Recent travel updates will have an impact on British travelers planning trips to Europe in the near future.
Several popular European destinations like Spain, France, Italy, and Croatia have implemented various changes affecting tourists visiting specific areas or attractions within their countries. Some regions have introduced strict regulations, including limits on visitor numbers, while others have raised tourism taxes and entrance fees.
These changes coincide with a significant period for European travel, following the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for British travelers visiting the Schengen area. To prepare for your next vacation, here are some key adjustments to anticipate when traveling to certain European hotspots…
Effective April 10, the European Union introduced the new Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring British travelers to undergo digital border processing when entering the Schengen area. Travelers must register their biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photo, upon their initial arrival at Schengen area airport borders.
The new EES registration, replacing the previous manual passport stamping process, is free of charge, and travelers do not need to take any action before reaching the border. Although the EES may add a few extra minutes to the entry process for each passenger, the registration remains valid for three years once completed.
Countries in the Schengen area encompass Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The EES is not mandatory for travel to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as they are not part of the Schengen area.
For detailed information on the new EES system, please visit the government website.
While vacations are a time for relaxation, some countries have imposed strict measures to prevent irresponsible behavior. For instance, Split, Croatia, a popular destination for British tourists, announced plans to restrict alcohol sales during certain hours starting this summer.
Similarly, various Spanish locations have implemented regulations on alcohol consumption and party boat activities in recent years to address disorderly tourist conduct, such as enforcing dress codes in public spaces near beaches.
In Mallorca’s capital, Palma, the number of daily cruise ship berths will be reduced from 8,500 to 7,500 between June and September, limiting the influx of passengers exploring the city during the 2027-2029 period.
Capri, an Italian island, is set to cap tour groups at 40 individuals, with groups exceeding 20 people now required to use discreet signs or regulation paddles instead of traditional flags or umbrellas during tours.
Notably, Barcelona has raised its tourism tax to the highest in Europe, with visitors facing increased fees for holiday rentals and hotel stays. Other destinations like Bucharest, Venice, and various European landmarks have also implemented entrance fee hikes or visitor number restrictions to manage tourism flow and preserve attractions.
If you have a travel experience to share, feel free to email webtravel@reachplc.com.
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