Beware of these hidden costs – these are all of the destinations due to impose tourist tax
The concept of a tourist tax isn’t new. City tax has long been the norm for many countries in Europe such as Greece, Spain, and Germany. The impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry was severe – hotels, restaurants, and hospitality venues faced unprecedented challenges, and many people relying on tourism experienced significant losses. Consequently, money that governments relied on for development and maintenance diminished. As travel continues to normalize post-pandemic, many countries have decided to implement a tourist tax to boost their economies and reinvigorate local communities. Below, we take a look at what exactly tourist tax is and which countries are introducing this measure for 2024.
What is Tourist Tax?
Originally, tourist tax was introduced by various governments to mitigate over-tourism while generating revenue from the influx of travelers. Bhutan, for instance, has required tourists to pay a considerable fee to enter since it opened its doors in 1974. This tax, known as the Daily Sustainable Development Fee, aims to preserve the country’s natural beauty and protect traditional Buddhist culture. Moreover, cities like Barcelona use their tourist tax to fund local construction and development projects, typically charging around €5 per day per person. Most often, tourist taxes are appended to your accommodation costs.
Which Destinations are Imposing Tourist Taxes in 2024?
- Italy: Venice is set to charge day tourists a fee of €5 starting in spring 2024, while overnight visitors will pay between €1 and €5 per night.
- Indonesia: The Indonesian government has announced a tourist tax of approximately £7.35 for travelers visiting Bali from February 14, 2024.
- United Kingdom: In 2024, the UK will require visitors from the US, Europe, Australia, and Canada to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and pay a fee to enter the country.
- European Union: A new tourist visa will be implemented in 2024, requiring non-EU citizens traveling from outside the Schengen zone to complete a €7 application process for entry.
- New Zealand: As of October 1, 2024, New Zealand will triple its tourist tax, requiring an NZ$100 fee for entry, up from NZ$35.
Current Destinations Imposing Tourist Taxes
The following destinations impose tourist taxes on travelers, and while the rates frequently change, here’s some guidance on projected costs. Always check with local accommodations for the most current tax amounts before traveling.
- Austria: Expect tourist tax to be approximately 3.2% added to your accommodation bill in Vienna.
- Belgium: In Brussels, tourist tax generally remains below £3.50 and varies by city.
- Bhutan: The Daily Sustainable Development Fee has been reduced to $100 for adults until September 2027.
- Bulgaria: The tourist tax usually remains below £1.30, depending on the location and hotel standard.
- Caribbean Islands: Most Caribbean islands charge varying tourist taxes; for instance, in St Lucia, it ranges from $3 to $6.
- Croatia: The tax depends on both the travel season and your accommodation choice.
- Czech Republic: Tourist tax in Prague typically costs around CZK 50 per night (approximately £1.71).
- France: Here, tourist tax varies based on accommodation level, from less than one Euro for campsites to over ten Euros for luxury hotels.
- Germany: The tax varies by city; in Berlin, it is generally five percent of the accommodation price.
- Greece: You should expect to pay no more than £3.50 per night, depending on your accommodation’s standard and size.
- Hungary: In Budapest, be prepared to pay four percent of your nightly accommodation cost.
- Indonesia: Travelers will have to pay 150,000 rupiah (around £7.60) upon entering Bali starting February 14, 2024.
- Italy: Tourist tax amounts vary by city, with authorities considering a potential increase to €25 in specific areas by September 2024.
- Japan: Travelers to Japan can expect to pay 1,000 yen (approximately £5.50) in tourist tax.
- Malaysia: The cost of the tourist tax across Malaysia is roughly £1.70 per night as of 2023.
- Portugal: Thirteen cities impose a tourist tax, typically charging €2 per night in high season (April to October).
- The Netherlands: Tourist tax rates vary; in Amsterdam, the rate increased to 12.5% of the accommodation price in 2024.
- Switzerland: The tourist tax varies considerably based on location, ranging from CHF 2 (£1.81) to CHF 7 (£6.34) per person per night.
- Slovenia: Rates change from destination to destination, generally around €3, but are higher in urban areas.
- Spain: Many cities have recently raised their tourist tax rates; in Barcelona, the fee is €4 (£3.48).
- USA: Visitors from the UK must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which costs $21 (about £17) to stay for up to 90 days.
