Published on
October 31, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
The United States has now joined Mexico, France, Spain, and Greece in increasing their tourist taxes, and if you plan for a trip to these destinations, get ready for a shock to your wallet. These countries, known for their popular tourist spots, have raised their tourist taxes, making it even more expensive to visit the places you love.
In 2025, tourists will pay more than ever before in taxes across these regions. The United States’ new tax measures, along with increases in Mexico, France, Spain, and Greece, are set to make your vacation cost much higher.
These hikes are aimed at managing overcrowding and boosting infrastructure, but they also mean more money out of your pocket. Travel And Tour World urges readers to read the entire story to understand the impact of these new tourist taxes and how they will affect your travel plans. Get ready to plan smarter and budget better for your next getaway!
The Tourist Tax Tsunami of 2025: US, Russia, Japan, France, and Others Unveil Steep Charges That Will Shock Travellers!
In 2025, a wave of new tourist taxes has begun to sweep across the globe. From the US to Russia, Japan, France, Greece, and Italy, the world’s most popular destinations are slapping new charges on tourists. The days of cheap vacations are over, and now, travellers will feel the bite of higher tourist taxes. These new fees are designed to combat overcrowding, fund infrastructure, and tackle environmental damage caused by mass tourism. But for the tourists, it means one thing: your holiday will cost more than ever before.
Let’s break down the shocking details of these new taxes, how they will affect your travel plans, and why you need to start budgeting accordingly.
USA – Hawaii Leads the Charge With Revolutionary Green Tourist Taxes
In Hawaii, tourists will pay more than just for their stay at a hotel. Hawaii has introduced a groundbreaking “green fee” aimed at funding climate resilience projects, including wildfire prevention and beach replenishment. Starting in 2025, Hawaii has increased its transient accommodation tax from 10.25% to a whopping 11%, along with an 11% tax on cruise bills. This isn’t just a small bump in charges—it’s an intentional step towards addressing Hawaii’s increasing environmental challenges, which have been worsened by excessive tourism. The state plans to rake in a staggering $100 million annually from this new tax. Hawaii is leading the charge in the US, with other states likely to follow suit as climate change continues to impact travel hotspots worldwide.
Russia – Tourist Tax Hits Hard: New 1% Levy Sparks Outrage
Russia, known for its rich history and stunning architecture, is now making waves in the tourism sector with its bold new tourist tax. Effective from January 2025, Russia has introduced a 1% tax on all lodging costs for international tourists. This percentage will rise to 3% by 2027. The tax is designed to support regional tourism infrastructure, but critics argue it’s just another way to squeeze more money from holidaymakers. For tourists planning to explore Russia’s iconic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square, it’s important to factor this tax into your budget. While some argue the tax is necessary for the upkeep of Russia’s tourism infrastructure, others are warning that it could discourage international visitors.
Japan – Mount Fuji’s Steep Climb Just Got Pricier With New Tourist Tax
Japan’s famous Mount Fuji, a symbol of beauty and serenity, has now become a battleground for environmental conservation. Starting in July 2025, tourists hiking the iconic mountain will be hit with a ¥4,000 tax to help fund trail maintenance and safety measures. Japan is also ramping up its tourist taxes in Kyoto, where luxury hotels are now charging up to ¥10,000 per night in taxes. This dramatic increase in tax rates is seen as a necessary step to preserve Japan’s ancient cities and natural beauty. However, this doesn’t come without backlash from those who feel that Japan’s historic sites are becoming less accessible to the everyday tourist due to these increased costs.
France – Paris and Beyond: Tourist Tax Now at Record Highs
Paris, the City of Lights, has always been a dream destination for millions of travellers. But in 2025, tourists will pay an even higher price for the privilege. In Paris, the daily hotel tax has surged, with luxury hotels charging up to €15.60 per night in tourist taxes. Smaller accommodations like three-star hotels are also feeling the pressure, with taxes now hitting €5.53 per night. France is not alone in hiking up tourist taxes—many regions across the country have followed suit. This increase is designed to help fund the preservation of France’s cultural landmarks, but tourists may not be pleased with the soaring prices. For those dreaming of visiting Paris in 2025, be prepared to open your wallet wider than ever before.
