Let’s Talk About 2025 Tourist Tax — From Japan to the Maldives

Let’s Talk About 2025 Tourist Tax — A Roundup from Japan to the Maldives

Prices are rising, and so are tourist taxes. It’s tourist tax inflation. Major destinations around the world are actively imposing tourist taxes to counter overtourism, and this year those taxes are expected to climb even higher. Here are the changes to keep in mind when planning your travel budget.

Compiled by Hur Taewoo
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- Osaka, Japan
Osaka, the main stage of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, currently charges an accommodation tax of 100 to 300 yen to guests who spend 7,000 yen or more per night. The city also plans to introduce an additional tourist tax from April in preparation for Expo visitors.

- Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Himeji Castle, famous for its main keep, a national treasure of Japan, will raise its admission fee for foreign visitors from the current 1,000 yen to 2,500 yen starting in March 2026.

- Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
Since November 2024, an accommodation tax of up to 2,000 yen per person per day has been in effect.

- Venice, Italy
This year, Venice will raise its tourist tax for day-trippers aged 14 and over during peak season from 5 euros to 10 euros. Those who book at least four days in advance will still pay 5 euros. Overnight visitors pay 1 to 5 euros per person per day.

- Rome, Italy
The tax has been raised to 4 to 10 euros per person per day, depending on the type of accommodation. Guests at luxury hotels pay 10 euros. It is charged for a maximum of ten days from the start of the stay.

- Greece
The tourist tax has gone up. It ranges from 2 to 15 euros per room, depending on the type of accommodation. In addition, visitors to famous island destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos must pay a tourist tax of 20 euros per person at the port.

- Switzerland
From May 2025, the tourist tax will rise from the current 2 Swiss francs per day to 5 Swiss francs.

- Amsterdam, the Netherlands
This is the city that charges the highest tourist tax. Since 2024, a flat 12.5 percent of the accommodation cost (per person) has been levied. Camping and guesthouses are no exception. Visitors arriving by cruise ship pay an additional 14 euros per person.

- Mexico
Travelers entering Mexico by cruise ship will be charged 42 dollars. The fee is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

- New Zealand
Since October 2024, the tax has risen to 100 New Zealand dollars per person. It is paid when applying for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which costs 23 New Zealand dollars to apply for (17 New Zealand dollars through the app). However, if the NZeTA is denied, the tourist tax reportedly isn’t refunded.

- Maldives
The green tax charged per night has risen to 12 dollars. Accommodation rates in the Maldives already include 27.6 percent in taxes, covering the tourism tax and service charges.