Travel
Tourist taxes: All the countries that you will be required to pay for in 2023
This year, you will have to pay an entrance fee to all of these places.
Travel has recovered well since the pandemic. Tourist destinations that were crippled and closed by restrictions are now thriving.
Overtourism is once again a problem in some popular destinations.
Some have resorted to implementing the ‘tourist taxes’ in 2022, while others plan to introduce them this year.
You’ve probably paid a tourist tax before if you’ve traveled abroad. You may not have noticed, as it is often included in airline tickets or hotel taxes.
Here’s everything you need know about the countries that you must pay to enter.
Barcelona will increase its tourist tax by 2023
Barcelona’s tourist tax The city authorities have announced that the amount of money charged for parking will increase over the next two-year period.
Since 2012, visitors in the Catalan capital must pay both a regional tourist tax as well as an additional city-wide surcharge.
On April 1, city authorities increased the municipal fee from EUR 2.75 to EUR 2.75.
The fee will increase to EUR3.25 next year, on 1 April 2024.
Visitors staying in official tourist accommodation are subject to the tax.
The council said that the proceeds will be used to fund city infrastructure, such as improvements to roads, bus service, and escalators.
Valencia will introduce a tourist tax by 2023
Valencia The government has announced that it will introduce a tax on tourists staying in any type of accommodation in the area, including hotels and hostels.
It will be implemented by the end of 2023, or in early 2024.
Depending on the accommodation chosen, visitors will pay between 50 cents to EUR2 per night for up to 7 nights.
Authorities claim that the fee will be used to develop the tourism industry in the region. The proceeds will also be used to build more affordable housing in tourist hotspots for locals.
Olhao in Portugal will introduce a tourism tax in 2023
Olhao, a Portuguese The popular tourist fishing town will begin charging EUR2 per night for visitors between April and October.
Between November and March, the tax will be reduced from EUR1 to EUR1. The tax will not be applicable to children under 16 years old and will be limited to five nights per trip – a maximum of EUR10
Local authorities say that the fee will be used for reducing the impact of tourism on the Algarve town. This includes improving cleanliness and security.
Two of the 16 municipalities in the Algarve already charge a tourist fee: Faro (EUR1.5 for up to 7 nights between March and Oct) and Vila Real de Santo Antonio (1 EUR per day for up to 7 days).
Thailand could introduce a fee for tourists in 2023
Thailand is considering introducing a 300 Baht tourist fee (EUR8). It was originally expected to come into effect at the end 2022, but a lack clarity on how to implement it has led to delays.
You can also find out more about ThailandThe fee is still in the balance as the upcoming elections approach.
The governor of Thailand’s Tourism Authority told Reuters in 2013 that a portion of the fee would “be used to take good care of tourists”, as their health insurance had not always covered them.
The money will also be used to finance the further development of tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
Venice will introduce a fee for tourists in 2023 or 2020
Venice Soon, tourists will be charged for their visit. The fee was originally scheduled for January 2023 and then the summer of 2023, but has been repeatedly postponed. It is unclear when the fee will come into effect, but it does not look likely that it will happen this year.
The Italian newspaper La Stampa reported in August last year that several measures had been proposed to control the number of tourists, including an online booking system. But there must be more effort to curb the numbers, including a fee for entry to the city.
The proposed levy could range between EUR3 and EUR10 depending on whether it is low or high season.
In 2024, the EU will introduce a tourist visa
From 2024, non EU citizens, such as Americans, Australians and Brits, and other travellers outside the Schengen Zone, will be required to obtain a visa. Fill out the EUR7 application Get in.
The fee is waived for those under 18 and over 70.
The scheme was supposed be implemented by November 2023, but has faced difficulties. delays Referring to the new Entry/Exit System of the EU (EES).
Here are the countries that already charge a fee for tourists to enter.
Many countries have already implemented a tourist tax for a variety reasons.
Some are concerned with reducing the number of tourists. Overtourism.
Others see it as a kind of sustainability tax on every visitor. These taxes are used to maintain tourism facilities and protect natural resources.
