What could be more exciting than having an overseas holiday planned? Exploring the world and discovering new sights, sounds, and cultures is as rewarding as it is relaxing.
But there's another side to holiday prep: the planning and logistics. You've got flights you'll need to book and accommodation to find. Then there's a matter of what you'll actually do when you arrive. And there are tourist taxes you need to know about.
Maybe you've heard of them. Or maybe not. Either way, more and more countries are taxing tourists as a way to combat over-tourism, manage crowd sizes, maintain public spaces, and support local services. The fees aren't massive and are generally charged per night, per entry, or per booking. Over a multi-stop holiday, they can definitely add up.
Here's what you need to know about tourist taxes if you're planning a trip in 2026.
What are tourist taxes?
A tourist tax is a fee that visitors have to pay when they enter or stay in some destinations around the world. Usually, they'll be tacked on to hotel bills, entry tickets, and other travel bookings. The amount depends on where you are, but it’s often just a few dollars per night or per person.
These charges are, big picture, a positive thing. They go toward things like transport upgrades, waste management, cultural site maintenance, and tourism safety services.
In crowded cities and heritage areas, they’re also used to manage visitor numbers and reduce strain on local infrastructure. In other words, they're used to make sure some of the world's wonders will still be standing for generations to come.
Countries with tourist taxes already in place
Tourist taxes are typically more common in Europe and Asia. Here are a couple of examples:
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Austria: In Vienna, the tourist tax is about 3.2% of your nightly accommodation rate.
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Indonesia: Bali charges a flat tourist tax of 150,000 rupiah (about AU$13.75), collected at entry.
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New Zealand: Since late 2024, visitors pay NZ$100 (about AU$86) on arrival.
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USA: Tourists need to apply for an ESTA, which costs US$21 (about AU$32) and is valid for two years.
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Bhutan: The daily sustainable development fee is currently US$100 (about AU$153) per day.
In most cases, you can find information about these taxes when you book your accommodation. If you're unsure, visit the country's official tourism website.
For entry fees, you'll need to double-check with your airline or government travel websites. Some charges are paid on arrival; others are baked into tickets or collected when you check in.
The last thing you want to run into on your holiday is an unexpected cost. Be sure to:
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Have a close read of your accommodation invoice before finalising a booking
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Check if any local entry or exit taxes apply at your destination
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Hold on to a small buffer in your travel budget for location-specific charges
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Look for updated rates on official tourism websites or embassy pages
Tourist taxes coming in 2026
Several countries are introducing or updating their tourist taxes in 2026. Currency conversions in this article are approximates.
Japan
From March 2026, Kyoto has proposed a tiered hotel tax based on your type of accommodation:
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For budget stays, the tax starts at ¥200 (about AU$2)
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For luxury and high-end stays, the tax could be as much as ¥10,000 (about AU$99)
These new figures are 900% higher than the previous fees. The revenue will be used to fund public transport and crowd control.
Thailand
By mid-2026, international visitors to Thailand may be expected to pay a ฿300 (about AU$14) entry fee. This tax is part of the Thai government's “Kha Yeap Pan Din” initiative, which means “stepping onto Thai soil.”
Norway
By the summer of 2026, some areas of Norway propose a tax of up to 3% on overnight stays and cruise visits.
Greece
Since mid-2025, cruise passengers arriving in Greece must pay disembarkation fees. In Santorini and Mykonos, the charge is €12 (about AU$21) during standard travel months and €20 (about AU$35) in peak summer.
Smaller islands may be expected to charge between €3 and €5 (between AU$5 and AU$8.80) depending on the season.
Venice
Venice proposes to introduce its day-tripper entry fee. The base fee will remain €5 (about AU$8.80), but late bookings (within three days of arrival) will pay €10 (about AU$17.75).
The fee will apply on designated high-traffic days between April and July, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Spain
Spain intends to raise existing taxes in 2026 and the years to follow. In Barcelona, the nightly surcharge may increase to €5 (about AU$8.80) in 2026. It’s expected to reach €8 (about AU$14) by 2029.
How to plan ahead
Make sure your holiday stays within budget, and avoid those last-minute surprises by following these tips.
Research your destination's taxes before booking
Look up current fees for each country or city you plan to visit. Check out the official tourism website or government pages for the most accurate information.
Check accommodation and airline fine print
Airlines and hotels often include taxes on their bills. This makes it easier for you. But to be sure you're meeting your obligations, read through your invoices carefully. Don't forget the fine print!
Set aside a small “tax buffer” in your travel budget
Adding an extra $100 to $200 to your travel fund will likely cover most tourist taxes throughout a multi-country itinerary.
Know where your money’s going
Most of these fees fund local services, site preservation, sustainability initiatives, and visitor infrastructure. The cost often improves your own travel experience and those to come.
Enjoy your trip with peace of mind
When you know what to expect, you can enjoy yourself fully while you're away. Plan ahead and set some money aside to cover any pay-on-entry fees, and you shouldn't have any trouble.
Finally, instead of seeing tourist taxes as a frustrating extra expense, feel good about where your money is going. These funds support the communities that make a destination as incredible as it is.