Bucharest is aligning itself with European trends in urban tourism by introducing a tourist tax that will come into force starting in 2026. The measure was adopted through a decision of the General Council of the Municipality of Bucharest and applies to all tourists who choose to stay overnight in accommodation units within the Capital.

The new tax will apply regardless of the purpose of the visit—whether leisure tourism, business travel, or participation in cultural and sporting events. Local authorities state that this contribution will help develop tourism infrastructure and promote the city as a competitive urban destination.

What the new tourist tax in Bucharest involves

The tourist tax will be charged per night of accommodation and will be paid by individuals staying in hotels, guesthouses, serviced apartments, or other authorized tourist accommodation units in Bucharest. It will be collected by accommodation providers and then transferred to the municipal budget.

The model chosen by local authorities is similar to that used in other European capitals, where such taxes are already common practice. The exact amount and calculation method will be announced through implementing regulations, but the basic principle remains the same: the tax is separate from the accommodation rate and will be shown as a distinct item on the final invoice.

The introduction of this tax does not affect city residents, but exclusively visitors who choose to stay overnight in the Capital.

Why the tourist tax was introduced

Local authorities justified the measure by the need to create additional funding sources dedicated exclusively to tourism. The collected funds are intended to be used to promote Bucharest as a tourist destination, maintain public-interest attractions, and improve urban infrastructure frequently used by visitors.

Targeted areas include:

• modernization of central areas and public spaces
• organization of cultural events and festivals
• promotion of the city on international tourism markets
• development of tourist information services

The measure was adopted despite critical opinions expressed during public debates, with a majority of city councilors voting in favor of implementing the tax starting in 2026.

Who will pay the tax and who may be exempt

The tourist tax will apply to all individuals staying in authorized accommodation units in Bucharest, regardless of nationality. In practice, payment will be made at the accommodation’s reception, either at check-in or check-out, depending on each operator’s policy.

Traditionally, in other European cities, certain categories are exempt or benefit from reductions, such as:

• children below a certain age
• people staying for medical purposes
• pupils or students participating in educational programs

Bucharest’s local authorities have not yet announced the exact list of possible exemptions, which will be established through the implementing regulations.

What tourists visiting the Capital in 2026 should know

Tourists planning a visit to Bucharest starting in 2026 should be aware that this tax will represent an additional cost beyond the standard accommodation rate. Although the exact value has not yet been published, authorities have stated that it will be comparable to levels applied in other European cities.

Paying the tax will not involve additional bureaucracy for visitors, as it will be handled directly by accommodation providers. Tourists will receive clear information either at the time of booking or upon arrival.

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Bucharest, following the model of major European capitals

The introduction of the tourist tax marks an important change in how urban tourism is financed in Bucharest. The city thus joins many European capitals that use this tool to support the sustainable development of tourism.

For visitors, the financial impact is relatively small, but for the local administration, the collected funds may contribute to improving the tourist experience in the medium and long term. In this context, 2026 will bring not only a new tax, but also higher expectations regarding the quality of services and tourism infrastructure in the Capital.