What is eTurista and who does it apply to?
The eTurista portal is a new register of accommodation establishments that will be mandatory for all providers of short-term accommodation. This includes not only hotels, guesthouses and accommodation businesses, but also private owners of flats and apartments who rent their properties to tourists. Every accommodation provider will receive a registration number, without which it will not be possible to offer accommodation on online platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com.
What are the benefits of registration?
The Ministry for Regional Development expects the eTurista system to offer several benefits:
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Reduced administrative burden – Instead of maintaining several records for different authorities, it will be sufficient to enter the details just once. The system will automatically forward the information to the relevant institutions, such as the Foreign Police, municipal authorities and the Czech Statistical Office.
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Level playing field – Registration should ensure that all accommodation providers operate under the same conditions. This should help eliminate illegal rentals.
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Higher state revenues – More transparent records of accommodation services will lead to more effective tax collection. Minister for Regional Development Petr Kulhánek estimates that the state and municipalities will receive up to CZK 800 million more in taxes and fees each year.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
If an accommodation provider does not register in the eTurista system and continues to offer accommodation without a registration number, they may face a fine of up to CZK 100,000.
When will the amendment come into force?
The register should be ready in spring this year and is expected to operate initially in a trial mode. The amendment to the law is due to take effect in the second half of 2025. Mandatory registration of short-term rentals and accommodation offered through online platforms will apply from mid-May 2026.
Conclusion
The eTurista portal should bring clearer rules for short-term accommodation providers. Registration will ensure greater transparency, simplify administration and help eliminate illegal rentals. Introducing the system will also make a significant contribution to state budget revenues.
For property landlords, registration means the assurance that they meet legislative requirements and can therefore avoid potential penalties. The system should also enable more efficient communication with authorities and reduce the bureaucratic burden.
Source: Ministry for Regional Development
