Navigating 2026 Tourist Taxes for American Travelers

If you’re planning trips to international hotspots like London, Paris, or the Mediterranean in 2026, prepare for a new travel expense — tourist taxes. Globally, governments are leveraging these fees to fund infrastructure improvements, cultural preservation, and crowd management. As a seasoned accounting and advisory firm, Lizza & Carullo CPAs & Advisors break down what you need to know about these changes and how to seamlessly integrate them into your travel budget.

For American travelers, staying informed about evolving tax structures is crucial. While these taxes are unlikely to deter travel, understanding potential additional costs lets you budget effectively and avoid surprises.

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London & Broader England: Hotels & Short-Term Rentals

London is contemplating joining other global cities in implementing a tourist levy on hotel and rental accommodations. Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, English mayors may soon introduce these levies to boost regional growth. Mayor Sadiq Khan advocates for this approach, highlighting the successful models in Paris and New York. Expected to start in 2026, the levy could equate to roughly 5% of your nightly hotel bill, adding £10-£12 per night. Learn more from Condé Nast Traveller.

  • Who Pays: Overnight guests in London’s hotels and rentals if local authorities opt in.
  • Funds Use: Local transport, street enhancements, and tourist infrastructure.
  • Timing: Pending, expected sometime in 2026. Dates and specifics depend on regional consultations.

Edinburgh: Leading the UK’s Tourist Levies

Scotland’s capital plans to be the first UK city with a full visitor levy. Projected to begin in July 2026, Edinburgh's scheme sets a 5% accommodation charge over the initial nights of stay, closely modeled on similar systems in Europe. Review detailed coverage at The Independent.

  • A family investing £200 per night in Edinburgh can expect an additional £10 in levy charges per night.
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Partner with Lizza & Carullo CPAs & Advisors for ongoing guidance, proactive tax planning, and strategic financial support. Whether you’re growing a business or navigating personal taxes, our year-round advisory approach helps you stay organized, tax-efficient, and in control — with a team that’s here when you need us, not just at tax time.
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Maintaining records is wise for potential business travel deductions, enhancing your travel cost projections and management strategies.

Venice: Select Day-Trip Fees

Venice, a long-standing hallmark for visitor discussions, introduces a day-trip access charge for cruise and short-stay visitors. Applicable from April 18 to July 27, 2026, the fee ranges from €5 for early bookings to €10 for last-minute entries. Ensure clarity on these dates by consulting travel documents, especially for Mediterranean cruises. Discover more in travel industry reports.

Driving Insights: France, Spain, and More

France is raising the stakes with ETIAS fees, climbing museum entry costs for non-EU travelers, and reinforcing their Taxe de Séjour lodgings levy in 2026. Explore these changes in a recent report on international tourist taxes.

  • Non-EU visitors will face a €20 ETIAS requirement.
  • Museum entries will increase to €25-€30 per ticket.
  • Per-night lodging taxes apply, depending on accommodation type.

Understanding the granular details of these costs pays dividends for effective forecasting and efficient resource allocation, crucial for informed travel planning.

Spain’s revised tax policy impacts places like Barcelona, set to feature a new municipal surcharge beginning at €5 per night. Consider these surcharges to better manage your travel budget, particularly for families or groups.

Implications for Cruise Travelers

Mexico introduces increased Federal Cruise Ship Passenger Taxes, rising from $5 to $10 in 2026. Combined with state-level charges such as Quintana Roo's Visitax or Baja California Sur's tourism tax, comprehending these rates influences overall travel expenditures.

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Our role at Lizza & Carullo is to ensure you are well-prepared for these foreseeable expenses. Whether emphasizing fee visibility or verifying eligibility for deductible travel expenses, our insights into tax strategy, cash flow planning, and proactive financial decisions help maximize your international travel value in 2026.

Gain Year-Round Financial Clarity and Confidence
Partner with Lizza & Carullo CPAs & Advisors for ongoing guidance, proactive tax planning, and strategic financial support. Whether you’re growing a business or navigating personal taxes, our year-round advisory approach helps you stay organized, tax-efficient, and in control — with a team that’s here when you need us, not just at tax time.
Schedule Your Discovery Call
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