Greece Implements New Tourist Fees For Cruise Passengers To Curb Overtourism In Iconic Islands: What You Need To Know

Published on July 26, 2025

The classic Greek Islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes have always been popular stops for global visitors, particularly cruise passengers. In 2024 specifically, Greece received more than 7.9 million cruise passengers, 13 percent more than the previous year. These are competitiveness numbers and they reflect nothing more than the popularity of the islands and the scale of the problem that is overtourism. In addition to the casual scene, the Greek government noticed that the increase in visitors puts a strain on the local infrastructure and is implementing a new seasonal disembarkation fee, aimed directly at cruise passengers. This fresh project is designed to manage tourism traffic flow and support island conservation on the globally prestigious islands.

The new disembarkation fees, announced in July, will be imposed on all passengers traveling to some of Greece’s most popular islands by cruise ship. Though the fees are supposed to be collected via a digital platform run by the country’s cruise operators, they are part of Greece’s broader approach to deal with overcrowding and seeking to mitigate the negative effects of overtourism, particularly during high tourist season.

Fee Structure and Seasonality

The fees will be implemented in three key phases, depending on the time of year and the island being visited. The fee structure is as follows:

High Season (June 1 – September 30):

Santorini & Mykonos: €20 per passenger

Other Greek Islands (including Crete, Rhodes, etc.): €5 per passenger

Shoulder Season (April 1 – May 31 and October 1 – 31):

Santorini & Mykonos: €12 per passenger

Other Greek Islands: €3 per passenger

Low Season (November 1 – March 31):

Santorini & Mykonos: €4 per passenger

Other Greek Islands: €1 per passenger

The fees are intended to apply only to cruise passengers who disembark from ships at specific island ports. This seasonal approach aligns with tourist traffic fluctuations, reflecting the need for more regulation during peak tourist months. During the high season, when the islands experience the greatest number of visitors, the fee will be higher to discourage overwhelming congestion. In the shoulder and low seasons, the fees will be lowered, encouraging visitors to explore these destinations when they are less crowded.

Why Is Greece Introducing These Fees?

The primary motivation behind the introduction of these new fees is to combat the issues created by overtourism. Over the past few years, islands like Santorini and Mykonos have been dealing with increased visitor numbers, leading to overcrowded streets, strained public services, and a decline in the quality of life for residents. The revenues generated from these fees will be reinvested into enhancing port infrastructure, improving waste and water management systems, and supporting sustainable tourism practices across the affected islands.

Local authorities and tourism experts have raised concerns over the potential long-term damage to the islands’ environments and the erosion of local culture due to excessive tourism. The fees aim to shift some of the financial burden from local governments to tourists, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are balanced with its environmental and social costs. By introducing these fees, the government is signaling that it is taking the necessary steps to preserve the Greek islands’ natural beauty, rich history, and local culture for future generations.

Moreover, the Greek islands are not alone in adopting such measures. Other countries and tourist hotspots, such as Mexico and Italy, have also implemented or announced similar fees in response to growing tourist numbers. For example, Mexico recently introduced a $5 USD fee on cruise passengers, with plans to increase it to $21 USD by 2028. The Italian city of Venice has already implemented a fee structure to regulate the influx of day-trippers, charging up to €10 per person.

The Impact on the Cruise Industry and Tour Operators

The implementation of disembarkation fees will undoubtedly affect the cruise industry. With Greece being a key destination for many cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, cruise operators will need to adjust their itineraries and pricing structures. While some cruise lines may include the new fees as part of their packages, others may pass the cost on to passengers directly.

Some cruise lines have yet to respond officially to the changes, but it is expected that passengers will be informed in advance about the new charges. The fees may also impact how cruise lines market their Greek island itineraries, with travelers potentially opting for less popular ports in Greece or considering alternative destinations.

The introduction of these fees is not a new concept within the cruise industry. In fact, cruise lines and tourism organizations are already adapting to such changes by creating innovative packages and tours that align with the environmental and sustainability goals of destinations like Greece. For instance, cruise lines may offer excursions that emphasize local cultural experiences or environmental conservation efforts to complement the fee’s objectives.

How Will the New Fees Affect Travelers?

For tourists, the new disembarkation fees could be a deterrent for those on a tight budget. While the fees are modest in comparison to the overall cost of a cruise, they will add an extra financial burden to the trip. However, travelers should be mindful that these fees are part of a broader effort to preserve the destinations they cherish. By paying these fees, visitors are contributing to the sustainability of the islands and helping to protect their unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Travelers can also take advantage of the shoulder and low seasons, where fees are reduced and crowds are fewer. Visiting Greece during these times allows tourists to experience the beauty of the islands without the large crowds and to contribute less to overtourism. It also provides an opportunity to discover Greece’s rich history and culture in a more intimate setting.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Greece

The imposition of the disembarkation fees is merely one of many measures that Greece is instituting in order for tourism to remain sustainable in the years to come. But as world travel patterns shift, the way Greece is dealing with touring tourists on the run could offer a new model to some other big draw, heavily traveled tourist spots in the world dealing with this: the perils of overtourism. We can expect to see other countries implementing similar policies to manage the number of tourists and to safeguard their unique cultural and environmental features.

Finally, all will depend on the ability to maintain a balance, through the new tourist tax of Greece, of the tourism industry’s demands with the respect for the natural and cultural landscape of the islands. Now that travelers are more conscious of such sustainable tourism practices, schemes such that of the disembarkation fee could help secure that places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes stay full of life and open to future generations.