Published on
October 3, 2025
By 2026, Europe’s tourism industry is set to face major changes, with digital border controls, a surge in overtourism, and new taxes making travel more complex and costly. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will start on 12 October 2025, replacing manual passport stamping with biometric checks at airports and land borders, causing potential delays as travelers adjust to the system. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will also be introduced by the end of 2026, requiring visa-free travelers to apply for online authorization, with fees set to rise from €7 to €20. At the same time, overtourism is pushing European destinations to their limits, as cities like Barcelona, Cannes, and Venice introduce measures such as cruise ship limits and day-trip fees to curb overcrowding. Additionally, several cities, including Amsterdam and Venice, are implementing higher tourist taxes and visitor levies, while Norway and Iceland are introducing fees for cruise passengers to fund local infrastructure. The Netherlands is also adjusting VAT rates on accommodation, increasing from 9% to 21% in January 2026, adding to the costs for travelers. Edinburgh will become the first UK city to implement a visitor levy, starting in July 2026, targeting overnight accommodation stays. These tax and fee increases are designed to manage the environmental and infrastructural strain caused by mass tourism, but they also present a financial challenge for travelers. As tourist taxes increase across Italy, France, and Spain, including Barcelona’s planned cruise restrictions and Venice’s day-trip fee, it becomes clear that the 2026 travel landscape will demand more financial preparation and flexibility from tourists. Although many of these changes aim to protect local resources and sustain tourism, they also signal a travel crisis that requires travelers to stay informed, plan ahead, and budget accordingly for the evolving travel environment.
1.1 The EU’s new Entry/Exit System
Beginning 12 October 2025, the European Union will roll out the Entry/Exit System (EES) across the Schengen Area. The EES replaces manual passport stamping with a digital register of each non‑EU traveller’s entry and exit. The official EU migration site states that the system will start operations on 12 October 2025 and that biometrics will be gradually implemented until 10 April 2026[1]. Travellers will be required to scan their face and fingerprints at automated kiosks. As highlighted by a report on ETIAS.com, aviation experts warn that the combination of biometric registration and unfamiliarity with the system could cause “gridlock” at major airports during the six‑month roll‑out; airports such as Athens, Bucharest and Milan Malpensa are singled out as vulnerable[2]. The system’s gradual implementation means that travellers should expect long lines at land and air borders through early 2026.
1.2 ETIAS – Europe’s New Travel Authorization
A second and even more consequential change is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS is not a visa; rather, it is a pre‑travel authorization for visa‑exempt visitors to 30 European countries. The official EU ETIAS portal notes that no action is required yet and that ETIAS will start in the last quarter of 2026[3]. Travellers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan and 60+ other visa‑free countries will need to apply online before boarding flights, ferries or buses to the Schengen area.
Originally, ETIAS was expected to cost €7. In July 2025, however, the European Commission proposed tripling the fee to €20. An ETIAS.com analysis explains that the Commission wants to align ETIAS with systems like the U.S. ESTA and the U.K. ETA and to fund operational costs; the new fee is expected to apply once ETIAS becomes operational in late 2026[4][5]. The article notes that minors under 18 and seniors over 70 will be exempt from the fee[6]. A report on Prevue Meetings adds that a July 21 EU announcement confirmed the fee increase and stated that the rise would cover inflation and enhanced functionalities[7].
The ETIAS application is simple—applicants enter their personal details and passport number online—but behind the scenes, the system screens each traveller against numerous databases, including Interpol and Europol. Most travellers will receive approval within minutes; however, those with security flags may wait longer. ETIAS.com estimates that more than 1.4 billion travellers from over 60 countries will be affected once the system goes live[8]. EU officials plan to operate a six‑month transitional period following the EES rollout during which travellers can still enter without ETIAS, but by mid‑2027 the authorization will become mandatory[9].
1.3 Implications for Travellers
The combination of EES and ETIAS will dramatically change the border experience. Travellers should allow extra time at airports and land crossings in late 2025 and early 2026 due to biometric registration. By late 2026 they will need to budget €20 per person for ETIAS authorization and apply well in advance of travel. Families should note that a four‑person household will pay €60 under the new fee structure[10]. Despite the additional costs, officials argue that digital pre‑screening will enhance security and reduce irregular migration, which is why the measure has broad political support.
