Between the cost of airfares, accommodation, transportation and the non negotiable daily treat,  travelling, especially travelling abroad, can be an expensive affair. Well from 2024, there is another cost you may have to factor into your travel budget.

To address the impacts of over-tourism, as well as climate and sustainability goals, several countries will be introducing a tourist tax this year. While this is no new concept, here are some of the biggest holiday hot spots joining a growing list of destinations you will need to pay to enter as a tourist this year.

Mt Fuji, Japan

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has fallen victim to the side effects of overtourism. Issues from human traffic jams and foothills littered with garbage have affected the popular tourist site in Japan in recent years. To ease pressure on the natural state of the mountain, the Yamanashi prefectural government, which manages Fuji, has imposed a daily cap of 4,000 climbers and introduced a fee for climbers going forward, which will go towards conserving the mountain. 

How much will it cost: 2000 yen (A$20.40) per climber

When it will come into effect: Immediately

For more information visit the official travel website for Japan.

Bali, Indonesia

Home to breathtaking beaches, warm hospitality, oh, and your neighbour from down the road, and your cousin’s best friend, and that guy you once had to do a uni assignment with. A one-time entry fee, which is additional to the current e-visa on arrival or the visa on arrival, to Bali will be introduced in February 2024.

The funds are said to go towards conservation efforts. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Smartraveller website, “cashless payments can be made online prior to travel or on arrival at designated payment counters at Bali’s airport and seaport”.

How much it will cost: 150,000 Indonesia Rupiah (15 AUD)

When it will come into effect: 14 February 2024

For more information, visit the official Indonesia travel website.

Venice, Italy

In an attempt to curb over tourism, The Floating City will be introducing a fee for day-trippers entering Venice during the high season from April to July. The fee will come into effect between the hours of 8:30am and 4pm for a total of 29 days, with most days falling on weekends. Those visiting outside these hours or travellers staying in a hotel within Venice won’t be charged. 

How much it will cost: €5 (~$8.15 AUD)

When it will come into effect: 25 April 2024

For more information, visit the official visitor guide to Venice.

Valencia, Spain

Called the Valencian Tax on Tourist Stays (IVET), the third-most populated municipality in Spain is introducing a tax the authorities say will be used to bolster the city’s tourism sector and provide affordable housing for residents staying in and around popular tourist attractions. Just be wary as the tax applies to the whole region including the provinces of Castellón and Alicante, not just the city of Valencia.

How much it will cost: 50 cents to €2 per night, depending on the accommodation (~80c to $4 AUD)

When it will come into effect: To be confirmed.

For more information, visit Visit Valencia. 

Related story: Price of Australian passport will increase in 2024

Honourable mentions

Paris, France

Ahead of the Olympic Games, the French capital has raised its existing tourist tax for 2024. From 1 January, the tax rate per person per night will increase to €2.60 (~$4.24 AUD) for hostels, and up to €14.95 (~$24.35 AUD) for a night in a palace (if only!).

Barcelona, Spain

Following suit, Barcelona is set to raise its existing tourist tax to €3.25 (~$5.30) from 1 April, up from €2.75 (~$4.50) in 2023.

Thailand

Thailand floated the idea of a tourist tax back in 2022 of 300 Baht (~$12.75 AUD) per person. While there has been no official announcement, it’s something we’re sure to keep an eye on.

Related story: Australians will need ETIAS visa waiver to visit Europe from 2025