Travel is about to get a bit more expensive in some of the world’s favorite cities. In 2026, tourists will see new “pay to visit” policies popping up from Japan to Europe. Popular destinations are adding or increasing nightly hotel taxes, visitor levies, and even entry fees for day-trippers. The trend is largely driven by overtourism – record visitor numbers straining local infrastructure and heritage sites. To cope, cities like Kyoto and London are passing costs to travelers in the form of tourist taxes.

This guide breaks down what’s changing. We’ll look at which major cities and countries are introducing tourist taxes or raising them in 2025–2026, and why they’re doing it. We’ll also explain how the rules might affect your hotel choices or trip planning. Most importantly, you’ll get practical tips on what to do now to plan smarter for trips in 2026, so these new taxes don’t catch you by surprise.

Why more destinations are raising tourist taxes

Around the world, governments are turning to tourist taxes as a response to overtourism and its impacts. In recent years, record visitor counts have led to overcrowded attractions, wear on public infrastructure, and environmental pressure in many hotspots.

Local residents often complain about congested streets, noise, and strain on services due to mass tourism. Rather than trying to ban tourists, many cities aim to manage the flow and ensure visitors help fund the upkeep of the places they enjoy.

Tourist levies are seen as a tool to balance booming tourism with sustainability. Officials argue that a modest fee per night or per entry can raise funds for infrastructure, preservation, and cleanliness without deterring most visitors. The revenue is typically earmarked for things like maintaining historic sites, improving public transport, keeping city streets clean, and protecting natural areas.

For example, Norway’s government explicitly stated that its new tourism tax will fund infrastructure projects benefiting both tourists and locals. In essence, these taxes make visitors “pay their share” for the impact they have on a destination.

Another reason behind the rise of tourist taxes is the idea of quality over quantity. Places inundated with travelers are exploring ways to encourage more responsible, higher-value tourism rather than sheer volume. By adding fees – especially higher charges for luxury travel – cities can generate revenue to reinvest in cultural preservation and spread visitors out.

As one travel expert noted, such levies are rarely meant to stop people from coming; they’re designed to reinvest in what makes cities attractive: culture, infrastructure, and better visitor management. In short, tourist taxes are becoming more common because they address real problems caused by overtourism, and destinations see them as a practical, fair solution.

Kyoto’s new hotel tax starting March 2026

Kyoto, Japan – famed for its temples and traditional charm – is introducing Japan’s highest-ever hotel tax for tourists in 2026. Starting March 1, 2026, the accommodation tax in Kyoto will jump dramatically in a tiered manner. The current lodging tax (in place since 2018) is a modest fee between ¥200 and ¥1,000 per person per night, depending on the room rate.

But from March 2026, those rates will skyrocket for higher-end stays. For example, a night in a luxury hotel in Kyoto (room rate ¥100,000, about $660) will incur a ¥10,000 tax per person per night – roughly $65 each. Even mid-range accommodations will see an increase: a room priced ¥20,000 (~$130) per night will carry a ¥1,000 tax per person nightly, up from ¥500 previously.

Local officials in Kyoto justified the big hike as a necessity to cope with the city’s huge popularity. In recent years, “an overwhelming influx of visitors” has put pressure on Kyoto’s narrow streets, historic temples, and public services. The higher tax is meant to manage overtourism and fund the preservation of cultural heritage.

According to the city, the goal is to ensure tourism growth is balanced with sustainable city management. In fact, the revenue from the new tax is expected to more than double Kyoto’s annual intake from accommodation levies – from about ¥5.9 billion to ¥12.6 billion (roughly €32M to €71M) per year. These funds will be invested in things like public transit improvements, crowd management, and conservation of Kyoto’s ancient sites.

What does this mean for travelers? Essentially, the more you spend on a Kyoto hotel, the more tax you’ll pay:

  • Budget stays (under ¥6,000 per night) – Tax remains ¥200 per person per night (about ¥1, unchanged). Good news for hostel and guesthouse travelers: the cheapest lodgings still only add a ~$1 fee each night.