2.1 Europe’s Overtourism Crisis
The surge of post‑pandemic travel has pushed many European destinations to a breaking point. The phenomenon of overtourism—where visitor numbers exceed a place’s capacity—now threatens infrastructure and quality of life. A Forbes analysis notes that summer heat waves and wildfires across Spain, Greece and Turkey have forced authorities to close tourist sites and restrict access. In July 2025, the top of the Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed as temperatures exceeded 42 °C (108 °F) and wildfires raged across the Mediterranean[11]. Politico estimated that thousands of additional deaths could occur due to heat, while the Louvre Museum—the world’s most visited museum—has closed its doors multiple times because staff could not handle the crowds[11]. The Greek island of Zakynthos reportedly hosted 150 times more visitors than residents in 2023[11]. These examples illustrate why European cities are taking drastic measures to control visitor numbers.
2.2 Cruise Ship Limits in the Mediterranean2.2.1 Barcelona (Spain)
Barcelona’s port is Europe’s busiest cruise hub, but the city has decided to reduce the number of ships allowed to dock. TravelandTourWorld reports that beginning in 2026, Barcelona will cut cruise berths at its main Moll Adossat terminal from seven to five, effectively lowering the number of vessels that can be accommodated on any given day[12]. The move forms part of a broader plan to address air pollution and congestion.
2.2.2 Cannes and Nice (France)
Cannes has approved stricter measures against large cruise ships. Starting 1 January 2026, only one cruise ship carrying more than 3,000 passengers will be allowed to moor per day, and the city will limit total cruise visitors to 6,000 per day. Larger ships will be banned altogether, with priority given to vessels carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers[12]. Nice introduced a similar ban on ships exceeding 900 passengers effective July 2025; implementation delays mean the full impact will be felt in 2026[12]. Both cities hope the restrictions will cut cruise visits by roughly half and relieve pressure on fragile historic centers.
2.2.3 Venice Day‑Trip Fee and Cruise Limits
Venice, long known for its fight against overtourism, trialled a day‑tripper entry fee in 2024. According to Euronews, the city plans to reinstate and expand the fee in 2026. Day visitors arriving between April 18 and July 27 2026 will pay €5 if they book at least four days in advance and €10 for bookings made within three days[13]. The fee will apply on 54 days, mainly weekends and holidays, during peak hours (8:30 am–4 pm)[14]. Overnight guests, residents, students and children under 14 will remain exempt[14]. Venice also continues to cap the number of cruise ships entering the lagoon and has rerouted large vessels to the nearby port of Marghera.
Iceland, Norway and Greece have introduced or announced special fees for cruise passengers:
Iceland replaced its overnight accommodation tax with a cruise infrastructure fee in 2025. Cruise visitors pay 2,500 Icelandic Krona (≈ €17 – 18) per person per port, meaning a passenger calling at three ports can pay more than €70[15]. Authorities say the fee will finance sustainability projects and compensate for the strain of 320,000 cruise visitors in Reykjavik alone[16].Greece introduced an “infrastructure fee” of €20 per cruise passenger visiting the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos from 1 July 2025[17]. A lower fee of €5 applies in Rhodes, Corfu and Crete. Though the fee starts in 2025, cruise lines expect to adjust itineraries in 2026 as the measure takes full effect.Norway has decided to apply a 3 % “visitor’s contribution” on overnight stays and cruise passengers starting summer 2026. Forbes reports that after years of debate, the Norwegian parliament agreed to let municipalities implement the tax on hotels, guesthouses, short‑term rentals and cruise ships[18]. Lofoten and Tromsø will likely be the first areas to levy the fee[19]. The revenue will fund infrastructure such as toilets, trails and parking, ensuring that tourism costs are not borne entirely by local taxpayers[18].
3.1 Northern and Western Europe3.1.1 Netherlands: Zaanse Schans Ticket and VAT Increase
The Netherlands is grappling with overtourism in both Amsterdam and smaller heritage villages. The village of Zaanse Schans, famous for its windmills, will introduce a €17.50 ticket in 2026. TravelandTourWorld explains that the ticket, which includes access to windmills and museums, aims to reduce crowding from the 2.6 million visitors who currently enter free of charge[20]. The revenue will support local maintenance and manage visitor flows[21]. In Amsterdam itself, the existing tourist tax is already Europe’s highest at 12.5 % of the room price plus a €14.50 day‑tourist fee for cruise passengers[22]. By combining this tax with the standard 21 % Value‑Added Tax (VAT), accommodation costs become significant. Importantly, the Dutch government announced that the VAT on overnight accommodation will rise from 9 % to 21 % on 1 January 2026[23], meaning hotel stays will carry the full 21 % VAT in addition to the city’s tourist tax. The change was confirmed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and aims to raise revenue for the national budget.
