Italy Joins Scotland, Spain, Norway, Netherlands, Greece, and Others in Introducing New Tourist Levies and Surcharges to Manage Over-Tourism and Sustainability Across Europe This Year: Everything You Need to Know

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Italy has joined Scotland, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Greece, and other European countries in introducing new tourist levies and surcharges in 2026 to manage over-tourism and promote sustainability. This move is part of a growing trend across Europe, where cities and regions are seeking ways to balance the benefits of tourism with the need to protect cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and local infrastructure. Italy’s introduction of these fees, alongside similar measures in other popular destinations, reflects the growing challenges posed by high visitor numbers and the environmental pressures they create. With countries like Italy leading the charge, this year marks a pivotal step toward more sustainable and responsible tourism practices across Europe.

Venice: The “Access Fee” (Contributo di Accesso)

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Venice has introduced a permanent entry fee system for 2026, designed to address the growing strain from day-trippers. This fee aims to regulate tourism and raise funds for city maintenance. The fee system operates in two tiers: travelers who book at least four days in advance will pay a reduced fee of €5, while last-minute bookings or walk-ins will incur a charge of €10.

This fee is applicable on 60 specific dates between April 3 and July 26, 2026, covering popular weekends and public holidays. It is essential for visitors to register online through the official Venice portal to receive a QR code, which must be shown at entry points such as Santa Lucia train station. Fines of €50 to €300 can be imposed for non-compliance.

Notably, residents, students, workers, and those staying overnight in the city are exempt, although they must still register for a free QR code. This initiative marks Venice’s dedication to preserving the integrity of its heritage while generating revenue to manage the impact of over-tourism.

Edinburgh: Scotland’s First Visitor Levy

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Starting July 24, 2026, Edinburgh will implement a 5% visitor levy for all overnight stays in hotels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals like Airbnb. This marks the UK’s first statutory tourist tax. The levy is designed to raise £50 million annually, with the revenue earmarked for tourism infrastructure and city maintenance. It’s specifically aimed at supporting the city’s famous festivals and providing sustainable funding for the ever-growing demands of the tourist economy.

One key feature of the tax is a five-night cap: visitors will only be taxed for the first five consecutive nights of their stay, which means longer stays are not taxed excessively. The levy will only apply to overnight stays, excluding day visitors, and will be collected by accommodation providers. This move aims to offset the costs that the city’s tourism industry places on infrastructure, particularly during peak times. Edinburgh’s decision to adopt the levy reflects a broader trend in European cities looking to balance tourism growth with urban sustainability.

Barcelona: The Luxury Surcharge

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Barcelona’s already high tourist tax system will experience a new twist in April 2026 with the introduction of a luxury surcharge targeting premium tourism. The combined regional and municipal tax for guests staying in 5-star hotels or other luxury accommodations will increase, ranging from €7.50 to €12 per person, per night. This increase depends on the district and the timing of the booking.

Additionally, passengers on cruise ships spending less than 12 hours in Barcelona will face a surcharge of up to €7. This is part of a larger effort to capture revenue from visitors who do not contribute to the local economy through lodging, such as cruise passengers on quick visits.

The revenue generated from these surcharges is earmarked for climate initiatives, including the Schools Climate Plan, which focuses on installing green energy systems and enhancing cooling measures in schools. Barcelona is taking this step as part of a broader European trend of imposing higher taxes on high-end tourism to both manage visitor flow and address local environmental challenges.

Norway: The “Visitor’s Contribution”

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Norway has shifted away from its long-standing “right to roam” ethos by introducing a 3% visitor contribution on accommodation and cruise tickets starting in 2026. Municipalities now have the authority to charge this fee, with Lofoten Islands and Tromsø being the first to implement the new rule.

The funds collected through this initiative are designated for maintaining popular hiking trails, preserving natural sites, and dealing with the increased wear and tear caused by tourists. Lofoten, for example, has been experiencing a significant rise in visitors seeking to escape the heat of Southern Europe, resulting in overburdened infrastructures like hiking trails and “honey pot” sites. This surcharge is designed to ensure that these locations remain sustainable and accessible in the long run.

Importantly, the tax is designed to protect domestic tourism, as tents, camper vans, and personal boats are exempt from the contribution. The move is part of a larger trend in Norway and the Nordic region, where tourism is increasingly seen as a “user-pays” service that contributes to the upkeep of national parks and natural landscapes.

Zaanse Schans: From Public Road to “Open-Air Museum”

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In a move that has sparked significant controversy, the Netherlands’ famous windmill village of Zaanse Schans has imposed a mandatory entrance fee for the first time in its history. As of 2026, visitors must pay €17.50 to enter the core village area.

This fee covers access not only to the village’s charming streets but also includes the Zaans Museum and the interiors of the windmills, which previously charged separate entry fees. The introduction of the ticketing system is designed to manage the influx of approximately 2.8 million annual visitors, many of whom previously entered the area for free but contributed little to the local economy.

Along with the entrance fee, the area has been restructured to limit access to ticket-holders and residents, helping to curb congestion. This shift marks the village’s transition from a free-to-roam location to a more regulated cultural destination. While the new policy has raised concerns about accessibility, it reflects a growing trend in the Netherlands to protect heritage sites from the pressures of mass tourism while ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Greece’s “Santorini-Mykonos” Cruise Levy: A New Fee for Cruise Passengers

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In late 2025, Greece introduced a new per-head fee for cruise passengers disembarking at its busiest ports, specifically targeting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. This fee, aimed at managing the increasing number of tourists and maintaining the islands’ sustainability, varies depending on the time of year and the port of entry. For passengers visiting Santorini or Mykonos during the peak months of June to September, the levy is set at €20 per person. These two islands, known for their stunning views and vibrant atmosphere, see the highest volume of tourists, making them part of the “Premium” Ports category. Other Greek islands and mainland ports, such as Corfu and Rhodes, are subject to a lower €5 fee during the peak season. However, the fee significantly decreases during the shoulder season (April, May, and October), with the premium islands charging €12 per passenger and standard ports only €3. One of the most convenient aspects of the levy is that it is typically added to the passenger’s onboard ship account and is only charged if they actually disembark at the port. This new initiative aims to improve the management of these popular destinations while ensuring that the cruise experience remains seamless and transparent for passengers.

Italy has joined Scotland, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Greece, and others in introducing new tourist levies and surcharges in 2026. These measures aim to tackle over-tourism and ensure sustainability, helping balance tourism growth with environmental preservation across Europe.

Conclusion

Italy has joined Scotland, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Greece, and other European countries in introducing new tourist levies and surcharges in 2026. These initiatives are essential for managing the pressures of over-tourism while promoting sustainability. By implementing these fees, these destinations aim to ensure that tourism benefits both visitors and local communities without compromising the environment or cultural heritage. As more European countries adopt similar measures, the tourism industry is poised to shift towards more responsible and sustainable practices, securing the future of these beloved destinations.