Norway introduces visitor fee for tourism hotspots from 2026

Overnight tax only for high-traffic areas – cruise ships to be included

Norway's Parliament has passed legislation allowing selected municipalities to impose a visitor fee in areas heavily affected by tourism. A nationwide hotel tax, as initially proposed by the government, was rejected. Instead, only destinations facing significant and documented tourism-related strain may implement an overnight tax of up to three percent, subject to approval by the Ministry.

Targeted implementation in high-traffic municipalities

The new regulation permits only municipalities that can demonstrate considerable pressure on public goods and infrastructure from tourism to introduce the fee. Each application must include a usage plan for the revenue and undergo ministerial review. Cruise ships will be taxed in all cases, while campgrounds and guest harbors are exempt.

Tourism industry welcomes balanced approach

Kristin Krohn Devold, CEO of Norway’s tourism industry association, expressed support for the decision: "We are pleased that a general hotel tax across many municipalities was avoided. Our goal is for this tax to remain the exception, not the rule – only introduced where truly justified." She also welcomed the inclusion of cruise tourism in the taxation model, while appreciating that campsites and marinas will remain untaxed.

Funds earmarked for tourism infrastructure only

The revenue from the visitor fee must be used exclusively for tourism-related public services such as:

• Maintenance and development of hiking trails
• Provision of public toilets
• Waste management
• Visitor information and signage systems

The purpose of the law is to enhance the tourist experience while minimizing negative impacts on local communities. A formal review of the law is planned within three years of its introduction.

More on the new fees in Norway.

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