3.1.2 Edinburgh Visitor Levy (Scotland, UK)
Edinburgh will become the first UK city to levy a visitor tax. The city council’s plan, described on the Linwater Caravan Park site, adds a 5 % levy on the cost of overnight accommodation. The tax applies to hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, self‑catering rentals, hostels, campsites and caravan parks for the first five nights of any stay[24]. The levy begins 24 July 2026, with bookings taken from 1 October 2025[25]. Exemptions include seasonal pitches and static holiday home owners. Proponents expect the tax to raise around £50 million per year[26] for affordable housing, parks, tourism facilities and city upkeep. Critics argue that the levy unfairly targets budget travellers, but the Scottish parliament has granted local authorities the power to impose such charges.
3.1.3 Norway’s Visitor Contribution
As noted above, Norway’s new 3 % tax will apply to overnight stays and cruise passengers starting summer 2026. Forbes explains that the tax is not automatic; municipalities must apply for approval by demonstrating pressure on public resources[18]. Once approved, they can levy the 3 % on hotels, guesthouses and rentals, while camping vans, recreational boats and tents are exempt[18]. The funds will pay for toilets, trails and signage, easing strain on communities that recorded 38 million guest nights in 2024[18].
3.1.4 Amsterdam and Dutch Cities
Although Amsterdam’s 12.5 % tourist tax is already in place, the 2026 VAT change makes accommodation costs notably higher. Amsterdam’s website lists the tourist tax rates for 2025, confirming the 12.5 % levy on the overnight price and a €14.50 day‑tourist tax for cruise passengers[22]. Visitors in 2026 should expect at least the same rates plus the higher VAT.
3.2 Southern Europe3.2.1 Catalonia (Spain) – Delayed Tax Increase
The regional government of Catalonia, which includes Barcelona and popular Costa Brava resorts, planned to double its tourist tax in 2025. After political wrangling, the increase has been postponed until at least April 2026. Catalan News explains that the proposal could have raised charges in Barcelona to €15 per person per night, making it one of Europe’s highest local taxes. The delay was necessary because the government opted to process the measure as a bill rather than by decree and because the tax is settled twice a year. EuroWeekly News notes that the hike is meant to double the amount visitors pay and that postponing it gives hotels and holiday rental owners breathing space[27].
3.2.2 Italy’s City Taxes and Dog Levy
A September 2025 TravelandTourWorld article provides a detailed breakdown of Italy’s tourist taxes for 2026. Each city sets its own rates:
Rome: 1‑star hotels charge €4 per night, while 5‑star hotels charge €10 per night; short‑term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) charge €6 per night and campsites €3; children under 10 are exempt[28].Florence: 1‑star hotels charge €3.50, rising to €8 for 5‑star hotels; short‑term rentals pay €5.50, and the tax is levied for up to 7 nights[29].Venice: City tax ranges from €1 per night for 1‑star hotels to €5 for 5‑star hotels; short‑term rentals also pay €5, with the tax capped at 5 nights[30]. Venice’s day‑trip fee for 2026 is discussed above: €5 for advance bookings and €10 for last‑minute bookings across 54 peak days[31].Milan: 1‑3‑star hotels charge €1.80; 4‑5‑star hotels €7; short‑term rentals €6.30, payable for up to 14 nights[32].
These taxes must be paid directly to the accommodation provider and often appear as a separate line on invoices[33]. Travellers should request receipts and note that exemptions usually cover children under 10–12 years, people with disabilities and their carers, students and local residents[34].
In an unusual twist, the Italian alpine city of Bolzano will impose a €1.50 daily tax on visiting dogs from 2026. CNN/AOL reports that the measure aims to fund dog‑friendly parks and street cleaning. Local residents must also pay €100 per dog annually; failure to register dog DNA can result in fines up to €600 per year[35]. The dog tax underscores how small cities are using creative fees to manage tourist‑related costs.
