US Surpasses France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and More as New Tourist Taxes Hit Hard in 2026 – What You Need to Know!
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As 2026 unfolds, US travelers are set to face a more expensive journey. While increases in airfare and hotel rates have become commonplace, an additional financial burden is looming — a surge in new tourist taxes and fees across numerous countries, states, and cities. These fees, which apply to accommodations, attractions, and even specific sites, are being introduced as a way to manage overcrowding, ensure local benefits from tourism, and bolster sustainable tourism practices.
From the UK to Kyoto, here’s an overview of some major new tourist taxes and fees travelers will encounter in 2026.
United Kingdom ETA: A New Requirement for U.S. Travelers
In 2026, U.S. citizens visiting the United Kingdom for short stays will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This new system, which costs £16 (around $22), will allow travelers to apply online through the government website or via the UK ETA app. The process is simple: applicants will need their passport, a valid email address, a credit or debit card, and a recent photo.
Approval can take up to three working days, but travelers are advised to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute surprises. Once granted, the ETA will be linked to the traveler’s passport and will remain valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. This authorization allows travelers to enter the UK multiple times during the validity period, provided they have their passport at hand upon arrival.
European Union ETIAS: A New Authorization for the Schengen Area
In the final months of 2026, the European Union will roll out the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for U.S. travelers visiting 30 European countries for short trips. The fee for ETIAS will be €20 (around $24), but travelers under the age of 18 or over 70 years old will be exempt from paying.
The application process requires travelers to provide personal details, including their education level, current occupation, travel plans, and criminal history. Additionally, a passport with at least three months of validity is required. The process is mostly swift, with most applications being approved within minutes. However, travelers should allow up to four days for approval, and potentially longer if additional information is needed.
Tourist Taxes: Cities, States, and Countries Adjust Fees
In 2026, certain destinations will hike their existing tourist taxes, while others will introduce new ones altogether. Here’s a look at some of the significant changes.
Kyoto, Japan: A Massive Hike in Tourist Tax
Kyoto, Japan, is set to increase its tourist tax by an extraordinary 900%, effective March 1, 2026. Travelers will pay the tax directly through their accommodations, with a charge ranging from $6 to $66 per night, depending on the cost of their room. The city has introduced this hike to manage its overwhelming visitor numbers and ensure sustainable tourism, with funds going toward environmental conservation and local infrastructure development.
Hawaii’s Green Fee: A 10% Tax on Hotel Stays
Hawaii is increasing its tourism taxes to promote eco-friendly initiatives. In 2026, travelers visiting the islands will be subject to a 10% tax on hotel stays and vacation rentals. This is a slight increase from the previous rate. Additionally, a 11% tax on cruise ship cabins is under review and may take effect soon, though the cruise industry is currently challenging this in court.
Edinburgh, Scotland: A New 5% Accommodation Tax
On July 24, 2026, Edinburgh will begin charging a 5% levy on overnight accommodations. The tax will be added to hotel bills and applies solely to room rates, excluding extras like room service. The funds collected from this levy are expected to raise over £100 million by 2030, which will support the city’s infrastructure, cultural programs, and other public services, ensuring that tourism benefits the local community.
Norway: Regional Tourist Taxes in Popular Areas
Norway is introducing a new 3% tax on overnight accommodations in select tourist regions starting in the summer of 2026. This tax will be implemented on a regional level, meaning it may only apply to specific areas like Lofoten and Tromsø, popular for aurora chasing and outdoor activities. The levy aims to support tourism infrastructure and environmental protections.
Netherlands: A Significant Increase in Accommodation Tax
As of January 1, 2026, the Netherlands raised its accommodation tax from 9% to 21% for most types of accommodations. This applies to hotels, vacation rentals, hostels, bed-and-breakfasts, and more. The government has cited this as part of a broader strategy to reduce overcrowding in popular cities and redistribute tourism income to smaller towns.
New Fees for Iconic Sites: Extra Costs to Visit Landmarks
Several famous European tourist sites are introducing new or higher entrance fees for visitors.
Trevi Fountain, Rome: A New €2 Fee
For the first time, visitors to Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain will be charged a €2 fee to access the landmark. While tourists will still be able to view the fountain from a distance for free, those who wish to toss a coin into the waters will need to pay the levy. The funds raised from this new fee, expected to amount to about €6.5 million annually, will go towards city maintenance and tourism management.
Louvre Museum, Paris: A Price Hike for Non-European Visitors
The Louvre Museum in Paris is increasing its entrance fee by 45% for non-European visitors, bringing the cost to €32 (about $38). This price hike follows a global trend of increasing fees at world-class museums. The new charges aim to manage visitor flows and maintain the museum’s facilities, ensuring that the Louvre remains a sustainable cultural asset.
Palace of Versailles: Entrance Fee Raised to €25
In addition to the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, located just outside Paris, is also raising its entrance fees for 2026. The fee for non-European visitors will increase to €25 (approximately $30), reflecting a broader trend of price adjustments at top tourist attractions in Europe.
Conclusion: The Rise of Tourist Fees and Taxes in 2026
As the tourism industry continues to recover and expand, many destinations are turning to tourist taxes and fees to manage crowding, support local economies, and ensure sustainable travel. While these changes might make travel more expensive, they also aim to protect the cultural and natural assets that draw millions of visitors each year.
Travelers heading to popular destinations like the UK, European Union, and Japan will need to plan for additional costs, ranging from new entry requirements to higher accommodation taxes and site-specific levies. It’s essential for U.S. tourists to stay informed and factor these fees into their travel budgets to ensure smooth and hassle-free trips in 2026.
