US Visitors to See New Entry Rules and Reservation Systems as Italy, Venice, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, and France Leads in Sustainable Travel

Published on December 14, 2025

Starting in 2025, US visitors will face new entry rules and reservation systems as Italy, Venice, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, and France lead sustainable travel with tourist taxes (from €0.5 to €10 per night), capacity caps, and eco-friendly transport initiatives. These changes are a direct response to the growing need for responsible tourism, as destinations strive to balance the increasing influx of visitors with the preservation of their unique environments and historical sites. By leading the way in sustainable travel, these countries are setting a global example, urging travelers to adopt more conscious travel habits. For US tourists, this means adjusting to new norms, such as booking attractions in advance and following eco-friendly travel guidelines, ensuring that these cherished locations remain accessible and enjoyable for generations to come.

The growing awareness of the environmental impact of tourism has spurred many countries to rethink how they manage their tourism industries. These changes aim to balance the increasing demand for travel with the need to protect fragile ecosystems and local communities from the pressures of overtourism. With travel returning to pre-pandemic levels, these countries are stepping up efforts to ensure that tourism in 2025 and beyond is both responsible and sustainable.

Italy: Leading the Way with Sustainable Tourism Policies

Italy is stepping up its sustainability efforts, with the Italian government and local tourism boards implementing key measures to curb overtourism and protect the country’s iconic landscapes. A significant part of this effort is the introduction of tourist taxes in several cities, including Venice and Florence, where fees range from €3 to €10 per person per day. These funds are dedicated to preserving cultural landmarks and reducing environmental impacts caused by mass tourism.

• Venice has been a pioneer in sustainability efforts, introducing a €3 to €10 reservation fee for day-trippers starting in 2025, aimed at controlling visitor numbers. This system will help preserve Venice’s historical sites and reduce overcrowding, a growing concern for the city’s fragile infrastructure and lagoon ecosystem.
• Cinque Terre, another top Italian destination, introduced a €7.50 fee per visitor to access its walking trails in 2020. The fee helps manage the environmental impact of high visitor traffic in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed region.
• Green Certifications: Italy’s tourism board is promoting eco-certifications like Green Key and EU Ecolabel, with over 1,000 Italian hotels already certified for their sustainable practices. The focus is on water and energy conservation, waste management, and supporting local produce and products.

These initiatives are part of Italy’s broader goal to promote slow tourism—encouraging visitors, especially US travelers, to explore lesser-known regions, stay longer, and engage in more sustainable activities.

Venice: Striking a Balance Between Tourism and Preservation

Venice’s battle with overtourism has led to the introduction of measures designed to protect its delicate environment. By 2025, US visitors will encounter a reservation system for major attractions such as St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, with fees ranging between €3 to €10 per person based on the time of visit and visitor volume. The revenue will be used to fund preservation efforts and infrastructure improvements.

• Tourism Tax: Venice’s tourism tax was introduced in 2020 and will be extended with stricter controls. Day-trippers, including US tourists, will need to pre-register and pay fees to visit the city, allowing authorities to limit the number of tourists during peak periods.
• Sustainable Water Transport: Venice is investing in electric water taxis to reduce the pollution caused by traditional watercraft, with €1 million in funding allocated to developing these eco-friendly alternatives for public transport.

Greece: Shaping Sustainable Tourism with Entry Rules and Caps

Greece is setting the standard for sustainable tourism in popular islands like Santorini and Crete through its proactive approach to managing visitor numbers and implementing sustainable practices. Greece’s tourism tax ranges from €0.5 to €4 per night, depending on the accommodation type, with the funds being used to preserve Greece’s cultural and natural heritage.

• Santorini has already implemented a cap on cruise passengers, limiting daily arrivals to 10,000 people, down from over 20,000 previously, reducing the environmental strain on the island’s resources. The Greek Ministry of Tourism is also encouraging the use of electric vehicles and public transport, offering incentives for eco-friendly car rentals on the islands.
• Crete has introduced a program to promote organic, locally sourced food, encouraging US tourists to support local businesses that adhere to sustainable practices. It also focuses on preserving its biodiversity and reducing the impact of tourism on sensitive sites like its Gorges of Samaria.

