Planning a Bulgarian getaway in 2025? Whether you’re drawn to Sofia’s culture, Sunny Beach’s lively nightlife, or Varna’s Black Sea resorts, you’ll likely encounter the Bulgaria tourist tax 2025.
This small nightly fee applies across most tourist destinations and helps fund local infrastructure, beaches, and cultural preservation. In this guide, we’ll cover city-by-city rates, exemptions, latest updates, and travel tips to save on your stay in Bulgaria.
2. What Is the Bulgaria Tourist Tax 2025?
The Bulgaria tourist tax (locally called курортна такса / kurortna taksa) is a fee charged per person, per night.
Key facts:
- Collected by hotels, guesthouses, resorts, and rentals.
- Set by municipalities, so rates differ.
- Funds are used for tourism development and maintenance.
- Typically between €0.20 and €1 per person per night.
3. Bulgaria Tourist Tax Rates by City/Region (2025)
| Destination | Rate (per person/night) | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia (capital) | ~€0.40–€0.80 | Hotels & rentals | Varies by star rating |
| Sunny Beach | ~€0.50–€1.00 | Hotels & resorts | Higher in peak summer |
| Varna (Black Sea) | ~€0.50–€0.80 | Hotels & rentals | Popular seaside city |
| Plovdiv | ~€0.40–€0.70 | Hotels & hostels | Supports heritage sites |
| Bansko (ski resort) | ~€0.60–€1.00 | Hotels & chalets | Higher in ski season |
| Smaller towns | ~€0.20–€0.50 | Guesthouses & B&Bs | Often cheaper |
💡 Travel Tip: Resorts like Sunny Beach and Bansko charge more during high season (summer/winter).
4. How Do You Pay the Bulgaria Tourist Tax?
- Usually added to your hotel bill.
- Airbnb/Booking may include it in the total.
- Always shown separately on the receipt.
5. Bulgaria Tourist Tax 2025 by Destination
🏙️ Sofia Tourist Tax
- ~€0.40–€0.80 per night.
- Depends on accommodation star rating.
💡 Tip: Budget stays under €0.50 are common, making Sofia affordable.
🌊 Sunny Beach Tourist Tax
- ~€0.50–€1.00 per night.
- Higher in July–August peak months.
💡 Tip: Book in May or September for lower taxes & rates.
🏖️ Varna Tourist Tax
- ~€0.50–€0.80 per night.
- Applies to seaside hotels and guesthouses.
💡 Tip: Great alternative to Sunny Beach, with slightly lower costs.
🎭 Plovdiv Tourist Tax
- ~€0.40–€0.70 per night.
- Supports heritage sites & cultural projects.
💡 Tip: Stay longer—Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest cities.
🎿 Bansko Tourist Tax
- ~€0.60–€1.00 per night.
- Highest during ski season (Dec–March).
💡 Tip: Book off-season for cheaper stays and lower fees.
6. Exemptions from the Bulgaria Tourist Tax
- Children under 12 are often exempt.
- Students in dormitory accommodations may be excluded.
- Long-term stays sometimes avoid the tax.
7. What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
- Hotels must collect by law.
- Refusal = denied check-in or charges later.
- Hosts face municipality fines for avoiding collection.
8. Where Does the Bulgaria Tourist Tax Go?
Collected taxes are used for:
- Beach maintenance (lifeguards, cleaning).
- Ski resort upkeep in Bansko & Borovets.
- Promotion of cultural tourism (Plovdiv, Sofia).
- Funding festivals & events.
9. Bulgaria Tourist Tax News & Updates (2025)
| Update | Impact on Travelers |
|---|---|
| Higher fees in Sunny Beach | Some hotels added peak-season surcharges. |
| Digital collection systems | Receipts now often electronic. |
| Eco-project funding | Varna uses funds for coastal protection. |
| Plovdiv festivals | More tax revenue supports 2025 cultural events. |
10. Tips for Travelers in Bulgaria
- Budget €0.50–€1/night for city tax.
- Avoid peak months to lower accommodation + tax costs.
- Check exemptions if traveling with children.
- Ask for receipts to confirm proper charges.
- Stay in smaller towns for cheaper rates.
11. FAQs About Bulgaria Tourist Tax
Q1. How much is the Bulgaria tourist tax in Sofia?
👉 Around €0.40–€0.80 per person per night.
Q2. Do kids pay the tourist tax in Bulgaria?
👉 No, children under 12 are usually exempt.
Q3. Is Airbnb subject to Bulgaria tourist tax?
👉 Yes, most rentals include or collect it separately.
Q4. Where is the tax highest?
👉 Sunny Beach (summer) & Bansko (winter ski season).
Q5. Why does Bulgaria charge this tax?
👉 To maintain beaches, cultural heritage, and ski resorts.
12. Conclusion
The Bulgaria tourist tax 2025 is small compared to Western Europe but varies by destination. Expect ~€0.40–€0.80 in Sofia and Varna, around €0.50–€1.00 in Sunny Beach, and higher in ski resorts like Bansko.
This modest fee directly supports Bulgaria’s natural beauty and historic landmarks. By budgeting wisely and traveling off-season, you can keep costs low while enjoying everything Bulgaria has to offer—from the Black Sea to the Balkans.