  • Mid-range stays (e.g. ¥15,000 nightly rate) – Tax doubles or more. For a ¥6,000–¥20,000/night room, the tax will be ¥400 per night (up from ¥200). A room around ¥15,000 ($100) that used to add ¥200 tax will soon add ¥400 ($2.60) per person nightly.

  • Upscale hotels (¥20,000–¥50,000/night) – Tax jumps to ¥1,000 per night (about $7). For example, a ¥30,000/night boutique ryokan stay will incur ¥1,000 each night per guest instead of ¥500.

  • Luxury hotels (¥50,000–¥100,000/night) – Tax skyrockets to ¥4,000 per night (about $26). Many four- and five-star properties fall in this range. So a ¥60,000/night room (~$400) will add roughly ¥4,000 tax per guest ($26) each night – a hefty increase from the previous ¥1,000.

  • Ultra-luxury (¥100,000+ per night) – Tax hits the maximum ¥10,000 per person per night. This 900% increase (from ¥1,000 to ¥10,000) targets the very high-end hotels. For instance, a two-night stay in a top suite priced at ¥100k/night would rack up ¥20,000 in taxes per guest (≈$130 extra each).

Kyoto’s government stresses that the aim isn’t to turn tourists away, but to have visitors contribute to the city’s upkeep and solutions for overcrowding. They are coupling the tax with other measures: proceeds will help preserve temples and gardens, expand public transport capacity, and even promote lesser-known neighborhoods to spread out crowds.

If you’re visiting Kyoto in 2026 or beyond, just be prepared for the added cost on your hotel bill. Notably, the tax applies to licensed hotels, inns, and home-share lodgings within Kyoto city. Some travelers may consider staying in nearby cities like Osaka and day-tripping into Kyoto to avoid the high nightly fees – a strategy travel experts have pointed out. But if you do stay in Kyoto, know that the extra yen you pay will go toward keeping the city’s heritage intact and the streets clean for future visits.

London’s proposed 5 percent visitor levy

London, one of the world’s most visited cities, is also moving toward a citywide tourist tax – a first for the UK capital. As of December 2025, plans are underway to introduce a 5% “visitor levy” on overnight stays in London hotels, B&Bs, and other accommodations.

Unlike Kyoto’s flat per-night fees, London’s would be a percentage-based charge: about 5% of your nightly room rate added as tax. For a typical mid-range London hotel costing, say, £180 per night, that comes out to an extra £9 per night in taxes. A long weekend stay (3 nights) could mean roughly £27 ($34) more on your bill due to the levy.

This London tourist tax has been talked about for years, but it’s now moving closer to reality. The UK government announced in late 2025 that it will give cities like London the legal power to impose a “modest charge” on visitors to raise local revenue. London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has strongly backed a 5% levy, arguing that the city needs funds to reinvest in tourism infrastructure and to prevent residents from “suffering” due to overtourism impacts.

London saw around 89 million overnight stays in 2024, which puts heavy wear on transport and public spaces. City Hall estimates that a 5% hotel tax could generate about £240 million annually for London. The idea is to spend that money on things like the Tube and buses, street cleaning, cultural programs, and managing popular sites – all to improve the visitor experience while offsetting the burdens on locals.

It’s important to note that London doesn’t have the tax just yet. The plan is in a consultation phase (running until early 2026) and will need final approval and implementation. City officials hope to start the levy as soon as possible after that – potentially in late 2026 or 2027 – with London likely to be the first English city to do so.

Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, however, is set to introduce a similar 5% tourist tax from July 2026 under separate legislation. Some London boroughs, like Westminster, have already signaled support for the tax and will coordinate once it’s authorized.

For travelers, this means you should budget a bit more for London accommodations in the near future. Five percent is a noticeable bump: on a £500 hotel stay, that’s an extra £25. The tax would apply per room, per night on all paid accommodation – from luxury hotels to campsites and Airbnb rentals.

