Louvre to Hike Ticket Prices by Forty Five Per Cent for Non-EU Tourists: What This Means for Your 2026 Paris Trip!

Published on December 1, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

In a significant policy change, the Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the world’s most visited museums, will hike ticket prices by 45% for most non-EU tourists starting January 14, 2026. The price increase, which affects visitors over the age of 18 from countries outside the European Union (EU), will raise the admission fee from €22 to €32 (approximately $34 USD). This move follows a series of discussions led by the Louvre’s Governing Board (Conseil d’Administration) and the French Ministry of Culture, aiming to address the museum’s evolving needs and ensure its long-term sustainability.

While the new pricing will apply to tourists from non-EU countries, EU citizens, residents of France, and children and youth will be exempt, maintaining free or existing entry policies. The museum’s decision to raise prices comes in the wake of an increased need for security upgrades and ongoing renovations to accommodate growing visitor numbers and improve infrastructure.

What Is the New Pricing and When Does It Take Effect?

Starting on January 14, 2026, the cost of admission to the Louvre Museum will be €32 for adult visitors who are non-EU citizens. This represents an increase of approximately 45.4% from the current price of €22. The price hike will apply to individuals from countries outside of the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA).

However, there will be exemptions to this new policy. Citizens from the EU, EEA countries (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein), and residents of France will continue to pay the current price of €22. Additionally, children and youth under the age of 18, as well as individuals under 26 from EEA countries, will continue to enjoy free entry to the museum.

Why Is the Louvre Raising Ticket Prices?

The Louvre Museum has stated that the revenue generated from this price increase will be allocated toward two major initiatives aimed at improving the museum’s operations:

1. Security Overhaul: The increase in revenue will help fund critical upgrades to the museum’s security infrastructure. This comes after a security breach on October 19, 2025, which underscored the need for stronger protection for both visitors and the museum’s priceless art collection. Enhanced surveillance systems, increased staff, and better emergency protocols will be implemented to ensure a safer environment.
2. Structural Renovation: The Louvre is also embarking on a major €800 million renovation project to address overcrowding, particularly in the iconic Salle des États, where the Mona Lisa is displayed. The renovation will help alleviate congestion, create better circulation spaces, and preserve the museum’s 16th-century royal wing, which has faced structural wear over time.

The combination of improving security and facilitating renovations is seen as essential for maintaining the museum’s status as a global cultural hub and ensuring it remains accessible and safe for future generations of visitors.

How Will This Affect Non-EU Tourists?

Non-EU tourists, who make up a significant portion of the museum’s visitors, will now face higher costs when visiting the Louvre. The 45% increase is expected to generate a substantial amount of funding for the museum’s projects. While some visitors may be disappointed by the price hike, the Louvre has emphasized that the changes are necessary to keep pace with both increasing visitor numbers and the museum’s operational needs.

This price hike could potentially affect tourism numbers from non-EU countries, especially those with limited travel budgets. However, the Louvre’s strong global reputation, coupled with its iconic collections, is expected to maintain its appeal despite the added costs.

What Are the Implications for Paris and the Louvre?

The Louvre’s decision to raise ticket prices highlights a growing trend among major museums and cultural institutions worldwide to adjust pricing in response to inflationary pressures, growing operational costs, and a changing tourism landscape. This adjustment also reflects broader trends in the tourism industry, where many destinations are focusing on sustainable tourism and ensuring that their facilities can continue to thrive without compromising the visitor experience.

As Paris remains one of the top travel destinations in the world, the Louvre’s changes will likely have ripple effects on other cultural institutions and tourism sectors in the city. The Museum of Modern Art, the Orsay Museum, and even local galleries could follow suit as they balance affordable access with the need for revenue to preserve and enhance their operations.

What Are the Long-Term Goals of This Pricing Strategy?

The Louvre Museum has stated that this pricing adjustment is part of a long-term strategy to preserve its status as a world-leading institution while improving its physical and security infrastructure. The renovations planned for the Salle des États and the royal wing will enhance the visitor experience by reducing overcrowding and preserving the museum’s historic architecture. These upgrades are essential to ensuring that the Louvre can continue to attract millions of visitors annually while maintaining the integrity of its collections.

Furthermore, the price increase will also allow the museum to continue investing in cutting-edge technologies and services that enhance accessibility, education, and cultural exchange. By funding these initiatives through the price hike, the Louvre aims to provide a richer, more enjoyable experience for visitors in the years to come.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Museum Tourism

The Louvre’s ticket price increase for non-EU tourists is a significant development in the broader context of museum tourism. While the price hike may cause some short-term discomfort, it reflects the museum’s need to remain a leading cultural institution in the face of increased demand and the high costs of preservation. As the museum prepares for its major renovation projects and security upgrades, visitors can expect a transformed experience in the coming years.

Tourists planning to visit the Louvre in 2026 and beyond should prepare for the new ticket pricing structure but can also look forward to enhanced safety, improved infrastructure, and a more comfortable environment in one of the world’s most iconic museums.

Key Changes to Louvre Ticket Pricing for Non-EU Tourists