GATAVIA · OBSERVATORY
The levy starts in April 2027, but reservations made from 28 September 2026 can already fall inside the future charging period.
Verified and updated: 15 September 2026
Cardiff’s visitor levy is scheduled to begin on 1 April 2027, but accommodation providers have an earlier operational date to watch: 28 September 2026.
From that date, bookings taken for stays that fall inside the levy period should be recorded with the information needed to calculate and evidence the charge.
Rates
The standard rate is £1.30 per person per night for most visitor accommodation, with a lower £0.75 rate for categories such as hostels and campsites.
What to review now
- Guest-count fields.
- Night and stay dates.
- Booking amendments.
- Invoice/receipt workflow.
- VAT treatment where applicable.
Sources: Welsh Government and Cardiff Council.
Gatavia · Observatory