It will likely be added automatically to your bill (similar to how VAT is handled). So when you book a London hotel in 2026 or later, check whether prices quoted already include the visitor levy. If not, expect that it will be added at check-in or check-out.

London’s move is part of a broader trend across the UK. Manchester became the first UK city to implement a tourist charge in 2023, with a £1 per night “City Visitor Charge” at hotels. Edinburgh’s upcoming tax will be about £2 per night (roughly 5% of a typical hotel rate) starting in 2026.

Now that the national government is empowering local tourist taxes, other English cities like Birmingham, Liverpool, and Oxford are also considering their own levies. In short, by 2026 the UK is catching up to Europe in using tourist taxes to raise funds. London’s 5% proposal is at the forefront, aiming to make visitors contribute to keeping the city a top-notch destination without overburdening Londoners.

Other major destinations raising taxes in 2025–2026

It’s not just Kyoto and London. Tourist taxes are on the rise in many popular destinations. Here’s a roundup of other cities and countries introducing or increasing visitor levies around 2025–2026:

  • Elsewhere in Japan: Beyond Kyoto, Japan’s central government is hiking fees too. The national departure tax (the fee you pay when leaving Japan) is set to increase from ¥1,000 to a higher amount (potentially up to ¥5,000) as early as 2026.

    This tax (nicknamed the “sayonara tax”) was ¥1,000 (about €5.50) since 2019, but officials want to bring it “closer to international standards” to fund airport improvements and security. In addition, Japan is considering raising visa fees and has even floated a future ¥6,000 (~€36) electronic travel authorisation for visa-waiver visitors by 2028.

    These moves reflect Japan’s booming tourism numbers and a push to generate revenue for infrastructure and education without burdening residents. Also noteworthy: Tokyo has unveiled plans to overhaul its hotel tax by 2027 – replacing the current small flat fee (¥200/night for expensive rooms) with a 3% lodging tax on the room rate.

    That change isn’t until 2027, but it shows Japan’s trajectory of aligning tourist taxes with spending levels (similar to Kyoto’s model). And in Hokkaido’s resort areas like Niseko, local authorities have discussed percentage-based accommodation taxes as well, targeting luxury ski hotels (though specifics are still being worked out).

  • Norway: Starting in summer 2026, Norway will let its most-visited areas charge a 3% tourist tax on overnight stays. The Norwegian parliament approved a law in 2025 empowering municipalities to add up to 3% to hotel, campsite, or rental prices in “areas particularly affected by tourism”.

    The tax, added to your lodging bill, can also be seasonal – meaning tourist hotspots might charge a higher percentage in the busy summer and possibly less in off-season. Importantly, funds from this tax are earmarked exclusively for tourism infrastructure and environmental management in those communities.

    For example, a small fjord town overwhelmed by cruise visitors could use the money to improve its waste systems or trails. Municipalities have to demonstrate a need (like inadequate facilities due to tourism) and get plans approved by the national government to use the funds. This ensures the tourist tax isn’t just a cash grab – it’s spent on things that benefit travelers and locals (think better roads, toilets at viewpoints, etc.).

    If you’re visiting Norway’s popular spots (fjords, Lofoten islands, Oslo, etc.) in late 2026 onward, check if a local “overnattingsavgift” (overnight fee) is in effect. A 3% tax means an extra NOK 30 on a NOK 1000 hotel room (~$3 on a $100 room) – modest, but now the norm in many European destinations.

  • Spain: Travelers to Spain will encounter higher tourist taxes in several regions. In Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, the regional government approved legislation in early 2025 to double the tourist tax cap to as high as €7 per person, per night (from the previous €3.50). Barcelona city, in fact, has already increased its own municipal surcharge.

    As of 2024, Barcelona’s city tax for visitors in top-end accommodations is €6.75 per night. This is charged on top of Catalonia’s base tax (which is now about €3.50 for a luxury hotel). That means a guest in a 5-star hotel in Barcelona pays roughly €10.25 per night in combined tourist taxes. For a one-week stay, that’s about €70 extra.

