Travelling to Europe in 2025 is set to become more regulated as several countries, including Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Prague, the Netherlands, and Portugal, introduce stricter tourism policies. These changes come in response to rising concerns over overtourism, environmental degradation, and the preservation of historical sites.

Visitors can expect new entry limits, increased tourist taxes, and additional travel authorisations that will require careful planning ahead of their trips.

Spain: Managing Tourism, Not Banning It

Spain remains one of the world’s top travel destinations, but steps are being taken to curb overcrowding, particularly in hotspots like Barcelona, Mallorca, and Tenerife. While tourism remains open, several regulations are coming into effect to manage visitor numbers more efficiently:

• Short-term rental restrictions:Cities like Barcelona and Malaga are limiting tourist apartments, with Barcelona planning to phase them out entirely by 2028.

• Stricter documentation checks: Travellers may be required to provide additional personal information upon arrival.

• Cruise ship regulations: Ports in Barcelona and Ibiza are capping the number of cruise arrivals to prevent overcrowding.

While these reforms do not prohibit tourism, they do highlight greater crowd control and environmentally friendly travel habits, making advance planning more important than ever.

Tourist Restrictions: Protecting Landmarks and the Environment

To preserve fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage sites, several European destinations are introducing new visitor caps and regulations in 2025:

• Greece:The Acropolis in Athens now requires advance bookings and has a daily visitor limit.

• Italy: Sites like the Colosseum and Pompeii have restricted daily entries to control crowding.

• France: Mont Saint-Michel is imposing visitor limits to protect its historic infrastructure.

• Spain: Popular beaches such as Spiaggia Rosa in Sardinia remain closed to safeguard their natural beauty.

• Prague & Rome: Authorities are cracking down on disruptive tourist behaviour with stricter fines for vandalism, excessive noise, and public intoxication.

Tourists planning to visit these high-traffic destinations should book tickets well in advance and stay informed about local regulations.

Higher Tourist Taxes in 2025: What Travelers Need to Know

Many European countries are increasing tourist taxes to support sustainable tourism and improve local infrastructure. These charges vary based on location and accommodation type:

• Spain:Barcelona imposes both a city tax and a regional tax, while the Balearic Islands enforce an eco-tax.

• Italy: Major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence continue to charge municipal tourist taxes, while Venice has expanded its day-tripper fee.

• France: Paris has increased its regional and local tourist taxes.

• Netherlands: Amsterdam now has one of the highest tourist accommodation taxes in Europe.

• Portugal: Cities like Lisbon, Madeira, Faro, and the Azores levy per-night tourism charges.

• Greece: The Climate Resilience Tax applies to all accommodations, with rates varying by season.

Travellers should check the latest taxation policies before booking hotels to avoid unexpected costs.

New Travel Authorizations: ETIAS and ETA Requirements

Starting in mid-2025, new travel authorisation systems will impact visitors entering the EU and the UK.

How to Plan a Smooth European Trip in 2025

To navigate these changes and ensure a hassle-free experience, travellers should take the following steps:

• Budget for Tourist Taxes: Research applicable fees in each destination before booking accommodations.

• Book Attractions Early: Sites like the Acropolis and Colosseum have visitor caps, so securing tickets in advance is essential.

• Stay Updated on Local Tourism Policies: Be aware of new rental restrictions, cruise docking limits, and behaviour laws.

• Apply for Travel Authorisations in Advance: Secure ETIAS or ETA approvals before departure.

• Respect Local Rules: Avoid fines in cities like Rome and Prague by adhering to behaviour regulations.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for a New Era of European Travel

With these regulations in place, visiting Europe in 2025 will require more preparation than before. However, by staying informed and planning ahead, travellers can still enjoy unforgettable experiences while supporting sustainable tourism efforts.

By respecting local laws and booking travel smartly, visitors can explore Europe’s historic cities, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures without unnecessary complications.