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2026 Travel Tax Changes: What Americans Should Know

For those planning trips to iconic destinations like London, Paris, or cruising the Mediterranean in 2026, a new factor must be considered: tourist taxes. Globally, governments are leveraging visitor levies to fund infrastructure, conserve cultural landmarks, and manage tourism. Specific changes are poised to take place in 2026, potentially impacting American travelers.

Being well-informed can help you and your clients avoid unexpected "extras" on your travel receipts while maintaining an enjoyable travel experience. Here’s a look at the notable tourist tax changes that may affect U.S. travelers in 2026, starting with London.

London's Visitor Levies

London is progressing towards joining other global metropolitan areas in imposing a tourist tax on hotel stays. The UK government has proposed empowering English mayors through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to introduce overnight visitor levies. This initiative targets growth in non-metropolitan regions, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan advocating for a "modest" levy, potentially around 5% of the room rate per night, estimated between £10 and £12 per night.

Key points for 2026 include:

  • Who will pay: Travelers staying overnight in London, potentially expanding to other English cities.
  • Purpose: Funding local transport, cultural venues, and tourism infrastructure.
  • Implementation: City levies could be effective in 2026, pending local decisions and consultations.

Clients should anticipate an additional charge on lodging bills, complementing existing taxes.

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Edinburgh: Pioneering UK Visitor Levies

Edinburgh aims to be the UK's first city implementing a visitor levy under new Scottish legislation, expected by early 2026. Edinburgh’s levy is suggested to mimic other European cities' models, charging 5% of the accommodation cost on the initial nights.

Practical Insights:

  • Cost Example: A family paying £200 nightly could incur an additional £10 per night levy.
  • Invoice Reflection: The fee appears as a separate invoice line, collected by lodging providers.

Understanding these costs allows Americans heading to Scotland to plan effectively without altering their itineraries.

Venice's Day-Trip Fees

Venice plans to impose day-trip fees from April to July 2026. Charges aim primarily at cruise passengers and short-stay visitors. The "access contribution" will range from €5 for advance bookings to €10 for last-minute arrivals. Overnight guests already pay a "city tax."

Considerations:

  • Payees: Day visitors on specified dates, excluding overnight stays.
  • Booking Process: Online slot booking for reduced fees, with increased fees near arrival time.
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Avoid confusion for clients on cruises with Venice stops—advise them to review trip documentation.

France's 2026 Tourist Costs

France introduces multiple fees affecting non-EU tourists. A €20 ETIAS entry fee for visa-exempt countries starts late 2026. Museum and monument admission prices will increase for non-EU visitors, with expected charges of €25-€30 per ticket at main attractions like the Louvre.

  • Integrations: Alongside museum fees, France’s existing "Taxe de Séjour" remains in place, adding €0.65 to €15.60 per night per guest based on accommodation type.

For U.S. travelers, key changes include:

  • The €20 ETIAS in addition to existing travel taxes.
  • Raised ticket prices at key tourist sites.
  • Accumulated nightly lodging taxes over extended stays.

Spain: New Surcharges Ahead

Spain's 2026 updates involve Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Barcelona will implement a new municipal surcharge, peaking at €8 nightly by 2029. Combined with existing regional taxes, it could mean an extra €12–€20 per night for mid-range stays.

The Balearic Islands maintain their seasonal "sustainable tourism" tax, varied by season.

Mexico’s Increased Cruise Passenger Taxes

Beyond Europe, Mexico's Federal Cruise Ship Passenger Tax will rise to $10 in 2026, with continued future increases, influencing cruise package prices.

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State taxes like Quintana Roo’s Visitax and Baja California Sur’s fee for longer stays remain constant.

As these tourist taxes resonate worldwide, 2026 is pivotal in marking them as a "new normal" in travel budgeting.

At Thompson-Smith CPA, LLC., we provide insights to clients planning 2026 travel:

  • Consult on fee impacts: We highlight potential fees relevant to Europe’s major destinations.
  • Receipt diligence: For business travel, some taxes could be deductible. Documentation is key.
  • Direct booking insights: We refer to up-to-date government sources for precise rates and timings.

While unlikely to derail most trips, recognizing these taxes earlier prevents unpleasant impending costs.

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