Spain increases tourist tax that will affect Britons on holiday - what you will have to pay starting this week

Spain increases tourist tax that will affect Britons on holiday - what you will have to pay starting this week

Spain boasts nearly 8,000km of coastline

GB NEWS
Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 02/04/2024

- 09:11

Holidaymakers will have to pay more to visit Barcelona as of April 1

Barcelona is a popular holiday hotspot, famous for its delicious cuisine, incredible architecture, bustling nightlife and stunning beaches.

However, a new tourist tax imposed this week may impact Britons on their travels. The city tax has been steadily increasing and as of April 1, 2024, sits at €3.25 (£2.78) a day.


In April 2023, the city tax rose from €1.75 (£1.50) to €2.75 (£2.35) for all types of stay.

Just yesterday, on April 1, 2024, it increased again to €3.25 (£2.78). This means British tourists will have to fork out an extra €0.50 (43p) a night. The tax applies to a maximum seven-night stay.

Barcelona

Britons in Barcelona will pay more to visit the beautiful Spanish city

GETTY IMAGES

As well as the city tax, visitors have to pay a regional tax that depends on the accommodation type they are staying in.

With this regional tax, Britons staying in pricier accommodations will feel the pinch more so than those in cheaper ones.

For rental accommodations like Airbnb, the regional tax is €2.25 (£1.92) per night.

For four-star hotels, the tax is €1.70 (£1.45), and for five-star and luxury hotels it is €3.50 (£2.99).

Cruise passengers are also subject to the regional tax. Cruise passengers spending less than 12 hours in the city pay €3 (£2.56), while those spending more than 12 hours pay €2 (£1.71).

The increase in the city tax means that tourists will be paying more overall for their Barcelona holidays.

Guests in five-star accommodation will now pay a total of €6.75 (£5.77) per night. This equals €47.25 (£40.40) per person for a week’s stay.

Tourists to beautiful Seville have also been slapped with a fee to visit a major attraction.

La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Tourists flock to Barcelona in their millions year after year

GETTY IMAGES

Holidaymakers will notice a change in guided tours when new rules come into effect on April 10, 2024.

Tourists in Spain were also warned about new rules that will affect beachgoers. The rules come as part of a crackdown against smoking.

Britons in Spain must also heed an important warning about booking the wrong transport, as they could be landed with £500 fines.

In other Barcelona news, tourists have been told they should not be put off visiting despite an extreme drought.

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