Published on
November 12, 2025
The warm welcomes at airport arrivals could ‘hurt’ a little. In the latest travel twist, Thailand and Spain are walking towards the tourism- tax spotlight, largely for increasing travel costs. The idea is to improve tourism facilities, ease overt tourism, and pad government coffers. But for travellers, the costs are frustrating enough as it is.
In Thailand’s case, the government has plans to implement a tourist entry- fee of 300 baht for air arrivals ( and now reportedly for land/ sea as well) to be effective in mid 2026. The fee is said to assist in tourism- program administration at the national level. In Spain, the case is far more diverse and complex. Instead of a single national tax, Spain has many regions (such as the Balearic Islands and Catalonia) that already charge, ‘ecotaxes’ for each night stays and there are plans to increase it. Barcelona, which is adding a municipal surcharge of €5 to the already existing €5 in 2026 and aiming it to reach €8 by 2029, is a part of these regions.
The driving logic is consistent in both lands: tourism brings in millions, but also strains local services, housing, infrastructure and environment. In Catalonia, for instance, a plan to double the tourist tax is tied to channeling 25 % of the revenue into local housing policy. For Thailand, officials say the fee will boost “second‑tier cities” tourism, relieve pressure on over‑visited hotspots and fund safety and infrastructure.
Despite the headline‑making two, it’s not just Thailand and Spain. A wide array of countries already have taxes or are planning them. Some countries charge per‑night accommodation surcharges (Europe), while others set entry or arrival levies (Asia, Pacific). Here’s a full list of countries that are either known to impose tourist taxes or plan to introduce them:
- Thailand
- Spain
- Japan
- Norway
- Greece
- Italy
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Indonesia
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Croatia
- Hungary
That’s at least 14 identified nations; likely the real number is higher (around 20–40) as regional schemes proliferate.
| Country | Tourism Tax Details | Amount | Expected Start Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Entry fee for international tourists. The tax will be levied for air arrivals and likely for land and sea too. | 300 baht (approx US$9) for air arrivals | February 2026 | Aimed at funding tourism infrastructure, safety, and boosting second-tier city tourism. |
| Spain | Regional taxes already exist, e.g., in Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. The amount varies by region. | €5‑€8 per night depending on the region | 2026 (increased rates) | Taxes used to address over-tourism and improve local infrastructure. |
| Japan | Kyoto and other cities to increase taxes on hotel stays, also revising visa fees. | Up to ¥10,000 per night (Kyoto) on luxury hotels | 2026 (March) | Aimed at easing pressure on local services and promoting sustainable tourism. |
| Norway | Local taxes introduced by municipalities, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Lofoten Islands. | Up to 3% of accommodation costs or cruise fees | 2026 (summer) | Intended to manage overtourism, ease pressure on infrastructure, and fund local services. |
| Greece | New cruise taxes for disembarkation at major islands. Some areas already have hotel taxes, expected to rise. | €5‑€20 per person (depending on the island and season) | 2025 (July for cruise passengers) | To alleviate pressures from overcrowding and improve local facilities. |
| Italy | Certain cities like Venice have introduced day‑visitor taxes; further increases are expected in 2026. | €3‑€10 per day in cities like Venice | 2026 | Aimed at controlling visitor numbers and protecting local heritage sites. |
| Austria | Tourist taxes are collected per night of stay in several provinces, including Vienna. | €1.50‑€3 per night depending on the region | Ongoing | Funds used for local tourism infrastructure and preservation. |
| Belgium | Several regions impose a per‑night accommodation tax, especially in cities like Brussels. | €4 per night (Brussels) | Ongoing | Used to fund local services and manage tourist flow in high-traffic areas. |
| Bhutan | The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is mandatory for all tourists to fund conservation and infrastructure. | US$200 per day | Ongoing | To promote sustainable tourism and preserve the country’s natural and cultural resources. |
| Indonesia | Bali has introduced an entry fee for international tourists, targeting sustainable tourism practices. | 150,000 Rupiah (approx US$10) | 2024 | Aimed at preserving the island’s environment while managing increasing visitor numbers. |
| New Zealand | The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) applies to international travelers. | NZ$35 (approx US$22) | Ongoing | The fee supports environmental preservation, infrastructure, and the tourism sector’s sustainability. |
