Lisbon is a very notable city when it comes to tourism. The Portuguese capital is one of the most visited cities in Europe , receiving thousands of not only national but also international tourists.
The traffic of people in the city of Lisbon brings with it the visit of thousands of tourists daily to the historical and cultural heritage of the city, so to prevent its deterioration and ensure its good maintenance, the city mayor's office decided to implement the which is known as tourist tax .
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Lisbon is a very popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. This puts great pressure on the city's infrastructure , such as public transportation, streets, parks, and historic sites. The tourist tax is used to finance the maintenance and improvement of these infrastructures, ensuring that the city can continue to offer a good experience for both tourists and residents.
A large flow of tourists can affect the daily lives of local residents and the natural environment . The rate is also intended to mitigate some of these negative effects, such as overcrowding in the most touristy neighborhoods, increased demand for public services (water, sanitation, cleaning) and the conservation of cultural and natural heritage. The funds raised can be used to improve the sustainability of tourism, protect natural resources and ensure that the city maintains its long-term attractiveness.
The tourist tax in Lisbon came into force on January 1, 2015 . Then, people staying in the city had to pay €2 per night and tickets by air or sea would be charged at €1 per person.
On 04/17/2024, the Lisbon City Council approved the increase in tourist taxes on overnight stays and cruise passengers. Specifically, overnight stay rates have increased from €2 to €4 and tourist taxes for cruise passengers have increased from €1 to €2 .
Currently, this increase is already reflected on the Lisbon Chamber website , which came into force on 09/01/2024 after being subject to a 30-day public consultation.
Please note that the tourist tax applies only for 7 consecutive nights in tourist accommodation.
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The increase in the tourist tax entails several associated objectives:
“Expansion of public interventions at the level of tourist infrastructure, mobility, urban cleaning, public space, security and tourist, cultural and leisure offer, in an effort that should not involve a burden on residents.”
The Lisbon City Council considers that both tourists who spend the night in Lisbon and cruises are an “engine of economic and social growth”, but that steps must be taken and actions established to maintain the sustainability of the tourism ecosystem over time.
People with a disability of 65% or greater would be exempt from making the payment, as long as they present a document that certifies the disability , as well as those people who come to the city to receive some type of medical treatment. Children under 13 years of age are also exempt from payment .
