Feeling like travel budgets always stretch a bit thin with surprise expenses? You’re not alone! But some expenses don’t feel like throwing money into the wind — in fact, quite the opposite.
Take tourist taxes, for example. Think of them as your way of giving a little love back to the places you visit. These small contributions help keep our beloved European spots pristine.
Let’s take a look at which countries in Europe have tourist taxes.
European destinations with tourist taxes
Here’s a nugget of travel truth: some of your favorite places in Europe come with a small additional cost, known as a “tourist fee” or “visitor tax”. These charges help maintain the very beauty and accessibility that make these destinations so popular. So, where exactly are these fees lurking? Let’s unpack that.
Which EU countries have tourist tax?
Most countries in the European Union have implemented some form of tourist tax, each with its variations and specifics. Here’s a quick list of countries where you’ll typically encounter these fees:
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Germany
- Austria
- Belgium
- Greece
- Portugal
- The Netherlands
- Croatia
- Slovenia
- Hungary (Budapest only)
- Czech Republic (Prague only)
Tourist tax in France
France’s tourist tax, often referred to as the taxe de séjour, is a per-night charge that varies depending on your accommodation's location and classification. From Parisian boutique hotels to those charming Provencal guesthouses, expect to contribute between $0.50 to $4.60 per night. Think of this as your way of saying Merci! for a lovely stay.
Tourist fees in Italy
Italy, the land of artistic legacy and culinary wonders, welcomes tourists with open arms and a small nightly fee. Whether you’re tossing coins in Rome’s Trevi Fountain or cruising Venice’s canals, anticipate a tourist tax ranging from $1 to $5.30 per night. These fees are your ticket to helping preserve Italy’s timeless charm!
Visitor tax in Spain
From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to pristine Balearic Islands, Spain is a tapestry of cultural delights. But, for your siestas in this lively country, you’ll encounter an additional charge. For Barcelona tourist tax, for example, you’ll chip in between $0.50 and $2.40 per day. Venturing to the idyllic shores of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, or Formentera? These gems have a Sustainable Tourist Tax, costing between $1 and $4.30 (or slightly more for luxury stays), helping keep paradise intact. Note: it’s per night, and from the ninth day onward, you’ll see a nice 50% reduction.
Heads up: Starting late 2023 or early 2024, pack a little extra change for a new tourist tax in Valencia. Whether you’re cozying up in a luxury hotel or going rustic at a campsite, you’ll contribute between $0.50 and $2 per night (capping after seven nights) towards Valencia’s sustainable tourism and local housing development.
Visitor tax in Portugal
Portugal welcomes travelers with more than just its rich culture and stunning vistas; it invites you to be part of its preservation through a modest tourist tax. For just around $2 per night, you help sustain the beauty in 13 of its 308 municipalities, including Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. The quaint fishing town of Olhão has joined in, with a slight $2 a night charge from April to October, dipping to $1 in the less bustling months. Those under 16 years old? You’re exempt. Plus, it’s capped at just $11 per adventure.
Tourist fees in Croatia
Planning a summer getaway to Croatia (perhaps to visit the Succession filming locations)? Keep in mind that there’s a seasonal twist on your stay. During the sun-soaked peak season, Croatia ups its tourist game and its tourist tax — expect to contribute around 10 kuna (that’s about $0.45) per person for each night you spend soaking up the Adriatic charm. This slight bump only applies when the beaches are at their busiest, helping to ensure the idyllic coastlines and historic cities continue to captivate travelers for many years.
Tourist tax in Greece
Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, now invites you to contribute a tiny part to its grandeur and recovery. When you check into any hotel, depending on its star rating or the number of rooms you’ve booked, you’ll notice a small surcharge on your bill, maxing out at just $4.30 per room. Introduced by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, this tourist tax is designed to chip away at the national debt, allowing you to participate in Greece’s historical comeback story.
Tourist fees in Slovenia
Slovenia also invites you to take part in its alpine wonders and vibrant city life, with a modest tourist tax adding to your travel tale. Typically, around $3, this fee slightly varies, favoring more illustrious locales like Ljubljana or scenic getaways like the oh-so-romantic resort town of Bled.
Visitor fee in Budapest, Hungary
Enjoying Budapest’s charms? Keep in mind there’s a small way to contribute to its splendor. A modest 4% tourist fee is added to your room’s cost per night, a little gesture to help maintain the city’s historic allure.