Austria
You can also find out more about the following: Austria You pay an overnight accommodation fee, which is different depending on where you are. In Vienna and Salzburg, you will pay an additional 3.02 percent on the hotel bill for each person.
The tourism levy is also known as Tourismusgesetz and Berherbergungsbeitrage.
Belgium
The tourist tax is a tax on tourists. Belgium It also applies to the accommodation for each night you stay.
Some hotels include the fee in the room price, but others separate it out as a supplemental cost. You should check your bill carefully.
Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent charge a per-room rate. The rate in Brussels depends on the size and rating of the hotel.
In general, it’s about EUR7.50.
Bhutan
Bhutan’s tourist tax is astronomical in comparison to other countries. Most countries charge less than EUR20 for a single day’s visit.
The minimum daily rate for most foreigners during high season is $250 (EUR228), and slightly less during low season.
It covers a lot of things, including food, entry fees, accommodation, transportation within the country, and a guide.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria A tourist fee is charged for overnight stays.
It is very low, and depends on the area and hotel class – up to about EUR1.50.
Caribbean Islands
Most Caribbean islands charge a departure or hotel fee, as well as a tourist tax.
Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bermuda Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Dominica Dominican RepublicGrenada, Haiti and the US Virgin Islands charge a fee to visitors.
The fees range from EUR13 for the Bahamas up to EUR45 for Antigua and Barbuda.
Croatia
Croatia In 2019, the government of Japan increased its tourist tax. The rate is only increased during the summer peak season.
Visitors pay about 10 kuna per person per night (EUR1.33).
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, you only have to pay a fee for tourists when visiting Prague, the capital.
The tax is very low (under EUR1), and paid per person per night up to 60 nights. Children under 18 are exempt from the tax.
France
There is a “taxe du séjour” to be paid in France. This is charged to your hotel bill, and it varies according to the city.
The rates range between EUR0.20 and EUR4 per person per night.
Tourist hotspots such as Paris and Lyon use this money to maintain their tourism infrastructure.
Germany
In cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin, there is a “bedtax” (a bettensteuer) and a “culturetax” (a cultureforderabgabe).
The fee is approximately 5 percent of your hotel bill.
Greece
The tourist tax is a tax on tourists. Greece The price is determined by the number of stars in the hotel or rooms that you rent. It can range from EUR4 per bedroom to EUR4 per suite.
The Greek Ministry of Tourism introduced it to help reduce the country’s debt.
Hungary
Tourist fees in Hungary are only applicable in Budapest.
Travelers will have to pay 4 percent more per night on top of the room price.
Indonesia
Tourist taxes Indonesia Only apply in Bali
In 2019, a new Indonesian law requires that visitors from abroad pay a fee of around EUR9.
The revenue from the tax is reportedly used to support programmes that preserve the environment and Balinese cultural heritage.
Italy
The tourist tax in Italy is determined by where you are. Venice could introduce its own tax by summer 2022.
Rome charges between EUR3 and EUR7 per night, depending on the type, but smaller cities charge even more.
Japan
You can also find out more about the following: Japan It comes in the form a departure tax. Visitors to Japan are required to pay 1,000 yen, or around EUR 8, as they depart the country.
The official tourism website claims that this small tax “makes a significant difference” in the economy.
Malaysia
The tourist tax in Malaysia is a flat-rate and charged per night.
It’s only about EUR4 per night.
New Zealand
When they arrive, many tourists, working holidaymakers, and some students and employees coming to New Zealand are required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
Australians are exempt.
It’s 35 New Zealand dollars, which is about 21 euros.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands has both a land and water tourist tax.
This is equivalent to 7% of the price of a hotel in Amsterdam. It’s called toeristenbelasting.
Portugal
Portugal’s low-cost tourist tax is charged per night and per person, and only applies to guests aged 13 or older.
Around EUR2 is the current rate in 13 of Portugal’s 308 municipalities, including Porto, Lisbon, and Faro.
You can only pay for the first seven days.
Slovenia
The tourist tax in Slovenia is based on the location and hotel rating.
Ljubljana, Bled and other resort towns have slightly higher prices – around EUR3.
Spain
You’ll need to pay a tourist fee if you’re going to Ibiza or Majorca.
