As a frequent globetrotter, you’re no stranger to filling out customs forms and paying departure taxes when traveling abroad. But did you know some countries also require you to pay simply to gain entry as a tourist?
From Venice to Bali, an increasing number of hotspot destinations are implementing tourist taxes to help curb overtourism and raise funds for infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
As you budget for your next getaway, it’s important to account for any potential tourist taxes you may face upon arrival. To travel wisely, here is the full list of countries that will charge you fees as a tourist in 2023.
Europe Tourist Taxes
Many sought-after European cities and countries require tourists to pay taxes, including:
- Italy – Popular cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice charge a tourist tax per person, per night. Venice’s proposed tax could be between €3-10.
- Spain – The Balearic Islands tax tourists staying in all accommodation types. Fees range from €1-4 per person, per night.
- Greece – Overnight visitors pay a lodging tax based on hotel stars and room numbers. The fee can total up to €4 per room.
- France – A “taxe de séjour” is added to hotel bills. Rates vary from €0.20 in small towns to around €4 in Paris.
- Amsterdam – A 7% tourist tax is added to accommodation bills.
- Germany – Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt have a 5% “city tax” on hotel stays.
- Portugal – Lisbon, Porto, and other cities levy a €1-2 tourist tax per person, per night.
- Croatia – Travelers pay up to a €1.33 per person, per night, lodging tax.
Asia Tourist Taxes
In Asia, popular tourist taxes include:
- Thailand – Thailand will likely implement a €8 tourist fee for foreign visitors across the country in 2023.
- Bali, Indonesia – International tourists pay approximately €9 per person in taxes. This levy aims to fund environmental programs.
- Japan – Japan imposes a 1,000 yen (€7.60) departure tax when leaving the country.
- Malaysia – A flat nightly rate of around €4 is charged to foreign tourists.
- Bhutan – Bhutan’s daily fee of $250 (€228) per person funds guides, hotels, food, transport, and entry fees.
- Singapore – A 7% goods and services tax is levied on hotel room rates.
Americas/Caribbean Tourist Taxes
Several destinations in the Americas and Caribbean region have varying tourist taxes, such as:
- United States – A hotel occupancy tax is charged to tourists using lodging services, up to 17% on bills.
- Canada – The Province of Quebec applies a hotel tax starting at 3%.
- Bahamas – Overnight visitors pay a $15 (€14.20) per person departure tax.
- Jamaica – Travelers are charged a $22 (€21) departure fee when flying out of the country.
- Barbados – The Barbados Accommodation Tax ranges from 6.5% – 10.5% based on lodging type.
- Bermuda – Bermuda levies a $60 (€57) airport departure tax.
- Dominican Republic – A $20 (€19) departure fee is charged at airports and ports when leaving the DR.
Africa Tourist Taxes
Many African countries have small tourist taxes, like:
- Morocco – Most cities charge a lodging tax of 10-15 dirhams (€1-1.50) per person, per night.
- Kenya – The JKIA Passenger Service Charge is $50 (€47.50), payable when departing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
- Tanzania – There is a $1 (€0.95) per person, per night, lodging levy across Tanzania.
- Rwanda – A $50 (€47.50) departure tax applies to international tourists leaving the country by air.
- Egypt – Hotel bills include a $2-5 (€1.90 – €4.75) per room, per night, sustainability tax.
- Madagascar – €2.50 is charged in taxes per person for stays over three nights.
With tourist taxes becoming more widespread, it’s essential to account for these extra costs as you plan vacations abroad. Be sure to confirm fees with your hotel or tour operator when booking. With the right preparation, you can avoid surprise charges and enjoy smooth travels as you explore new destinations around the globe.