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Understanding 2026 Tourist Taxes for American Travelers

As you plan your future travels to favorites like London, Paris, or embark on a Mediterranean cruise, be prepared to encounter new travel-related costs by 2026: tourist taxes. Governments globally are introducing these fees to bolster infrastructure, preserve historical sites, and manage tourist influxes, with significant changes coming into effect in 2026. For American travelers, knowledge of these taxes allows for better budget planning, preventing unexpected expenses during your trip.

Below, we explore key tourist tax changes affecting U.S. travelers from 2026, beginning with London.

London & England: Overnight Visitor Levies

Following prolonged discussion, London is likely to implement a tourist tax on accommodations akin to those in cities such as Paris and Tokyo. The UK’s proposed Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill grants English mayors authority to impose visitor levies, encouraging local growth. London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, supports a modest tax—potential estimates suggest approximately 5% of nightly room costs, translating to £10–£12 ($12–$15).

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  • Potential payers: Anyone staying overnight in London’s hotels or short-term rentals, and potentially in other city-regions where mayors choose to introduce the levy.
  • Uses: Local transportation, cultural venues, and tourism-related infrastructure.
  • Effective date: Expected to begin in 2026, pending local consultations.

Advising clients who are headed to London? Remind them in 2026 to anticipate a per-night surcharge included in their accommodation costs.

Edinburgh: Pioneer of UK Visitor Levy

In Scotland, Edinburgh leads with the official visitor levy under newly ratified legislation. The Independent indicates that Edinburgh’s levy, slated for early 2026, is set at 5% of accommodation costs, similar to other EU cities. This model is expected to influence London’s tax approach.

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  • A family staying in Edingburgh may see an additional £10 per night on a £200 hotel room.
  • The fee is itemized separately, charged by hosts and passed on to the city.

Americans heading to Scotland in 2026 mainly need this for budgeting, ensuring they read accommodation fine prints before booking.

Venice: Day-Visit Charges During 2026

In response to its tourism influx, Venice is trialing a day-visit fee for cruise and short-stay tourists during selective dates. According to travel industry sources, the "access contribution" will be levied between April 18 and July 27, 2026, at €5 for pre-booked entries and €10 for last-minute admissions. This charge is separate from the accommodation city tax.

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  • Payers: Non-overnight visitors to Venice on specified dates.
  • Effectiveness: Online booking offers a lower fee, while last-minute entries cost more.

Clients planning a Mediterranean cruise stop in Venice should check their cruise documents for any unexpected fees related to their visit dates.

France: ETIAS and Higher Museum Fees

France is augmenting travel costs by introducing a €20 ETIAS authorization for non-EU visitors beginning late 2026—up from the previously proposed €7. This clearance, analogous to the U.S. ESTA system, covers multiple short-term visits within a validity period.

  • Increased entry fees at iconic museums like the Louvre.
  • Longstanding Taxe de Séjour, a lodging tax affecting accommodations.
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Spain: New Surcharges in Barcelona and the Balearic Islands

Spain’s 2026 tax restructure highlights Barcelona's increased municipal surcharge, starting at €5 per person per night, potentially reaching €8. Breakfast this with Catalonia’s regional tourist tax, and Americans visiting for a week could face additional costs. The Balearic Islands maintain their seasonal tourism tax at €1–€4 in peak periods.

An anticipated expense might add €12–€20 per night for a family of four in a mid-range Barcelona hotel, hence adjustment to prolonged budgets for accommodations is advised.

Mexico: 2026 Cruise Passenger Tax Increase

Tourist taxation extends beyond Europe, with Mexico raising its Federal Cruise Ship Passenger Tax from $5 to $10 in 2026. While cruise lines usually incorporate this fee into total costs, U.S. travelers should anticipate slightly higher package prices.

As these tourist taxes consolidate into the "new normal," engagement, preparedness, and strategic budgeting could transform these potential obstacles into predictable aspects of your travel investments.

Incorporate these insights in 2026 travel planning conversations and consider retaining tax-deductible receipts for business travels. Always refer to authoritative government sources for the latest tax updates and consult with our office for personalized travel tax guidance during your arrangements. A proactive approach ensures that these taxes enhance your travel planning rather than surprise you on arrival.

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