Travelling abroad has become more expensive than ever for Aussie tourists, thanks to the new taxes and higher visa fees.
If you’re planning a trip, there are a couple of extra hurdles to consider, so it might be a good idea to check out the latest fees to avoid any surprises.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Cruise passenger tax in Greece
Greek officials have announced a plan to introduce a €20 ($33) tourist tax for cruise ship passengers visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged while the country doesn’t have a “structural over-tourism problem”, some destinations experience issues during certain weeks or months of the year.
“Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions,” he said.
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New $12 ‘visa’ to visit European hotspots
Australians heading to some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations will soon need to apply for a new type of visa.
The details of the long-anticipated ETIAS travel authorisation have now been revealed and it will be similar to the US Visa waiver system, an ESTA.
The ETIAS travel authorisation stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System
People from 60 nations, including Australia, who didn’t traditionally need visas to go to Europe will need the travel authorisation to go to 30 specific European countries on holiday.
Visa soon required for UK
Australian visitors will also be required to apply for a visa under the newly announced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
The program will eventually require all visitors who do not need a visa and were not born in the UK or Ireland to seek permission to travel before their arrival.
Vistors will need travelling to the UK can apply for an ETA from November 27, however, the approval will not be required to travel until January 8, 2025.
By April 2025, all European visitors will also need an ETA to travel to the UK.
The ETA costs A$20 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires.
New visa system in Brazil
Brazil will introduce its own visa system for travellers from Australia, Canada and the US from April 10, 2025.
The cost will be $124 AUD, but the visa will be valid for 10 years and across multiple entries. Stays are limited to 90 days per year. The visa was previously due to be introduced in 2024 – or, rather, reintroduced.
Applicants will also need to provide additional information, according to the Brazilian government’s website.
Tourist tax increase
In Porto, Portugal, the city council is raising the tourist tax from €2 to €3 ($5) per night, despite the city’s reputation as a budget-friendly travel destination
Meanwhile, Rome is looking at creating a ticketing system for anyone wanting to visit the Trevi fountain.
Although no official plans have been announced, the popular bucket-list attraction might soon require a fee.
New Zealand will also nearly triple entry fees for tourists, meaning from October 1 international visitor and conservation and tourism fees will start from NZ$100 ($61.85) from NZ$35.
However, Australians and travellers from most Pacific nations will be exempt from the levy.
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