Italy Joins Scotland, Iceland, Greece with New Tourism Taxes, Entry Fees, Digital Visa, Permits, Fines, Lodging Levy and More: See How Much You’ll Pay for a European Vacation

Europe’s travel landscape is about to change in a big way! Italy has now joined Scotland, Iceland, and Greece by introducing a host of new tourism taxes, entry fees, digital visas, and lodging levies that could make your next European vacation more expensive than ever. These countries are rolling out new digital permits, fines, and taxes to better manage tourism and protect their fragile environments. And it doesn’t stop there – Italy, just like Scotland, Iceland, and Greece, is implementing additional measures that will directly impact your wallet. From steep new entry fees to per-night charges at hotels, Europe’s pay-to-visit approach is quickly becoming the norm.

Italy is now part of this growing trend, joining the ranks of Scotland, Iceland, and Greece, each with their own set of rules and costs that could surprise unsuspecting tourists. Wondering what these new charges mean for your travel plans? How much will these taxes, entry fees, and digital visas cost? What can you expect to pay for lodging and permits in each of these destinations? Travel And Tour World urges you to read the full story to see exactly how much you’ll be paying for your next European vacation. You don’t want to miss this essential information!

Europe is rolling out a wave of new entry fees that could leave your wallet gasping for air. From the cobblestone streets of Venice to the bustling metropolis of London, these shocking pay-per-entry policies are sweeping the continent. Government officials argue these fees are necessary to preserve the charm of historic cities, fund climate action, and improve public services. But for tourists, it’s nothing short of a financial headache! Could this be the end of Europe as a cheap destination for explorers? Here’s everything you need to know about these controversial fees.

The Rise of ETIAS: Europe’s New Digital Visa for Visa-Free Travelers

The European Union is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a digital visa that will apply to travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Australia, and Japan. Starting in late 2026, all visitors from these countries will need to pay a fee of €20 to enter any of the 30 Schengen Area countries. The process is straightforward: fill out a short form and pay online, and you’ll get your authorization in minutes. But be warned: failure to get your ETIAS could result in being turned away at the border. This will certainly make traveling to Europe more of a hassle and more costly. Only those under 18 or over 70, EU citizens, and those with long-term residence permits are exempt. Is this the price of entry for Europe’s charm?

Venice’s €5 Access Fee: Day Visitors Must Pay for the Privilege

Imagine arriving in the romantic city of Venice, expecting to stroll along its canals, only to be told you must pay €5 for the privilege. In 2025, Venice will implement this controversial fee for all day-trippers. If you plan on visiting on one of 54 peak days, this fee will apply to anyone over the age of 14. But if you’re staying overnight, you’re exempt. This move is designed to curb the damaging effects of overtourism. But critics argue it’s another way to make tourists pay for the city’s aging infrastructure. Visitors who fail to pay the fee before their visit will face steep fines. Is the charm of Venice worth these new paywalls?

The UK’s ETA: The New Border Wall for Short-Stay Travelers

Starting in February 2026, travelers to the UK who don’t need a visa will face yet another fee: the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This £16 fee will apply to citizens of countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and most European countries. With the ETA, Britain is essentially building a digital border control. Each traveler, even babies, must have their own ETA. The fee will be raised to £20 in the future, making this another recurring cost that tourists must factor into their budgets. Those who fail to get the ETA may be denied boarding at the airport. The UK is locking its doors—are you ready to pay the price?

Scotland’s 5% Visitor Levy: A Tax on Every Tourist Stay

Scotland is getting in on the action with its own version of a tourist tax. Starting in 2026, Edinburgh will charge a 5% levy on overnight stays. This applies to all tourists, including UK residents. If you’re staying in a hotel, guest house, or even a self-catering apartment, expect to pay more. And it doesn’t stop there: other cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen are rolling out similar fees in the coming years. The Scottish government argues this levy will help maintain infrastructure and fund tourism projects. But will this discourage visitors from the beautiful Scottish Highlands and cities like Edinburgh?

Wales Follows Suit: A National Visitor Levy Hits Tourists Hard

Wales is also getting its own visitor tax. Starting in 2027, anyone staying in overnight accommodation will face a charge of up to £1.30 per night. Whether you’re staying in a luxurious hotel or a campsite, you’ll pay. The fee applies to both international and UK tourists, with exemptions for certain groups, like children under 18 staying in hostels. Wales claims the levy will help preserve its beaches, hiking trails, and tourism infrastructure. But for many travelers, this will add yet another layer of cost to their trip.

