Home » Greece » Greece Travel News » Italy Joins Spain, France, UK, Greece, Belgium, and Others in Implementing New Travel Charges Across Europe From 2026: Everything You Need To Know
Published on
December 21, 2025
Italy is joining Spain, France, the UK, Greece, Belgium, and other countries in implementing new travel charges starting in 2026. These fees aim to manage overtourism, fund restoration, and improve local infrastructure across Europe. As iconic landmarks across the continent continue to face high volumes of tourists, governments are introducing measures to help mitigate the negative effects of overcrowding. From Italy’s new fees at the Trevi Fountain and in Venice to France’s hikes in entry costs at sites like the Louvre, many countries are following suit in adjusting their approach to tourism. With additional charges on accommodation, cruise passengers, and city-specific visitor taxes, travelers will find themselves facing higher costs at popular destinations. This article will explore everything you need to know about these new travel charges and how they will reshape the European travel experience starting in 2026.
Italy: Leader in Landmark Entry Fees
Italy has become the trendsetter in Europe when it comes to charging entry fees for iconic landmarks. Starting in 2026, Rome will introduce a €2 fee to access the immediate basin area of the Trevi Fountain during peak hours. Similarly, Venice has implemented a €5 fee for day-trippers visiting the city during high-season months. The country’s efforts to manage overtourism are also seen in places like Civita di Bagnoregio, where a €5 entry fee has been in place for years. Although the fees target tourists, locals and children are typically exempt, making it easier for residents to visit these iconic sites.
France: Rising Entry Fees for Non-EU Tourists
France is following a similar path, implementing entry fee hikes at its iconic sites to fund restoration projects. Starting in 2026, non-EU visitors will pay higher rates at popular sites like the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles. For instance, the Louvre’s entry fee will rise from €22 to €32, while the Palace of Versailles will see an increase of €5 to €10. Additionally, there are proposed changes to religious site access, with Notre-Dame Cathedral potentially charging a €5 fee for tourists. France is also addressing overcrowding at natural sites, such as Mont Saint-Michel, with timed-entry and peak-hour surcharges.
Spain: Regional Taxes and Cruise Fees
Spain’s approach differs from Italy and France, focusing more on regional taxes and cruise passenger levies. Barcelona is introducing a significant hike in its tourist tax, which by 2026 will reach up to €15 per night, adding to the already steep surcharge in the city. The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, are also proposing a seasonal “Sustainable Tourism Tax,” with fees potentially reaching €15 per night during peak months. To tackle the overcrowding from cruise tourism, Santorini and Mykonos will charge cruise passengers a €20 fee during peak seasons, with lower fees in off-peak months.
UK: New Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and City Taxes
The UK is shifting its fee strategy with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), set to take effect from February 2026. This £16 fee will be required for all international travelers from countries that do not currently require a visa, including the US, Canada, Australia, and EU nations. In addition to the ETA, local governments are introducing city-specific visitor taxes. For example, Edinburgh will impose a visitor levy of 5% on hotel room rates starting in July 2026. Other cities, like Manchester and Liverpool, already have similar taxes, adding to the cost of visiting the UK.
Greece: Acropolis Price Hike and Cruise Taxes
Greece has introduced notable price increases for its major landmarks starting in 2025. The entry fee for the Acropolis has risen from €20 to €30, eliminating the previous winter discount. In addition to landmark ticket hikes, Greece is introducing a cruise passenger fee to control overtourism on islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Fees for cruise visitors will vary from €4 to €20 depending on the season. Furthermore, Greece has replaced its old “hotel tax” with an environmental levy, called the “Climate Crisis Resilience Fee,” aimed at funding wildfire restoration efforts. This fee ranges from €1.50 to €15 per night based on the hotel’s star rating.
Belgium: City & Accommodation Tourism Taxes
Belgium primarily uses municipal accommodation taxes to manage tourism, with charges applied per room or person, per night. Cities like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent levy taxes ranging from €2 to €5 per stay, with Brussels planning to increase the tax to €5 starting in 2026. These funds support local infrastructure and tourism services. Unlike Italy or France, Belgium doesn’t charge entry fees for landmarks, though some cities are exploring broader levies for day tourists. Always check your booking for additional charges that may apply during your stay.
Italy is joining Spain, France, the UK, Greece, Belgium, and other countries in implementing new travel charges starting in 2026. These fees aim to manage overtourism, fund restoration, and improve local infrastructure across Europe.
In conclusion, Italy’s decision to join Spain, France, the UK, Greece, Belgium, and other countries in implementing new travel charges starting in 2026 marks a significant shift in Europe’s approach to tourism management. These new fees, designed to manage overtourism, fund restoration projects, and enhance local infrastructure, reflect the growing concern over the environmental and economic impacts of mass tourism. With landmark entry fees, increased taxes on accommodation, and additional charges for cruise passengers, travelers will face higher costs across key European destinations. While these changes are necessary for sustainable tourism, they will undoubtedly reshape the travel experience in Europe, making it essential for visitors to plan ahead and budget accordingly.
