Tourist tax is now charged all year
Faro has begun charging a year-long tourist tax, the municipal council has announced.
The tourist tax has been extended to cover the entire year, with rates set at €2.00 per person per night from March 1 to October 31, and €1.00 per person per night from November 1 to February 28 – as agreed by the Algarve Municipalities Association (AMAL). This replaces the previous €1.50 per night tax, which applied only from March to October.
The tax applies to guests aged 16 and older staying in hotels, local lodging establishments, campsites, and caravan parks.
The new regulation also introduces a range of new exemptions designed to exempt students, medical patients, emergency evacuees, essential workers, and local residents from paying the taxes:
- Both domestic and international students enrolled at the University of Algarve who stay in local accommodations during the academic year are exempt, provided they present valid proof of student status.
- Guests staying in Faro for medical treatment, along with one accompanying person, are exempt if they can show documentation of the medical service.
- Individuals temporarily residing in Faro due to natural disasters, public health emergencies, or civil protection orders are exempt from the tax.
- Education, healthcare, and security professionals working in Faro on a long-term basis are exempt during the duration of their employment, upon presenting relevant proof.
- Faro residents staying at tourist accommodations within the municipality are also exempt, provided they verify their residency.
The registration and payment mechanisms for the tourist tax remain unchanged, according to the council.