Iceland Reintroduces Lodging Tax: Paying for Your Stay in Paradise

Iceland is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring destinations, known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique geothermal features. But in 2024, the country reinstated its lodging tax, which will cost tourists around €5 per night for a stay in a hotel or guesthouse. Though the fee may seem modest, when you add it up for longer stays, it starts to feel like a significant burden. Iceland’s tax will help fund tourism infrastructure, but with increasing numbers of travelers flocking to the island, is it fair to put the onus on tourists to fund environmental preservation?

Greece’s Climate Crisis Fee: The Cost of Visiting Paradise

In Greece, the government is introducing a new “Climate Crisis Resilience Fee.” This fee applies to guests staying in hotels from April to October, with charges ranging from €2 per night for budget accommodations to €15 for 5-star luxury stays. The money will fund climate change adaptation and disaster recovery efforts, especially after the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the country in recent years. While the fee is being sold as a necessary step for environmental sustainability, many travelers feel that it’s just another way to squeeze more money out of them.

What Are the Different Types of Fees?

The new levies in Europe vary widely, from flat rates to percentage-based charges. Venice, for example, has introduced a €5 day-trip charge for visitors. In contrast, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) costs €20 for a three-year period, while the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £16 for a two-year stay, potentially increasing to £20 in the near future. Some regions, like Scotland, have adopted a system that adds a levy based on accommodation costs, potentially adding dozens of pounds to luxury stays. Wales has implemented a fixed per-night charge of £1.30 for most types of accommodation, while Greece charges up to €15 per night for five-star hotels. Iceland, with its emphasis on preserving fragile landscapes, has a lodging tax of about €5 (800 króna) per room per night.

The variation in these fees reflects not only different political and economic priorities but also the diverse strategies governments are using to regulate the increasing pressure on tourism infrastructure. Seasonal changes, booking deadlines, and local tax regulations all affect the final cost, and travellers must be aware of these to avoid surprises.

Why Are These Fees Being Introduced?

Governments argue that these levies are essential to mitigating the negative effects of overtourism, such as overcrowding, environmental degradation, and the strain on infrastructure. Venice, for example, has struggled with massive day-tripper volumes, and its mayor has stated that the revenue generated from the new charges will be used to clean canals, maintain historic monuments, and preserve the city’s heritage. Similarly, in Greece, the climate fee aims to fund disaster recovery efforts following the country’s devastating wildfires, while in Iceland, the lodging tax will be used to safeguard the environment.

In the UK, the introduction of the ETA is framed as a necessary step for enhancing border security and immigration control, ensuring that visitors are properly vetted before entering the country. Scotland and Wales highlight the need for visitors to contribute to local services, such as waste management and public amenities, which are heavily impacted by tourism. The EU also presents the ETIAS as a vital tool for strengthening security and improving migration management across the bloc.

These justifications tap into a sense of national pride and environmental urgency, encouraging both locals and visitors to support the financial sustainability of tourist-heavy destinations. However, the growing complexity of these fees raises concerns about fairness and transparency, especially when exemptions or special rates apply.

How Will These Fees Affect Travellers?

The expanding network of entry and accommodation fees presents new challenges for travellers. Visitors to multiple European destinations may find themselves facing a cumulative cost of €20 for the ETIAS, £16 for the ETA, along with additional charges at hotels or tourist sites. It’s crucial to plan ahead, as some of these fees apply only to stays booked after a certain date. For example, day visitors to Venice must register online and pay the €5 access fee in advance, or risk facing steep fines.

For business travellers, students, and volunteers, it’s important to verify whether any exemptions apply, as rules regarding who is required to pay are not always clear-cut. Digital applications, such as the ETIAS and ETA, require travellers to submit valid passports, photos, and payment cards, adding an extra layer of preparation.

To mitigate the cost of these fees, some travellers may opt for less-taxed destinations or extend their stays to spread the cost of per-night charges. However, as more regions introduce levies, this could have a broader impact on the tourism industry, with travellers potentially reconsidering the frequency of their visits to certain countries.

