Visitor Levy in Wales

What is Visitor Levy?

Visitor Levy is an additional charge on overnight stays at visitor accommodation in Wales. Councils can decide if they want to introduce a levy – but only after consulting residents and local businesses. 

You can check which councils are charging the levy or consulting on introducing it. 

Councils can use the levy for:

• improving local tourism
• protecting nature and landmarks
• promoting the Welsh language and culture

If a council decides to charge the levy, they must create a Visitor Levy Partnership Forum with local tourism organisations. This forum advises the council how to use the levy funds. Learn more about how councils can use Visitor Levy

How much is the levy?

Lower rate of 75 pence

75 pence per person per night is paid for:

• shared rooms in hostels, bunkhouses, bothies or dormitories
• pitches for tents (including temporary ones for events and festivals)

This rate does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Higher rate of £1.30

£1.30 per person per night is paid for all other types of accommodation.

Who pays the levy?

Visitor accommodation providers are responsible for paying Visitor Levy. They will pay the levy to the Welsh Revenue Authority.

Providers may:

• choose to absorb the levy costs 
• pass the levy costs to visitors

This is why you may see the levy added to your accommodation bill.

If visitor accommodation providers are VAT registered, then VAT will apply on the total amount you pay. This includes the levy where it’s passed on. 

Read more guidance about Visitor Levy if you are an accommodation provider in Wales.

Can visitors get refunds? 

Visitors can apply for a refund from the Welsh Revenue Authority after their stay if, at the time of their stay, they were:

• staying as a carer looking after a disabled person
• temporarily homeless during the time of the stay
• fleeing harm or domestic violence

The Welsh Revenue Authority will publish more guidance about visitor refunds before April 2027.