Oslo targets January 2027 launch for proposed cruise passenger levy
The city estimates the charge could raise about NOK 40 million annually, subject to political approval and Norway completing national regulations.
Oslo’s city government is seeking to introduce a cruise passenger levy from January 2027. The plan depends on securing the required political approval and completion of Norway’s national regulatory framework.
Under proposed national rules, municipalities could impose a fixed charge of NOK 100 per passenger for each started 24-hour period in which a qualifying cruise ship remains in port or lands passengers within the municipality. Local governments would be able to decide whether to adopt the charge.
Oslo authorities estimate the levy could generate approximately NOK 40 million a year, although the total would depend on cruise passenger numbers and the final structure of the national regulations. Around 300,000 cruise visitors currently come to the city annually, according to the report.
Norway’s Visitor Contribution Act took effect in 2026, establishing a framework for destinations experiencing heavy visitor pressure to collect revenue dedicated to tourism-related needs. The national government’s proposed fixed cruise charge is being developed separately within that broader approach.
Norwegian ports recorded more than 6.3 million cruise day visits in 2025, the report states. Oslo is not currently proposing a comparable levy for guests staying in city hotels, meaning its present plan is directed specifically at cruise passengers.