As the world prepares for a busy tourism season in 2025, travelers can expect to pay more in various tourist taxes and levies aimed at raising revenue and managing the flow of visitors. These new measures, designed to curb overcrowding, fund local services, or address security concerns, will affect destinations across the globe. From additional fees on accommodation to new entry requirements, here’s a look at what travelers can expect.
Global Trends in Tourist Taxes
Around the world, several destinations are introducing or increasing taxes targeting tourists. These taxes are often aimed at day-trippers—such as cruise passengers—while others focus on overnight stays. Though the goal is often to balance tourism’s economic benefits with its environmental and social impacts, such taxes can sometimes discourage the very type of visitor cities hope to attract—those who stay longer and contribute more to the local economy.
Key Destinations Implementing Tourist Taxes
The Maldives
Starting in January 2025, the Maldives will increase its green tax on accommodations, with the levy doubling for all visitors. The Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) will also rise from 16% to 17% in July 2025. Additionally, airport fees are set to be revised upwards, further raising the cost for tourists visiting the island nation.
The United Kingdom
Beginning January 8, 2025, travelers from outside Europe will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK, costing £10 (about US$12.60). This move aligns with similar systems in the US and upcoming measures in Europe, Japan, and Thailand. Meanwhile, local governments in Scotland and Wales are exploring new levies on overnight stays at hotels, Airbnbs, and other accommodations. These levies are modeled after the tourist taxes already used in major European cities like Madrid, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
Spain
Spain is stepping up its tourist tracking efforts, requiring hotels, car rental agencies, and rental properties to collect detailed personal information from guests, including passport numbers, home addresses, and payment methods for all visitors over the age of 14. This data will be retained for three years. In Barcelona, the tourist tax is a significant revenue source, generating about €100 million (US$108 million) annually, largely from cruise passengers.
Mexico
In June 2025, Mexico will introduce a new US$42 “Non-Resident” immigration levy for all cruise passengers docking at Mexican ports. This tax is part of a broader effort to generate additional revenue from international tourists.
Rome
As part of its preparations for the Vatican’s Holy Jubilee year in 2025, Rome is implementing stricter regulations for short-term rental properties. Key boxes, commonly used by hosts to grant guests access to their properties, will now be banned as a safety measure to reduce the risk of terrorism.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam has raised its tourism tax to 12.5% of the accommodation price, now the highest such tax in Europe. Revenue from this tax will go towards funding parks, cultural festivals, and other local projects aimed at improving the city for both residents and visitors.
Venice
In Venice, a tax on day visitors without hotel bookings has been in effect, charging five euros (US$5.4) per day. This levy has raised over US$2.6 million and is intended to regulate the number of tourists entering the city, ensuring a more sustainable flow of visitors.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As cities and countries around the world continue to adapt their tourism strategies, travelers in 2025 will likely find themselves paying more for their trips. Whether it’s increased taxes on accommodations, entry requirements like the UK’s ETA, or regulations targeting short-term rentals, the global tourism landscape is shifting. While these measures are often justified as necessary for the upkeep of local infrastructure and to manage the impacts of mass tourism, travelers will need to be prepared to dig a little deeper into their pockets.
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