As of January 1, 2025, a tourist tax has been introduced on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. This pioneering measure in the archipelago aims to address the significant increase in tourism in recent years and the resulting strain on public services.
Purpose of the Tax
The funds collected will be invested in:
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Improvements to sanitation
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Waste management
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Preservation and maintenance of green spaces
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Support infrastructure and services
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Tourist signage
How Much Is the Tax?
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€2 per person, per night
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Applicable for up to 3 consecutive nights
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For camping and campervans: €1 per person, per night
The tax is intended to apply to all six municipalities on São Miguel Island, but as of January 3, 2025, the municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação have not yet implemented the measure.
Who Needs to Pay
The tax applies to:
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Guests aged 13 and over.
Exemptions
The following are exempt from paying the tourist tax:
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Children aged 12 and under
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Residents of the Azores
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Individuals with a physical disability of 60% or more
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Guests undergoing medical treatment (including one accompanying person)
To request an exemption from the tourist tax, guests must present copies of relevant documentation to the hotel or accommodation where they are staying.
How and When to Pay
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Payment is made at the hotel or local accommodation
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It is usually collected at check-in, in cash
This tourist tax in São Miguel reflects a growing trend in Portugal, where at least 40 municipalities have already implemented similar charges.
The initiative aims to balance the impact of tourism with local sustainability, benefiting both visitors and residents alike.
For more information and access to official documents, we’ve attached the regulations in PDF. To read them, click here.
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