September 13th 2024.
Travelling to other countries has become a more costly endeavor for Australian tourists, as they are now facing additional taxes and higher visa fees. If you are currently planning a trip, it's important to keep these extra expenses in mind and check for the latest fees to avoid any unexpected surprises. To help you stay informed, here's a rundown of what you need to know.
In Greece, cruise ship passengers visiting the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos will now be required to pay a tourist tax of €20 during the peak summer season. This announcement was made by Greek officials as a way to address the issues of overcrowding and strain on local resources in these destinations. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis explained that while Greece does not have a widespread issue of over-tourism, certain areas experience its effects during specific times of the year. He stated, "Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions."
As for European travel, Australians heading to some of the most popular tourist spots will soon need to obtain a new type of visa. The long-awaited ETIAS travel authorization system has been revealed and will function similarly to the US Visa waiver program known as ESTA. This new system, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will be required for citizens of 60 nations, including Australia, to visit 30 specific European countries. This means that even those who previously did not need a visa to travel to Europe will now need to obtain this authorization.
The UK is also implementing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from Australia and other non-visa countries. Starting November 27, 2025, travellers will need to obtain an ETA before their arrival, and by April 2025, it will be required for all European visitors. The ETA will cost A$20 and will allow multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time within a two-year period or until the expiration of the traveller's passport.
In other parts of the world, Brazil has announced its own visa system for travellers from Australia, Canada, and the US, which will go into effect on April 10, 2025. This visa will cost $124 AUD and will be valid for 10 years with multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days per year. Additionally, tourists visiting Porto, Portugal will now have to pay a higher tourist tax of €3 instead of €2 per night, despite the city being known as a budget-friendly destination. And in Rome, there are talks of implementing a ticketing system for those wanting to visit the popular Trevi fountain, which may require a fee in the future.
Finally, for those planning a trip to New Zealand, be aware that starting October 1, 2025, entry fees for international visitors will nearly triple from NZ$35 to NZ$100. However, travellers from Australia and most Pacific nations will be exempt from this charge. It's important to stay updated on these changes to avoid any unexpected costs during your travels.
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