Amsterdam Intros Day Tourist Tax for Cruise Ships

Day Tourist Tax for cruise passengers will apply to sea cruise and river cruise passengers effective 1 January 2019 in Amsterdam.

According to a release from the Port of Amsterdam, the rate for 2019 has been set at EUR8 per period of 24 hours or less. Note that the tax will not apply to cruise passengers who embark or disembark in Amsterdam (turnaround passengers), but solely to transit passengers.

The tax rate is confirmed in November and the tax will be collected by Port of Amsterdam on behalf of the City of Amsterdam. The tax will be imposed separately from other port dues and charges.

Operators of river cruise ships can enter the estimated number of transit passengers in Easydock in advance.

"You have previously received a login ID for access to Easydock. The captain is required to confirm the number in the Easydock App following departure. This requires that you create an account for your captains and have them install the Easydock App on their smartphone or tablet. You will receive a confirmation in the Port Call Report (havenbezoekrapport) plus a confirmation of the declaration," said the release.

For sea cruise ships, Passenger Terminal Amsterdam will submit the ‘For invoicing purposes’ form to make declarations.

"You, as the shipping company, will receive confirmation of the declaration. The ‘For invoicing purposes’ form is the same form currently signed by both the shipping company and PTA for the cross-charging of the terminal fee," it said.

The declaration and payment of the Day Tourist Tax must have been completed by bank transfer within one month of departure. Port of Amsterdam will verify the passenger numbers provided. There is no need to submit passenger lists.