5% tax is forcing tourists to look for money at ATMs

Hotel establishments are bearing bank charges on amounts that belong to the State, while international visitors are being forced to find cash to pay the contribution.

The collection of the Special Contribution for Tourism, corresponding to 5% of the value of international tourists’ accommodation rates, is creating a worrying situation in Angolan hotel establishments.
Some hotels are requesting that this contribution be paid in cash. When guests do not have cash available, they are forced to leave the hotel and find an ATM to make a withdrawal.

Hotels are bearing a cost that does not belong to them

The problem is related to the fees charged on payments made with international cards, particularly through the Visa network.
According to information provided by operators, these fees may be close to 3%, although the amount may vary depending on the bank and the contractual conditions established.
The hotel collects the contribution from the tourist, but this money does not constitute revenue for the hotel establishment. The full amount must be transferred to the State.
If the payment is made through a Point-of-Sale Terminal (POS), the bank fee is deducted from the hotel, forcing the company to bear a cost on an amount that does not belong to it and that is not included in its profit margin.

Tourists are forced to find cash

This situation is directly harming hotel establishments and creating a negative experience for international visitors.
Forcing tourists to leave the hotel, find an ATM, wait in queues and withdraw cash to pay a mandatory contribution is inconvenient and may represent a security risk.
Many visitors are unfamiliar with the cities, do not know which areas are safer and may feel vulnerable while carrying cash, travel documents and personal equipment.
The situation becomes even more difficult at night, when ATMs are far away, have no cash available or do not accept international cards.

An outcome contrary to the agreement with Visa

In June 2026, the Ministry of Tourism and Visa signed an agreement intended to facilitate payments in the tourism sector, promote the use of international cards and reduce dependence on cash.
However, the implementation of the Special Contribution for Tourism is producing precisely the opposite effect: hotels are requesting cash payments and tourists are being forced to find ATMs.

A situation that cannot be ignored

This is a warning that must be brought to the attention of the responsible authorities.
It is unacceptable for hotel establishments to be financially penalised for collecting revenue intended for the State. It is equally unacceptable for the safety and comfort of international visitors to be put at risk due to the absence of an appropriate mechanism for paying the contribution.
A contribution created to finance and promote tourism cannot become a burden for hotels or a risk for those visiting Angola.
This situation is already happening.