Tourist tax is becoming an increasingly common charge for holidaymakers travelling to popular destinations. Popular destinations within Spain and France have already implemented this fee, which tourists pay upon checking into their accommodation. The revenue often contributes to the local economy or conservation efforts.
However, in light of ongoing discussions about overtourism and its impact, more locations are set to introduce tourist taxes by 2025. Even those opting for staycations could be affected, with one UK city already imposing a fee and Wales considering a tourist tax from 2027.
It’s always advisable to research any additional costs before travelling, so you can incorporate them into your budget. Here are some well-known places where visitors may need to pay a tourist tax or similar charge.
1. Paris
Paris introduced its tourist tax on January 1, 2024. The amount depends on the star rating of your accommodation. The French government’s website provides a table detailing the tourist tax rates, which range from €0.65 (around 54p) per person, per night for guests at one or two-star campsites in the region, up to €15.60 (approximately £13) per person, per night for those staying at ‘palace’ status hotels like the Ritz.
2. Mogán, Gran Canaria
Mogán, a favourite spot for holidaymakers on Gran Canaria, is set to introduce a tourist tax of €0.15 (around 13p) per person each day for guests staying in accommodations such as hotels or apartment complexes. Despite being one of the more modest tourist taxes, the CEO of Jet2 has expressed concerns, stating: “Rising taxes drive up the overall cost of holidays, reducing demand. And while Mogan’s tax is small, it sets a dangerous precedent.”
3. Amsterdam
Visitors to Amsterdam will see their tourist tax calculated based on their hotel costs, amounting to 12.5% of the pre-VAT overnight charge. Arriving cruise passengers are charged a daily tax of €14.50 (approximately £12), with children under two being exempt from this fee.
4. Thailand
Thailand, plans to introduce a tourist tax by mid-2025, but the exact date remains unconfirmed. International travellers arriving by air will be charged a flat rate of 300 baht (around £7), while those entering via land or sea routes will incur a fee of 150 baht.
5. Greece
In Greece, the time of year you visit will affect the tourist tax you’ll pay. Arrivals between November and February are subject to a daily fee of €2 (about £1.67), but those coming during the busier months from April to October face a higher charge of €8 (approx. £7) every day an amount that can quickly add up for families or those on extended stays.
6. Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s new tourist tax, dubbed The Visitor Levy, is set to be implemented on July 24, 2026, and will apply to any bookings made after October 1, 2025. This levy will impact anyone staying overnight in tourist accommodation, ranging from hotels to short-stay apartments, and will be included in the booking cost. The tax is expected to be a rate of 5% of the total price.
7. Balearic Islands
Holidaymakers heading to the popular Spanish islands of Majorca or Ibiza should anticipate paying a tourist tax upon checking into their accommodation. The local government provides details of the tax rates on their website, which vary depending on the season of your visit and the star rating of your accommodation. Rates can be as low as €0.25 (approximately 21p) per day for those staying in hostels during the off-peak season, and up to €4 (around £3) per day for stays in 5-star hotels during peak months. Children under 16 are exempt.
8. Barcelona
Tourists visiting this Spanish city are required to pay two taxes; a regional tourist tax that’s determined by your accommodation grade, and a flat-rate city tax. The city tax is €3.25 (roughly £2.70) per day for the first seven days, then increases to €4 (approximately £3.34) per day.
The regional tax can go up to €3.50 per day for those staying in 5-star hotels. If you’re staying outside Barcelona in the Catalonia region, you only need to pay the regional tax.
9. Portugal
Tourist taxes are payable in some regions of Portugal, with many popular holiday spots imposing a fee. For instance, in Lisbon, the capital, a daily charge of €2 (around £1.67) is applicable. Other areas like Faro and the Azores also have a tourist tax, so it’s advisable to check before your trip.
10. Venice
Venice, a city that has long struggled with over-tourism, has implemented a €5 (roughly £4) tourist charge for visitors between April and July. However, from 2025, last-minute bookings made less than four days in advance will incur a €10 fee, so it’s best not to delay your booking.