Scotland Joins Spain, Italy, Venice, Barcelona, Paris and More in Boosting Tourist Taxes from 2026 – Essential Insights for Travelers on How These New Fees Will Impact Your Experience Across Europe!

Published on December 23, 2025

Starting in 2026, Scotland will join Spain, Italy, Venice, Barcelona, Paris, and other top destinations in boosting tourist taxes. These new fees will have a significant impact on how travelers experience Europe, making it important to understand the details before booking your next trip. From overnight accommodation fees in Barcelona to day-trip entry fees in Venice, and cruise taxes in Norway, travelers across the continent will feel the effects. While these taxes are aimed at improving local infrastructure and preserving cultural landmarks, they will inevitably raise travel costs. It’s crucial for tourists to plan ahead and factor in these new charges, as they will vary by destination and type of accommodation. In this article, we’ll explore the full scope of these changes and offer essential insights on how to navigate these new fees and make the most of your European travels in 2026.

Scotland: Visitor Levy to Boost Local Infrastructure

Starting July 2026, Scotland will implement a visitor levy that primarily targets overnight stays in paid accommodations, particularly in Edinburgh. This tax will be applied per night and is expected to range from £2 to £5, depending on the type of accommodation.

Why this tax is being introduced:
The visitor levy aims to tackle the growing pressures on local infrastructure due to increased tourist numbers. Edinburgh, known for its world-class festivals and cultural landmarks, has seen a steady rise in visitors. This tax will help fund public transport, environmental conservation, and tourism services to enhance the experience for both residents and visitors.

What it means for travelers:
For those planning a stay in Edinburgh, this means an extra charge on your accommodation, which can add up to a few pounds each night. However, the tax revenue will be used to improve the tourism infrastructure, so it’s an investment in better services and amenities for future visitors.

Spain: Increasing Regional Tourism Taxes

In Spain, cities like Barcelona and regions like the Balearic Islands are increasing their tourist taxes in 2026. The tourism tax in Barcelona will increase from €4 to €5 per night for tourists staying in paid accommodations.

Why this tax is being increased:
With the growing number of tourists visiting Spain’s popular coastal cities and historic sites, this tax increase aims to support the preservation of heritage sites and the management of overtourism. The funds will go towards improving infrastructure, supporting local environmental projects, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

What it means for travelers:
Travelers visiting Barcelona or the Balearic Islands will need to add this extra cost to their travel budgets. For example, a 7-night stay in Barcelona will cost an additional €35 in tourist tax. However, these taxes are vital for maintaining the beauty and accessibility of these regions for future generations.

Italy: Venice’s Tourist Tax and Day-Trip Fees

Venice, a city that has long struggled with overtourism, will impose new tourist taxes starting in 2026. The tourist tax for overnight stays will remain at €3–€5 per night, depending on the accommodation. Additionally, the city will introduce a day-trip entry fee for visitors who are not staying overnight.

What’s new:
The entry fee for day-trippers will range from €5 to €10 per person, depending on the season, with peak periods (summer and holidays) seeing higher rates. This fee will help manage the high footfall during peak tourist seasons and reduce the strain on the city’s infrastructure.

What it means for travelers:
If you’re planning a day trip to Venice in 2026, expect to pay a new entry fee for the privilege of walking through the city’s iconic canals. Overnight visitors will continue to pay the accommodation tax, but this new day-trip fee will target those looking to explore the city for just a few hours. While this may seem like an inconvenience, it will help protect the city’s unique heritage for the future.

Norway: New Cruise Passenger Taxes

In Norway, a new tax for cruise passengers will come into effect in 2026. The tax will be imposed on passengers arriving by cruise ships at major Norwegian ports such as Oslo, Bergen, and the Lofoten Islands. The fee will range from €10 to €15 per person.

Why the tax is being introduced:
Norway is renowned for its stunning fjords, and cruise ships are a popular way for tourists to explore this picturesque region. However, cruise tourism has raised concerns about environmental damage and the strain on local infrastructure. The new tax will be used to fund sustainability projects, port upgrades, and environmental protections.

What it means for travelers:
For cruise passengers planning to visit Norway in 2026, expect an additional charge to be added to your cruise package. This fee will be used to support sustainable tourism and maintain the stunning landscapes that attract visitors. While it’s an extra cost, it will ensure that future travelers can enjoy the beauty of Norway in a more sustainable way.

Greece: Expanded Tourism Levies

Starting in 2026, Greece will expand its tourism levies, which will apply to both accommodation and cruise visits. The nightly accommodation tax will range from €1.50 to €4, depending on the hotel’s star rating, while cruise passengers visiting Santorini, Mykonos, and other popular islands will pay a fee of €5 to €10 per person.

Why the tax is being expanded:
The Greek government is using these taxes to mitigate the environmental impact of tourism and fund infrastructure projects on the islands. These taxes will help preserve the beauty of popular tourist destinations while providing better facilities for visitors.

What it means for travelers:
If you’re planning to visit the Greek islands, you’ll need to budget for the new accommodation tax and possibly the cruise passenger tax. While this may increase your overall travel costs, it will help keep Greece’s islands pristine and well-maintained for future tourists.

France: Increased Taxes for Cruise Passengers

France will increase cruise passenger taxes starting in 2026. Passengers arriving by cruise ships at popular French ports like Marseille, Nice, and Paris will pay an additional €5 to €10 per passenger.

What’s behind this tax:
The French government is imposing this tax to reduce the environmental impact of cruise tourism and fund port upgrades. The additional revenue will also support sustainable tourism initiatives in cities that are heavily visited by cruise passengers.

