Greece Implements New Tourist Tax Affecting Uk Visitors From July 2025: What Travellers Need To Know

Monday, July 14, 2025

British holidaymakers travelling to Greece this summertime will person an other costs to cover, pinch nan Greek authorities group to rotation retired a compulsory tourer taxation successful a bid to negociate nan measurement of visitors and beforehand sustainable tourism. As of July 21, 2025, each cruise passengers who sojourn often traveled Greek ports, specified arsenic Mykonos and Santorini, will beryllium taxable to a dense tourer levy upon presence successful port.

This determination comes amid record-breaking tourism figures. In nan erstwhile twelvemonth alone, Greece welcomed astir 40.7 cardinal tourists, marking a notable summation of 12.8% from nan anterior year. While this surge has brought important economical benefits—totaling astir €21.6 cardinal (£18.6 billion)—it has besides raised pressing concerns among section communities regarding overcrowding and biology sustainability.

Tax Rates and Implementation

From July done September, highest play visitors arriving via cruise ships successful nan renowned islands of Mykonos and Santorini will beryllium required to salary €20 (£17) per personification per port. In comparison, lesser-frequented ports will enforce a much humble interest of €5 (£4.31).

According to charismatic statements, nan taxation is mandatory for each cruise guests transiting done Greek ports, sloppy of age. This includes some little stops (ports of call) and last disembarkation points. To streamline nan process and destruct rate handling, cruise operators specified arsenic MSC Cruises person announced that nan fees will beryllium automatically charged to passengers’ onboard accounts. These companies will subsequently transportation nan collected amounts straight to Greek larboard authorities.

For passengers who determine against disembarking and stay onboard, cruise operators will automatically region nan interest from their accounts wrong 24 hours, simplifying nan administrative process for travellers.

Seasonal Variations

Recognizing seasonal fluctuations successful tourism, Greek authorities person adjusted fees accordingly. During nan enarthrosis months of April, May, and October, nan charges are reduced significantly. Cruise visitors to Mykonos and Santorini will salary €12 (£10), while those arriving astatine replacement destinations will beryllium charged €4 (£3.43). During winter, erstwhile tourer numbers alteration sharply, nan levy drops further, opinionated astatine €4 (£3.43) for salient ports and only €1 (86p) for little celebrated destinations.

Accommodation Levies connected Mainland Greece

Beyond cruise visitors, nan Greek mainland will besides spot nan preamble of an overnight enactment levy. This taxation intends astatine generating further resources for maintaining section amenities and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives. Charges for overnight stays alteration based connected edifice ratings, opening from €0.50 (43p) per nighttime for fund accommodations, up to €4 (£3.45) per nighttime astatine premium five-star establishments. Consequently, a mates spending a week successful top-tier accommodation would incur an further €28 (£24.13) connected their full bill.

Addressing Sustainable Tourism

The tourer taxation is portion of broader Greek authorities initiatives designed to equilibrium economical maturation from tourism pinch preserving section environments and organization well-being. Cruise tourism, successful particular, has faced scrutiny owed to its concentrated impact. Small islands tin go overwhelmed erstwhile aggregate cruise ships dock simultaneously, resulting successful excessive demands connected section facilities, crowded conditions, and strain connected infrastructure.

Greek authorities asseverate that gross generated from these caller levies will beryllium reinvested straight into section communities to amended infrastructure, negociate tourism flows much effectively, and mitigate antagonistic impacts associated pinch wide tourism.

Impact connected UK Visitors

The United Kingdom remains 1 of Greece’s cardinal tourism markets, and these caller fees are anticipated to importantly effect British tourists, peculiarly those opting for cruise holidays. Despite nan further costs, Greece expects tourism request from nan UK to stay robust, driven by nan country’s enduring fame among British holidaymakers.

Authorities urge that UK visitors readying visits, particularly cruises, facet these caller fees into their recreation budgets. It is advised to stay informed astir updates from charismatic Greek authorities websites and applicable cruise operators for nan astir meticulous information.

Humanizing nan Experience

And pinch truthful galore British holidaymakers readying themselves for their beloved summertime vacation connected Greece’s sunblushed islands, this caller taxation is simply a stark reminder of getting nan equilibrium correct betwixt visiting a spot and retaining it for others to follow. Although nan taxation inflates nan costs of travel, visitors tin return solace successful that their publication is going consecutive backmost into preserving Greece’s stunning landscapes and move section towns.

In nan end, this programme represents a visible illustration of Greece’s committedness to sustainable tourism. It besides underscores that tourism is not simply astir earthy numbers; it is astir enriching nan experiences of some travelers and residents and ensuring that for decades to come, Greece remains an charismatic spot to visit.