When planning your next European getaway, it’s not just the famous sights and sounds that should be on your radar—new laws, fines, and tourist taxes are quickly becoming part of the experience. From dress code enforcement in Spain to hefty fines for loud music on Portugal’s beaches, many popular destinations are cracking down on tourist behavior. Whether it’s public decency laws, visa rules, or special taxes for cruise passengers, these regulations are meant to protect local culture and ensure smooth experiences for both residents and travelers. Trust me, these are fines and taxes you’ll want to know about before you travel, so let’s dive into what you can expect in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, France, the UK, and more!

Portugal: Important Rules for Tourists

Portugal is an absolute gem for travelers, but with more people visiting than ever, the country has had to get stricter about certain behaviors. Whether you’re lounging on the beaches or strolling through Lisbon, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid trouble.

Beach Behavior and Noise Control

First up—if you’re heading to the beach in Portugal, take note of the new rules. You know how annoying it can be when someone’s blasting their music too loudly, right? Well, Portugal’s National Maritime Authority (AMN) has had enough of it too. They’ve banned the use of portable speakers playing at high volumes, and if you’re caught breaking the rule, it could cost you a jaw-dropping €36,000. Yes, you read that right! But it’s not just about loud music. The authorities have also put restrictions on other beach activities, like playing ball games outside designated areas, camping in unauthorized spots, and making fires. It’s all about keeping the beaches peaceful and safe for everyone. So, when you hit the coast, keep things low-key.

Visa and Tax Enforcement

Portugal has also started tightening up on visa and tax regulations for tourists. So, if you’re thinking of overstaying your welcome, think again. If you overstay your visa, you could be fined up to €250 by the Public Security Police. And if you’re heading to Lisbon, the city has doubled its tourist tax to €4 per night as of September. Cruise passengers are also seeing a price hike, with the tax increasing from €1 to €2 per visit. Clearly, Portugal is welcoming tourists—but they want everyone to play by the rules.

Evora Set to Introduce Tourist Taxes with Exemptions

Evora, Portugal, is set to introduce a tourist tax in 2025, with specific exemptions for athletes affiliated with sports clubs, hospital patients, and members of non-profit organizations needing overnight stays. Additionally, plans are in place to exempt tourists staying more than 2-3 days to encourage longer visits. While the tax was initially proposed at EUR 1 per night (approximately RM 4.62) in 2019, the final rate is expected to be higher. Other cities in Portugal’s Algarve region, including Albufeira, Portimão, Olhão, Faro, and Vila Real de Santo António, are also preparing to implement tourist taxes for overnight stays. Albufeira’s tax, launching in May 2025, will charge EUR 2 per night (approximately RM 9.24) during the high season. These taxes are aimed at supporting local tourism infrastructure while encouraging sustainable travel.

Spain: Cracking Down on Antisocial Behavior and Implementing New Taxes

Spain is known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful cities, but lately, the locals have had enough of some bad tourist behavior. As a result, Spain’s popular destinations are introducing a range of new laws to keep things under control.

Upper Garment Requirement in Malaga

Take Malaga, for example. You’d think walking around shirtless or in swimwear is just a beach thing, right? Well, some tourists didn’t get the memo and started doing it in the city center. After residents complained, a new bylaw was introduced in 2023 that makes it illegal to be seen without an upper garment or in underwear in public. The fine for this one? Up to €750! So, next time you’re in Malaga, keep your shirt on unless you’re by the sea.

Seville’s Law Against Antisocial Behavior

Now let’s talk about Seville. If you’re planning a stag or hen party here, you’ll want to tone it down a bit. Seville is cracking down on antisocial behavior, especially when it comes to public decency. They’ve banned tourists from wearing underwear or costumes with sexist messages in public. Plus, there’s now a ban on acts of ‘obscene exhibitionism’—in other words, no wild antics in public. Fines can be hefty, so if you’re here to party, make sure you do it responsibly.

Barcelona’s Smoking Ban and Tax Increase

Over in Barcelona, things are getting a little stricter too. Smoking on the beach is now banned, and if you get caught, you’ll face a €30 fine. But that’s not all. Barcelona’s tourist tax is on the rise, too. As of April 2024, visitors staying in hotels or other tourist accommodations will be paying €3.75 per night. By October, this could rise to €4 per night. The extra money is going towards public services, including road repairs and escalators. It’s all about making the city better for both residents and tourists.

Benidorm: Night-Time Swimming Ban

Fancy a late-night swim in Benidorm? Not so fast! Swimming between midnight and 7 a.m. has been banned, and if you’re caught breaking this rule, you could face fines of up to €1,200. And just in case you’re thinking of falling asleep on the beach at night, that’s off-limits too. These rules are meant to keep the beaches safe and serene during the night.

Madrid Considers a Tourist Tax

In Madrid, city officials are debating the introduction of a tourist tax to manage the growing number of visitors. While nothing is set in stone yet, the city could follow in the footsteps of other Spanish cities that have already implemented similar taxes. Keep an eye on this if you’re planning a trip to Madrid soon.

