Norway Plans to Introduce Tourist Fee

Charlie Norway 23 April 2025 | Updated On April 28, 2025 | 0

With a record-breaking 16.7 million overnight stays during summer 2024, Norway is seeing a sharp rise in tourism as travellers look for cooler destinations. In response to the growing strain on local infrastructure, the Norwegian government is moving forward with plans to introduce a tourist tax.

The government has decided to lower the proposed tax rate from 5% to 3% of the cost of an overnight stay. The fee will not be applied uniformly across the country. Instead, local municipalities will have the option to introduce the tax at their discretion.

Trade and Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth confirmed the tax will apply to all forms of overnight accommodation, such as hotels, hostels, campsites, and short-term rentals. Authorities will also have the flexibility to adjust the rate depending on the season.

“Some places experience heavy tourism at specific times of the year, which increases costs for local residents,”

Trade and Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth

Where Will the Money Go?

Funds collected through the tax will go toward projects that benefit both locals and tourists, such as maintaining hiking trails, upgrading public toilets, and other infrastructure improvements.

There’s no official start date yet, but the tax could be introduced as early as this summer. First, the proposal must be passed by the Norwegian parliament, and not everyone is on board.

Tourist taxes aren’t a new concept. These fees are designed to help manage the impact of overtourism, and in recent years, many other European nations have followed suit by introducing similar charges.

The travel and tourism division of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) has strongly criticized the move, warning it could discourage tourists.

“We’re in a serious situation. Introducing this tax now is madness,” said an NHO spokesperson.

Others argue the tax is unfair because it only applies to overnight visitors, leaving out cruise passengers, day-trippers, and campervanners who park in free public areas—groups that often have a larger environmental impact, especially in popular spots like the Lofoten Islands and Geiranger Fjord.

Why Now?

The government has been considering a tourist tax for several years, but the current tourism boom has renewed urgency. As southern Europe faces extreme heatwaves, travellers are increasingly opting for “coolcations” in northern countries like Norway. At the same time, interest in “noctourism”—trips centered around nighttime experiences like the Northern Lights—is also on the rise.

With 2025 shaping up to be an exceptional year for spotting the aurora borealis, Norway’s allure is at an all-time high. Best viewed from late autumn to early spring, this natural wonder continues to draw travellers seeking unforgettable experiences.

Norway is part of the Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. This means that travelers who already hold a valid Schengen visa can enter Norway without needing any additional permits. If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter the Schengen Zone, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa before your trip.

So while a new tourist tax may be on the horizon, Norway still promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure under the dancing northern skies.

Will the introduction of a tourist tax make you think twice about a trip to Norway? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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