    And further increases are on the horizon – Catalonia’s hike to a €15 total nightly fee has been proposed, which would give Barcelona one of Europe’s highest city taxes. Other parts of Spain are following suit: the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, etc.) have an established “Sustainable Tourism Tax” (around €2 to €4 per night in high season for adults in hotels), and there are talks of adjusting it seasonally to manage crowds.

    The Canary Islands to date avoided a broad tourist tax, but the municipality of Mogán in Gran Canaria introduced a small €0.15 per night eco-tax in 2025 as a pilot. Meanwhile, Valencia region had planned a new €0.50–€2 nightly tax for 2024, but this was shelved after local backlash and a change in government policy.

  • Italy: Italy’s famous cities have long charged “tourist soggiorno” taxes (usually a few euros per night based on hotel stars). What’s new is that Italy is considering steep increases in some cases. The government has discussed raising the maximum allowable city tax to €10 or even €25 per night for high-end hotels.

    Rome, for instance, currently charges €3–€7 per night depending on hotel category. Venice charges up to €5 per night in peak season (less in low season), and has been trying to implement a separate day-tripper fee as well. In fact, Venice plans to charge day visitors €5 on certain busy days as a crowd-control measure (a trial of this system was approved to start in summer 2024).

    The day-trip fee is separate from the overnight tax and would apply to tourists who visit for the day without staying overnight. Enforcement of Venice’s day fee is still being ironed out (fines up to €300 are set for those who evade payment).

    If you’re staying overnight in Italian cities in 2026, expect moderate taxes like a few euros per night (and possibly higher if the new law passes). If just visiting Venice for the day, be aware you might need to buy a €5 entry ticket on designated high-tourist days.

  • Greece: Greece has introduced new charges aimed at both overnight tourists and cruise visitors. The country already had an overnight “stayover tax” (ranging from about €0.50 to €4 per room nightly depending on hotel category). In 2024, Greece added a Climate Resilience fee on accommodations, collected at check-in, which ranges from €1.50 up to €10 per night depending on the type of lodging.

    A traveler staying in a mid-range hotel might now pay roughly €8 extra per night in Greece when combining these taxes. Not all properties charge for children, and some offer reduced rates for low season, so there is some variation. On top of that, Greece implemented a new cruise ship passenger tax in mid-2025: cruise visitors now pay from €1 up to €20 per person when disembarking at Greek ports, with the highest fees in peak season at popular islands.

    So if you’re arriving by cruise to Santorini or Mykonos in 2025–26, expect a surcharge (often handled by the cruise line via excursion fees or port fees) of up to €20 each. All these funds are intended to help Greece handle record tourist volumes (over 30 million a year) – for example, by improving port facilities and protecting overcrowded attractions like the Acropolis.

  • The Netherlands: Amsterdam already charges one of Europe’s highest tourist taxes. While not a brand-new 2026 change, it’s worth noting for travelers: Amsterdam’s levy is 12.5% of the room rate (a 7% tax plus a €3 per person per night charge for hotels). This hybrid percentage + per-night fee means a budget traveler in a hostel might pay a few euros extra, whereas a luxury hotel guest could pay significantly more.

    Other Dutch cities like Rotterdam and Utrecht have similar percentage-based taxes around 6–7%. In 2024 Amsterdam also hiked its tourist tax on cruise passengers (€8 per cruise visitor) to discourage massive cruise crowds in the city center.

    If you plan a trip to Amsterdam or anywhere in the Netherlands, don’t be surprised to see these charges itemized on your hotel bill – they’ve become standard, and Amsterdam adjusts them periodically to manage tourism’s impact on the city.

