Finland’s Ministry of Finance has outlined a possible ferry ticket tax of EUR 10–30 per passenger as part of its tax, expenditure and structural reviews published on 26 October.
The tax would apply to ferry journeys departing from Finland, with operators collecting it through ticket prices and remitting the proceeds to the state. The ministry estimates annual revenue of EUR 67–200 million before accounting for changes in passenger behaviour.
The review points to shipping’s existing tax advantages, including VAT exemptions for international sea journeys, excise exemptions for marine fuels and tax-free sales on certain passenger services.
Other options examined include restricting crew support and increasing fairway dues.
The measures form part of a broader set of options to strengthen public finances and support political decision-making. No decision to introduce a ferry ticket tax has been announced.