Greece – Island Tax Spike in Mykonos and Santorini
Greece, known for its sun-kissed islands and ancient history, is following in the footsteps of other European countries by raising its tourist taxes. In 2025, Greece has significantly raised its tourist tax rates. Visitors will now pay €8.00 per night during the peak season (April to October) and €2.00 during the off-season. But the steepest hike comes in the form of a €20.00 per night tax on the luxurious islands of Mykonos and Santorini. The islands, famous for their whitewashed buildings and crystal-clear waters, have been hit with an increase in charges due to the overwhelming influx of tourists in recent years. This move is part of Greece’s strategy to manage the growing pressures of overtourism.
Italy – Venice’s Controversial Tourist Tax: Get Ready to Pay to Enter the City
Venice, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, is charging tourists more than ever before. Starting in 2025, visitors to Venice will be charged a €5.00 entry fee if they arrive during peak times between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM. This is part of a new initiative to manage the crowds and preserve the city’s unique heritage. The tax will apply on certain peak travel days, making it essential for tourists to plan their trips carefully. Critics argue that the new tourist tax will make Venice less accessible to budget travellers, but the city’s authorities are adamant that the move is necessary to protect its delicate environment from the strain of excessive tourism.
Spain – Catalonia’s Tourist Tax to Rise in 2025
Spain’s Catalonia region, home to the popular city of Barcelona, is increasing its tourist tax starting in 2025. While the tax was previously set at a fixed amount, it will now range from €6-11 per day, with the possibility of rising to €15 per day by 2026. This increase is part of the region’s efforts to fight overtourism and combat the soaring housing costs caused by the influx of tourists. With the new charges, Catalonia aims to better manage its growing tourism sector while also supporting local communities that feel the impact of mass tourism. The region’s officials argue that the new taxes will help preserve its cultural and historical treasures, but some fear it may discourage tourists.
UK – Edinburgh and Glasgow Prepare for Visitor Levy
Scotland is jumping on the tourist tax bandwagon with its own visitor levy. Edinburgh, the country’s most visited city, will introduce a 5% tax on all hotel bookings starting in July 2026. Glasgow and Aberdeen are expected to follow suit in the coming years. This new levy will apply to both international and domestic visitors and is designed to generate additional funds to improve the tourism infrastructure. While some believe this tax will help sustain the sector, others argue it could make Scotland less appealing to tourists who are already facing rising travel costs.
Mexico – Quintana Roo’s Visitax: Prepare for Extra Charges in Cancun and Playa del Carmen
Mexico’s Quintana Roo state, which includes the famous tourist hotspots of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, has introduced a new tourist tax called Visitax. International visitors will need to pay this fee before they leave or upon arrival. This is a part of Mexico’s broader effort to improve tourism infrastructure and combat the impact of rising tourist numbers. The Visitax fee will be used to fund environmental projects and other tourism-related initiatives. Though it may seem like a small fee, it’s essential for tourists to remember that this tax could be applied to a variety of activities, making it a significant addition to the cost of their trip.
Tourist Taxes Are Here to Stay – Prepare Your Wallet for the 2025 Vacation Season
The rise of tourist taxes in 2025 marks a major shift in how popular destinations manage tourism. Countries like the US, Russia, Japan, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Mexico are all looking to cash in on tourists to fund infrastructure, preserve natural and cultural sites, and combat overtourism. While the increased taxes may be necessary to protect these destinations, they come at a cost for the traveller. It’s crucial for holidaymakers to be aware of these charges and factor them into their travel budgets. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of tourism, these new taxes are likely to become more common. So, the next time you plan a holiday to your dream destination, don’t forget to check the fine print—you might be paying more than you bargained for.
