New Tourist Restrictions in 2025: Travel Policies You Need To Know
As tourism continues to boom worldwide, several countries are tightening their travel policies to curb overtourism, preserve cultural landmarks, and promote responsible tourism. In 2025, over 30 popular destinations have introduced new tourist restrictions, taxes, and behavioral rules that could impact your travel plans. Whether you’re planning a European getaway, an island escape, or an adventure in Asia, here’s what you need to know about these new travel rules before booking your next trip.
ALSO READ: Essential Solo Travel Safety Tips to Prioritise for a Secure Adventure This Year
1. Tourist Taxes: Paying More for Popular Destinations
Many destinations have implemented new or increased tourist taxes in 2025. These fees are designed to manage crowds and generate funds for infrastructure and conservation efforts. Here are some of the key changes:
- Barcelona, Spain – Visitors staying in five-star hotels will now pay a €6.75 (R131) per night tax, amounting to €47.25 (R918) per week.
- Venice, Italy – A €5 (R97) day-trip tax has been introduced to discourage short-term tourists.
- Santorini & Mykonos, Greece – A €20 (R388) levy applies to cruise ship visitors during peak summer months.
- Kyoto, Japan – Hotel lodging tax has been raised to a maximum of 10,000 yen (R1,240)—ten times the previous cap.
- Bhutan – The Himalayan kingdom reduced its high daily tourist tax from $200 to $100 (R1,865) to attract more visitors while maintaining its low-impact tourism model.
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – The entrance fee for international tourists has doubled to $200 (R3,730).
- Bali, Indonesia – A $10 (R187) tourist tax has been introduced, and visitors may receive a handbook on respectful behavior.
2. Restricted Access: Protecting Cultural and Natural Sites
To prevent overcrowding and preserve their historical and environmental heritage, many destinations have introduced strict visitor limits or access tourist restrictions:
- Santorini & Mykonos, Greece – Cruise ship arrivals will be limited to protect the islands from overtourism.
- Machu Picchu, Peru – A strict ticketing system requires visitors to arrive within designated time slots.
- Ibiza, Spain – Only two cruise ships will be allowed to dock at any given time.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – The city plans to limit river cruises, cap overnight stays at 20 million, and ban new hotels to reduce visitor numbers.
- Seoul, South Korea – Bukchon Hanok Village will enforce a curfew from 5 PM to 10 AM to limit noise disturbances.
- Athens, Greece – The Acropolis has capped daily visitors at 20,000, with pre-booked time slots now required.
- Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy – Overnight guests will be capped at 2019 levels, and some attractions, like Alpe di Siusi, now require pre-registration.
- French Polynesia – Annual tourist numbers will be capped at 280,000, with local cruise lines prioritized over international ones.
3. Tourist Behavior Restrictions: Fines for Misconduct
Several destinations have also cracked down on inappropriate tourist behavior by enforcing strict regulations with hefty fines:
- Sardinia, Italy – Tourists caught taking pink sand from Spiaggia Rosa will face fines ranging from €500 (R9,700) to €3,500 (R68,000).
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – New fines target behaviors like wearing swimwear in public, driving without permission, and eating near monuments.
- Prague, Czech Republic – Stag and hen parties are banned from wearing outrageous costumes in public, and nighttime pub crawls have been restricted.
- Portofino, Italy – Taking selfies in busy locations could result in a €275 (R5,300) fine due to congestion concerns.
- Rome, Italy – Authorities are cracking down on shirtless tourists, attaching “love padlocks” to bridges, and snacking near attractions like the Trevi Fountain.
How These Restrictions Could Impact Your Travel Plans
These changes mean that travelers will need to plan ahead more than ever. Here are some key takeaways to ensure a smooth trip:
- Check Entry Fees – Many popular destinations now require additional taxes, which could impact your travel budget.
- Book in Advance – For attractions like Machu Picchu, the Acropolis, and Venice, pre-booking is now required to secure your spot.
- Respect Local Rules – Certain behaviors, such as wearing revealing clothing, taking selfies in busy areas, or eating near historical landmarks, may result in fines.
- Stay Updated – Travel restrictions can change frequently, so it’s essential to check official tourism websites before you go.
Final Thoughts: Is Tourism Becoming More Regulated?
As tourism numbers continue to grow post-pandemic, many countries are taking proactive measures to balance economic benefits with sustainability. While these tourist restrictions may seem inconvenient, they are designed to preserve cultural heritage, protect natural sites, and improve the quality of life for local residents.
For travelers, the best approach is to stay informed, respect local rules, and be mindful of the impact tourism has on the places you visit. By doing so, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip in 2025 and beyond.
Would you still visit these destinations despite the new travel rules?
