Tourist taxes: All of the countries you will have to pay to enter in 2023 or 2024

From the Algarve to Thailand, these are all the places bringing in new fees to combat overtourism. Travel has well and truly bounced back since the pandemic, buoying tourist destinations that were crippled by restrictions and closures. But some popular destinations are once again reeling under the strain of overtourism. As a result, some resorted to implementing a 'tourist tax' last year and others have followed suit in 2023. Many places already have tourist taxes in place and if you've travelled abroad, you've likely paid one before. You may have never noticed it - as it’s sometimes worked into airline tickets or the taxes you pay at your hotel. We’ve done all the research for you: here is everything you need to know about the countries you have to pay to enter. Barcelona is increasing its tourist tax in 2023 Barcelona’s tourist tax will be increased over the next two years, city authorities have announced. Since 2012, visitors to the Catalan capital have had to pay both the regional tourist tax and an extra city-wide surcharge. On 1 April, city authorities increased the municipal fee to €2.75. A second increase will happen next year on 1 April 2024, when the fee will rise to €3.25. The tax applies to visitors staying in official tourist accommodation. The council said the proceeds would be used to fund the city’s infrastructure, including improvements to roads, bus services and escalators. Valencia will impose a tourist tax in 2024 Valencia has announced it will introduce a tourist tax for travellers staying in all types of accommodation in the region, including hotels, hostels, apartments and campsites. It will come into effect at the end of 2023 or early 2024. Visitors will have to pay between 50 cents and €2 per night depending on their chosen accommodation, for up to seven nights. Authorities say the fee will go towards the sustainable development of the region’s tourism sector. Proceeds will also be used to provide more affordable housing for locals in tourism hotspots. Olhão, Portugal, introduced a tourist tax in 2023 Olhão, a Portuguese fishing town popular with tourists, has started charging visitors €2 a night between April and October. The tax will be reduced to €1 between November and March. It will not apply to children under the age of 16 and it will be capped at five nights - so a maximum of €10 - per trip. The fee is being used to minimise the impact of tourism in the Algarve town, including improving cleanliness and security, according to local authorities. Two of the Algarve's 16 municipalities already charged a tourist tax: Faro (€1.5 per night up to seven nights between March and October) and Vila Real de Santo António (€1 per day up to seven days). Thailand is introducing a tourist fee in 2023 Thailand is introducing a tourist fee of 300 Baht (€8). It was initially expected to come into force at the end of 2022 but a lack of clarity on how it would be implemented has led to delays. It now looks to have been delayed from June to September 2023, after airlines flagged further concerns. The governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand told Reuters last year that part of the fee will “be used to take care of tourists” as there have been times when health insurance didn’t cover them. It will also help finance further developments of tourist attractions, such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Venice will introduce a tourist fee in 2024 Venice will begin charging tourists who visit for the day from 2024. The fee has been delayed multiple times, but a 30-day trial finally looks set to happen over spring and summer weekends next year. Exact dates are yet to be confirmed. The imminent tourist tax is “not a tool for making cash," the city said in a statement. Proceeds from the entry fees will go towards services that help the residents of the city, including through maintenance, cleaning and reducing living costs.