Schengen Visa for Indians- New Visa Rules and Tourism Tax Insights

 

In an exciting development, the European Union (EU) has introduced a convenient five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa for travelers hailing from India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. This update aims to facilitate smoother access to EU countries, fostering stronger bonds between Europe and these regions.

While this visa news brings cause for celebration, it's important for tourists to stay informed about evolving tourism tax regulations across various European cities. Recent reports indicate a surge in visitor fees, reflecting shifts in how travelers contribute to local economies and infrastructure development.

Understanding Tourism Taxes
Tourism taxes, ranging from under EUR1 to nearly EUR15, are typically imposed on a per-person, per-night basis. These charges can vary based on factors like the type of accommodation, city ordinances, and length of stay. Let's delve into the tourism tax policies of some popular destinations:

1. Venice: Visitors to Venice now encounter a €5 entry fee for daytime visits, with additional overnight charges ranging from €1 to 5 within accommodation fees.

2. Barcelona: Tourists staying in official accommodations in Barcelona face a nightly tourism tax of €3.25.

3. Lisbon: In Lisbon, travelers are levied €2 per night of stay, capped at seven nights per person.

4. Athens: Athens has introduced a variable tourist tax based on hotel categories and seasonal fluctuations, along with a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee ranging from €0.50 to 10 per room per night.

5. Paris: The City of Light imposes a tourist tax varying by accommodation type, ranging from €0.65 per person per night at campsites to €14.95 for luxury palace stays.

6. Prague: Tourist taxes in Prague have recently increased, now ranging from €0.82 to €1.97 per person per night.

7. Budapest: Visitors to Budapest are subject to an additional 4% of their room price each night, limited to the capital city of Hungary.

8. Berlin: Berlin's city tax has been updated to 5% of the room price, excluding VAT and service fees, reflecting its status as a vibrant hub of art and culture.