Several significant travel changes have been implemented that will affect British travelers planning trips to Europe in the future.
Various popular destinations in Europe, such as Spain, France, Italy, and Croatia, have introduced new regulations impacting tourists visiting specific areas or attractions within their countries. Some regions have enforced visitor number limits, while others have raised tourism taxes and entrance fees.
These changes coincide with a crucial period for European travel, following the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for British nationals traveling to the Schengen area. Here are some key modifications to anticipate when visiting certain European hotspots:
On April 10, the European Union (EU) officially rolled out the new Entry/Exit System (EES), mandating that Brits must undergo the digital border process when entering the Schengen area. Travelers are required to register biometric information like fingerprints and a photograph upon their initial arrival at the airport border within the Schengen region.
The EES registration, which has replaced the traditional manual passport stamping system, is cost-free, and individuals do not need to take any action before reaching the border. Although the process may add a few extra minutes to the entry procedure, the EES record remains valid for three years once completed.
The Schengen area comprises countries such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many others. Notably, the EES system is not applicable to trips to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as they are outside the Schengen zone.
For detailed information on the new EES system, visitors can refer to the government website.
While holidays are typically associated with relaxation, some countries have enforced stringent rules to deter irresponsible behaviors. For instance, Split, Croatia, a favored vacation spot among Brits, is set to prohibit alcohol sales during specific hours starting this summer to address unruly behavior among tourists.
Similarly, various Spanish destinations have implemented restrictions on alcohol consumption and party boats in recent years to curb disruptive tourist conduct, including imposing dress codes in certain public areas near beaches.
In an effort to manage tourism impact, Palma, the capital of Mallorca, plans to reduce daily cruise ship berths between June and September, aiming to decrease the number of visitors disembarking in the city during 2027-2029.
Capri, an Italian island, is also instituting visitor restrictions by capping tour groups at 40 individuals, with specific regulations in place for larger groups to maintain a low-key presence during tours.
Barcelona, a popular Spanish city, has raised its tourism tax to the highest in Europe, with increased nightly fees for holiday rentals and hotel stays starting this month.
Meanwhile, Bucharest in Romania, known as ‘Little Paris’, has introduced a tourist tax for stays beyond 2026, with the funds generated intended to boost the city’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Venice has reintroduced an entry fee for day-trippers, requiring visitors to pay a fee for access to the historic city, with discounted rates available for advanced bookings.
Various iconic European landmarks and attractions have adjusted entrance fees or limited visitor numbers. Notably, the Louvre in Paris has raised its entry fee for non-EU visitors, while Spain’s Prado Museum has imposed visitor restrictions.
Specific fees are now required for admiring the Cologne Cathedral in Germany and visiting attractions like the Trevi Fountain in Rome and Juliet’s Balcony in Verona, Italy.
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