  • Other hotspots: Bali, Indonesia introduced a one-time visitor levy of approximately IDR 150,000 (about $10) for each international traveler arriving, which started in mid-2024. This fee is aimed at funding cultural preservation and environmental programs on the island. If you fly into Bali’s Denpasar airport, you’ll pay this $10 tourism tax (sometimes built into your airline ticket, or paid on arrival).

    Thailand has been discussing a similar entry fee for international tourists (around 300 Thai baht, or $9) for some time; as of late 2025 the plan was delayed, but it could materialize in 2026. New Zealand already charges a NZ$35 International Visitor Levy (about US$20) on most incoming travelers to fund conservation.

    In France, cities charge varying taxes (usually €1–€5 per night) – Paris, for example, adds up to €5 per night for a 4-star hotel. These are long-established, but a number of French cities modestly increased their rates in 2023–2024 to keep up with tourism growth.

    United States: While the U.S. doesn’t have national tourist taxes, almost every major city and county imposes local hotel occupancy taxes – typically 10–15% added to your hotel bill. For instance, New York City’s hotel tax is 14.75% + $3.50 per night, San Francisco’s is about 14%, and Orlando charges around 6% on hotels.

    These aren’t new, but be aware that when budgeting for U.S. trips, the price you see for a hotel often doesn’t include those taxes until final checkout. Some cities have even raised these rates recently to boost post-pandemic revenues (for example, some counties tacked on an extra 1-2% in the last couple of years). Always check the fine print on U.S. hotel bookings so you’re not caught off guard by a double-digit tax at the end.

As you can see, tourist taxes are becoming common worldwide, and many are increasing around 2025–2026. Each destination has its own system – some charge per person, some per room; some are flat fees and others are a percentage. The unifying theme is that popular places want to channel tourist dollars toward managing tourism’s effects. Travelers should expect these fees as a normal part of trip costs now, just like airport taxes or visas.

How much these taxes could add to your trip

You might be wondering: in concrete terms, how much extra money are we talking about? For most destinations, the tourist taxes are relatively small – a few dollars or euros a day – but they can add up, especially on longer stays or in luxury accommodations. Here are a few real-world examples to illustrate the potential impact on a trip budget:

  • Kyoto, Japan: If you splurge on a luxury hotel in Kyoto at ¥100,000 per night (around $660), the new tax adds ¥10,000 per person each night. For a couple staying 3 nights, that’s ¥60,000 in taxes ($400) just for the hotel. On the other hand, a mid-range hotel at ¥20,000/night ($130) will incur ¥1,000 per guest per night – about ¥3,000 per person for a 3-night stay (roughly $20).

    Budget travelers in a ¥5,000/night guesthouse still pay only ¥200 a night (less than $1.50). So the range is huge: your Kyoto tax could be as low as $4 on a 3-night hostel stay or as high as $400 on a high-end luxury stay. Most average tourists will fall somewhere in the middle, paying a handful of dollars per night in Kyoto tax.

  • London, UK: Assuming the proposed 5% levy gets implemented, a 3-night stay in London would see roughly a 5% increase on your accommodation cost. For example, three nights in a £150/night hotel (£450 total) would incur about £22.50 in tax (≈ $28). A budget hotel for £80/night over 3 nights (£240) would add about £12 tax. For a luxury £300/night stay (£900 for 3 nights), expect £45 extra.

    In other words, London’s tax might add roughly £4–£15 per night to your costs depending on your hotel’s price point. Remember this is per room, not per person, since it’s percentage-based on the room rate. If you’re sharing a room, you can mentally split the cost – e.g. two people in that £150/night hotel would effectively pay about £11 each in total tax for the long weekend.

  • Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona’s current tourist taxes total about €10.25 per night for a 5-star hotel stay. For two people staying 4 nights in a top hotel, that’s €41 per person added. If you opt for a simpler accommodation, say a 3-star hotel, the regional tax might be around €2.75 and the city surcharge €2.75, totaling ~€5.50 per night.

