Home
»
Greece
»
Greece Travel News
»
Italy Joins US, UK, Canada, France, Spain, Germany and Greece In increasing Tourist Tax Making it the New Norm of Travel, Everything You Need to Know
Published on
September 19, 2025
As international travel resumes its growth, a rising trend has emerged across the globe, with Italy’s Venice Day-Trip Fee applying on select dates from April 18 to July 27, 2026, as governments increase tourist taxes to manage the pressures of overtourism and ensure the sustainability of local resources. Italy is the latest country to join the ranks of the US, UK, Canada, France, Spain, Germany, and Greece in implementing or expanding tourist taxes. These measures are becoming the new norm of travel, as cities and countries seek to balance the influx of visitors with the preservation of their cultural heritage and infrastructure.
Italy’s recent decision to raise its tourist tax follows similar actions by its global counterparts. In the US, cities like New York and Los Angeles have long relied on municipal accommodation taxes to fund city infrastructure and tourism management programs. The UK has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for travelers, alongside increased tourism taxes in cities such as London. Meanwhile, Canada and France have expanded their tourism levies to support infrastructure and environmental sustainability, with notable increases in cities like Toronto and Paris.
The purpose behind these rising tourist taxes is to help cover the increasing costs associated with maintaining popular travel destinations. In Spain and Greece, these taxes are aimed at reducing the strain on local economies, particularly on islands like Barcelona, Mykonos, and Santorini, which are seeing record-breaking tourist numbers. Likewise, in Germany, cities like Berlin and Munich have introduced city taxes to contribute towards local cultural and environmental initiatives.
As Italy joins this growing trend, its updated tax structure applies to various types of accommodation, including hotels and short-term rentals, with the aim of managing overtourism while providing critical funds to maintain the country’s iconic sites. From Rome to Venice, travelers can expect higher costs on their stay, with revenues contributing to the preservation of Italy’s cultural and natural heritage.
This article will break down the details of these new taxes in Italy, and explain how they fit into the broader global movement, ensuring that travelers are fully informed before planning their next adventure to one of the world’s most visited destinations. Whether you’re heading to Venice’s day-trip fee or staying in a Barcelona hotel, understanding these taxes will help you better prepare for your trip while contributing to the preservation of these historic locales.
Italy’s New Tourist Taxes Overview
Italy is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities—but like many popular tourist destinations, it has introduced a series of tourist taxes to manage the impact of high visitor numbers and fund local infrastructure. Starting in 2026, travelers can expect varying fees depending on the city and accommodation type, designed to balance the needs of tourism with preserving Italy’s unique charm. Whether you’re visiting the iconic sights of Rome, soaking in the art and culture of Florence, exploring the canals of Venice, or enjoying the fashion capital of Milan, Italy has implemented a range of taxes to ensure its continued beauty and sustainability. From city taxes to day-trip fees, here’s everything you need to know to navigate Italy’s tourist tax landscape.
Rome: In Rome, the rates for 2026 are as follows: 1-star hotels charge €4 per night, 2-star hotels charge €5 per night, 3-star hotels charge €6 per night, 4-star hotels charge €7.50 per night, and 5-star hotels charge €10 per night. Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, charge €6 per night, and campsites charge €3 per night, with children under 10 years old exempt from the tax.
Florence: In Florence, the rates are slightly lower: 1-star hotels charge €3.50 per night, 2-star hotels charge €4.50 per night, 3-star hotels charge €6 per night, 4-star hotels charge €7 per night, and 5-star hotels charge €8 per night. Short-term rentals are taxed at €5.50 per night, and the tax is payable for up to 7 nights.
Venice: In Venice, the city tax rates range from €1 per night for 1-star hotels to €5 per night for 5-star hotels, with short-term rentals also charged €5 per night, and the tax is payable for up to 5 nights.
Milan: In Milan, the rates are €1.80 per night for 1-3 star hotels and €7 per night for 4-5 star hotels, with short-term rentals taxed at €6.30 per night, payable for up to 14 nights.
