Britons are facing the prospect of paying hundreds of pounds more for two-tier entry fees at popular foreign attractions this summer. The consumer watchdog Which? has found that 'differential' or 'dual' pricing is quietly being introduced at major tourist spots such as the Louvre in Paris and the Trevi Fountain in Rome for foreign and non-EU visitors.
Rising Fees Across Europe
The Louvre, one of Paris's most visited museums, hiked its prices from €22 to €32 last year for Britons and other countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA). This means British tourists now pay €10 more than EU visitors to see artworks such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. When booking tickets online, Britons must state their country of origin, and they need to provide ID clarifying their nationality if buying tickets at the museum on the day. The Louvre attracts around 8.7 million visitors annually.
Other French attractions have also raised prices. A ticket for the Palace of Versailles is now €35, which is €3 more than for French and EEA citizens. At Sainte-Chapelle, Britons pay €22 to see the famous stained glass windows, while EEA tourists are charged €16.
France's Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, justified the charges in January, stating: 'I want visitors from outside the EU to pay more for their entry tickets and for that surcharge to go toward funding the renovation of our national heritage.' She added: 'The French are not meant to pay for everything all by themselves.'
Italy and Other European Destinations
In Italy, non-residents of Rome are now charged €2 for a closer view of the Trevi Fountain. Venice also imposes a €5 day tripper fee on tourists not staying in the Veneto region overnight during peak season. Madeira, in Portugal, has introduced €3 fees for non-residents over the age of 12 on more than 30 popular hiking trails, with a €50 fine for those who do not pay. Similarly, in Tenerife, a permit or pass is required to walk the most popular trails in Teide National Park, costing from €10 to €25 depending on the route and whether a guide is present. Locals do not pay the fee, and Canary Island residents pay reduced prices.
US National Parks Also Affected
In the USA, British tourists and other non-residents face skyrocketing fees. On top of existing entrance fees, non-USA residents must now pay $100 (approximately £75) to visit the 11 most popular national parks, including Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, or $250 (approximately £185) for a multi-visit pass. The Department of Interior introduced the extra fee 'to put American families first'. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in November: 'These policies ensure that US taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.'
Advice for Travellers
Naomi Leach, deputy editor of Which? Travel, commented: 'Many attractions are quietly introducing higher charges for foreign visitors. From museums to national parks, travellers are facing tourist-only fees and two-tier pricing systems that can add hundreds to the cost of a trip.' She advised: 'Brits should budget carefully before booking their summer holidays. It's worth researching attraction costs in advance, looking out for free-entry days and using a card with zero foreign transaction fees if you'd rather not carry cash.'