| Switzerland | Tourist tax on accommodation varies by canton; it helps fund public services and tourism management. | Up to CHF 3 per night (depending on the canton) | Ongoing | Aimed at enhancing the quality of services for visitors and residents alike. |
| Croatia | An accommodation tax is levied to fund infrastructure improvements in tourism hotspots. | €1‑€3 per night | Ongoing | The fee supports tourism-related services and the upkeep of popular tourist destinations. |
| Hungary | A local tourist tax is added for visitors staying overnight in Budapest and other cities. | 4% of accommodation cost per night | Ongoing | Helps improve tourism infrastructure and supports the city’s tourism management system. |
Thailand
Thailand is introducing an entry fee for international tourists to help fund infrastructure and enhance safety. The government is planning to levy a tax for both air and likely land/sea arrivals, with the 300 baht (approx US$9) fee set to take effect in February 2026. This fee is part of a broader strategy to boost tourism in less-visited cities, improve tourist services, and help manage overcrowding in popular spots. The tourism tax is also expected to contribute to long-term sustainability and infrastructure projects, making the country more resilient to the increasing volume of visitors.
Spain
Spain already has regional tourism taxes in places like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, with plans to increase these fees by 2026. In Barcelona, the tax can range from €5 to €8 per night, depending on the time of year, and similar surcharges apply in other tourist-heavy areas. These taxes are designed to mitigate over-tourism and support local infrastructure. As Spain sees increasing numbers of tourists, the government is raising taxes to address congestion, improve public services, and maintain cultural and environmental heritage. The funds will be used for city planning and conservation efforts, aiming to balance tourism with local community needs.
Japan
In Kyoto and other popular cities, Japan will increase taxes on hotel stays, particularly for luxury accommodations, starting in March 2026. The tax is set to be as high as ¥10,000 per night for luxury hotels. Additionally, the government is considering a revision of visa fees and introducing new departure taxes to manage tourism and improve sustainability. Japan’s initiative aims to ease the pressure on local infrastructure and encourage sustainable tourism practices. With the increased taxes, funds will be allocated to preserving the country’s historical sites and managing the impact of tourism on local communities.
Norway
Norway is introducing a 3% tourism tax on accommodations and cruise fees starting in 2026. This local tax will apply in municipalities such as Lofoten Islands, where tourism is growing at a fast pace. Norway’s government aims to reduce over-tourism by managing tourist flow and using the revenue to fund local services, infrastructure improvements, and environmental conservation efforts. The tax will allow local governments to preserve natural attractions while offering better amenities to visitors. This approach helps create a more sustainable tourism model, ensuring that local communities benefit from the growing industry.
Greece
Greece has introduced a cruise tax for passengers disembarking at popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos, with rates ranging from €5 to €20 per person, depending on the island and the season. This tax will come into effect in July 2025. In addition to the cruise levy, many Greek cities already have hotel taxes, and these are expected to rise. The funds generated will be used to improve local infrastructure, manage overcrowding, and protect the environment. Greece’s tourism tax system is designed to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared by the local communities and that the natural beauty of the islands is preserved for future generations.
Italy
Italy, especially places like Venice, has long been grappling with the impact of mass tourism. Starting in 2026, the government plans to introduce or increase day-visitor taxes. The taxes will vary from €3 to €10 per day for visitors depending on the location. These taxes are part of an effort to limit visitor numbers and manage overcrowding in culturally sensitive and historically significant areas. Funds collected will go toward conservation efforts, maintaining historical sites, and ensuring sustainable tourism. Italy’s strategy focuses on balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of its unique cultural heritage.
Austria
In Austria, a tourist tax is collected in several provinces, including Vienna. This tax, which ranges from €1.50 to €3 per night, is aimed at supporting local tourism infrastructure and services. It applies to hotel stays and is expected to grow as Austria enhances its tourism management policies. The funds raised will help improve transportation, maintain public services, and fund various tourism development projects. The tax also plays a key role in Austria’s efforts to maintain sustainable tourism practices and minimize the environmental impact of mass tourism in major cities and rural areas.
