Five Travel Changes for Brits in Europe This Summer
Brits planning holidays to popular European destinations like France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy this summer must prepare for a series of new travel rules and changes. These updates include fresh EU border requirements and various tourism crackdowns aimed at managing visitor behaviour and numbers.
New EU Border Rules with the Entry/Exit System (EES)
On Friday, 10 April, the European Union launched the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border system mandatory for Brits travelling to the Schengen area. This system replaces manual passport stamping and requires travellers to create a digital record by registering biometric details such as fingerprints and a photograph upon first arrival at an airport border in the Schengen zone. The registration is free and does not require pre-arrival actions, though it may add a few extra minutes at the border. Once completed, the EES record remains valid for three years.
The Schengen area includes countries like Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, but excludes the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus. For more details, Brits can refer to official government resources.
Tourism Crackdowns on Alcohol and Behaviour
Several European destinations have implemented strict rules to curb unruly tourist behaviour. In Split, Croatia, a ban on alcohol sales from 8pm to 6am in supermarkets and off-licences will take effect this summer, targeting excessive drinking in the historic city centre. Similarly, Spanish locations have introduced restrictions on alcohol and party boats, along with dress codes near beaches, to promote respectful conduct.
Capped Visitor Numbers in Popular Spots
To manage overcrowding, some areas are limiting tourist numbers. Palma, the capital of Mallorca, will reduce daily cruise ship berths from 8,500 to 7,500 between June and September, with measures active from 2027 to 2029. On the Italian island of Capri, tour groups are now capped at 40 people, with larger groups required to use discreet signs instead of flags or umbrellas.
Increased Tourism Taxes and Fees
Tourism taxes have risen in various cities, impacting holiday budgets. Barcelona has doubled its tourism tax, now charging up to £10.91 per night for holiday rentals and between £8.73 and £13 per night for hotel stays, making it the highest in Europe. Bucharest, Romania, introduced a tourist tax of around £1.70 per night to fund city promotion. Venice reinstated its day-tripper fee, with advance bookings costing about £4.35 and last-minute entries around £8.69.
New Rules at Major Landmarks
Entrance fees and visitor caps are being enforced at iconic European landmarks. The Louvre in Paris has doubled entry fees for non-EU visitors, while Spain's Prado Museum limits simultaneous visitor numbers. Cologne Cathedral in Germany may charge non-worshippers around £10 to £13 for entry, and Italy now requires fees of about £1.74 for the Trevi Fountain in Rome and £10.50 for Juliet's Balcony in Verona.
These changes highlight the evolving landscape of European travel, urging Brits to stay informed for a smooth holiday experience.