    Over 4 nights that’s €22 extra – not negligible, but not trip-breaking. Apartment rentals in Barcelona also incur these taxes (the rates differ slightly). Always check if your Airbnb or hotel quote “includes the tourist tax.” Often in Spain it is paid at check-in in cash, so be ready for that. A family of four staying a week in Mallorca might pay around €2 per adult per night (kids usually exempt) – which would be roughly €28 in tax for the whole family for a week.

  • Norway example: A 3% tax might sound tiny. If you book a cozy lodge in the Norwegian fjords for 5,000 NOK for a week ($500), a 3% tax adds about 150 NOK ($15) to the bill. Not too bad. But if you stay in a luxury hotel in peak season costing 3,000 NOK per night ($280), for 3 nights (9,000 NOK total), a 3% tax is 270 NOK ($25) extra. The seasonal aspect means if you travel in off-season, some places might not charge the tax at all or use a lower rate. High season visitors essentially contribute more to help expand trails, parking, etc., to support those peak crowds.

  • United States: For those unfamiliar, U.S. hotel taxes can be a bigger chunk. In New York City, a $300/night hotel for 3 nights (approx $900) will see about 14.75% + $3.50/nt in taxes – roughly $140 extra on the bill. In Las Vegas, a 13.38% hotel tax on a $150/night room for 3 nights adds about $60. These have been around a long time, but it’s a reminder when comparing costs: a $150 online nightly rate in the U.S. might actually cost ~$170 with taxes at checkout. So always factor that in.

As these examples show, the impact of tourist taxes can range from trivial to significant. It really depends on the destination and your travel style. Percentage-based levies (like London’s 5% or a U.S. city’s 12%) will scale up with luxury choices – expensive hotel = higher tax in absolute terms. Flat fees (like €4 per night in Rome, or ¥200 in budget Kyoto stays) affect everyone more equally, which means they take up a larger share of a backpacker’s budget than a luxury traveler’s.

Overall, for a typical vacation, tourist taxes are still a small fraction of your total trip cost. Even €10 a night over a week is €70 – perhaps the cost of one nice dinner out. However, it’s money you need to account for. If you’re price-sensitive, these fees might influence your decisions (for example, maybe staying just outside an expensive city to avoid a high city tax, or shortening a stay by a night). The key is transparency: knowing the fees in advance so you aren’t unpleasantly surprised at checkout.

What these changes mean for travelers in 2026

For travelers, the wave of new tourist taxes in 2026 means a few extra considerations when planning trips. The good news is that the taxes are generally not prohibitive – they won’t make travel unaffordable, but they do require a bit of awareness and planning. Here’s how these changes might affect your travels and what you should do:

1. Budget a little extra for accommodations: When estimating your trip expenses, account for the local tourist tax on hotels. It might be a percentage (so add ~5–15% to your hotel line item) or a flat per-night fee. For example, if you’re allocating $150 per night for a hotel in a city with a 10% tax, consider it $165 a night in your budget. The taxes usually aren’t included in the initial price on booking sites (except some sites that show “including taxes and fees” – check the details). As of 2026, more cities will have these fees, so check every destination on your itinerary. A quick Google search like “ tourist tax 2026” or looking at recent travel guides can tell you the current rates.

2. Pay attention during booking: Many booking platforms will mention local taxes in the price breakdown or fine print. You might see notes like “Tourist tax X% not included – payable at property.” Don’t ignore those! If it says, for example, “€3 per person per night city tax not included,” make a mental note that your €100/night room is effectively ~€106/night for two people after tax. Some sites (especially in Europe) now collect the tax at booking, but others expect you to pay the hotel or host directly in local currency. When you check in, the front desk might ask for the city tax in cash (this is common in parts of Italy and Spain). Be prepared with a bit of cash in the local currency for this purpose, or a credit card if the hotel allows that for the tax payment.

