Tourist visas and taxes 'could cost UK families 145'
British families travelling to far-flung destinations could face substantial extra costs they hadnt bargained for, according to a new survey.
Compulsory tourist visas and taxes could set a family of four back as much as 145, according to new research by the Post Office.
Tourist tax: Mexico charges holidaymakers 700 pesos (36.28) when leaving
America requires UK visitors to pay $14 (9.27) each for an ESTA visa, but this has to be purchased before travel, so families can factor it in to their holiday budget.
However, some popular winter sun destinations levy visa and tourist tax charges that are payable on arrival or departure from the country.
In Antigua, tourists must pay almost 20 each in Eastern Caribbean or US dollars before leaving the country.
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For a family of four with children aged 12 and over this means handing over 77.76 in foreign cash at the end of a holiday when spending money may have run out.
There are also visa charges to pay in Kenya, Turkey, Egypt and Mexico.
The charges are pa! rticular ly confusing for visitors to Egypts Red Sea resorts. Visitors to Sharm El Sheikh are exempt from visa costs, but those staying in Hurghada or El Gouna have to buy a single tourist visa, costing 41.68 for a family of four.
Confusing: In Egypt, visitors to Sharm el Sheikh are exempt from visa costs, but those staying in Hurghada or El Gouna have to buy a single tourist visa
Mexico charges tourists 700 pesos (36.28) when leaving the country. This fee is often included in scheduled airfares, but holidaymakers on a charter flight have to pay in cash before leaving the country. For a family of four this means an additional outlay of 145.12.
In Cuba, Indonesia and the Dominican Republic both entry and departure taxes are payable by UK tourists, adding over 88 to the price of a family holiday.
Sarah Munro, Head of Travel Money at the Post Office, says:
Families looking for a low-priced half-term holiday may get a nasty surprise if they have to pay tourist taxes on top.
This is likely to be particularly problematic for people who are on an all inclusive package, as they may not have budgeted to take foreign cash to cover the charge.
Double charge: In the Dominican Republic both entry and departure taxes are payable by UK tourists
Unfortunately the issue of visas and tourist taxes is a confusing one and it can be difficult to find out what the charges are and how these have to be paid.
The safest advice is to get in touch with the tour operator or airline you have booked with - to ask whether there are tourist taxes, who must pay them and what currency they have to be paid in.
If the operator cannot help, it is worth checking with countrys embassy or high commission.'
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