"12,000 KRW Entry Tax When Visiting Thailand"...This Year's Changed 'Overseas Travel Tips'

Discussion on Charging Foreign Tourists from June
Fees Also Imposed in Mexico, Malaysia, etc.
Venice to Charge Entrance Fee for Same-Day Visitors

As countries around the world ease the travel restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, the demand for overseas travel among our citizens is also increasing. Understanding the changes in tourism policies by country following the pandemic can help in planning trips. Notable examples include countries and cities that have started imposing entry taxes, known as tourism taxes, or charging admission fees at famous tourist sites starting this year.

Thai temple
Photo by Triple

According to the travel industry on the 12th, Thailand is considering imposing an entry tax on foreign travelers starting in June. The amount is 300 baht per person (approximately 11,000 to 12,000 KRW). This is intended to maintain and repair local environments and tourism resources. Travelers staying for less than 24 hours due to transit or other reasons are expected to be exempt from this tax.

The name of the entry tax varies by country but is generally referred to as a tourism tax. Countries such as the United States, Japan, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bhutan, and the Maldives impose this tax. The amount is usually around 10 USD.

Foreign travelers aged 4 and above visiting Quintana Roo state in Mexico, which includes Cancun, must also pay the revised tourism tax starting this year. The amount is 67.35 Mexican pesos per person (approximately 4,500 KRW). Barcelona, Spain, will increase its tourism tax to 2.75 euros (about 3,700 KRW) starting April 1. The tax varies depending on the type of accommodation, and travelers under 16 years old are exempt. Malaysia had imposed a tourism tax of 10 ringgit (about 2,900 KRW) per night for all accommodations since 2017 but stopped collecting it during COVID-19; however, it will resume this year.

Venice
Photo by Triple

The authorities of Venice, Italy, a famous water city, have decided to charge an admission fee to day-trippers visiting the historic center and surrounding islands starting this year. The fee ranges from 3 to 10 euros per person (approximately 4,000 to 14,000 KRW). If you plan to visit, you must purchase tickets in advance through an online reservation system. If you do not purchase a ticket, a fine of up to 300 euros (about 400,000 KRW) will be imposed. However, if you stay overnight in Venice, the tourism tax included in the accommodation fee exempts you from the admission fee. Children under 6 years old and spectators of sports events are also exempt from the admission fee.

Those planning to travel to Europe should pay attention to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will be introduced in November. This is a pre-travel authorization system required for entry into European Union (EU) member countries as well as countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement (which allows visa-free travel among EU member states). Travelers must apply online themselves and pay a fee of 7 euros (about 9,500 KRW). Since approval and confirmation emails may take some time, it is recommended to apply at least 7 days before the visit.

Additionally, the travel platform 'Triple,' operated by Interpark, provides information on major changes in overseas travel starting this year. Detailed information can be found in the Triple travel magazine category.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.