Navigating 2025: Key Travel Rules and Restrictions Across Europe

As European destinations tighten regulations in response to over-tourism and environmental concerns, planning a trip in 2025 requires travellers to stay updated on new taxes, visitor limits, and accommodation policies. From Spain’s evolving rental laws to new tourist taxes in Portugal, here’s everything you need to know before booking your European getaway.

Spain: Striking a Balance Between Tourism and Sustainability

Spain remains one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, but the country is making significant efforts to manage the influx of visitors. While reports have sensationalized Spain’s approach as a “tourist ban,” the reality is more nuanced. Cities like Barcelona, Mallorca, and Tenerife have introduced policies to curb excessive tourism without completely shutting out visitors.

New restrictions primarily target short-term rentals. Flats registered after February 2024 without private entrances are no longer eligible for tourist licenses. Malaga has banned short-term rentals in 43 neighbourhoods, while Barcelona aims to phase out tourist apartment rentals by 2028. Travellers can still book accommodations but should expect stricter regulations and additional paperwork when staying in hotels or renting vehicles.

Visitor Caps at Major Attractions

Several European landmarks have implemented visitor caps to preserve cultural and environmental integrity.

  • Greece: The Acropolis in Athens now limits visitors to 20,000 per day, requiring pre-booked slots.

  • Italy: Pompeii has capped daily visitors at 20,000, while Rome’s Colosseum allows only 3,000 visitors at any given time.

  • Spain: Seville is considering a €3-€4 entrance fee for the Plaza de España, though this has yet to be enforced.

  • Italy: Sardinia’s Spiaggia Rosa remains off-limits to the public, with fines of up to €3,500 for trespassing.

Tourist Taxes on the Rise

Several European countries have introduced or increased tourist taxes to manage mass tourism's economic and environmental impact.

  • Greece: Visitors must pay an €8 daily tax per adult, with a Climate Resilience Tax ranging from €1.50 to €10 per night depending on accommodation type. Cruise passengers heading to Santorini or Mykonos face an additional €20 charge.

  • Portugal: At least 26 municipalities, including Lisbon, Madeira, and Faro, now charge €2 per person per night. The Azores introduced a similar fee in January 2025.

  • Spain: Barcelona has raised its city tax to €4 per night in addition to a regional tax. Cruise passengers staying over 12 hours must pay €6.25. The Balearic Islands apply an eco-tax ranging from €1 to €4 per night.

  • Italy: Rome charges €3 to €7 per night, Milan’s fees range from €2 to €5, and Florence’s vary from €1 to €5. Venice has expanded its €5 day-tripper tax to include more days in 2025, with a higher fee for last-minute bookings.

  • France: Paris now levies a regional and tourist tax, ranging from €1.95 for campsites to €15.60 per night for luxury hotels.

  • Netherlands: Amsterdam increased its tourist tax from 7% to 12.5% of accommodation costs.

New Travel Authorizations for the UK and EU

Changes to entry requirements mean travellers must factor in additional documentation before visiting the UK or Schengen Zone.

  • UK ETA: The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), required for non-EU travellers, now applies to EU citizens from April 2025. Currently priced at €11.82, the UK government has proposed raising the fee to €18.91.

  • EU ETIAS: The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set to launch in mid-2025, will cost €7 and apply to non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Zone.

Conclusion

Europe’s evolving travel landscape in 2025 reflects efforts to balance tourism with sustainability and local well-being. Whether facing increased taxes, visitor caps, or stricter accommodation laws, travellers should research their destinations in advance to avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smooth experience. By staying informed, visitors can still enjoy Europe’s rich cultural heritage while respecting local communities and regulations.

Defoes