Yes, some of Europe’s busiest places now charge visitors directly. Venice charges day-trippers an access fee on peak days, Greece charges cruise passengers to go ashore, and Amsterdam and Barcelona have raised their tourist taxes. Here’s what each one costs in 2026, updated November 2026.
Europe’s tourist fees in 2026 at a glance
- Venice: €5 day-tripper access fee (€10 if booked within three days), on 60 peak days between April 3 and July 26, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Overnight guests and children under 14 are exempt. The 2026 season is over; the fee returns in 2027.
- Greece: €20 per cruise passenger going ashore at Santorini or Mykonos from June 1 to September 30; €5 at other Greek ports.
- Amsterdam: 12.5% tourist tax on the room price (excluding VAT); cruise and river-cruise day visitors pay €15 per person per day in 2026.
- Barcelona: a €5 per person, per night city surcharge since April 1, 2026, on top of the Catalan tax; at a five-star hotel the total is €12 per person, per night.
- Dubrovnik: entry to the Old Town is free; the city walls cost €35 per adult in 2026.
- ETIAS: Europe’s €20 travel authorization for Americans isn’t live yet; see our ETIAS update.
Fees change every year, so check with each city before you go. The original 2025 roundup follows.
The 2025 roundup
Travelers heading to Europe in 2025 had to prepare for new and increased fees in some of the continent’s most popular destinations. These measures, aimed at managing over-tourism and funding preservation efforts, reflect a growing trend across Europe. Here’s what you need to know about the new costs you might encounter during your euro summer trips this year.
Venice: Fees for Day-Trippers
In 2025, Venice reintroduced a fee for day-trippers visiting the city during select dates from April to July. The charge applied on more days than in 2024, and in 2026 it expanded again to 60 days, from April 3 to July 26. Read my five mistakes to avoid when visiting Venice before you go. This fee is part of Venice’s ongoing efforts to preserve its fragile infrastructure and iconic canals.
Greece: Increased Daily Taxes and New Cruise Passenger Fees
In Greece, travelers can expect higher daily taxes on hotels and short-term rentals during peak travel seasons. Additionally, cruise ship passengers stopping at the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos during peak season will face a €20 fee. This measure aims to balance the influx of visitors with the need to protect the islands’ natural beauty and local resources.
Additional Destinations Introducing Fees
While Venice and Greece are making headlines, other European hotspots are also implementing or increasing tourist fees:
- Barcelona, Spain:
The city has raised its tourist tax, which applies to overnight stays and cruise passengers. Visitors now pay an additional city surcharge on top of existing fees, helping fund city maintenance and cultural preservation. - Amsterdam, Netherlands:
Already known for its tourist tax, Amsterdam has increased the levy on overnight stays in hotels and short-term rentals, with funds earmarked for infrastructure improvements and managing the impact of tourism on local neighborhoods. - Dubrovnik, Croatia:
Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was reported in 2025 to be considering a visitor fee for the historic Old Town. As of 2026, Old Town entry remains free, and only the city walls are ticketed (€35 per adult).
What you can do to avoid them
- Plan Ahead: Research potential fees for your destination and factor them into your budget.
- Travel Off-Peak: Many fees are highest during peak travel seasons. Consider visiting during less busy times for a more affordable and relaxed experience.
- Support Local Sustainability: Embrace the idea that these fees contribute to the preservation of the places you love to visit.
While these new costs may require some adjustments, they serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible tourism. By understanding these changes, you can plan better and contribute to keeping Europe’s iconic destinations thriving for future generations.
For the paperwork side of a Europe trip, see what Americans need to know about ETIAS and the UK ETA, and if you’re flying from Boston, the easiest nonstops to Europe.
FAQ
Is Europe charging tourists to visit?
Not the whole continent, but specific places are. Venice charges day-trippers on peak days, Greece charges cruise passengers at its islands, and cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona collect tourist taxes on hotel stays. ETIAS, a €20 travel authorization for Americans, is still to come.
Does Venice charge an entry fee in 2026?
It did, on 60 peak days between April 3 and July 26, 2026: €5 booked in advance or €10 within three days. Overnight hotel guests were exempt. Venice says the fee will be payable again from 2027, with details announced by December 31, 2026.
How much is the Amsterdam tourist tax?
12.5% of the room price, excluding VAT, plus €15 per person per day for cruise passengers in 2026.
How much is the Barcelona tourist tax in 2026?
At a five-star hotel, €12 per person, per night: €7 Catalan tax plus the €5 city surcharge introduced April 1, 2026.