The Sustainable Tourist Tax is a tax on holiday accommodation that applies to all types of sustainable tourism. SpainThe Balearic Islands (Mallorca Menorca Ibiza Formentera) also applies to all holidaymakers aged 16 and over.
During high season, this tax can be as high as EUR4 per night.
Switzerland
The tourist tax in Switzerland is different depending on where you are. The cost per night is approximately EUR2.20.
The tourist tax is usually not included in the price of accommodation. It’s listed separately, making it easier to track.
It only applies to stays of less than 40 days.
USA
A hotel tax or lodging taxes for travellers In the majority of the United States, there is a tax on renting accommodation. Also known as an occupancy tax.
Fees are charged by hotels, motels, and inns. Houston has the highest rate, with a tax of 17 percent on your hotel bill.
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Travel
A 4-year cruise or a €1 house in Italy: Inside the schemes helping Americans skip Trump’s presidency
Searches by Americans for moving abroad soared in the 24 hours after the first polls closed, according to Google data.
Following the recent US election result, Google searches for ‘how to move to Europe’ increased by more than 1,000 per cent in some countries.
Searches by Americans for moving to Canada and Australia soared by 1,270 and 820 per cent respectively in the 24 hours after the first polls closed, according to Google data.
The interest in leaving the States has not gone unnoticed by marketing firms.
A residential cruise ship is now offering Americans a four-year ‘escape’ trip while a Sardinian village has relaunched its €1 house scheme.
Cruise company offers four-year escape from Trump
Cruise firm Villa Vie Residences is marketing a four-year round the world trip to Americans looking to skip Donald Trump’s second term as president.
The Tour La Vie programme offers passengers a stay of up to four years onboard while visiting 140 countries – which doesn’t include the US.
The irreverently named packages include a one-year ‘Escape from Reality’ cruise, a two-year ‘Mid-Term Selection’ option, a three-year ‘Everywhere but Home’ cruise, and the four-year ‘Skip Forward’ trip.
Guests would join the Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship which set sail from Belfast in September, several months into its voyage.
“We came up with this marketing campaign before we even knew who would win. Regardless of who would have won, you would have half of the population upset,” CEO Mikael Petterson told US news site Newsweek.
“Quite frankly, we don’t have a political view one way or the other. We just wanted to give people who feel threatened to have a way to get out.”
Prices start at a little under $40,000 (€38,000) a year. For those opting for the full four-year escape, single-occupancy cabins start at $256,000 (€243,000) while double-occupancy costs up to $320,000 (€303,000).
The price includes all food and drinks (alcohol only at dinner), WiFi, medical visits, weekly housekeeping service and bi-weekly laundry.
Sardinian village relaunches €1 house scheme for Americans
In rural Sardinia, the village of Ollolai has revived its €1 house scheme, now targeting Americans exhausted by the election.
The homes-for-the-price-of-an-espresso offer has been relaunched for US citizens “worned [sic] out by global politics” and “looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle”, local authorities write on the village’s website.
“Of course, we can’t specifically mention the name of one US president who just got elected, but we all know that he’s the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country,” village mayor Francesco Columbo told US news site CNN.
“We have specifically created this website now to meet US post-elections relocation needs.”
Those needs include slowing down and recharging with Ollolai’s dreamy Mediterranean lifestyle.
“Nestled in pristine nature, surrounded by incredible cuisine, and immersed in a community with ancient traditions in the rare Earth’s Blue Zone, Ollolai is the perfect destination to reconnect, recharge and embrace a new way of life,” the website claims.
Available properties will soon be listed online with prices ranging from €1 for houses needing substantial renovations to €100,000 for those that are ready to live in.
This is not the first time the village in Sardinia has put houses for a pittance on the market. In a bid to halt a steep population decline, Ollolai began selling off abandoned homes in 2018 to people willing to carry out $25,000 (€24,000) of renovations within a three-year timespan.
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Catalonia has said they want to rid Barcelona of its 10,000 holiday lets in the next 5 years.
Catalonia’s recent ban on Airbnb-style holiday rentals breaches EU law, according to a complaint filed with the European Commission by an industry group.
