More and more destinations around the world are introducing tourist taxes and there is a large number of European countries and cities that have started implementing it. It usually consists of a fee that applies per person per night. The tourist tax is payable locally, and usually at check out from your accommodation.
The European Tourist tax, also called ‘city tax’, usually consists of a fee that applies per person, per night. The tourist tax is payable locally, and usually at check out from your accommodation.
Many governments are concerned with the possibility of over-tourism in a destination, therefore they decided to implement a tourist tax to improve the tourism sector. The taxes are considered as resources to protect the environment, cultural heritage, or social purposes of a destination.
Tourist tax applies to most visitors. However, some people may qualify for a reduced rate or be exempt from paying, depending on the city or local regulations.
Exemptions commonly include:
Children, who may pay a reduced rate or be fully exempt.
People with disabilities and one accompanying person.
Patients receiving treatment at healthcare facilities and, where applicable, their carers.
People working within the city during their stay.
Coach or bus drivers travelling as part of their work.
Tour guides accompanying organised groups.
If you believe you are eligible for an exemption, you will need to provide the relevant supporting documentation to confirm your eligibility. The required documents may vary depending on the city and the type of exemption being claimed.
The amount of tourist tax payable varies depending on the type, category and location of your accommodation. In general, higher-rated accommodation is subject to higher tourist tax rates.
Tourist tax rates also differ between countries. In many cases, destinations in Eastern Europe have lower rates than those in Western and South-Eastern Europe. However, the final amount is determined by the local city or municipal authority and may be revised annually.
You can find the current tourist tax rates for your destination country below.
In France, there is a tourist tax or "Taxe de Séjour", which is charged per person, per night and varies according to the standard and quality of the accommodation.
The rates range from EUR 0.65 to EUR 8,13 per person, per night. The detailed price breakdown is available (in French only) on the service-public.fr website. To calculate the actual tourist tax amounts due, multiply the rate applicable to each category of accommodation by the number of nights and the number of taxable persons. Children under 18 are exempt from the tax.
Note: An additional tax can also be added by the counties and regions. For example, the Île-de-France region recently introduced an additional “Grand Paris” tax. From 1 January 2024, the tourist tax in Paris will be EUR 5,20 per person per night when staying at a 3-star hotel, and EUR 8,45 per night per person when staying at a 4-star hotel.
When booking a self guided trip to France, tourist taxes are usually not included and must be paid locally. If you travel in a guided small group, tour operators tend to include the taxes in the package price.
England: Manchester and Liverpool are the first and only British cities to charge a tourist tax to visitors staying in the city-centre hotels or rental apartments. Other UK’s leading destinations could impose tourist taxes in the coming years.
Ireland: There are currently no tourist taxes in Ireland.
Scotland: There are currently no tourist taxes in Scotland, but there are undergoing discussions. Edinburgh is set to become the first city in Scotland in 2026 to introduce a 5% tourist tax per person and per night (up to 5 nights stay).
Wales: There are currently no tourist taxes in Wales, but there are undergoing discussions and it seems as though it will be introduced during 2027.
When booking a self guided trip to the Uk & Ireland, tourist taxes are usually not included and must be paid locally. If you travel in a guided small group, tour operators tend to include the taxes in the package price.
In the Netherlands, there is a tourist tax of EUR 3.- per person per night payable locally. Some hotels have included it in their rates and some have not. You will be informed at the time of reservation if it is payable at the hotel upon check out.
In Italy, the amount of the tourist tax depends on the city. In Rome, you will be charged between EUR 3 - 7 per person, per night. In other cities, the rates vary from EUR 2.- to EUR 5.-
In Switzerland you will be paying tourist taxes, the amount varies in different cantons and towns & cities. The cost per night and per person is around EUR 2.20.
In Slovenia the tourist tax is €1.50 to €3 per person per night, often to be paid directly at the hotel reception.
In general between €1 and €2.50 per person per night, to be paid directly at the hotel reception.
In general between €1 and €4 per person per night, to be paid directly at the hotel reception.
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