**The Increasing Expenses of Travel: New Tourist Charges and Levies in 2024**
As global tourism bounces back to pre-pandemic figures, numerous sought-after destinations are facing the trials of overtourism, environmental pressure, and infrastructure needs. To tackle these challenges, governments and tourism organizations around the world are rolling out new tourist charges and levies. While some of these are aimed at funding sustainability projects, others focus on regulating visitor numbers or improving security measures. Here’s an in-depth overview of the new expenses travelers should anticipate in 2024 and onward.
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### **New Visa Charges in Europe: ETIAS and EES**
Traveling to Europe is set to incur incremented expenses, even for individuals not needing a visa. The European Union is launching two new systems:
1. **European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS):** Beginning in 2024, visitors from visa-free nations will be required to pay €7 per person for an ETIAS authorization prior to entering the Schengen Zone. This fee contributes to a larger initiative aimed at enhancing security and simplifying entry procedures.
2. **European Entry/Exit System (EES):** This biometric framework will document the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, replacing conventional passport stamps. Although there is no explicit cost for EES, it works alongside the ETIAS to facilitate quicker and safer border crossings.
Additionally, Romania and Bulgaria have joined the Schengen Zone, leading to a decrease in the number of non-Schengen countries in Europe where visitors are allowed to prolong their stay past the 90-day timeframe.
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### **Local Tourist Taxes in European Cities**
Numerous European cities, inundated with unprecedented tourist volumes, are implementing or elevating tourist taxes to regulate overtourism and support local infrastructure:
– **Amsterdam:** Renowned for its stunning canals and lively culture, Amsterdam is imposing the highest tourist tax in Europe. Guests will now incur an average tax of €22 per night, up from €15.
– **Barcelona:** The Catalan capital has increased its nightly tourist levy to €3.75, from €2.75, to combat housing shortages and lessen the pressure on local facilities due to short-term rentals.
– **Venice:** Day visitors to Venice will now incur a charge of €5 per person if they are not staying overnight. This fee is part of the city’s ongoing initiatives to mitigate the effects of mass tourism, including a previous prohibition on cruise ships.
– **Greece:** Popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini are implementing a “climate resilience levy” during the peak season (March to October). The fee varies from €0.50 to €10 per night, based on the accommodation category.
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### **Global Tourist Charges: Beyond Europe**
#### **Brazil: Increased Visa Fees**
Travelers from the USA, Canada, and Australia will encounter a significant visa cost of $160 per person starting April 2024. While Brazil’s currency, the Real, has depreciated, making the nation more budget-friendly overall, this charge may discourage travelers on tight budgets. The fee poses a particular challenge for families or those planning brief visits, like a day trip to Iguazu Falls from Argentina.
#### **Bali, Indonesia: Introduction of a New Tourist Tax**
Bali has launched a fresh tourist tax of 150,000 rupiah (roughly $9.60 USD) per person, applicable to all visitors, irrespective of age. The revenue is designated to support sustainable tourism, enhance cleanliness, and develop public transportation systems. Nevertheless, critics contend that tourists already contribute through existing hotel bed taxes and various fees.
#### **Galapagos Islands: Doubling of the Park Fee**
Visiting the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is becoming increasingly exclusive. The entry fee for most international visitors will rise from $100 to $200 in August 2024. This increase is intended to limit the number of visitors and provide additional financial support for environmental preservation.
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### **Visitor Taxes for Cruise Ships**
Cruise tourism, frequently criticized for its limited economic advantage to local populations, is facing new levies in various locations:
– **Amsterdam:** An €11 tax is now applied to cruise ship visitors.
– **Quintana Roo, Mexico:** This region, which includes Cancun and Cozumel, is instituting a new charge for cruise travelers.
– **New York City, Scotland, and the Virgin Islands** are also enacting similar initiatives to address the environmental and infrastructural repercussions of cruise tourism.
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### **The Impact of Biometric Technology on Travel Fees**
Although some of these charges may appear as financial impositions, they are frequently linked to technological improvements aimed at enhancing the travel experience. Systems such as Europe’s ETIAS and EES utilize biometric data, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, to accelerate immigration procedures and bolster security.
For instance, travelers who have utilized Global Entry in the United States can vouch for the convenience provided by biometric systems, which considerably lessen wait times. According to a survey conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)