It has been a turbulent year for European tourism, with anti-tourism protests, cruise oppression and taxes being introduced. Express has compiled a list of all the new rules that could affect you while traveling in Europe this year, so you won't be kicked out when you visit.
Spain rentals
The limit could affect the number of flats offered this year. Flats registered after February 2024 do not have their own entrance and therefore their licenses will be revoked forever. However, Airbnb style rentals are still available for reservation. Additionally, in Malaga, short-term lettings are banned in 43 neighborhoods, so Barcelona plans to phase out tourist apartment rentals by 2028, with restrictions in place in Alicante and Madrid. Additionally, additional details may need to be provided when staying at the accommodation or renting a car as part of new tourist regulations, such as nationality, address, phone number and email address.
cruise
Although various cities limit the number of cruises that can enter the port, cruise companies do not need to relocate to coordinate their itinerary.
Some locations have seen an increase in tourism tax on cruises such as Santorini and Mykonos, which will charge cruise passengers 20 euros (£16.5) in response to receiving 20,000 people in one day last year.
Other places in Greece charge 5 euros (4.14 pounds). Passengers on cruise ships who have been in Barcelona for more than 12 hours must pay 6.25 euros (£5.17).
Tourism restrictions
In some locations, we close out tourist numbers to maintain the local area. You may need to book slots in advance, such as the Acropolis in Athens, with 20,000 visitors per day.
Pompeii introduced 20,000 visitor caps per day in 2025, and in Rome, the Colosseum has attracted 3,000 visitors at any time.
Greece tourist tax
All over Greece, tourists are required to pay a tourist tax of 8 euros (£6.62) per day, but in some places they do not charge or offer children a charge or tax rate.
In addition to this, all hotels, Airbnbs and Villas charge a climate resilience tax upon check-in. This ranges up to 10 euros (£1.24) per night for luxury hotels.
During the off-peak season from April to October, tourism taxes will decrease to 2 euros (1.65 pounds) per day, while environmental taxes will decrease from 0.50 euros (41p) per day to 4 euros (3.30 pounds).
Italian tourist tax
Most of the Italian metropolitan cities require tourism tax payments, but each region determines its own fees, so it varies across the country.
In Rome, the range is between 3 euros (2.28 pounds) and 7 euros (5.79 pounds) depending on accommodation standards. In Milan, it ranges from 2 euros (1.65 pounds) to 5 euros (4.14 pounds). In Florence, it ranges from 1 euro (83p) to 5 euro (4.14 pounds).
In Venice, visitors will need to pay 5 euros on days arriving from Friday to Sunday from July 18th or on public holidays.
Spain Tourist Tax
In Barcelona, visitors pay city taxes up to 4 euros (£3.30) per night, and regional tourism taxes ranging from 1.70 euros (£1.41) per night for basic hotels up to 3.50 euros (£2.90) for luxury accommodation.
In the Balearic Islands, green tax ranges from 1 euro (83p) for hostels and campsites to up to 4 euros per night for luxury hotels. In Seville, we plan to charge between 3 euros (£2.48) and 4 euros (£3.30) to visit Plaza de Spaña, but this has not been done yet.
Portugal Tourist Tax
Each Portuguese government creates its own rules, so it varies from location to location. At least 26 of the 306 regions in the country currently require tourism tax payments. Lisbon City, Madeira and Faro began charging 2 euros (£1.65) per night, while the Azores began charging 2 euros (£1.65) per night in January 2025.
Tourist taxes other places in Europe
In Paris, visitors pay local and tourist taxes. This ranges from just 1.95 euros (1.61 pounds) at campsites and 15.60 euros (12.90 pounds) per night for luxury accommodations.
Amsterdam has raised visitor taxes from 7% to 12.5% of accommodation. For example, a hotel that costs 175 euros (£144) per night will add 21.80 euros (£18.30) per night.
