Several popular European destinations have introduced new or updated tourist taxes and fees effective in 2026, requiring travelers to budget for additional charges upon arrival or during their stays.
Major City Taxes and Entry Fees in Italy and the UK
Rome has enacted a €2 entry fee for visitors who want to see the Trevi Fountain up close, a site previously accessible without charge, while Edinburgh implemented a permanent 5% tax on the pre-VAT room rate for the first five nights of a guest’s stay. The Edinburgh tax revenue is allocated to fund local cultural events and infrastructure projects.
Updated Fees in Venice and New Ecological Charges in Tenerife
Venice reinstated a €5 daytripper fee on selected peak days between April
and July 2026 to control daytime tourism influx. Tenerife introduced an environmental tax applicable from January 2026 for hiking in Mount Teide National Park, with rates ranging from €10 for guided hikes to €25 for independent hikers, aimed at conserving biodiversity in the park.
New Charges in Zaans Schans and Norway’s Visitor Contribution Tax
Zaans Schans in the Netherlands started charging a €17.50 entry fee per visitor in 2026. Despite its small resident population of about 100, the area received 2.4 million tourists last year. Norway launched a ‘visitor’s contribution’ tax set at 3% of accommodation costs starting summer 2026, applying also to cruise ship passengers. The Norwegian charge excludes
those staying in tents or caravans and is implemented at local authority discretion.
Introduction of ETIAS for UK Travelers
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch by the end of 2026 with a fee of £17 (€19.50). ETIAS will function as a travel authorization system valid for three years, required for UK nationals traveling to Europe post-Brexit.
These new taxes and fees respond to issues of overtourism and aim to generate revenue for infrastructure, cultural programs, and environmental conservation in popular tourist locations.
Travelers planning trips to Europe in 2026 must prepare for these additional costs, including entry fees, overnight stay
taxes, and eco taxes, which vary by destination, length of stay, and activity. For example, visitors to Rome will pay to approach landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, while stays up to five nights in Edinburgh incur accommodation surcharges. Day visitors in Venice’s peak season and hikers in Tenerife must also expect to pay new fees.
Overall, these measures affect widely visited European destinations such as Rome, Edinburgh, Venice, Tenerife, Zaans Schans, and Norway, reflecting broader policy efforts to regulate tourism flows and support local communities.