Belgium
Belgium, particularly in Brussels, imposes a €4 per night accommodation tax on all visitors. This tax is used to fund local services such as waste management, security, and infrastructure. As a result of growing tourism, many cities across Belgium are looking to expand this tax to help manage the increasing numbers of visitors and to ensure that the benefits of tourism are reinvested into the local communities. The tax system is meant to strike a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the quality of life for residents.
Bhutan
Bhutan is unique in its approach to tourism with the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This fee is mandatory for all tourists, and it’s set at a high US$200 per day. The revenue from the SDF is used to fund the country’s conservation efforts, infrastructure projects, and to support the Bhutanese people. Bhutan has long been committed to sustainable tourism practices, and this fee ensures that the growth of tourism does not damage the environment or local culture. The tax is designed to limit the number of visitors to Bhutan and ensure that tourism remains a positive force for the country’s economy and society.
Indonesia
In Bali, an entry fee of 150,000 Rupiah (approx US$10) will be introduced in 2024 to help fund sustainable tourism initiatives and environmental conservation efforts. Bali’s growing popularity as a tourist destination has led to concerns about overcrowding and environmental degradation. The funds raised from the tax will support local initiatives aimed at preserving Bali’s unique culture and natural beauty while managing the impact of tourism. This move is part of a broader effort to promote responsible tourism and ensure that the local population benefits from the revenue generated by visitors.
New Zealand
New Zealand has implemented the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which applies to all international travelers. The fee is NZ$35 (approx US$22), and it’s used to support environmental preservation, tourism infrastructure, and sustainability projects. The IVL is paid when booking a visa and is expected to help the government manage the impact of tourism, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. The fee ensures that visitors contribute to maintaining the country’s natural resources and that tourism remains sustainable in the long run.
Switzerland
Switzerland has a tourist tax that varies by canton, with rates typically ranging from CHF 1.50 to CHF 3 per night for accommodations. This tax is designed to help fund local public services, maintain infrastructure, and manage the tourism sector. Switzerland’s approach to tourism taxation is aimed at maintaining a high standard of services for both residents and visitors, ensuring that the country’s beautiful landscapes and historic sites are preserved while benefiting from the economic impact of tourism.
Croatia
In Croatia, a €1 to €3 per night accommodation tax is levied on visitors. This tax is used to support tourism-related services and improve infrastructure in popular tourist destinations. The revenue helps maintain beaches, public spaces, and facilities used by tourists. Croatia’s growing popularity as a tourist destination has prompted the government to invest in maintaining the quality of services and preserving the country’s natural beauty, especially in coastal regions and popular islands.
Hungary
Hungary imposes a 4% accommodation tax on all overnight stays in cities like Budapest and other major tourist areas. This tax helps improve the tourism infrastructure, fund local services, and support the city’s tourism management system. The revenue from the tax is reinvested into the maintenance of historical sites and enhancing the visitor experience. Budapest’s role as a growing tourism hub has led to the implementation of this tax, ensuring that both locals and visitors can benefit from the increased tourism revenue.
Tourists planning a trip to Thailand should budget accordingly and check if the fee is included in their ticket or collected on arrival. In Spain, travellers to the Balearics or Barcelona should verify whether the tax is added by accommodation providers or charged at check‑out.
For the travel industry and local destination managers the trend signals a shift: tourists are being asked to shoulder more of the cost of tourism impacts. Critics argue the extra cost may dampen travel demand; proponents counter it’s a necessary step to sustainable tourism. In Spain, industry groups are already raising concerns that rising taxes might deter holiday‑makers.
When preparing for a trip to that dream beach, city, or island escape, don’t forget to include “tourist tax” in your budget. The cost of paradise is being rewritten. In the case of Thailand and Spain, it is not just a new tax; these changes are a strategic repositioning of the travel and tourism industry in a world where “enough is enough” is becoming the new motto of local communities.
