Travelers should be aware of other countries that are set up to introduce new tourism taxes. Norway has announced that local governments can stay overnight and request 3% collection from ship visitors. The new tax is expected to begin in the summer of 2026, and is a response to overtourism, which is wiping out the country.
Last year, 38.6 million people booked accommodations in Norway across the country, breaking records, up 4.2% from the previous year. The tourism industry in the Nordic country is expected to continue to grow as tourists escape further from the heat wave of Southern Europe.
The pending tourism tax is voluntary, so local areas can decide whether to implement it or not. Local governments that introduce taxes can use their funds to invest in services such as hiking trails and parking facilities.
Camping vans, recreational boats and tents are exempt from fees.
Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Celsi Mirses told Norwegian broadcaster NRK:
Day Cruise passengers were not originally part of the tax proposal. However, it was added following criticism of the environmental impact of cruise ships.
In 2024, Norway welcomed nearly 6 million cruise passengers, with Aresund, Bergen and Stavanger becoming the three most visited ports in the country. In Aresund alone, last year we saw more than 650,000 passengers.
Town residents who saw a surge in cruise ship tourists report that the number of passengers visiting for the day can exceed locals.
Norway is just one of many European destinations that charge cruise passengers for tourist fees. Amsterdam will charge cruise passengers a “day tripper tax” and Barcelona will charge overnight stay.
Lisbon, Venice and Mallorca also charge vacationers on cruises. This is usually collected by port authorities or included in the cruise price.
Christine Krone Debord, head of Norwegian Travel Industry Association, welcomes the new rates and reassures that they are targeting cruises and overnight stays rather than hotel industry, claiming hotel guests aren't as big of a problem as other tourists.