Venice Day-Trip Fee: Additionally, Venice continues its day-trip fee (Access Contribution) for 2026, applying €5 per person for advance bookings made 4+ days prior to arrival, and €10 for last-minute bookings made within 3 days of arrival. This fee will be applicable on 54 days, including weekends and public holidays, from April 18 to July 27, 2026, with operating hours from 08:30 AM to 04:00 PM.
Exemptions to the City Tax and Day-Trip Fee: Exemptions to the city tax and day-trip fee include residents, overnight guests, children under 14, and other specified categories. Common exemptions across Italian cities also include children typically under 10 or 12 years old, disabled individuals and their companions, accompanying persons assisting patients, students enrolled at local universities, residents of the respective municipality, and workers staying for professional reasons.
Payment and Additional Notes: Tourists are required to pay these taxes directly to the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out, and some platforms like Airbnb may include the tax in the total price. It is important to always request a receipt for the tax payment and be aware of the number of nights the tax applies to, as it varies by city. For more details on Italy’s tourist taxes, travelers can refer to official resources.
United States: Visa Integrity Fee and National Park Surcharges
Visa Integrity Fee: The Visa Integrity Fee, effective October 1, 2025, will be $250 for most non immigrant visa applicants, including tourists, students, and temporary workers from countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, such as most of Europe, Japan, and South Korea, will be exempt from this fee. There may also be refunds available for travelers who comply with visa terms, such as timely departure or adjustment of status. Additionally, other immigration-related fees will increase, including the ESTA application fee, which will rise from $21 to $40.
National Park Entry Fee Surcharge: An executive order mandates higher entry fees for foreign visitors at U.S. national parks. The Interior Department is developing a strategy to increase these fees for non-U.S. residents at parks that already charge for entry. While the exact implementation date and fee amounts have not been specified, the surcharge is aimed at funding improvements and enhancing experiences across the park system.
U.S. Cities with Existing Tourist Taxes: Several U.S. cities already have tourist taxes in place to fund local infrastructure and services. In New York City, the hotel occupancy tax ranges from 5.875% to 8.875%, depending on location and accommodation type. San Francisco charges a 14% hotel tax, one of the highest in the country, while Los Angeles applies a 14% transient occupancy tax on hotel stays. Chicago enforces a 17.4% hotel tax, which includes a 4.5% city tax and a 12.9% state tax. Washington, D.C. levies a 14.95% hotel tax, comprising a 10% sales tax and a 4.95% occupancy tax.
United Kingdom: ETA Requirement and Visa Fee Increase
Starting April 2, 2025, the United Kingdom will require travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, and most EU nations, to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering. This system aims to enhance border security by pre-screening travelers. The ETA fee will increase to £16 (approximately €18.50) as of April 9, 2025, with an expected additional revenue of £269 million annually. The ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows for multiple entries with stays of up to six months. Also, Southampton City Council raised its portion of the Council Tax by 4.99% for 2025-26, alongside other increases. Exemptions apply to those with a valid UK visa, British or Irish citizens, and those with EU Settlement Scheme status. The ETA can be applied via the UK ETA app or the official website. Airlines are responsible for verifying that passengers have the appropriate travel authorization before boarding, though approval of the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK.
Canada’s Tourist Taxes Overview
Canada’s approach to tourist taxes is decentralized, with each province and municipality establishing its own regulations. Below is a breakdown of the key taxes across Canada for 2025 and 2026.
Alberta – Tourism Levy: In Alberta, the tourism levy is 3.5% on accommodations over $30 per night, applicable to stays of fewer than 28 consecutive nights. Effective October 1, 2024, online booking platforms will be responsible for collecting and remitting the levy.
British Columbia – Municipal and Regional District Tax: In British Columbia, the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) varies by municipality, typically ranging from 3% to 5% on accommodations over $30 per night. Accommodations under $20 per night and stays longer than 27 consecutive nights are generally exempt. Additionally, a 2.5% Major Events MRDT is applied to fund events like the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Manitoba – Local Accommodation Tax: Manitoba has a Local Accommodation Tax of 5% in most municipalities, with Winnipeg charging 6%. Fixed accommodations like tents and trailers are exempt, and some municipalities may have specific criteria based on room numbers and consecutive nights.
