Tourist taxes are becoming the new norm for travelers in 2025. Find out what a tourist tax is, which countries are introducing it, the size of the fees in popular destinations, the reasons for their increase, and much more useful information

Summer is one of the most popular periods for vacations, which is why more and more people around the world are already planning their ideal trip. However, did you know that quite a few countries have introduced or are planning to introduce tourist taxes?

Across Europe and beyond, tourist taxes are on the rise – not just in big cities, but also on islands, in rural areas and even in remote nature reserves. Some governments see them as a way to curb overtourism. Others are using them to finance infrastructure or fill budget gaps after the pandemic.

Everything you need to know about tourist taxes in 2025: what is a tourist tax, where to pay it, how much and much more in this article.

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What is a tourist tax?

A tourist tax, also known as a city tax, environmental tax or sustainability tax, is a small amount that visitors pay to help support the places they visit. It is usually added to the cost of a hotel or rental accommodation, but can also be collected at border crossings or airports.

The first tourist taxes were introduced in cities such as Barcelona, ​​Vienna and Bhutan (as early as 1974). In most cases, the main goal is to raise funds to support tourism infrastructure and manage the impact of visitors.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have started to increase or reintroduce these taxes to support recovery, strengthen local economies and reinvest in sustainable tourism.

Where will you pay tourist taxes in 2025 and how much?

In 2025, the following countries will charge travelers tourist taxes:

Netherlands

- Amsterdam: 12.5% ​​of the room rate - the highest in Europe as of 2025.

Italy

- Venice: Daily entrance ticket - €5-10 (from 2024).

- Nightly tax: €1-5 per night (depending on location and season).

Children under 10 and visitors with disabilities are exempt from this tax.

Greece

- New climate tax introduced in 2024: €1.50-10 per night (up to €8 for 5-star accommodation in summer).

Replaces the general tourist tax with a levy with clearer environmental objectives.

Spain

- Barcelona: Up to €7.50 per night (2025).

- Balearic Islands: €1-4 per night.

- Mogán (Gran Canaria): €0.15 per night per hotel stay.

- Tenerife: environmental tax for climbing Mount Teide.

Portugal

- Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira – €2 per night.

- Azores – €2 per night from January 2025.

France

- Paris – €0.25-15.60 depending on accommodation class.

United Kingdom

- Edinburgh: 5% of the cost of accommodation.

This year, Edinburgh will become the first Scottish city to introduce such a tax. It will not actually come into effect until July 2026, but any trips booked after October this year will already be included.

In April 2025, the UK introduced a new system called the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which requires visitors from the US, Europe, Australia and Canada to apply for and pay for entry into the country. There will be a small fee of £10 (€11.66) for the application process.

Mexico

From 1 July 2025, cruise ship passengers calling at Mexico will be charged a $5 fee, levied by the cruise lines.

Thailand

A one-off arrival fee of around €8 is expected to be introduced by the end of 2025.

Indonesia

Bali's tourism tax came into effect in February 2024: around 8 euros (150,000 Indonesian rupiah) upon arrival.

New Zealand

The visitor tax in New Zealand tripled in October 2024: NZ$100 (€57) compared to NZ$35 (€18).

Japan

The departure tax is JPY1,000 (€6), which could rise to JPY5,000 (€30) in the coming years.

Austria

Vienna has a tourist tax of 3.2%, which is added to the bill.

Belgium

The hotel tax in Brussels is 4€ per night.

Germany

Berlin has a tourist tax of 7.5% of the cost of the stay.

Czech Republic

Be prepared to pay 50 CZK/night (about 2€) in Prague.

Croatia

The fee in Croatia is around 1 euro per night, the exact amount depends on the region/season.

Slovenia

The fee for a hotel stay in Slovenia is around 3 euros, prices are higher in cities.

Switzerland

The tax in Switzerland is 2-7 Swiss francs/night (21-75 euros).

Hungary (Budapest)

In Hungary, you have to pay 2.4 euros/night for up to 6 nights.

Malaysia

The tax is around 2 euros/night.

Caribbean Islands

Most islands charge 3-10 USD per night (depending on the destination).

USA

ESTA entry fee: 21 USD, valid for 2 years.

Bhutan

By September 2027, the daily sustainability levy in Bhutan has been reduced to $100 per adult.

Bulgaria

The tourism levy in Bulgaria varies depending on the destination and the standard of the hotel, but is usually around €1.50

Why are tourism taxes increasing?

The reasons are varied, but they can generally be grouped into the following categories:

- Excessive tourism pressure: In cities like Venice or Amsterdam, taxes are aimed at reducing the number of day-trippers.

- Post-pandemic recovery: taxes help rebuild local economies after the losses caused by COVID.

- Environmental protection: Regions like Bali, Bhutan, and the Azores use levies to finance sustainable development.

- Infrastructure financing: Roads, public transport, and waste management benefit from tax revenues.

Do tourism taxes change people’s travel plans?

So far, taxes have not had a major impact on people’s travel plans.

A few euros per night won’t stop most people from booking a trip, but it can affect travelers’ mood and attitudes:

- Lower spending locally: When tourists feel overcharged, they may cut back on food, sightseeing, or shopping.

- Choosing lesser-known destinations: To avoid taxes or crowds, some choose neighboring cities over larger, more popular destinations.

- Demanding value: Visitors are more willing to pay if they can see where their money is going—for example, cleaner beaches or better transportation.

What should travelers planning a vacation to a region with taxes know?

- Taxes aren’t always included in the price of a hotel stay or on booking platforms—you often pay on site.

- Rates vary seasonally and depend on the type of accommodation.

- Always check local government or tourism websites for the latest rates before you travel.

Tourist taxes in 2025 are no longer limited to big cities – they are becoming a standard part of global travel. For destinations, the key is balance: encouraging tourism and managing its impact. It is important for travelers to be informed, budget wisely and understand that a few extra euros can help preserve the places we all love.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!

Reminder! European countries are gradually restoring border controls at their internal borders, with additional checks already introduced in 10 countries. We have already told you which countries have the new rules in place and what are the deadlines for additional controls.

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