The new tourist taxes and charges across Europe to know about in 2026

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Travelling is never cheap, but the worst costs are the ones you least expect. Baggage you didn’t realise was oversized, an accidental fine because you forgot to validate tram tickets, or sometimes, a ‘city tax’ that you had never heard of before you checked in for the night.

Extra fees for travellers are becoming more common as overtourism becomes an increasingly large problem across Europe. In some places, you can now expect to pay an overnight levy; in others, you’ll have to pay an entry fee for a previously free attraction. Whatever it is, though, one thing’s for sure – travelling is more expensive than ever.

So that you don’t get caught out when you’re on holiday, we’ve compiled this list of the biggest potential charges, fees, and taxes that could impact you on your European adventures in the New Year. From Italy to Tenerife, these are the European destinations where you might need a little extra cash in 2026.

Top attractions in Rome will now charge for entry

Big changes are coming to the Italian capital, which will now charge visitors an entry fee to several previously free-to-visit landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain. It will now cost €2 to get a close-up look at the fountain, although you’ll still be able to see it for free from afar. Locals won’t have to pay anything.

How much? One-time cost of €2

When is it being introduced? February 1

Overnight charges in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is set to become the first city in the UK to introduce a permanent tax on overnight stays, and the money raised will go towards funding cultural events and local infrastructure. Tourists will be charged five percent of the pre-VAT room fare on the first five nights of their stay, and the fee will be waived for any nights after that.

How much? 5 percent of the cost of the room, per night

When is it being introduced? 24 July

Venice’s tourist tax is returning

Venice authorities confirmed in September that it would be bringing back its daytripper fee in the peak season for 2026. On selected days between April and July, you’ll have to pay €5 in order to access the city during the daytime. You can read more about the details of Venice’s tourist tax here.

How much? €5 per day

When is it being introduced? April

Tenerife eco-tax

Alongside its beaches and winter sun, the Canary Island of Tenerife is a popular destination for hiking, with millions of travellers taking to trails around Mount Teide every year. But from January, they’ll have to pay a new ‘eco tax’ to hike the national park’s most popular routes. The new fee, the profits of which will go towards conserving the park’s biodiversity, will range from €10 for guided hikes to €25 for solo hikes.

How much? €10-€25, depending on route

When is it being introduced? January 1

Dutch town with iconic windmills will soon charge a daytripper fee

Like Venice, the tiny Dutch town of Zaans Schans will introduce an entry fee from next year onwards. Only 100 people live in the hamlet, which is home to several picturesque windmills, but more than 2.4 million people visited last year. Locals are hoping that the fairly steep charge of €17.50 per person will deter some of the more rowdy daytrippers.

How much? €17.50 per day

When is it being introduced? Spring

Trips to Norway will get slightly more expensive

There’s been debate in Norway for several years about whether or not to introduce a tourist tax, but this summer it was finally approved by the government. Anyone visiting, including those passing through on cruise ships, will have to pay a ‘visitor’s contribution’, which will be 3 percent of the cost of their accommodation.

This will be applied on a discretionary basis by individual authorities, so you may not have to pay depending on where you go. Those staying in tents or caravans won’t be subject to the fee.

How much? 3 percent of the overall cost of your accommodation

When it is being introduced? Summer

Changes to UK visa applications

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a new sort of visa for UK nationals travelling to Europe, could come into effect at the end of 2026. It will cost £17 (€19.50) to apply for, and be valid for three years – you can read more details about the ETIAS, and why it might not end up launching until 2027, here.

All the best New Year and January flight deals and travel sales to look out for this year.