As of January 1, 2024, Iceland tourist tax is coming back and tourists visiting Iceland are once again required to pay an accommodation tax. The Icelandic government has decided to reintroduce the tourist tax for hotels and other lodging facilities, which was in place before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourists will now be charged an additional €3.98 per room in hotels, guesthouses, or other accommodations. For camping stays, an extra €1.99 will be levied per night. Cruise ship passengers arriving in Iceland will pay an additional €6.63.
The decision to reintroduce the Iceland tourist tax is part of a strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of over-tourism in Iceland, focusing on addressing the social and environmental consequences. The revenue generated from the tourist tax will be used to counteract the effects of excessive tourism in the country.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, 2023 proved to be a successful year for Icelandic tourism. The country welcomed nearly 800,000 foreign tourists during the summer, a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
However, some experts express concerns about the return of the tax. For instance, Iv Marsa, Vice President of the tourism agency G Adventures, stated that the tax would further increase the already high cost of visiting Iceland, creating an additional financial burden for travelers.