The Politics of Tourism: Nationalism, Sustainability, and Revenue

The introduction of these levies is part of a broader political shift in Europe. Governments are increasingly framing these fees as a necessary step in safeguarding national treasures for future generations. In Italy and Greece, the focus is on funding disaster recovery efforts and addressing the impacts of climate change. In the UK and EU, digital authorisations are framed as security measures to strengthen border control and protect national interests.

Some critics argue that these charges could discourage tourism and amount to a form of double taxation. Hospitality businesses are also concerned about the administrative burden of managing multiple fees and levies, as well as the competitive disadvantage they may face compared to regions without such charges. As more countries experiment with visitor fees, the debate over their necessity and fairness is likely to intensify. Governments must ensure transparency about how the funds are used and provide clear guidelines about exemptions to avoid public disillusionment.

Navigating Europe’s Fee Landscape: Practical Advice

Travellers planning to visit Europe should stay informed about the latest entry and accommodation charges by regularly checking official government websites. Booking early is essential to avoid the increased costs associated with last-minute reservations, and travellers should ensure that they apply for digital travel authorisations such as ETIAS or ETA as soon as they are available.

When visiting destinations with specific entry or accommodation levies, such as Venice, it’s important to pay the required fees online and carry the QR code with you. In regions like Scotland and Wales, the levies are automatically added to accommodation bills, but travellers should confirm the total charges with their hotel or host. In Greece, the climate fee is typically paid at checkout, with the rate varying depending on the star rating and season. In Iceland, the lodging tax is already included in room prices, making it easier for travellers to plan their budgets.

For business travellers, students, and volunteers, it’s crucial to verify whether exemptions or special rates apply, as these rules can vary depending on the nature of the trip.

Will More Countries Join the Trend?

The introduction of visitor fees is not likely to stop with the current wave of charges. England is already consulting on granting mayors the power to introduce overnight visitor levies, while several countries in Europe, including France, Spain, and Portugal, have already implemented or are discussing similar taxes. Digital travel authorisations like the ETIAS and ETA may become standard across more countries, potentially creating a unified approach to tourism management in Europe.

As climate change exacerbates environmental challenges and infrastructure continues to age, governments may view visitor fees as an essential revenue stream. However, transparency will be key in ensuring that the public remains supportive of these charges. Visitors, on the other hand, will likely demand clearer explanations about where their money is being spent, especially as tourism becomes an increasingly significant contributor to local economies.

Europe’s Paywall Era Begins

Europe’s pay-to-enter era is upon us, with increasing numbers of destinations adopting entry and accommodation fees to manage overtourism, fund environmental preservation, and enhance local services. From day trips in Venice to weekend breaks in Edinburgh and summer holidays in Greece, travellers will soon encounter a patchwork of fees that may significantly impact the cost of visiting the continent.

While these charges are presented as necessary for sustainability, critics argue that they risk turning Europe into a costly, theme-park-like destination. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: travelling through Europe will no longer be free. As the new paywall era unfolds, travellers will need to check official websites, pay the necessary fees, and prepare their wallets accordingly. The gates of Europe remain open—but they are no longer free.

How Will These New Fees Impact Travelers?

The introduction of these new fees could have a significant impact on how people plan their European vacations. For families, these added costs may push them to reconsider their travel plans or opt for destinations with fewer levies. And for business travelers or tourists planning to visit multiple countries, the fees could quickly add up. Imagine paying €20 for ETIAS, £16 for the ETA, and then more fees for accommodations in each country you visit. It’s not just a cost for international travelers—locals could feel the pinch as well. With more countries joining the trend, travelers will need to be strategic about where they go and how they budget.

The Politics Behind These Fees: Why Governments Are Cashing In on Tourism

Governments argue that these fees are necessary to maintain infrastructure and fund services that keep Europe’s top tourist destinations thriving. Venice, for example, is using the €5 fee to maintain its canals and protect its heritage sites. In the UK, the ETA is being touted as a way to manage migration and enhance national security. Countries like Greece and Iceland are positioning their taxes as a way to combat climate change and environmental degradation. But there’s a more cynical view: these taxes could be a cash grab that punishes tourists and puts a strain on the hospitality industry.

