Major changes are coming to EU travel in 2025-2026, including biometric border controls, cruise taxes, and increased accommodation fees. Here’s everything travelers need to know about the new EES system, ETIAS authorization, and destination-specific charges.

Entry/Exit System (EES) Launches October 12, 2025

Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union implements its new Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing traditional passport stamps with electronic registration and biometric data collection. Non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area will have their facial images and fingerprints recorded digitally.

ETIAS Travel Authorization Coming Late 2026

By the end of 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) becomes mandatory for visa-exempt travelers from over 60 countries visiting the EU. This pre-travel authorization operates similarly to the US ESTA system.

ETIAS key details:

• Application fee: €20 per person (increased from originally planned €7)
• Free travelers under 18 and over 70 years old
• Valid for multiple entries over three years
• Required before boarding flights or ferries to Europe

Cruise Ship Taxes and Passenger Limits Across Europe

European destinations are implementing strict cruise tourism regulations to combat overtourism:

Barcelona reduces cruise berths at Moll Adossat terminal from seven to five positions.

French Riviera (Cannes and Nice) enforces daily passenger caps of 6,000 visitors while banning large cruise vessels from certain ports.

Venice reintroduces its day-tripper tax of €5-10 on 54 peak tourism days annually.

Greece also introduces tiered cruise passenger fees:

• €20 per passenger in Santorini and Mykonos
• Lower charges for Rhodes, Corfu, and Crete

Iceland charges €17-18 per port of call, while Norway plans a 3% “visitor contribution” fee starting in 2026.

Accommodation Taxes Rising Across Europe

Netherlands Tourism Tax Rising

The Netherlands dramatically increases its tourism burden starting January 1, 2026, raising VAT on accommodation from 9% to 21%. Amsterdam already holds Europe’s highest tourism tax at 12.5%, plus an additional €14.50 charge for cruise day visitors.

Scotland’s First Tourist Tax

Edinburgh introduces Scotland’s inaugural tourist levy, a 5% surcharge on accommodation for the first five nights of any stay.

Italy’s Expanding Tourist Taxes

Italian cities continue expanding local tourism charges:

• Rome: €4-10 per night depending on accommodation type
• Florence: €3.50-8 nightly tourist tax
• Venice: €5 daily visitor fee (capped at certain days)
• Bolzano: Introduces unique €1.50 daily fee for visitors’ dogs

Air Travel Taxes Increase in 2026

UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) Changes

The United Kingdom raises its Air Passenger Duty from April 2026, with modest increases for economy class but substantial hikes for premium cabins and private jets.

Netherlands Flight Tax

Dutch airport passenger tax rises to €30.25 in early 2026, making flights from Amsterdam Schiphol more expensive.

France Cultural Sites Charge

Starting January 2026, non-European visitors face premium admission prices up to €30 at France’s most iconic monuments, including:

• Palace of Versailles
• Opéra Garnier
• Other major cultural landmarks

Stay informed about EU travel requirements and destination-specific fees to ensure your smooth, corporate and leisure vacations in 2025 and beyond.