Italy: Managing the Overcrowding in Tourist Hotspots

Italy is a dream destination for travelers, but with its popularity comes the challenge of overcrowding. To manage the massive influx of visitors, several cities are stepping up and implementing stricter rules.

Portofino’s No-Waiting Zones

Let’s start with Portofino. This charming seaside town is famous for its beautiful views, but it’s also known for tourists who block pathways while taking endless selfies. To combat this, the mayor introduced no-waiting zones during the summer months of 2023. Between 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., tourists are not allowed to linger in specific areas, and if you’re caught hanging around too long, you could be fined up to €270. So, snap your photos quickly and keep moving!

Venice’s Tourist Entry Fee

Venice is also taking action to manage the number of tourists flooding the city. Starting in 2024, Venice will charge an entry fee for day visitors, ranging from €3 to €10, depending on the time of year. Tourists must provide proof of payment upon arrival, and if you don’t, you could be fined up to €300. And if you’re thinking of going for a swim in Venice’s iconic canals—don’t! Swimming in the canals can result in fines of up to €1,000. Venice is serious about keeping its waterways clean and clear.

Sorrento’s Swimwear Ban

In Sorrento, there’s a strict rule about wearing swimwear outside the beach and pool areas. Walking around in your bathing suit could get you fined up to €500. This is all about maintaining a respectful and classy atmosphere, especially in the historic parts of the town.

Sardinia’s Sand Theft Fines

Sardinia is known for its stunning white sand beaches, but don’t get any ideas about taking a souvenir. Sardinia has introduced fines of up to €3,000 for anyone caught taking sand, stones, or shells from the beaches. It’s all part of an effort to protect the island’s natural beauty for future generations.

Greece: New Climate Tax for Tourists

Greece has become one of Europe’s top destinations, and to keep up with the demand, the country has introduced a climate tax that helps fund disaster recovery projects and promotes sustainable tourism.

Climate Tax on Tourist Stays

So, what does this mean for visitors? Well, if you’re staying in Greece, you’ll now be paying an extra tax depending on the season and type of accommodation. During the off-season, the tax ranges from €0.50 to €4 per night. But during the high season, that tax can rise to €10 per night for stays at 5-star hotels. It’s all about supporting the country’s recovery efforts from natural disasters and ensuring that tourism doesn’t harm the environment.

UK: New Travel Requirements for North American Visitors

Starting in January 2025, if you’re from the US or Canada and planning a trip to the UK, there’s a new requirement you need to be aware of—Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The ETA will cost £10 (around $13 USD or $17 CAD) and will be valid for two years. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or just passing through on a layover, you’ll need to apply for the ETA. Failure to get it in advance could result in fines, so it’s best to take care of this ahead of your trip.

France: Paris Tourist Tax Increase

Love Paris? Of course you do! But if you’re planning a trip in 2024, be prepared for a bigger tourist tax bill. As of January 2024, the city is set to raise the tourist tax for visitors staying in hotels or other accommodations. A double room in a high-rated hotel will now include a nightly tax of over €11, which is nearly 200% higher than the previous rate. The funds from this increase will go towards maintaining Paris’s infrastructure and improving services for both locals and visitors.

Croatia: Bathing Suit Restrictions in Split

In Split, Croatia, the rules about public attire are clear—walking around the historic city center in swimwear, underwear, or no clothes at all is strictly forbidden. If you break this rule, you’ll be fined up to €150. This policy is all about keeping Split’s cultural and historic charm intact, so make sure to dress appropriately when visiting.

Netherlands: Amsterdam’s Tourist Tax Hike

Amsterdam is already a popular destination, but come 2024, it’s going to have the highest tourist tax in Europe. Overnight visitors will pay 12.5% of their hotel room price in tourist tax, while cruise passengers will see their daily tax increase from €8 to €11. The city is doing this to combat the effects of over-tourism and ensure it can still cater to the millions of people who visit every year.

Spain: More Cities Introducing Tourist Taxes

Valencia’s Sustainable Tourism Tax

In early 2024, Valencia will introduce a new tourist tax that applies to accommodations like hotels, apartments, and campsites. Depending on where you stay, you’ll be paying between €0.50 and €2 per night. The funds raised from this tax will be used to support sustainable tourism and provide affordable housing for local residents.

Barcelona’s Cruise Passenger Tax Increase

Barcelona is also raising its tax on cruise passengers. Starting in April 2024, the tax will increase to €3.75 per visitor. The money generated from this tax will go towards improving transportation and public services in the city.

As Europe continues to thrive as a top travel destination, the impact of mass tourism is prompting stricter regulations across various countries. From Portugal’s beach behavior fines to Spain’s dress code laws, Italy’s crowd control measures, and Greece’s climate tax, each country is doing its part to maintain order, preserve local culture, and protect the environment. With these new rules in place, tourists are advised to stay informed and respectful of local customs to avoid hefty fines and ensure a smooth trip. While these changes may seem strict, they’re designed to create a better experience for everyone—locals and visitors alike. So, next time you pack your bags for Europe, make sure you’re ready to follow the rules and enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

The post Europe Must-Know Fines and Tourist Taxes: What You Need to Know Before You Travel Across Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, France, UK, and More! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.