Italy – 7-Day Trip Breakdown

1. Digital Travel Authorisation (ETIAS):

• Fee: €20 (valid for 3 years).
• This is a one-time cost applicable to all Schengen Area countries, so you only need it once for the entire trip across the Schengen zone.

2. Venice Day‑Trip Access Fee:

• Fee: €5 (typically) / €10 (if booked late, within 4 days before).
• For tourists visiting Venice during peak periods, this fee is added on top of regular travel expenses.

3. Venice Accommodation Tax:

• Fee: €1–€5 per night.
• Assuming a 3‑star hotel, let’s estimate €3 per night.
• Total for 7 nights: €21.

4. General Italian Accommodation Tax (outside Venice):

• Fee: Around €1–€3 per night (depending on region).
• Total for 7 nights (outside Venice): €21.

Greece – 7-Day Trip Breakdown

1. Climate/Resilience & Tourist Tax:

• Fee: Up to €15 per night for 5‑star hotels.
• Assuming you’re staying in a 4-star hotel: typically €10 per night in high season.
• Total for 7 nights: €70.

2. Additional Fees for Cruise Passengers:

• Fee: Charges are variable, so this won’t apply unless you’re taking a cruise.

United Kingdom – 7-Day Trip Breakdown

1. Digital Travel Authorisation (ETA):

• Fee: £16 (valid for 2 years).
• This is a one-time fee for visitors coming from countries that don’t require a visa for short stays.

2. Visitor Accommodation Levy (Wales):

• Fee: £1.30 per night (Wales).
• Assuming a 2‑night stay in Wales: £1.30 x 2 = £2.60.

3. Edinburgh Visitor Levy (Scotland):

• Fee: 5% of room cost for up to 5 nights.
• Assuming an average accommodation cost of £100 per night, 5% would be £5 per night.
• Total for 5 nights: £25.

Total Breakdown for a 7‑Day Trip

Italy:

• ETIAS (Digital Visa): €20
• Venice Day‑Trip Access Fee: €5–€10 (depending on booking time)
• Accommodation Tax (7 nights): €21 (average for 3-star)
• Total for 7 days in Italy: €46–€51

Greece:

• Climate/Resilience & Accommodation Tax (7 nights): €70
• Total for 7 days in Greece: €70

United Kingdom:

• ETA (Digital Visa): £16
• Visitor Accommodation Levy (Wales) (2 nights): £2.60
• Visitor Levy (Scotland, 5 nights): £25
• Total for 7 days in the UK: £43.60

Total Estimated Cost for 7 Days (Italy, Greece, UK)

In Euro (€) & Pounds (£)

• Italy: €46–€51
• Greece: €70
• UK: £43.60 (Approx. €51.30 based on exchange rate)

Overall Cost (All Fees + Lodging Levies + Digital Visas)

Total (for 7 days in Italy, Greece, and UK):

• €46–€51 (Italy)
• €70 (Greece)
• €51.30 (UK, converted from £43.60)

Grand Total Estimate for 7 Days in Italy, Greece, and UK: €167.30–€172.30

What Lies Ahead for Europe’s Tourism Industry?

As more European destinations introduce these new fees, travelers will need to rethink how they experience the continent. Some countries might adopt similar measures, and others could raise their taxes. This new era of pay-per-entry tourism could drastically change the landscape for both visitors and the hospitality industry. For now, travelers must stay informed and plan ahead. Check official government websites, budget for unexpected costs, and be prepared to pay these entry fees if you want to experience the beauty and history of Europe.

Europe’s New Pay-to-Enter Era Is Here—Are You Ready for the Cost?

Europe is rapidly transitioning into a pay-to-enter continent, with tourists now forced to fork out extra cash to see the iconic cities and stunning landscapes they love. From digital permits like ETIAS to entry fees in places like Venice and Edinburgh, the cost of travel is rising. These changes reflect the growing demand for sustainable tourism, but they also signal a turning point for the travel industry. Will these measures protect Europe’s heritage or alienate tourists? One thing is clear: travel in Europe is no longer free, and that could change the way we experience the continent for years to come.

The post Italy Joins Scotland, Iceland, Greece with New Tourism Taxes, Entry Fees, Digital Visa, Permits, Fines, Lodging Levy and More: See How Much You’ll Pay for a European Vacation appeared first on Travel and Tour World