3.3 Central and Eastern Europe3.3.1 German City Taxes and VAT
Several German cities have expanded their tourist taxes. Berlin increased its “city tax” from 5 % to 7.5 % of the net room price in 2025 and will maintain this rate in 2026. Though not strictly a 2026 change, the higher rate will coincide with other travel costs. Meanwhile, Germany’s federal government plans to keep the reduced 7 % VAT on hotel stays as a permanent measure from 1 January 2026, replacing temporary pandemic reductions. Budget travellers should monitor local regulations because many municipalities now levy both a city tax and a “bed tax” (Bettensteuer) that vary by location.
4.1 United Kingdom – Air Passenger Duty
In April 2026, the United Kingdom will increase its Air Passenger Duty (APD), the tax levied on passengers departing UK airports. Travel Places reports the following rates effective 1 April 2026[36]:Flight Type (Band)Reduced RateStandard RateHigher RateDomestic and Band A short‑haul (£8 (domestic), £15 (short‑haul)£16 (short‑haul)£142Band B long‑haul (2,001–5,500 miles)£102£244£1,097Band C ultra‑long‑haul (> 5,500 miles)£??(higher values)£?? (not specified)
The higher rate applies to premium cabins and private jets. APD is collected by airlines and passed to the government. Although the increases are modest (e.g., £2 extra for short‑haul economy), the 50 % rise in the higher-rate APD may make business‑class travel significantly more expensive[36].
4.2 Netherlands – Air Passenger Tax
The Dutch government will raise its air passenger tax by 2.9 % on 1 January 2026, increasing the fee from €29.40 to €30.25[37]. Future hikes are expected in 2027. This tax applies to each passenger departing from Dutch airports and is separate from airport charges and the tourist tax mentioned earlier.
Italy and France also impose passenger taxes on departures, but these are not slated for significant changes in 2026. Germany considered reducing its air travel tax but a TravelMole report notes that government promises to lower the levy have been shelved; thus travellers should budget for existing charges.
Budget cuts at the French Ministry of Culture have prompted a controversial plan: major French attractions will charge higher entrance fees to visitors from outside the European Union. A Connexion France report states that Versailles Palace, the Garnier Opera and Chambord Château will introduce entrance fees of up to €30 for non‑EU visitors starting January 2026[38]. EU citizens and residents will remain exempt, as will holders of long‑stay visas, but tourists on 90‑day Schengen visas will have to pay[39]. The Louvre announced a similar scheme earlier in 2025[40]. Cultural union leaders have criticized the plan as discriminatory, arguing that it undermines France’s tradition of universal access[41]. Nevertheless, French officials insist the revenue is needed to finance renovations, such as the €100 million required for Chambord’s decaying François I wing[42].
As travel becomes more complex and expensive, scammers are exploiting the confusion. TravelandTourWorld warns of a surge in pickpocketing and tourist scams across Europe. According to the report, Italy had 478 pickpocketing complaints per million visitors, the highest in Europe, followed by France (251) and Spain/Germany (111)[43]. Digital scams are also proliferating: fake travel agencies, fraudulent accommodation listings and taxi scams target unsuspecting visitors[44]. Common street scams include the “found ring,” friendship bracelet and petition ploys. The article advises travellers to remain vigilant, avoid distractions and use official booking channels[45]. In an era of ever‑more complex travel rules, staying alert to scams is vital.