3. Watch for changes between booking and travel: One tricky scenario is if you book well in advance and the city implements a new tax or raises it before your arrival. Generally, if a tax is law by the time of your stay, you are obligated to pay it, even if it didn’t exist when you made the booking (since these taxes are usually government-mandated). For example, if you book a London hotel in early 2026 for travel in November 2026 and a new 5% levy kicks in on October 1, 2026, your hotel will add that 5% to your bill. Hotels usually will inform guests if such changes happen, but it’s wise to stay informed yourself. If a huge change truly blows your budget, you could see if your reservation can be modified or canceled, but most often the amounts are small enough that it’s easier to absorb the cost. Travel insurance typically won’t cover “new taxes” as a reason to cancel – so it’s better to anticipate possible fees. Keep an eye on travel news for any last-minute policy changes in your destination.

4. Consider location and length of stay: In some cases, you might adjust your trip plans due to these taxes. If a city charges a high per-night fee and you’re on a tight budget, maybe a shorter stay or a stay in a nearby town could help. For instance, a traveler on a long trip might choose to stay 2 nights in heavily-taxed Amsterdam instead of 4, then spend extra time in a less expensive city. Or if you’re touring Japan, you might opt to stay in Osaka and day-trip to Kyoto to avoid Kyoto’s steep hotel taxes for a 5-night stretch (keeping in mind you’ll pay a small train fare for commuting instead). Another strategy: staying outside city limits. Some cities only levy the tax within the official city boundaries. A hotel in a suburb or outlying area might not charge the city tax, or might have a lower regional tax. Of course, factor in transport costs and convenience – it’s often not worth it just to save a few euros of tax if you then spend more time and money on trains. But it’s a consideration if, say, you have a rental car and can easily stay in a neighboring town.

5. Understand the purpose (feel better about paying it): It might help to know where your money is going. Tourist taxes are usually not just random charges; they fund things you’ll likely benefit from. Cleaner public restrooms, maintained hiking trails, less crowded public transport at tourist sites – these improvements come from those funds. For example, London plans to use its levy to enhance cultural attractions and transport for visitors , and Kyoto is channeling money into preserving the very temples tourists come to see. Knowing this can make that extra few dollars feel like a contribution to sustainable tourism, rather than an inconvenience. It’s a bit like an investment in keeping your destination beautiful and functional.

6. No need to cancel – taxes are still a small portion: Some headlines about “tourist tax” might sound alarming, but keep perspective. The fees, even when increased, are usually a small percentage of total trip costs. For instance, an additional €20 total on a weekend trip or $50 on a week-long international vacation is not likely to make or break the experience. If a destination is on your dream list, a new tax shouldn’t dissuade you from going. Just incorporate it as you would a slightly higher hotel rate. In a lot of cases, you might not notice the tax at all – it gets added in automatically, and you pay it as part of the hotel bill with your credit card. So don’t let the talk of “tourist taxes” create undue stress. By planning ahead, you can absorb the costs easily.

7. Keep receipts and follow rules: When you do pay a tourist tax, it will usually be clearly indicated on your hotel invoice or receipt. Keep those documents, especially if you’re traveling for work or mixing business with leisure – occasionally, such taxes might be reimbursable or tax-deductible for business travelers. Also, there’s typically no way around paying these (and you shouldn’t try to evade them – properties are required to collect them by law). If you refuse to pay at a hotel that asks for it, the hotel will still charge you or could report non-payment, so it’s not a battle worth having. Just factor it in as part of the cost of travel in 2026.

To sum up, travelers in 2026 should be more mindful of local taxes but not frightened by them. It’s similar to how we account for airline fees or visa costs. By doing a bit of homework – checking official city tourism websites or updated guidebooks – you can know every fee you’ll encounter. And when you know about it, you can plan for it and travel smarter, perhaps shifting your budget or itinerary slightly but still enjoying all the destinations you want to visit.

The Takeaway

Tourist taxes are becoming a standard part of travel, and 2026 is a landmark year with several major destinations rolling out new fees. Kyoto’s dramatic hotel tax hike and London’s anticipated city levy headline the changes, alongside numerous smaller increases from Norway to Barcelona. While no traveler loves extra fees, these taxes are generally small in proportion to your overall trip cost – often just a few dollars or euros per night that go toward improving the very places you’ve come to enjoy.

