Spain Joins Greece, UK, France, Netherlands, and Others to Change Europe Tourism Landscape by Hiking Tourism Taxes from 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 7, 2025

Starting in 2026, Spain will join Greece, the UK, France, the Netherlands, and others in hiking tourism taxes. This change aims to manage tourism impact, improve infrastructure, and support sustainability across Europe. With rising concerns over the effects of mass tourism on local communities and resources, several European countries are implementing or increasing tourism-related taxes to balance the needs of tourists with the preservation of cultural heritage and natural environments. From higher accommodation charges to new visitor levies, travelers will need to factor these increased costs into their travel plans as they navigate the evolving tourism landscape in Europe.

Spain: Tourism Surcharge Increase in Barcelona

Starting in January 2026, Barcelona will increase its municipal tourism surcharge, raising the rate from €4 to €5 per night for most accommodations. This surcharge is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to manage the impact of mass tourism and improve infrastructure. In addition, other regions, including the Balearic Islands, are expected to either introduce or expand similar taxes. Tourists visiting Barcelona will need to account for this higher charge on their stay, which will affect all accommodation types, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Greece: Cruise Disembarkation Fees Across Island Ports

Greece is set to fully implement a Cruise Disembarkation Fee by 2026 across major island ports, including popular destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos. The fees, which range from €3 to €20 per passenger, will vary depending on the port and the season. This initiative is designed to combat over-tourism, particularly in sensitive areas where the influx of cruise passengers can overwhelm local infrastructure. These fees will be enforced throughout the 2026 season, and visitors arriving via cruise ships should be aware of these additional costs as part of their travel experience.

United Kingdom (Scotland): Visitor Levy in Edinburgh

In a first for the UK, the city of Edinburgh will implement a permanent Visitor Levy (tourist tax) starting in July 2026. This will charge visitors 5% of the room rate per night, capped at five nights. The tax is set to raise funds for the city’s tourism infrastructure and public services. This levy is expected to be extended to other major cities across Scotland in the future. Tourists visiting Edinburgh should budget for this new charge, which will apply to most accommodation types. Edinburgh is leading the way, and other parts of the UK may follow suit in the coming years.

France: Price Hikes for Non-European Visitors at Major Attractions

France, already home to established tourist taxes, is introducing significant price hikes at key cultural institutions. Starting in January 2026, attractions like the Louvre Museum in Paris will raise entry fees by over 45% for non-European visitors. This increase reflects a broader trend of raising prices at major, crowded attractions to manage tourism numbers and generate more revenue for the upkeep of these sites. While the increase only affects non-European tourists, it acts as a de facto tourist levy, adding to the cost of visiting France’s iconic landmarks.

The Netherlands: VAT Increase on Accommodation Services

Starting January 1, 2026, the Netherlands will significantly raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate for accommodation services, increasing it from 9% to 21%. This tax hike will directly affect the final price of hotels and rentals, making holidays in the country notably more expensive. The move is part of a broader national fiscal reform and aims to contribute to the Dutch economy. Tourists planning to stay in the Netherlands should be prepared for higher costs, as this VAT increase will apply to a wide range of accommodation types, including short-term rentals and hotels.

Norway: National Tourism Levy Framework

Norway is set to introduce its first national framework for a tourism levy, expected to roll out in Summer 2026. This will allow local municipalities, particularly in popular tourist areas such as the fjords and the Arctic regions, to impose a tax of up to 3% on overnight stays and cruise visits. The revenue generated will be used to support sustainable tourism practices and protect the country’s natural resources from over-tourism. Tourists visiting Norway’s iconic destinations should expect this new tax to be added to their accommodation and cruise costs, especially in high-traffic regions.

Table: Key Changes to Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Starting in 2026, Spain will join Greece, the UK, France, the Netherlands, and others in hiking tourism taxes. This change aims to manage tourism impact, improve infrastructure, and support sustainability across Europe.

Conclusion

Spain’s decision to hike tourism taxes from 2026 aligns with similar moves by Greece, the UK, France, the Netherlands, and other European countries. These changes aim to reshape the tourism landscape, addressing the growing pressure on local infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices. As tourism taxes rise across Europe, travelers will face higher costs, but these measures are essential for preserving the quality of destinations and supporting long-term tourism development.