Published on
November 25, 2025
In 2026, travelers from the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and other European countries will encounter higher hotel costs in Toronto and Vancouver. This increase comes as both cities implement temporary tax hikes on accommodations to fund their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These changes reflect the significant financial investment required to ensure the cities are ready to host the global sporting event.
Temporary Tax Increases to Fund FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparations in Toronto and Vancouver
In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both Toronto, ON, and Vancouver, BC, have introduced temporary tax increases to help fund the event. Starting June 1, 2025, Toronto will implement a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) of 8.5%, up from the usual 6%, lasting until July 31, 2026. This increase is primarily aimed at covering the costs associated with hosting the World Cup. In Vancouver, an additional 2.5% Major Events MRDT (Accommodation Tax) will be applied to accommodations, specifically to help fund the city’s preparations and its contribution to the tournament. These taxes reflect the significant financial investment required to ensure both cities are fully prepared for the World Cup.
United Kingdom: Rising Hotel Costs, Same Entry Process
UK travelers heading to Canada will face higher accommodation costs due to the 8.5% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) in Toronto and the 2.5% Major Events MRDT in Vancouver. While these tax hikes will increase hotel prices, UK citizens will still enjoy visa-free entry for short visits to Canada. Despite the higher accommodation rates, the process for entering Canada remains unaffected by the tax increase, though UK visitors will need to adjust their travel budgets accordingly.
France: Increased Costs for Travelers
French nationals traveling to Canada will experience higher accommodation prices due to the 8.5% MAT in Toronto and the 2.5% MRDT in Vancouver. These taxes will increase the cost of staying in key locations across the country. French citizens, who do not require a visa for short visits, will be able to enter Canada without additional paperwork. However, the increased accommodation fees could impact travel budgets, especially for those staying in popular cities.
Germany: Hotel Taxes Rise for Travelers
German nationals visiting Canada will face higher accommodation costs due to the 8.5% MAT in Toronto and the 2.5% MRDT in Vancouver. These tax hikes will increase hotel prices, particularly in major cities. German citizens will still be able to enter Canada without a visa for short visits. While the visa requirements remain unchanged, the added accommodation costs could affect travel plans, requiring careful budgeting.
Ireland: Higher Hotel Rates for Visitors
Irish nationals traveling to Canada will see increased accommodation prices due to the 8.5% MAT in Toronto and the 2.5% MRDT in Vancouver. These taxes will raise the cost of lodging in key tourist areas. Irish citizens, like those from the UK, can enter Canada without a visa for short visits. Despite the tax increase, the entry process remains unaffected, but the higher hotel costs will likely impact travel budgets.
Italy: Additional Costs for Italian Visitors
Italian nationals heading to Canada will encounter higher accommodation costs due to the 8.5% MAT in Toronto and the 2.5% MRDT in Vancouver. These taxes will increase the cost of lodging in popular areas. Since Italians require a visa to enter Canada, they will need to factor in both visa fees and the higher accommodation costs when planning their trip. Despite the added expenses, the visa process remains unchanged.
Spain: Price Hikes for Spanish Travelers
Spanish nationals traveling to Canada will see an increase in accommodation costs due to the 8.5% MAT in Toronto and the 2.5% MRDT in Vancouver. These taxes will drive up hotel prices, particularly in major cities. Spaniards will still need a visa to enter Canada, so they should account for both visa fees and the increased hotel rates when planning their trip. The visa application process remains the same, but the higher accommodation prices will require careful budget adjustments.
In 2026, UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and other European travelers will face higher hotel costs in Toronto and Vancouver due to temporary tax increases aimed at funding FIFA World Cup preparations.
Conclusion
The temporary tax increases in Toronto and Vancouver ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will lead to higher hotel costs for travelers from the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and other European nations. These taxes are essential to fund the significant preparations required to host such a major global event. While the entry process for these countries remains unaffected, the increased accommodation expenses will impact travel budgets, requiring visitors to plan accordingly for their trips to Canada.