To help travellers plan, the table below summarises the major travel crises and new charges taking effect in or around 2026. Note that some measures begin in late 2025 but will materially affect 2026 travel.Country/RegionChange/IssueStart DateKey Details & CostsEU/Schengen AreaEntry/Exit System (EES)Starts 12 Oct 2025, fully operational 10 Apr 2026Non‑EU travellers’ passports will be scanned; biometric data (face + fingerprints) collected; risk of border delays[1][2]. ETIAS AuthorizationLast quarter 2026Pre‑travel authorization required for visa‑free visitors; fee increased from €7 to €20[4]; exemptions for minors 70[6].Spain – Catalonia (including Barcelona)Tourist tax increaseEarliest Apr 2026Planned doubling of Catalan tourist tax postponed from 2025; could raise charges in Barcelona up to €15 pp/night[27].Spain – BarcelonaCruise berth reduction2026Moll Adossat terminal berths cut from 7 to 5, reducing cruise ship calls[12].France – CannesCruise ship ban & cap1 Jan 2026Ban on ships >3,000 passengers; one such ship allowed per day; daily cap of 6,000 cruise visitors.France – NiceCruise ship limitFull effect 2026Ban on ships >900 passengers (adopted July 2025); legal challenges delay implementation[12].France – Venice (Italy)Day‑tripper fee18 Apr – 27 Jul 2026Day visitors pay €5–10 during 54 peak days; hours 8:30 am–4 pm; exemptions for residents/overnight guests[13].France (nationwide)Increased museum fees for non‑EU visitorsJan 2026Major sites like Versailles and Garnier Opera to charge up to €30 per non‑EU visitor[46].Italy – Rome, Florence, Venice, MilanCity tourist taxes2026Rates vary: Rome ( €4–10 per night ), Florence ( €3.50–8 ), Venice ( €1–5; plus day‑trip fee €5–10 ), Milan ( €1.80–7 ); short‑term rentals have separate rates[47].Italy – BolzanoTax on visiting dogs2026Dog owners visiting Bolzano pay €1.50 per dog per day; locals pay €100 per dog/year; aimed at funding dog parks[35].NetherlandsZaanse Schans admission fee2026Entry ticket €17.50 to manage 2.6 million annual visitors[20]. VAT on accommodation1 Jan 2026VAT on overnight stays rises from 9 % to 21 %[23]; adds to existing 12.5 % tourist tax in Amsterdam[22]. Air passenger tax1 Jan 2026Increases from €29.40 to €30.25[37].NorwayVisitor’s contributionSummer 20263 % tax on hotels, guesthouses, short‑term rentals and cruise passengers; funds local infrastructure[18].United Kingdom – EdinburghVisitor levy24 Jul 2026 (bookings from 1 Oct 2025)5 % charge on accommodation for first five nights[24]; expected revenue ~£50 million/year[26].United Kingdom (national)Air Passenger Duty increase1 Apr 2026Domestic flights: £8 reduced, £16 standard; short‑haul: £15 reduced, £32 standard; long‑haul up to £244; higher rates for premium cabins[36].Catalonia – Spain (general)Double tourist taxPostponed to Apr 2026Doubling of existing tax across Catalonia; could raise the cost of hosting events such as Mobile World Congress; hotels warn of cost increases[27].Norway, Iceland, Greece (cruise)Cruise fees2025 – 2026Norway: 3 % visitor contribution (summer 2026); Iceland: 2,500 króna (~€17) per passenger per port[15]; Greece: €20 fee for Santorini/Mykonos and €5 for other islands starting July 2025[17].
Given the wave of new rules and fees, travellers can take several steps to minimize headaches:
Plan ahead and budget for fees. Factor in the €20 ETIAS fee, local tourist taxes, VAT increases and air passenger duties when calculating trip costs.Allow extra time at borders. Expect delays at Schengen entry points during the EES roll‑out (late 2025–early 2026). Use automated kiosks where available and have documents ready.Book accommodation early. In cities like Edinburgh, booking before the visitor levy begins (1 Oct 2025) may avoid the extra charge[25]. In Venice, pre‑booking day‑trip passes at least four days ahead halves the fee[13].Choose travel dates strategically. Avoid visiting Venice on weekends and holidays when the day‑trip fee applies. Consider shoulder‑season travel to regions implementing tourist taxes, as rates may be lower outside peak months (e.g., Catalonia’s tax settlement dates).Use secure booking channels. To reduce the risk of scams, book flights and hotels through reputable providers and avoid unsolicited emails or social media offers[44].Stay informed. Rules change frequently, especially when governments postpone or modify taxes. Check official city or government sites shortly before travel.9. Conclusion
By 2026, Europe’s travel landscape will look very different. Digital systems like EES and ETIAS will make border crossings more secure but also more time‑consuming and expensive. Cities across the continent—from Barcelona and Venice to Edinburgh and Amsterdam—are rolling out tourist taxes and visitor levies to cope with overcrowding and fund infrastructure. Norway is pioneering a visitor contribution to protect its natural wonders, while France is controversially targeting non‑EU visitors with higher museum fees. Even unusual measures, such as Bolzano’s tax on visiting dogs, illustrate the creative ways municipalities are addressing tourism’s externalities. Though travellers may see these changes as a “crisis,” the measures reflect a broader effort to balance economic benefits with sustainability. Understanding the new rules and budgeting accordingly will help travellers navigate Europe’s evolving tourism landscape. As governments and communities experiment with fees and restrictions, travellers should remain flexible and informed, ensuring that their trips contribute to the preservation rather than the degradation of Europe’s most cherished destinations.
