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Visitor Levy Bill Allows England Authorities to Tax Overnight Stays up to 28 Nights
The Visitor Levy (England) Bill would permit strategic authorities to impose a levy on overnight stays of up to 28 nights. It was presented in the House of Commons on 4 November 2026 and targets visitors staying in England for short‑term accommodation.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Authorities may levy overnight stays of up to 28 nights
- Timing
- Bill presented on 4 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Visitors staying overnight in England for up to 28 nights
The details
- New rule
- The bill would allow strategic authorities in England to charge a levy on any overnight stay lasting up to 28 nights, with booking platforms authorised to collect the charge.
Bill Overview
The Visitor Levy (England) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 4 November 2026. Its purpose is to give local strategic authorities the power to raise revenue from visitors who stay overnight in England for short periods.
- Levy applies to stays of up to 28 nights
- Strategic authorities set the rate within the bill’s framework
Proposed Levy Mechanism
Under the proposed arrangements, the levy would be collected by booking platforms on behalf of the authorities. The proceeds would be paid into the mayor’s general fund, without a statutory requirement to allocate the money to tourism‑related projects.
- No statutory cap on the levy rate
- Revenue goes to mayor’s general fund, not ring‑fenced for tourism
- Local councils in mayoral areas have no veto power
Tourism Alliance Response
The Tourism Alliance, representing more than 65 UK visitor‑economy trade associations, criticised the bill for lacking safeguards. Executive Director Eddy Leviten noted that while the government allowed booking platforms to collect the levy and set thresholds for smaller operators, the bill fails to protect the visitor economy it intends to tax.
- Calls for a statutory cap on levy rates
- Demands ring‑fencing of revenue for local tourism
- Seeks veto powers for local councils
- Requests reduction of VAT on accommodation to 10% before any levy
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings for stays under 28 nights may become subject to an additional levy once the bill is enacted
- Travel agents should check whether booking platforms have integrated levy collection before confirming new reservations
Cost and documents
- No specific fee amount is set in the bill, so the cost impact remains uncertain
- Travelers will not need to provide additional documents solely because of the proposed levy
What you need to do
- Monitor announcements from local strategic authorities for the final levy rate
- Verify with booking platforms whether the levy will be added to future reservations
- Stay informed about any subsequent legislation that may set a cap or ring‑fence revenue
Who this affects
-
Visitors staying overnight in England up to 28 nights
The bill specifically targets overnight accommodation of up to 28 nights in England
What to do Will be required to pay the levy once authorities set a rate and booking platforms collect it
-
Booking platforms operating in England
The bill authorises them to collect the visitor levy on behalf of strategic authorities
What to do Must implement systems to add the levy to bookings and remit proceeds to the mayor’s fund
-
Local councils within mayoral areas
The bill places levy revenue into the mayor’s general fund without giving councils veto power
What to do No direct action required, but they may lobby for amendments
Frequently asked questions
What is the Visitor Levy (England) Bill?
The Visitor Levy (England) Bill is a proposal that would let strategic authorities charge a levy on overnight stays of up to 28 nights in England, with booking platforms collecting the charge.
When was the Visitor Levy Bill introduced?
The bill was presented in the House of Commons on 4 November 2026.
Who will have to pay the visitor levy?
Anyone staying overnight in England for up to 28 nights will be subject to the levy once authorities set a rate and booking platforms collect it.
Will the levy revenue be used for tourism?
Under the current proposal, proceeds are paid into the mayor’s general fund and are not required to be ring‑fenced for tourism purposes.
What changes are the Tourism Alliance demanding?
The Alliance wants a statutory cap on the levy rate, ring‑fencing of revenue for the local visitor economy, veto powers for local councils, and a reduction of VAT on accommodation to 10% before any levy is introduced.
