 to enter.
Those under 18 or over 70 will not have to pay a fee.
These are all the countries where you already have to pay a tourist tax to enter
Many countries have already implemented a tourist tax, for various reasons.
For some, it’s about trying to curb the number of tourists and prevent overtourism.
For others, it’s almost like a sustainability tax on every visitor. The money from these taxes is used to maintain tourist facilities and protect natural resources.
Austria
In Austria, you pay accommodation tax for the night, which varies depending on the province you are in. In Vienna or Salzburg you will pay an extra 3.02% on the hotel bill per person.
The tourist tax is also known as Tourismusgesetz and Berherbergungsbeiträge.
Belgium
The tourist tax in Belgium also applies to accommodation, for each night you stay there.
The fee is sometimes included in the price of the hotel room, but some separate the cost and make it extra, so you should check your bill carefully.
Antwerp and Bruges charge a rate per room. The rate in Brussels varies according to the size and classification of the hotel.
Usually it’s around €7.50.
Bhutan
While in most countries tourist taxes are less than around €20, Bhutan’s tax is very high in comparison.
The minimum daily rate for most foreigners is: $250 (€228) per person per day in high season and slightly less in low season.
But it covers a lot, including accommodation, in-country transportation, a guide, food, and entrance fees.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria applies a tourist tax on overnight stays.
It is very low and varies by area and hotel classification – up to around €1.50.
Caribbean Islands
Most Caribbean islands have resort taxes added to the cost of the hotel or a departure fee.
Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and -Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Maarten, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the US Virgin Islands all have some form of visitor fee.
Fees range from €13 in the Bahamas to €45 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Croatia
Croatia increased its tourist tax in 2019. The increased rate, however, only applies during the high season in summer.
Visitors pay around 10 kuna (€1.33) per person per night.
Czech Republic
You only have to pay tourist tax in the Czech Republic when you visit the capital, Prague.
It is very small (less than €1) and paid per person, per night, up to 60 nights. The tax does not apply to children under 18.
France
There is a “tourist tax” to be paid in France. It is added to your hotel bill and varies depending on the city you are in.
Rates range from €0.20 to around €4 per person per night.
Tourist hotspots like Paris and Lyon use the money to maintain tourist infrastructure.
Germany
Germany has what they call a “culture tax” (a kulturförderabgabe), and also a “bed tax” (a bettensteuer), in cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin.
The fee is approximately 5% of your hotel bill.
Greece
The tourist tax in Greece is based on the star rating of the hotel or the number of rooms you rent. This can go up to €4 per room.
It was introduced by the Greek Ministry of Tourism to help reduce the country’s debt.
Hungary
Tourist taxes in Hungary only apply in Budapest.
Travelers must pay an additional 4% each night based on their room rate.
Indonesia
Resort taxes in Indonesia only apply in Bali.
In 2019, a new law stipulates that foreign visitors to the Indonesian island must pay a fee of around €9.
Revenue from the tax would be directed to programs that help preserve the environment and Balinese culture.
Italy
Tourist taxes in Italy depend on where you are. Venice could introduce its own tax in the summer of 2022.
Meanwhile, Rome charges range from €3 to €7 per night depending on room type, but some smaller towns charge more.
Japan
In Japan, it is a departure tax. Visitors to Japan pay 1,000 yen (around €8) when leaving the country.
The official tourism website says the small tax makes “a significant difference” to the economy.
Malaysia
Malaysian tourist tax is a flat rate and applies per night of stay.
It’s not much more than about 4€ a night.
New Zealand
Many tourists, people on working holidays and some students and workers coming to New Zealand must pay an International Conservation and Tourism Tax (IVL) upon arrival.
But Australians are exempt.
It’s NZ$35, or about €21.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands has a land tourist tax and a water tourist tax.
In Amsterdam, this represents 7% of the price of a hotel room. This is called toeristenbelasting.
Portugal
Portugal’s low tourist tax is paid per night per person and only applies to guests 13 years and older. It’s around 2€.
You only have to pay it for the first seven days of your stay.
Slovenia
The tourist tax in Slovenia varies depending on the location and classification of the hotel.
It is slightly higher in larger cities and resorts, including Ljubljana and Bled – around €3.
Spain
If you go to Ibiza or Majorca, you will have to pay a tourist tax.
The sustainable tourist tax, which applies to holiday accommodation in the Spanish Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera), also applies to every holidaymaker aged 16 or over.
In high season, the tax can reach up to €4 per night.
Swiss
The tourist tax in Switzerland varies by location. The cost is per night and per person and is approximately €2.20.
Accommodation quotes usually don’t include tourist tax – it’s shown as a separate amount, so it’s easier to track.
And this only applies to stays of less than 40 days.
UNITED STATES
A hotel tax or lodging tax for travelers who rent accommodation is charged in most of the United States. It is also called tourist tax.
Fees apply to hotels, motels and inns. The higher rate would be paid in Houston, with a 17% tax on your hotel bill.
Comments are closed.