Greece to Introduce Tourism Fee for Cruise Passengers

Starting from July 1, 2025, Greece will introduce a new tourism fee for cruise ship passengers. The fee will be charged each time a passenger disembarks and will vary depending on the season and the port of call. During the high season (June through September), visitors will pay €20 in Santorini and Mykonos, and €5 in all other ports. In the shoulder seasons (April–May and October), the rates will be €12 and €3 respectively. During the low season (November through March), the fee drops to €4 in Santorini and Mykonos, and €1 elsewhere.

Introduced under Law 5162/2024, the fee will be exempt from VAT. Revenue collected will be allocated to port infrastructure upgrades, local development projects, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. The funds will be split equally between local municipalities, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and the Ministry of Tourism.

Originally scheduled for June, the launch of the fee was postponed due to a temporary decline in tourism following seismic activity on Santorini. With the situation now stabilized and tourist numbers rising again, authorities have confirmed implementation will begin in July.

In 2024, Greek ports recorded a record-breaking year, with nearly 5,500 cruise ship arrivals bringing over 7.9 million passengers to 48 destinations. Piraeus, Santorini, and Mykonos topped the list in terms of passenger volume. Despite the impressive figures, cruise tourism often generates limited direct economic benefit for local communities, as passengers typically return to their ships for meals and accommodation.