The European Holiday Home Association claims that the ban, introduced by Catalonia in June this year, breaches the provision of services directive.
The Spanish region announced that they wanted to rid Barcelona of its 10,000 tourist flat licences over the next five years. The city has not granted new licences since 2014 but this has not helped to stem a housing crisis, with locals saying they can not find places to live at affordable prices.
Why has Barcelona’s Airbnb ban been challenged?
“We are convinced that EU law has not been respected,” Viktorija Molnar, Secretary General of the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA), said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“By submitting the EU complaint, we hope that the European Commission will take a step further and open a formal infringement procedure against Spain,” added Molnar, whose group represents short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Expedia’s Vrbo.
The move follows legal concerns raised by the European Commission itself that restrictions brought in by the Spanish region were disproportionate to the aim of tackling housing shortages.
EHHA argues that “unjustified, disproportionate and unsuitable” restrictions breach the EU’s Services Directive, which regulates a swathe of activities from hotels to legal advice. They also said that claims about the impact of Airbnb on housing affordability are “politically inflamed”.
The lobby group may have support from the European Commission itself, whose officials wrote to Spanish authorities to protest the law in February according to a document seen by Euronews Travel.
“The Commission services consider that the restrictions laid down in [Catalonia’s] Decree-law 3/2023 are not suitable to attain the objective of fighting housing shortage and are disproportionate to that objective,” the document said.
Spanish authorities could have also considered less swingeing restrictions and hadn’t offered evidence that short-term rentals were responsible for housing market tensions, it added – noting that there were three times as many empty dwellings as tourist rental properties in Catalonia.
Barcelona is just one European holiday destinations trying to find ways to tackle overtourism.
Cities like Venice have banned cruise ships from stopping on their shores, Athens regularly restricts visitor numbers at the famous Acropolis and Amsterdam is moving its red light district out of the city centre to try and clean up its image.
How the European Commission is taking on holiday rentals
Brussels has already taken action to bring the sharing economy within the regulatory fold, offering new rights to platform workers and hiking value-added tax on short-term lets and ridesharing apps such as Uber.
But the issue could prove totemic for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – who has created the first-ever European Commissioner for Housing as part of her second mandate, set to take office within weeks.
She has told Denmark’s Dan Jørgensen to “tackle systemic issues with short-term accommodation rentals”, in a mission letter that handed him the housing brief alongside responsibility for energy policy.
A spokesperson for the Catalan government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
CORRECTION(20 November, 10:02): corrects spelling of Molnar’s name
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The move has been criticised by other tech companies who have branded Microsoft as being a “panic mode”.
In opening remarks to a company conference in the United States on Tuesday, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has set the stage for where the company is taking its artificial intelligence (AI) business.
AI developers are increasingly pitching the next wave of generative AI (GenAI) chatbots as AI “agents” that can do more useful things on people’s behalf.
But the cost of building and running AI tools is so high that more investors are questioning whether the technology’s promise is overblown.
Microsoft said last month that it’s preparing for a world where “every organisation will have a constellation of agents – ranging from simple prompt-and-response to fully autonomous”.
Microsoft elaborated in a blog post Tuesday that such autonomous agents “can operate around the clock to review and approve customer returns or go over shipping invoices to help businesses avoid costly supply-chain errors”.
Microsoft’s annual Ignite conference caters to its big business customers.
Microsoft criticised
The pivot toward so-called “agentic AI” comes as some users are seeing limits to the large language models behind chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s own Copilot.
Those systems work by predicting the most plausible next word in a sentence and are good at certain writing-based work tasks.
But tech companies have been working to build AI tools that are better at longer-range planning and reasoning so they can access the web or control computers and perform tasks on their own on a user’s behalf.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has criticized Microsoft’s pivot. Salesforce also has its “Agentforce” service that uses AI in sales, marketing, and other tasks.
“Microsoft rebranding Copilot as ‘agents’? That’s panic mode,” Benioff said in a social media post last month. He went on to claim that Microsoft’s flagship AI assistant, called Copilot, is “a flop” that is inaccurate and spills corporate data.
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