UK and Norway Join Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, and Others in Imposing Significant Travel Changes in Europe by Introducing New Tourism Taxes Starting Next Year: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 12, 2025

Starting in 2026, the UK and Norway will join Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, and others in imposing significant tourism taxes across Europe. These changes aim to manage tourism growth and support local infrastructure and preservation. As popular destinations face mounting pressures from rising visitor numbers, these taxes will help fund environmental conservation, improve public services, and preserve cultural heritage. From Edinburgh’s new accommodation levy to Norway’s municipal tourism tax, travelers can expect to see a shift in how they contribute to the upkeep of Europe’s iconic cities and landscapes, marking a new era of sustainable tourism across the continent.

UK: Edinburgh’s New Tourist Tax

Edinburgh, Scotland, is preparing to introduce the UK’s first tourist tax in July 2026. The city will impose a 5% levy on accommodation costs, a move aimed at generating additional revenue to support local infrastructure and services. The tax is part of a broader strategy to manage the impact of tourism on the city, which has seen a significant increase in visitors over recent years. By charging tourists directly, Edinburgh hopes to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are reinvested into the city’s development and the preservation of its historic sites and public services.

Norway: Municipal Tourism Levy Coming in 2026

Norway is set to introduce a municipal tourism levy by the summer of 2026. This will allow popular regions, such as the stunning fjords, to charge up to 3% on overnight stays and cruise visits. The goal of this levy is to support local infrastructure and environmental conservation efforts, as Norway’s scenic locations continue to attract large numbers of tourists. This tax is expected to apply to both visitors staying in accommodations and those arriving by cruise, ensuring that the growing tourism sector contributes to the preservation of Norway’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Netherlands: Amsterdam’s Rising Tourist Taxes

Amsterdam has long been known for its high tourist taxes, and in 2024, the city raised its accommodation tax to 12.5% of the total cost. This makes it one of the highest tourist tax rates in Europe. In 2025, the city further increased fees for those arriving by water, adding an extra layer of cost for travelers arriving via boats or cruises. These increases reflect Amsterdam’s efforts to manage tourism while generating revenue for infrastructure and local services, as the city continues to balance welcoming tourists and maintaining a sustainable environment.

Greece: New Climate Resilience Tax

Greece introduced a “climate resilience tax” in 2025, replacing the former hotel tax. This new tax applies during the high season (April-October), and it can reach up to €10 per night for stays in luxury hotels. Additionally, a cruise passenger disembarkation fee has been added, with peak season charges reaching up to €20 for popular islands like Santorini. These measures are aimed at helping the country fund initiatives to combat the effects of climate change and to support the sustainability of its tourism infrastructure, particularly in its most visited regions.

Italy: Venice and Peak Day Entry Fees

In 2025 and 2026, Venice expanded its day-tripper entry fee system, which charges between €5 and €10 for visitors on peak days. The city aims to curb over-tourism and preserve its fragile environment while generating funds for maintenance and preservation efforts. Meanwhile, other cities in Italy, such as Rome and Florence, continue to impose variable nightly taxes based on hotel star ratings, which fluctuate according to demand and seasonality. These taxes reflect the country’s ongoing efforts to manage tourism sustainably, ensuring that visitors contribute to the upkeep of its historic cities.

Portugal: Localized Tourist Taxes

Portugal’s tourist taxes are set by individual municipalities, which means the fees can vary greatly depending on the region. Cities like Lisbon and Faro have been charging a per-night tax ranging from €2 to €4. In addition, the Azores islands introduced a new tax of €2 per person, per night starting in January 2025. These taxes are intended to help local governments fund tourism-related infrastructure projects and environmental conservation. While these fees are relatively modest, they reflect Portugal’s approach to managing tourism growth while maintaining the quality of life for its residents.

France: Regional and City-Based Tourist Taxes

In France, tourist taxes vary significantly by region and accommodation type. For example, in Paris, the combined regional and city taxes for luxury hotel stays can exceed €15 per person per night, depending on the hotel’s star rating. The taxes are designed to fund local infrastructure, cultural preservation, and tourism services. Smaller cities and regions also impose their own taxes, often with varying rates based on the type of accommodation. These taxes are part of a broader strategy to balance the influx of tourists with the need for sustainable development in France’s most popular destinations.

Starting in 2026, the UK and Norway will join Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, and others in imposing significant tourism taxes across Europe. These changes aim to manage tourism growth and support local infrastructure and preservation.

Conclusion

The UK and Norway’s decision to introduce new tourism taxes starting in 2026 marks a significant shift in Europe’s approach to managing tourism. Joining Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, and other countries, these taxes reflect a broader trend across Europe of addressing the challenges posed by over-tourism. By imposing these levies, governments aim to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to preserve their cultural and natural heritage. As more destinations implement such measures, travelers will be expected to contribute more directly to sustaining local infrastructure and services, ensuring that tourism remains beneficial for both visitors and residents alike. These changes highlight the importance of sustainable travel in an increasingly popular global tourism landscape.