Plan Ahead: Essential Guide to New Visa and Tourist Tax Changes for 2024-2025

The global travel landscape continues to evolve, bringing with it a series of new financial implications for travelers. In 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, several destinations are introducing new visa fees and tourist taxes that could significantly impact travel planning and budgeting. These changes are not only pivotal for managing tourism flows but also, for funding local infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. Travelers dreaming of new adventures or planning their next escapades need to be aware of these financial adjustments. From increased visa costs to new regional levies, these fees are designed to enhance tourist experiences and support local communities, even though they might lead to higher travel costs initially. Knowledge is power, so let's have a look at some of the new visas and tourist taxes introduced in 2024 and what lies ahead in 2025.

Tourist Visas & Taxes

European Union (EU): The EU is rolling out the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025. Travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, must apply for ETIAS before visiting Schengen Area countries. The process includes a €7 fee and is valid for stays up to 90 days within 180 days. ETIAS applications are straightforward and mostly automated.

Indonesia: Indonesia introduced a new tourist tax of IDR 150,000 or USD $10-$15 per visitor, depending on what airport you fly into on the archipelago. The tax aims to improve sustainability and local infrastructure to promote responsible tourism.

New Zealand: Starting October 2024, New Zealand's International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) increased from NZ$35 to NZ$100 per person. This fee is required when applying for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or tourist visa for travelers from visa-waiver countries. The revenue supports conservation efforts and infrastructure maintenance, especially in national parks, which are significant tourist attractions. However, visitors from Australia and many Pacific Islands are exempt from this tax. ​

United Kingdom: From January 8, 2025, the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visitors from non-European countries, including the U.S. The ETA costs £10 (~$13) and is valid for multiple trips over two years, allowing stays of up to six months. Europeans will also need this authorization starting in April 2025.

Upcoming Fees and Regulations Impacting Cruise Travelers in 2025

As the cruise industry continues to recover and expand, 2025 is set to introduce new costs and regulations that could reshape the cruising experience in popular destinations like Mexico and Greece.

Mexico Implements New Immigration Levy for Cruise Passengers

Starting July 1, 2025, cruise passengers setting foot in Mexico will face a new "immigration levy" of $42, mandatory irrespective of whether they disembark or not. This new fee, managed by the military, is designed to enhance port management. However, the imposition of this fee raises concerns about the potential increase in overall cruise costs, which could deter travelers and diminish the frequency of cruise ships docking at Mexican ports.

Additional Local Fees in Quintana Roo

In regions famed for their cruise destinations, such as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Quintana Roo, Mexico, there's an impending introduction of a $5 infrastructure fee, effective from January 1, 2025. The revenue from this fee will be directed towards sustainability projects and disaster prevention initiatives, reflecting a growing trend of ports investing in responsible environmental practices.

Greece's Approach to Cruise Tourism Regulation

Over in Greece, iconic destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are gearing up to manage the surge in cruise tourism more sustainably. Starting in 2025, these islands will implement a new berthing system and impose daily caps on cruise passengers. While these measures are not directly labeled as taxes, they are likely to lead to increased operational costs for cruise lines, which could, in turn, be passed down to travelers in the form of higher fares or additional fees.

What This Means for Cruise Travelers

These changes signal a shift towards more regulated and environmentally conscious cruise tourism. While they aim to fund important infrastructure and sustainability efforts, they also pose an additional expense for cruise passengers. Travelers planning their 2025 cruise itineraries should factor in these extra costs while selecting destinations. As the industry adapts, staying informed on these regulatory changes will be crucial for both cruise enthusiasts and operators alike.

Have You Ever Heard of a 'No Travel' List?

As popular tourist destinations like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Nepal—including its iconic Everest region—continue to face challenges such as overcrowding, rising local living costs, water shortages, and waste management issues, tourists visiting these areas increasingly find themselves at the center of local discontent and frustration. The growing pressures on infrastructure and resources have strained relations between visitors and residents, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism practices that consider both environmental impact and community well-being.

If you're interested in exploring less-trodden destinations, check out some of these popular 'no lists' from two of my favourite travel publications:

Fodor's No List 2025

https://www.fodors.com/news/news/fodors-no-list-2025

Intrepid's Not Hot List 2025 https://www.intrepidtravel.com/ca/not-hot-list-2025

Keep in mind, that there are ways to still experience these destinations. Avoiding peak travel times, travelling to lesser-known towns and villages, and if you are insistent on booking your own travel, utilizing local destination management companies to build itineraries that include more community-based activities and experiences can help you enjoy a more authentic and sustainable trip.