Newfoundland and Labrador – Accommodation Tax: Newfoundland and Labrador imposes a 4% accommodation tax in St. John’s, applicable to accommodations over $20 per night for up to 31 consecutive nights.
New Brunswick – Tourism Accommodation Levy: New Brunswick applies a 3.5% tourism accommodation levy (TAL) on accommodation charges. Accommodations with fewer than five rooms are often exempt. This tax is applicable for up to 31 consecutive nights.
Nova Scotia – Marketing Levy: Nova Scotia implements a 3% marketing levy on accommodation charges, with exemptions for accommodations under $20 per night and stays longer than 31 consecutive nights. From September 30, 2024, all short-term rentals must register with the province.
Ontario – Municipal Accommodation Tax: Ontario enforces a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) of 4% in most municipalities, and 6% in Toronto, applicable for up to 28 consecutive nights.
Prince Edward Island – Tourism Accommodation Levy: Prince Edward Island applies a 3% tourism accommodation levy in Summerside and Charlottetown, with exemptions for accommodations with fewer than 10 rooms in Summerside. The tax applies for up to 31 consecutive nights.
Québec – Québec Lodging Tax (QLT): Québec has a Québec Lodging Tax (QLT) of 3.5% on accommodation charges or $3.50 per night if booked through an intermediary, with exemptions for campsites and youth hostels. This tax applies for up to 31 consecutive nights.
France: New Tourist Entry Fees and Taxes for 2026
Starting in late 2026, France will require travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S. and U.K., to obtain a €20 ETIAS Travel Authorization before entering the country. This move aims to streamline border entry and enhance security, with the fee marking an increase from the previous €7 to cover operational costs. Additionally, France will introduce higher museum and monument entry fees for non-EU visitors in January 2026. Major attractions like the Louvre and Château de Versailles will charge €25 to €30 for non-EU guests to fund the maintenance and renovation of these landmarks. Moreover, the tourist tax (Taxe de Séjour) applies to all overnight guests in participating municipalities, with fees ranging from €0.65 to €15.60 per person per night, depending on accommodation type. For example, in Paris, the fees range from €0.65 for campsites to €15.60 for luxury palaces. Finally, the solidarity tax on airline tickets, known as the Chirac Tax, will affect flights departing from France starting in March 2025, with fees ranging from €7.40 to €30 to fund global health initiatives.
Spain: New Tourist Tax Measures for 2026
Spain is set to introduce several changes to its tourist tax system in 2026. In Catalonia and Barcelona, the regional tourist tax (IEET) will apply to overnight stays, with 5-star hotels charging €3.50 per person per night, 4-star hotels charging €1.70, and other accommodations ranging from €0.60 to €1.00 per person per night. For cruise passengers, the fee will be €2.00 for stays over 12 hours and €3.00 for stays of 12 hours or less. These rates will be applied throughout Catalonia, including Barcelona. Additionally, a municipal surcharge in Barcelona will be introduced starting in 2026, charging €5.00 per person per night, which will rise progressively to €8.00 by 2029, bringing the total to €15.00 per person per night when combined with the regional tax. In the Balearic Islands, the sustainable tourism tax will be in effect during the high season (May–October), with 5-star hotels charging €4.00 per person per night, 4-star hotels €3.00, and 3-star hotels €2.00. During the low season (November–April), rates will drop, with 5-star hotels charging €1.00, 4-star hotels €0.75, and 3-star hotels €0.50. Other regions such as Galicia and the Basque Country will introduce their own tourist taxes, with Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña implementing these taxes in 2025.