What it means for travelers:
If you’re arriving in France by cruise, this new tax will be added to your ticket price. It’s an extra cost to consider, but it’s designed to support sustainability and environmental efforts in France’s most popular ports.

United Kingdom: New City Taxes and Charges

The United Kingdom will introduce new city taxes starting in 2026, with cities like London, Manchester, and Bristol expected to impose accommodation taxes. In London, the nightly tax will be around £2, while other cities will charge between £1 and £2 per night.

Why this tax is being introduced:
The revenue from these taxes will be used to improve public transport, enhance tourism services, and fund cultural preservation. As the UK recovers from the effects of the pandemic, this tax is part of a broader plan to rebuild and upgrade tourism infrastructure.

What it means for travelers:
Travelers heading to cities like London or Manchester should prepare for a small additional tax added to their accommodation bill. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it will help improve the quality of services available to tourists.

Portugal: Increasing Taxes for Major Cities

Portugal will increase its tourism taxes in 2026, with Lisbon and Porto introducing new accommodation taxes. These taxes will range from €2 to €4 per night, depending on the type of accommodation.

Why the tax is being introduced:
The additional revenue will go towards improving tourism infrastructure, maintaining heritage sites, and funding sustainability projects in popular tourist destinations. Portugal’s government has emphasized that these taxes will help balance the economic benefits of tourism with its environmental impact.

What it means for travelers:
If you’re staying in Lisbon or Porto in 2026, you’ll need to budget for the new tourist tax. While it may add to your travel expenses, the funds will support the upkeep of Portugal’s beautiful cities and improve the visitor experience.

Summary Table

Comparing the New Tourist Taxes Across Europe

As new tourist taxes roll out across Europe, it’s important for travelers to understand how these charges stack up against each other. Here’s a quick breakdown of how taxes in different countries may affect your travel budget:

Spain vs. Italy

In Spain, regions like Catalonia and the Balearic Islands are increasing their accommodation tax for tourists staying in hotels, which could add €2–€5 per night to your expenses. These taxes are aimed at managing the impact of overtourism and funding local infrastructure improvements. For short-term visitors (those staying for just a few nights), this tax will have a noticeable but manageable impact.

On the other hand, Venice in Italy is introducing a day-trip entry fee for visitors who don’t stay overnight. This will range between €5 and €10 per day, depending on the season. The fee will apply to tourists who visit the city for the day but don’t book accommodation. For long-term visitors, Venice’s overnight accommodation tax still applies, but short-term tourists, especially those visiting for one day, will face the added cost of this new fee.

Key Difference: Spain’s tax affects tourists regardless of their stay duration, while Italy’s new Venice day-trip fee directly targets those not staying overnight, potentially making it more costly for day-trippers.

UK vs. Norway

In the United Kingdom, many cities like London and Manchester will introduce accommodation taxes starting around £1–£2 per night in 2026. These taxes are relatively modest but will add up over several nights. The UK’s tax is straightforward and applies to overnight stays. For budget travelers, this could add a significant extra cost depending on the length of stay.

Meanwhile, in Norway, cruise passengers will face a tax of €10–€15 per person when docking at major ports like Oslo and Bergen. This tax is specifically aimed at cruise tourists, who make up a significant portion of Norway’s annual visitors. While this is a one-time fee, cruise passengers should factor in this cost when booking their trips.

Key Difference: While the UK’s city taxes will affect all tourists staying overnight, Norway’s cruise tax targets a specific group of travelers, which could be more cost-effective for non-cruise travelers. Additionally, Norway offers potential exclusions for smaller ships, meaning some cruise tourists may not be subject to the tax.

How to Maximize the Value of Your Trip Despite New Taxes

While new tourist taxes across Europe may add to your expenses, there are several ways to make the most of your trip and balance out the extra cost.

1. Explore Free Attractions

Many major cities offer free attractions that allow you to enjoy the destination without paying extra. For instance, in London, Hyde Park and The British Museum are free to enter. In Barcelona, Parc Guell (except for the monument zone) and La Rambla offer cultural experiences without an entry fee. By including these free attractions in your itinerary, you can offset the additional costs of tourist taxes and still experience the best of each city.

2. Buy City Passes

City passes are an excellent way to save money, as they often include free entry to popular museums, discounted tickets for tours, and sometimes even public transport. Many passes also give you priority access, allowing you to skip the lines at popular attractions. By purchasing a city pass, you may end up saving more than the amount of tourism tax you’re paying, especially if you plan to visit several attractions.

3. Embrace Local Experiences

Instead of focusing solely on paid tourist attractions, consider exploring the local culture through authentic experiences. Wander through local markets, explore less touristy neighborhoods, or go on a hike in natural parks that are free to access. These experiences are not only tax-free but also give you a more immersive view of the destination. Whether it’s a sunset walk in Paris or discovering a hidden café in Lisbon, local experiences often offer more meaningful memories at little to no cost.

By taking advantage of these strategies, you can enhance your trip without letting the new taxes overshadow your travel experience.

While the introduction of new tourist taxes across Europe in 2026 may seem like an added burden, it doesn’t have to diminish your travel experience. By planning ahead and taking advantage of free attractions, purchasing city passes, and embracing local, authentic experiences, you can still create a memorable and affordable trip. These taxes are often used to improve infrastructure and protect the destinations you love to visit, ensuring that they remain vibrant and accessible for future generations. So, with a little extra planning, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy all that Europe has to offer—without breaking the bank.