Published on
October 17, 2025
As tourism across Europe continues to surge, several countries, including Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, and others, have united in imposing new travel restrictions aimed at managing the growing influx of visitors. These measures, ranging from fines for inappropriate conduct to environmental protection initiatives, reflect a collective effort to safeguard cultural heritage, preserve local environments, and ensure a sustainable tourism experience. The decision to implement such regulations comes as part of a broader movement to balance the needs of tourism with the protection of local communities and natural resources. This article breaks down everything you need to know about these newly introduced travel restrictions and how they impact tourists across these popular European destinations.
France
France is set to implement a nationwide smoking ban starting July 1, 2025, which will include beaches and parks, reflecting a growing commitment to public health and environmental protection. In addition to this, tourists in France should be mindful of local driving regulations, as driving in flip-flops is considered dangerous and can result in fines. These regulations aim to ensure safety and a cleaner, more enjoyable environment for both residents and visitors.
RegulationDescriptionSmoking BanA nationwide outdoor smoking ban is scheduled for July 1, 2025, which includes beaches and parks.Driving FootwearDriving in flip-flops can lead to fines.Spain
In Spain, some regions, including Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, have imposed smoking bans on certain beaches to protect the environment and ensure a cleaner, healthier atmosphere for beachgoers. Additionally, visitors can face fines for inappropriate behavior, such as wearing swimwear outside designated beach areas, public urination, or even driving while wearing flip-flops. To combat overtourism, the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza have taken drastic measures by banning pub crawls and party boats, aiming to preserve the quality of life for locals and ensure more sustainable tourism practices.RegulationDescriptionBeach RulesSmoking is banned on some beaches in Barcelona and the Balearic Islands.FinesFines can be given for wearing swimwear away from the beach, public urination, and driving in flip-flops.Overtourism MeasuresIn areas like Mallorca and Ibiza, pub crawls and party boats have been banned.
Italy
Italy has introduced several regulations to manage tourism and preserve its cultural heritage. In Venice, day-trippers are now required to pay an entrance fee to visit the city, with fines in place for those who bypass the fee. Meanwhile, in the scenic Cinque Terre, hikers must be cautious about their footwear, as wearing inappropriate shoes can result in fines. These measures aim to both protect the environment and enhance the visitor experience by ensuring proper planning and sustainable tourism practices.
RegulationDescriptionVenice Day-Tripper FeeDay-trippers must pay an entrance fee, or they may face fines.Cinque Terre FootwearHikers in certain areas can be fined for wearing inappropriate footwear.Portugal
Portugal has also taken steps to regulate tourism, particularly in cities like Lisbon, Madeira, and Faro, which have implemented tourist taxes to help manage the impact of tourism on local infrastructure and services. Additionally, some cities, such as Albufeira, have fines for tourists who wear swimwear away from the beach, encouraging a more respectful and appropriate dress code in public spaces. These regulations are part of a broader effort to promote sustainable tourism and enhance the quality of life for residents.RegulationDescriptionTourist TaxesCities like Lisbon, Madeira, and Faro have implemented tourist taxes.Beach AttireFines can be issued for wearing swimwear away from the beach in cities like Albufeira.
Greece
Greece has introduced strict regulations to protect its cultural heritage, particularly at the Acropolis, where visitor numbers are capped to preserve the site. Additionally, high heels are prohibited at historical sites, ensuring that visitors respect the integrity of the monuments. The country has also enacted environmental fines to discourage the removal of shells or pebbles from beaches, aiming to protect natural resources and maintain the beauty of the coastline for future generations.
RegulationDescriptionAcropolis RestrictionsThe Acropolis has visitor limits, and wearing high heels at historical sites is prohibited.Environmental FinesYou can face large fines for taking shells or pebbles from beaches.Croatia
In Croatia, Dubrovnik has launched the ‘Respect the City’ campaign to curb inappropriate behavior among tourists. The initiative targets issues such as public urination, public drunkenness, sleeping in public areas, and climbing monuments, with fines enforced to ensure that tourists respect the city’s cultural and historical sites. This campaign reflects Croatia’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its most popular destinations while enhancing the overall visitor experience.RegulationDescriptionDubrovnik FinesThe ‘Respect the City’ campaign penalizes public urination, public drunkenness, sleeping in public areas, and climbing monuments.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Amsterdam has taken steps to tackle overtourism by increasing its tourist tax and restricting cruise ships from docking at the city’s main ports. These efforts are designed to control the flow of visitors and reduce the environmental impact of tourism. Additionally, the Netherlands has occasionally reinstated temporary border controls within the Schengen Area to manage migration and security, ensuring that the country’s infrastructure can cope with the demands of both tourists and residents.RegulationDescriptionAmsterdamThe city has increased its tourist tax and banned cruise ships from its main ports to manage overcrowding.Schengen Border ControlsThe Netherlands has occasionally reintroduced temporary border controls within the Schengen Area.
Bulgaria and Romania
In early 2025, Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Area, eliminating internal border controls between these countries and others in the Schengen zone. This expansion allows for easier travel across land, sea, and air, enhancing the tourism experience in both countries. The move is expected to further integrate Bulgaria and Romania into the European Union’s free movement framework, making them even more accessible to international visitors while promoting economic growth and cultural exchange.RegulationDescriptionSchengen ExpansionThese countries joined the Schengen Area for land, sea, and air travel in early 2025, eliminating internal border controls with other Schengen countries.
Italy has united with Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, and other European countries in imposing new travel restrictions to manage rising tourism and ensure sustainability and cultural preservation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent wave of travel restrictions across European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Croatia, highlights the growing importance of responsible tourism and sustainability. These measures, ranging from fines for improper behavior to limits on tourism activities, reflect a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage, safeguarding natural resources, and improving the overall visitor experience. As travelers, it’s essential to stay informed about these regulations to ensure a smooth and respectful journey through these popular European destinations. With thoughtful planning and awareness, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and enjoyable travel future.
