10 countries where you have to pay tourist tax

Many countries around the world impose tourist taxes to help manage the impact of tourism, maintain infrastructure, and fund environmental or cultural preservation projects. These fees vary depending on the destination and can take different forms, such as accommodation taxes, entry fees, or departure levies. While some are minor charges added to hotel bills, others are substantial fees aimed at promoting sustainable tourism.
Here are 10 countries that require tourists to pay a tax and how these fees are applied.

Italy charges a tourist tax (tassa di soggiorno), which varies by city and type of accommodation. In Rome, the tax ranges from EUR 1 to 5 per night, while in Venice, a new EUR 5 entry fee for day-trippers. The tax is used for maintaining the city’s infrastructure and historical sites.

In Spain, some regions impose a tourist tax to help fund local tourism and environmental conservation. The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza) charge between EUR 0.60 to EUR 3.50 per night, depending on the type of accommodation and season.

France levies a taxe de séjour, which varies by city and accommodation type. It ranges from EUR 0.65 to over EUR 15 per night for luxury hotels. The revenue is used to maintain tourism infrastructure.

Japan enforces a departure tax known as the Sayonara Tax, which costs 1,000 yen and is applied to all travelers leaving the country. This tax helps fund tourism development, airport facilities, and infrastructure projects.

Since February 14, 2024, Bali introduced a tourist tax of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately USD 10) per traveler. This one-time fee is collected upon entry and goes towards preserving Bali’s culture, environment, and tourism sustainability efforts.

Austria imposes a local tourist tax known as the Ortstaxe, which varies by region. In Vienna, it amounts to 3.2 per cent of the total accommodation bill, while in other parts of Austria, it ranges from EUR 0.15 to EUR 3 per person per night.

Thailand plans to introduce a tourist entry fee of approximately 300 Thai Baht for international travelers arriving by air. The revenue will be used to develop sustainable tourism and provide accident insurance for visitors.

New Zealand enforces an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35 to NZD 100 when applying for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) or visa. The funds support tourism infrastructure and environmental conservation projects.

Malaysia requires international visitors to pay a tourist tax of RM 10 per room, per night at registered accommodations. The revenue supports tourism promotion and development across the country.

Bhutan has one of the highest tourism levies in the world, charging visitors a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per day. This fee ensures high-value, low-impact tourism and helps preserve Bhutan’s environment, culture, and heritage.