Prepare for 2026: New Entry Fees and Tourist Taxes for US Travelers

Planning on traveling overseas from the U.S. in 2026? It’s gonna cost more! There will be new tourist taxes on top of the usual plane tickets and hotel expenses. New tourist-related taxes will be used to control how many people visit, as well as help the economy and protect the environment. This article will outline all of the changes for international travel in 2026.

1. UK’s New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

From 2026, U.S. travelers visiting the UK for short stays will need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the country. The application costs £16 (around $22). You can apply for this authorization via the UK government website or the official ETA app. The process is simple—just provide your passport details, a photo, and payment. Once approved, the ETA will be linked to your passport and is valid for up to two years, or until your passport expires. Travelers can enter the UK multiple times during this period without needing to reapply.

2. European Union’s ETIAS Requirement

Starting in the last quarter of 2026, the European Union will require U.S. tourists to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for short stays in any of the 30 member countries. The ETIAS will cost €20 (approximately $24), with exemptions for travelers under 18 and over 70. This online application process will ask for personal information, including education, occupation, travel plans, and past criminal convictions. The ETIAS is linked to your passport and is valid for three years or until the passport expires. Most approvals are instant, but it may take up to four days in some cases. For full details, travelers should visit the official ETIAS website.

3. Tourist Taxes in Cities and Countries

As part of efforts to curb overtourism and support local infrastructure, several destinations are implementing new tourist taxes. These fees can be significant and will be collected as part of hotel or accommodation bills. Here’s a breakdown of notable updates:

• Kyoto, Japan: Starting in March 2026, Kyoto will increase its tourist tax by up to 900%. This means visitors will pay a nightly surcharge of $6 to $66, depending on the cost of their accommodation. The tax will be added to the accommodation bill, so travelers should factor this into their trip costs.
• Hawaii: In January 2026, Hawaii raised its tourist tax on hotel stays and vacation rentals to 10%, an increase of 0.75%. While this new rate is applied to accommodation costs, a separate 11% tax on cruise cabins is under dispute and not yet implemented.
• Edinburgh, Scotland: Beginning in July 2026, Edinburgh will introduce a 5% levy on overnight stays in the city. The revenue from this tax will support local infrastructure and public services, with an expected £100 million raised by 2030.
• Norway: Popular tourist destinations in Norway, such as Tromsø and Lofoten, will begin charging a 3% tax on accommodation starting summer 2026. This will not be a nationwide tax, but rather an option for individual regions to implement.
• Netherlands: From January 2026, the Netherlands raised the tax on overnight accommodations from 9% to 21%. This increased levy applies to all forms of accommodation, including hotels, vacation rentals, and guesthouses.

4. Entry Fees for Iconic Landmarks

Several well-known attractions are introducing new fees to manage visitor numbers and contribute to local maintenance and sustainability:

• Trevi Fountain, Rome: A new €2 (about $2.40) fee will be charged for visitors wishing to get a closer look at the Trevi Fountain. While you can still admire the fountain from a distance for free, the fee will help fund tourism management efforts in Rome.
• Louvre Museum, Paris: Starting in 2026, non-European visitors, including those from the U.S., will see an increase in entry fees for the Louvre. The admission fee will rise to €32 (around $38), a 45% increase from previous prices. Group bookings of up to 20 people will pay €28 per person. The higher fees aim to support the museum’s operations and upkeep.
• Palace of Versailles, Paris: The Palace of Versailles has also raised its entrance fees for 2026. Visitors from outside Europe will pay €25 (around $30) to explore this iconic site. The fee hike is part of broader efforts to support French cultural landmarks.

5. Tips for U.S. Travelers in 2026

To help navigate these changes, U.S. travelers should keep the following tips in mind:

• Plan Travel Authorizations Early: With the travel authorizations UK ETA and the European ETIAS, it is best to apply early. The process can easily take a few days, or more for a documentation request. Apply several weeks before travel.
• Include New Taxes in your Travel Budget: New city taxes, accommodation levies and entry fees to attractions mean more travel costs. Find out from your hotel or booking service about surcharges.
• Check the Website: For the best and most recent information, always visit official government sites. It will keep you from being scammed, and will direct you to the steps needed for travel authorization and payment.