Four popular tourist destinations are increasing their tourist taxes and fees as they move to combat overtourism. Japan is set to overhaul its tourism policies in 2026 with higher departure taxes and visa fees for foreign visitors. Currently, a single-entry visa to Japan costs around £15, significantly cheaper than the US, where it can reach up to £140.
However, the surge in Japanese tourism has prompted the government to reassess the sustainability of its current policies to avoid overtourism. The existing departure tax of approximately £7 will be used to maintain tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism, with plans to increase it to around £25.
Meanwhile, Catalonia, one of Spain’s most frequented regions, is also hiking its tourist taxes.
From October 2025, the daily tourist tax will rise to €15, potentially making it the highest in Spain.
This move follows a significant uptick in visitors to the region, exacerbating overcrowding in Barcelona and putting additional pressure on public services and infrastructure.
Venice has also extended its day tourist tax to cover more days throughout the year, including the peak season from May to October, in an effort to control the influx of visitors.
Depending on how tourists register, they could face charges ranging from €5 to €10.
The aim of this levy is to deter day-trippers who contribute little to the local economy but put significant pressure on the city’s resources.
Finally, Norway is also considering implementing a tourist tax of up to 5% on hotel stays and other accommodations in areas such as Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands.
These popular destinations are grappling with the challenges posed by a high volume of visitors and the resulting strain on local resources.
