Portugal has implemented a new tourist tax in Lisbon and Porto effective April 1, 2026, charging visitors 4 euros per night for the first seven nights of their stay. The measure aims to fund infrastructure improvements and manage overtourism in the country's two most popular cities.
Tax Details and Exemptions
- 4 euros per person per night for the first 7 nights
- Children under 13 are exempt
- Applies to all accommodation types including hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels
- Tax is collected directly by accommodation providers at check-in
- Residents of Portugal and guests traveling for medical treatment are exempt
Why Portugal Implemented the Tax
Lisbon and Porto have experienced explosive tourism growth, with visitor numbers tripling since 2015. Local residents have voiced frustration over rising rents, overcrowded public transit, and the transformation of residential neighborhoods into tourist zones.
The Portuguese Tourism Board estimates the tax will generate approximately 120 million euros annually, earmarked for public transportation upgrades, historic building preservation, and affordable housing initiatives for residents displaced by the tourism boom.
Impact on Travel Plans
For a typical 5-night stay, the tax adds 20 euros per person, a relatively modest amount that travel advisors say is unlikely to deter visitors. However, the move follows similar taxes in Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, contributing to an overall increase in the cost of European travel.
Tourism Minister Ana Correia emphasized that Portugal remains one of Western Europe's best values, with the tax representing just a small fraction of overall trip costs. The country continues to offer excellent food, wine, and culture at prices well below those of neighboring Spain, France, or Italy.
