TPA: Do you know why this fee exists? Ubatuba and environmental preservation.

Marcos Castro
Mar 2
4 min read

Ubatumirim Beach — Praia do Ubatumirim, one of the beaches in Ubatuba that received portable toilets funded by the TPA.

What is TPA?

The TPA (Environmental Preservation Tax) is a municipal charge created to finance environmental conservation and preservation actions in Ubatuba . According to the Ubatuba City Hall, it is a way to generate resources to minimize the impacts caused by the large number of visitors to the municipality, especially during holidays and peak season.

How does TPA work for tourists?

1. Through an electronic toll collection system per vehicle . There are no tolls. Cameras automatically read the license plates of vehicles entering the city.

2. Visitors can pay the fee before leaving Ubatuba or up to 30 days after departure , interest-free, using several options:

Through the ECO Ubatuba website or app.
With automatic toll tags (such as SemParar or ConectCar)
Directly at ECO Ubatuba service points in the city or on the highway.

Important: If the visitor opts for the automatic tag, the amount may be debited from the linked account a few days after leaving the municipality.

Who pays and who is exempt?

The following vehicles belonging to visitors staying in Ubatuba for more than 4 hours are subject to the TPA (Environmental Protection Tax) .

They are automatically exempt:

Vehicles registered in Ubatuba;
Vehicles registered in neighboring cities such as Ilhabela, São Sebastião, Caraguatatuba, Paraty, Cunha, São Luiz do Paraitinga and Natividade da Serra;
Vehicles in transit for less than 4 hours in the city.

There are also other situations where exemption is granted upon registration and proof (such as service providers and property owners in Ubatuba).

What should tourists be aware of when visiting Ubatuba?

✔ Plan your TPA payment: be aware that the fee exists and can be paid after the trip, avoiding surprises.

✔ Understanding exemptions: if the vehicle falls into any exemption category, it is important to register in advance.

✔ Pay on time: respect the payment deadline of up to 30 days after departure.

✔ Be aware that the price varies by vehicle: the daily charge depends on the type of vehicle.

TPA values per day (2026)

Vehicle Type	Value per day
Motorcycle / Scooter	R$ 3.72
Small vehicles (passenger cars)	R$ 13.86
Utility vehicles (pickups, vans)	R$ 20.78
Excursion vehicles (motorhome/large van)	R$ 41.56
Minibuses and trucks:	R$ 62.87
Bus	R$ 98.03

Is there another fee in Ubatuba?

There is a fee for tour groups: The tourist charter fee is a charge stipulated by municipal legislation that regulates the entry, circulation, and parking of tourist transport vehicles —such as buses, minibuses, and vans—within the territory of Ubatuba. This fee must be paid for the issuance of the authorization (called "Senha") by COMTUR, which is responsible for organizing and monitoring the access of these vehicles. The charge varies according to the type of vehicle and period (such as high season) and other specific conditions, and the collected funds are used for control, monitoring, and improvement of the city's tourist infrastructure .

At Hotel Coquille, you don't pay a service charge.

While the TPA and the Tourist Chartering Fee are municipal charges aimed at environmental preservation and tourism development, respectively, there is another type of fee that is quite common in the tourism sector: the service charge. In many hotels, a traditional 10% fee is applied to the cost of accommodation. In restaurants, this charge can be even higher, reaching up to 13% of the total bill.

At Hotel Coquille, the policy is different: there is no service charge applied to accommodation, and at Restaurante Coquille no additional fee is added to the amount consumed. This means transparency in the presented price and freedom for the guest to decide voluntarily whether or not to leave a tip.

What is shown is exactly what you pay.

FAQ

What is the TPA in Ubatuba?

The TPA (Environmental Preservation Tax) is a municipal charge applied to vehicles of visitors who stay in the city for more than 4 hours. Its purpose is to finance environmental preservation efforts and the maintenance of urban infrastructure.

Is TPA a toll?

No. The TPA (Environmental Protection Tax) does not function like a toll. There are no barriers, mandatory stops, or charges on the road. The reading is done automatically by cameras that record the vehicle's license plate.

Who needs to pay the TPA?

Vehicles belonging to visitors entering Ubatuba and remaining for more than 4 hours must pay the Environmental Preservation Tax (TPA). The charge is per day and varies according to the type of vehicle.

How do I pay the TPA?

Payment can be made online through the official ECO Ubatuba website or via automatic toll systems (such as vehicle tags). The payment deadline is up to 30 days after leaving the city. Access the official payment website here:

POS Payment

When do I have to pay the TPA?

Upon leaving the municipality, it is necessary to ensure that the total amount due is correct (daily rates are calculated according to the check-in and check-out times).

How are TPA daily rates calculated?

Based on vehicle entry and exit records, obtained through cameras located at the three entrances to the municipality: on the borders with Caraguatatuba and Paraty (Rio-Santos highway) and at the foot of the mountain range (Oswaldo Cruz Highway). For stays exceeding 4 hours.

What happens if I don't pay the TPA?

If payment is not made within the deadline, defaulters may be registered in the Municipality's Active Debt system, and penalties and additional charges may be applied in accordance with municipal legislation.