If you’re planning trips for 2026, take a calm, practical approach: research the current tourist taxes for your destination, factor them into your budget, and check if they’ll be collected in advance or on arrival. Being aware will prevent any unwelcome surprises at checkout. Remember that these charges help cities cope with crowds and fund infrastructure, which ultimately enhances your travel experience (think cleaner streets, preserved historical sites, and efficient public transport).

With overtourism a growing concern, more destinations are likely to implement similar levies in the future. Travelers should not be discouraged – even with a few extra fees, travel in 2026 remains as rewarding as ever. Just be prepared to pay a little bit back into the places you visit. After all, responsible tourism means ensuring the world’s great cities and natural wonders can sustain themselves. By paying these modest taxes, you’re contributing to the sustainability of your favorite destinations. So pack your bags, enjoy your journey, and rest easy knowing you’re doing your part to keep those places special for years to come. Safe travels in 2026!

FAQ

Q1. Do children have to pay tourist taxes?
It depends on the destination. Many cities exempt children under a certain age or offer reduced rates. Some places charge per room regardless of age, while others have age brackets (for example, under 12 free, 12–17 half rate). Always check the specific city rule on the hotel website or tourism page.

Q2. Are tourist taxes included in the booking price?
Not always. Many booking sites list room rates without local tourist taxes and note that the tax must be paid at the hotel. Some platforms like Airbnb may collect certain taxes automatically, but policies vary widely. When in doubt, ask your hotel or host.

Q3. What if a new tourist tax is introduced after I book?
You’ll likely have to pay it. Tourist taxes are legal requirements applied at the time of stay, not booking. Hotels usually notify guests if a new tax takes effect before their arrival. Travel insurance typically does not cover new taxes.

Q4. How are tourist taxes collected? Do I need cash?
Often the tax is added to your hotel bill and payable by card. In some countries, small properties may request cash. It’s wise to carry a bit of local currency in case the tax must be paid separately at check-in or checkout.

Q5. Why are some places adding environmental or sustainability fees?
Many destinations use these fees to support conservation, climate resilience, infrastructure, and tourism management. Funds may go toward beach protection, wildfire recovery, waste systems, or preserving natural areas.

Q6. Which destinations already have the highest tourist taxes?
Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Barcelona, and Kyoto are among the priciest. Several U.S. cities also have high hotel tax rates. Luxury accommodations often face the highest local levies.

Q7. Will tourist taxes keep increasing every year?
Possibly. More destinations are adopting them, and existing taxes may rise over time. Governments adjust rates to manage tourism impact, but dramatic jumps are uncommon. Expect gradual increases rather than sudden spikes.

Q8. Do I have to pay tourist taxes on Airbnb or holiday rentals?
In most cases, yes. Tourist taxes apply to all paid accommodations. Some platforms collect and remit the tax automatically; in other places, hosts collect it in person. Check your listing details to avoid surprises.

Q9. Are unpaid or private stays taxed?
No. Staying with friends or family in private accommodation without payment does not incur tourist taxes.

Q10. Are tourist taxes charged per person or per room?
It varies. Some destinations charge per person per night, others charge per room, and some apply different rates based on property category. Always verify the rule for your specific destination.

Research Notes

To put this overview of tourism fees together, I drew on recent reporting from several major travel news outlets. Euronews, Travel Weekly, Sky News, and The Points Guy all covered the latest changes throughout late 2025, offering clear updates on which cities and regions are adjusting their tax rates. These reports helped confirm where new fees are already in place and where proposals are still moving through local governments.

Because tourism taxes can change at any time, I cross-checked each update against the most recent official statements available at the time of writing. The information here reflects how things stood in late 2025, though travelers should always check local government websites before their trip in case anything has changed.