Germany: City Tax and Day-Trip Fees for 2026
Germany has implemented various tourist taxes across its cities to manage tourism and fund local infrastructure. One of the key taxes is the Kulturförderabgabe, which applies to overnight stays. In Berlin, starting January 1, 2025, the city tax will be 7.5% of the net accommodation price (excluding VAT and additional services like breakfast), and this applies to all overnight stays, including business trips. Bremen will introduce a 5.5% tax starting in 2026, which will also apply to business travelers. In Hamburg, the tax is calculated based on the room rate, with €0.50 charged for amounts under €25 and €1.00 for every additional €50 spent. Karlsruhe introduced a tiered tax starting at €3.50 per night in 2025, which will increase to €4.00 in 2026 and €4.50 by 2028. These taxes are typically collected by accommodation providers. While Germany currently does not have a nationwide day-trip fee for tourists, individual cities may introduce such fees in the future to manage overtourism, following the example set by Venice.
Greece: Tourist Taxes and Environmental Initiatives
In 2024, Greece introduced the Climate Crisis Resilience Tax, which replaced the previous overnight stay tax. This tax applies to all types of accommodation, including hotels, villas, and short-term rentals. The tax rates vary based on accommodation type and season, with 1-2 Star Hotels charged €0.50 per night during the low season and €1.50 per night during the high season. 3 Star Hotels are taxed €1.50 in the low season and €5.00 in the high season. 4 Star Hotels charge €3.00 per night during the low season and €10.00 in the high season, while 5 Star Hotels charge €4.00 in the low season and €15.00 during peak months. Short-term rentals like Airbnb are taxed between €0.50 to €4.00 per night, and villas are taxed from €4.00 to €15.00 per night. In addition to accommodation taxes, Greece has introduced a Cruise Passenger Tax that ranges from €4.00 to €20 depending on the island and season. Symi Island charges €3 per person for day-trippers, while other islands may have varying rates. These taxes aim to manage overtourism and protect the country’s infrastructure and environment.
Mexico’s Tourist Taxes for 2025–2026
Mexico has implemented various tourist taxes across its regions to manage tourism and support local infrastructure. In Quintana Roo, the Visitax fee is 283 MXN (approximately $15 USD) per person and is mandatory for all foreign tourists visiting popular destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Isla Cozumel. This fee can be paid online via the official Visitax portal or at designated kiosks at airports. Children under 15 are exempt from this tax.
The Federal Cruise Ship Passenger Tax is $5 USD per passenger starting in 2025. This fee is collected by cruise lines in advance of departure. The tax is set to increase progressively to $10 USD in 2026, $15 USD in 2027, and $21 USD by 2028.
In Baja California Sur, the State Tourism Tax is 470 MXN (approximately $36 USD) per person per visit, applicable to foreign visitors aged 15 and older who stay for more than 24 hours. This fee can be paid online through the Visitax platform or at airport kiosks. The tax is applied per trip, not per day.
Additionally, various state-level accommodation taxes are imposed across Mexico. These taxes generally range from 2% to 7% of the accommodation cost, depending on the state. For example, Aguascalientes charges 3%, Baja California charges 5% to 7%, Campeche charges 2%, Chiapas charges 2% or 5%, Chihuahua charges 4%, Coahuila de Zaragoza charges 3%, Colima charges 3% or 5%, Jalisco charges 5%, Mexico City charges 3%, and Yucatán charges 2%. These state taxes are typically collected by accommodation providers at check-in or check-out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise in tourist taxes across Italy, the US, UK, Canada, France, Spain, Germany, and Greece marks a significant shift towards more sustainable tourism practices. As popular travel destinations face the challenges of overtourism, these measures are becoming essential tools for managing visitor numbers, preserving cultural heritage, and maintaining local infrastructure. While the increase in taxes may raise costs for travelers, it also ensures that these iconic locations can continue to thrive for future generations. By understanding and adapting to these changes, tourists can contribute to the preservation of the very places they love to visit, ensuring that travel remains a sustainable and enriching experience worldwide. As more countries adopt similar measures, it’s clear that the new norm of travel will involve a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the need for responsible management of global heritage sites.
