As the summer of 2025 approaches, travellers are being urged to plan their in holiday budgets for additional costs. With a battle against overtourism, some countries are either introducing new taxes or hiking up existing ones.
Unsuspecting holidaymakers could find themselves out of pocket if they're not careful, as these taxes come on top of already soaring travel costs.
Destinations such as Greece, France, and the Netherlands are increasing their tourist taxes, while others are implementing them for the first time in response to overcrowding and government concerns about threats to local environments and cultural heritage, reports the Express.
Here's a rundown of eight places around the globe that are that are hitting tourists with taxes in 2025:
Scotland - 5% levy on top of accommodation cost
The popular capital of Edinburgh has announced it will introduce Scotland's first-ever tourist tax in July 2026. Trips booked after October 1st, 2025, will be affected by what they are calling the "Visitor Levy."
This charge will apply to anyone staying overnight in the city and will extend to all visitors including Scottish residents.
Greece - €8 a night
Greece has revealed a significant price hike in daily tourist fees in an attempt to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism amid surging numbers to its iconic mainland and beautiful islands. The extra revenue is also hoped to fund climate change adaptation and disaster prevention, which is particularly relevant following the surge of earthquakes in Santorini earlier this year.
The previous charge for tourists in Greece was €0.50 (£0.42). Now, tourists will pay €8.00 (£6.73) per night between April and October, or €2.00 (£1.68) per night outside of this peak season.
Santorini and Mykonos - €20 per night
Speaking of Santorini, the Cycladic island and its neighbour, Mykonos, are increasing taxes on their visitors to combat overtourism. As Greece's most sought-after islands, travellers must be prepared to spend €20 (£16.82) per night, which must be paid at the port.
Last year, Santorini saw an estimated 3.4 million tourists fly off cruise ships and ferries, while Mykonos welcomed over 1.5 million, including over 1.3 million via cruise ships, according to Kathimerini.
Portugal - €2.00 per day
Tourist tax charges are applied in 13 popular Portuguese cities, including Lisbon and Porto. During the high season of April to October, visitors must pay a charge of €2.00 per day.
Venice - €5-10 per day
In 2024, tourists visiting Venice during peak hours of the day faced costs as part of a trial scheme. This scheme is now coming into full force in 2025. The Venice Entry Tax is due for visitors to the city between 8:30 and 16:00 on certain dates in April, May, June and July.
The advance booking incentive provides for the payment of €5 only for those who pay the Access Fee within the fourth last day (inclusive) before the day of access. Otherwise, for those who pay the Access Fee 3 days before the day of access, the amount is €10.00. Among its other restrictions are bans on megaphones and tour groups being limited to 25 people.
France - up to €11.38 per night
2025 marks the start of significant changes to the French tourism tax system, and the updates are a part of the French Government's initiative to boost regional infrastructure, with a focus on public transport.
The tourist tax rate varies depending on the type and category of accommodation, with charges as high as €11.38 per night for five-star accommodation, €8.45 per night for four-star accommodation and €5.53 per night for three-star accommodation in the Parisian capital.
Netherlands - 12.5% of overnight stay
Last year, visiting Amsterdam's popular city break destination got even more expensive as they increased their tourist tax to 12.5% of your overnight hotel rate.
Other cities in the Netherlands also impose taxes on visitors. It is important to check the rates of your holiday destination before booking to make sure you can account for the additional costs in your budget.
Thailand - 300 THB (£6.86)
Following the success of European tourist taxes, Thailand is proposing a new travel tax that will take effect in mid-2025.
Tourists arriving by plane will be charged 300 THB, or around £6.86.
Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: "The concept of a tourist tax isn't a new one, but it is certainly something many more countries have introduced over the last few years. Many of these countries seem to be charging tourists in response to overtourism concerns.
"The new and increasing tourist fees across Europe allow cities to fund measures to attract more holidaymakers, support the local infrastructure and businesses, and to prevent damages from overtourism.
"As holidays surge in price this year by over 10%, we encourage all travellers to look into the tourist taxes in place before booking a holiday destination, to help avoid any unexpected extra costs they haven't budgeted for."
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