More parts of Portugal to introduce tourist tax within weeks in fresh blow for British holidaymakers

Oeiras beach Portugal

Oeiras is bringing in more tourist taxes

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Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 09/08/2024

- 09:58

Tourists visiting parts of Portugal will be hit with new fees within weeks

Oeiras - a municipality near Lisbon and based in the beautiful Portuguese Riviera - is rolling out a new tourist tax this week.

This comes as other parts of Portugal have increased how much visitors need to pay.


Oeiras authorities said the new fee will be introduced in line with similar fees in place in neighbouring municipalities.

Anyone who stays overnight - in a hotel or in other accommodations - will need to fork out.

Lisbon beach

Those in Lisbon must pay more

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Tourists will be charged €1 (around 85p) per person per night, so this could add around £12 to the cost of a week-long stay for two.

The council explained the new fee will "ensure a counterpart for the enjoyment of a set of activities and investments promoted by the municipality of Oeiras, related to tourism".

This comes as Lisbon has recently approved proposals to double tourist tax, starting in September.

Britons and other tourists in the city will now need to pay €4 (£3.40) per person per night, up from €2 (£1.70).

This will leave tourists visiting the area even more out of pocket than in Oeiras. A couple will need to pay nearly £50 for a one-week visit.

Those arriving by cruise will also need to pay more. The tax payable for cruise passengers will increase from €1 to €2.

Anyone who has booked a cruise should check if the charge is covered by their operator or if they will need to pay on arrival.

Lisbon’s mayor Carlos Moedas said: “The externalities of tourism must be combated and the quality of life of Lisbon residents restored.”

The Algarve

Fees have increased across the Algarve

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Lagoa council implemented a tax in April this year. All guests aged 13 and over must pay €2 per night per person during the high season (between April and October) and €1 during the low season (between November and March).

This is charged for a maximum of seven nights in a row and taxes are generally collected at hotels.

Tourist taxes are in place in many holiday hotspots and go towards the general upkeep of facilities in the area.

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