City tax in Prague, Czech Republic
While exploring Prague’s cobbled streets and castles, you’ll chip in a modest amount (less than $1 per person, per night) to help preserve its charm. This tourist fee applies only in the capital and is capped at a 60-night stay, giving long-term wanderers a break. And here’s a bonus: travelers under 18 are exempt.
Visitor fees in Germany
Several cities, including Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin, apply a “culture tax” or “bed tax”, approximately 5% of your accommodation costs. This slight uptick is Germany’s way of ensuring that every visitor contributes to the local cultural scene and urban development, making your stay not just a personal enrichment but a communal contribution, too.
Tourist tax in Austria
Whether you're waltzing through palatial Vienna or exploring Salzburg’s baroque wonders, you’ll notice a small addition of about 3.02% on your hotel bill per person. Known to the locals as Tourismusgesetz or Beherbergungsbeiträge, this modest nibble at your budget isn’t just a fee. By chipping in, you’re keeping the Austrian charm alive and well, contributing to a legacy that stretches beyond the snow-capped peaks.
Visitor tax in Belgium
Heading to Belgium? Don’t forget the tourist tax, usually around $8, applied to every night’s stay. In cities like Antwerp and Bruges, it’s a flat rate per room, while in Brussels, it scales based on the hotel’s size and rating. Also, keep an eye on your bill: this charge might be wrapped up in your room rate or itemized separately.
Tourist fees in the Netherlands
Ah, the Netherlands, land of tulips, windmills, and, you guessed it, tourist taxes! Here’s the lowdown: expect a tourist tax around $3 per person for each night you spend dreaming beneath those iconic Dutch gables. The twist? Some hotels have already tucked this little extra into their rates, while others will bring it up as you check out, leaving you with a parting gift to remember. But don’t worry, you’ll get the heads-up when you book.
Visitor tax in Switzerland
Switzerland, despite not being an EU member, boasts majestic Alps, creamy chocolates, and precision timepieces. When budgeting for your Swiss adventure, toss in a little extra for tourist taxes. Here, the plot thickens with varying amounts across different cantons and cities, but you’re looking at roughly $2.40 per person per starry night. It’s a small contribution, ensuring those pristine mountain trails, sparkling lakes, and epic waterfalls stay picture-perfect for every traveler on the journey of a lifetime.
Tourist fee in the UK
While the UK isn’t part of the EU anymore, it’s worth discussing its approach to tourist taxes. Currently, the UK is still contemplating the widespread implementation of a tourist tax. However, specific cities like Edinburgh are exploring a “transient visitor levy”, while Manchester imposes a nominal $1.20 per-night fee. Keep an eye on these developments as your British adventure nears.
Europe tourist visa fees
Before you immerse yourself in the splendors of European travel, you’ll also need to navigate the realm of visa fees. While not a tourist tax per se, it’s good to keep in mind that your EU and UK escapade may start with a little paperwork and an extra fee, ensuring your trip is legal and fabulous.
EU visa fees
Navigating the Schengen area is set for a little shuffle. If you’re from outside the EU, popping into Europe will soon come with a tad more prep, courtesy of the upcoming ETIAS system. Here’s the lowdown: from 2024, wanderers hailing from lands like the States will need to swing $8 for a pass at the travel club. This is an application fee for your European adventure. No sweat for the young or the young-at-heart, though — if you’re under 18 or over 70, consider that fee waived.
Note this: The ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization system for visa-exempt visitors, similar to the US ESTA, rather than a visa. The $8 fee is for the ETIAS application, not a visa fee, and it allows multiple entries during its validity.
UK tourist visa fees
US citizens can visit the UK for various purposes, be it tourism, business, study, or other endeavors, without the need for a visa for stays of up to six months. However, for extended sabbaticals, academic pursuits, unique work projects, medical visits, or “just-married” UK sojourns, you’ll require an appropriate visa. The Standard Visitor visa is your versatile solution, with its cost determined by the duration you choose: $141 for short-term visits (up to 6 months), $492 for 2 years, $947 for 5 years, or $1,183 for a 10-year visa.
All these fees and taxes, while they might seem like little pesky add-ons, contribute to the preservation and sustainability of the places we love to visit. So, when you’re next budgeting for a European getaway, factor in these extras, and consider them your contribution to keeping Europe enchanting for years to come.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, grandriver