How much is the tourist tax in Rome?

Every year, Rome welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world. Among the costs to be considered for those who visit the city, and for those who manage the thousands of accommodation facilities, is the tourist tax, a contribution that allows the capital to finance tourist services and infrastructures.

But how much is the tax, and who is required to pay it? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

What is the tourist tax?

The tourist tax, officially known as the “contributo di soggiorno” (tourist contribution) is a municipal tax levied on visitors who stay overnight in accommodation establishments in certain Italian cities, including Rome. Introduced by Legislative Decree No. 23 of 14 March 2011 on “fiscal federalism”, this tax is a source of revenue for local authorities and is aimed at improving the quality of tourist services and preserving Italy’s immense artistic and cultural heritage.

Some municipalities have adopted higher rates and different rules, in particular to protect the main attractions from the phenomenon of overtourism and the negative effects of mass tourism. Other places have also introduced an entrance fee.

How is the payment made?

The tourist tax is usually paid when you check out of your accommodation, which may be a hotel, a bed & breakfast or a holiday home. In many cases, the tax is collected in cash or by credit card, and the receipt issued clearly states the amount paid.

Those staying in an apartment rented for short periods, for example through portals such as Airbnb, will instead pay directly to the landlord or the intermediary managing the property.

Tourist tax: exemptions

Various categories can be exempted from paying the tourist tax. For example, in Rome, exemptions are designed to ensure fairness and facilitate those who are in the capital through necessity or extraordinary situations. These categories include:

• children under the age of 10;
• people staying in youth hostels;
• patients hospitalised in healthcare facilities, plus one companion per patient;
• bus drivers and tour guides for organised groups;
• members of the police force on duty;
• those staying overnight free of charge for civil protection reasons or emergencies.

How much is the tourist tax in Rome?

In Rome, as in other Italian municipalities, the cost of the tourist tax varies based on the category and level of the accommodation. The rates currently in force (year 2024) are as follows:

• 1-star hotels: 4 euros per night
• 2-star hotels: 5 euros per night
• 3-star hotels: 6 euros per night
• 4-star hotels: 7.50 euros per night
• 5-star hotels and luxury establishments: 10 euros per night
• Holiday homes and tourist apartments: (5 euros per day in category 2 and 6 euros in category 1)
• Bed and Breakfasts, agritourism, hotel tourist residences, country houses or country residences, accommodation and properties intended for short-term rentals, holiday homes: 6 euros per day
• Hostels, hiking and mountain refuges, walkers’ lodges: 3 euros per night
• Campsites and equipped outdoor areas: 3 euros per night.

The tax is applied up to a maximum of 10 consecutive nights, regardless of the type of establishment chosen, and the cost is per person.

The tourist tax in Rome: how do you pay it?

The managers of accommodation establishments in Rome must inform guests of the methods and amounts to be paid during their stay. It is possible to indicate the details of the tax in the description of the accommodation on the main OTA platforms or to display this information within the establishment.

The payment options are designed to offer maximum convenience for both visitors and accommodation managers. For example, the amount can be paid directly at the establishment upon check-out, online via the establishment’s systems, in some cases at automatic machines located at strategic points in the city, or by bank transfer.

Visitors to Rome are always advised to keep the receipt as official proof of payment.

What is the most expensive tourist tax in Italy?

Rome applies one of the highest tourist taxes in Italy, second only to Venice. With a maximum amount of 10 euros for luxury hotels, Rome’s tourist tax is among the highest, considering the city’s fame and the high influx of tourists.

The contribution helps the city council to support and maintain the places of interest that welcome millions of visitors every year, from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum. An impressive machine of costs and investments to support one of the most beloved cities in the world.

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

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Travel

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