Netherlands: Championing Eco-Friendly Travel with Cycling and Green Hotels

The Netherlands is at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism through its tourism board, NBTC. The country has launched a €3 million initiative to increase the visibility of eco-tourism experiences, encouraging visitors, particularly US tourists, to explore the country’s rich landscapes using sustainable modes of transport, such as bicycles.

• Amsterdam, known for its cycling culture, is investing €10 million in infrastructure improvements to promote cycling as the primary mode of transport for tourists. The city has also introduced a €3 per night tourism tax that funds sustainable projects, including green urban spaces and public transport.
• Green Hotels: Amsterdam promotes eco-friendly accommodations, with over 250 green-certified hotels across the country offering energy-efficient services, waste reduction practices, and sustainable food sourcing.

Spain: Implementing Tourist Taxes and Green Certifications

Spain has implemented several initiatives to ensure sustainable tourism, particularly in regions like the Balearic Islands and Barcelona, where tourist taxes and sustainable practices are integral parts of the tourism strategy.

• Balearic Islands: Since 2016, the tourist tax in the Balearic Islands (which includes Mallorca and Ibiza) has generated over €50 million for sustainability projects. The fee ranges from €1 to €4 per night, with funds directed toward environmental conservation, public infrastructure, and the promotion of eco-friendly hotels and restaurants.
• Barcelona: The city has rolled out new sustainable tourism regulations, limiting access to certain sites during peak hours. Visitors, including US tourists, to La Sagrada Familia will need to reserve tickets in advance, reducing overcrowding. The city also focuses on electric vehicle rentals and sustainable accommodation options for travelers.
• Carbon Offset Programs: Spain’s tourism board is partnering with organizations to offer carbon offset programs, especially for long-haul flights. US visitors are encouraged to offset the emissions from their travel by supporting local environmental projects, such as forest conservation and renewable energy installations.

France: Embracing Sustainable Travel with Carbon Neutrality and Eco-Tourism

France is advancing its commitment to sustainable tourism through a series of regulations and initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of tourism. The country’s tourism tax ranges from €0.83 to €4.24 per night, depending on the accommodation type. The funds are used for environmental projects, including waste management, energy conservation, and promoting green urban spaces.

• Paris has set ambitious goals to become carbon-neutral by 2050, with a focus on reducing car traffic and promoting public transport. The city has introduced eco-friendly bike tours and electric vehicle options for visitors. Paris has also invested in green spaces, creating areas for relaxation and nature in the urban environment.
• Provence and Chamonix have implemented eco-tourism initiatives, such as promoting organic food experiences and sustainable hiking tours. Chamonix, a popular ski destination, uses renewable energy for ski lifts and encourages low-impact skiing practices to preserve the natural landscape.

A Unified Approach to Sustainable Travel

These new regulations across Italy, Venice, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain, and France represent a unified approach to sustainable travel, one that acknowledges the need to balance tourism with environmental and cultural preservation. By introducing reservation systems, limiting visitor numbers, and implementing new entry rules, these destinations are aiming to reduce the negative impacts of overtourism.

For US visitors, these changes will require adjustments. Travelers will need to plan their trips well in advance, booking entry tickets for popular sites and ensuring they meet the new requirements for sustainable travel. In addition to reducing the environmental footprint of tourism, these measures are designed to improve the overall visitor experience by reducing overcrowding and offering a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

The Future of Sustainable Travel

As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and the growing pressure of mass tourism, the leading destinations in Europe are setting the tone for the future of travel. The changes introduced in 2025 will not only affect how tourists experience these iconic destinations, but they will also inspire other countries and cities around the world to follow suit. Sustainable travel is no longer just a trend but a necessary step toward ensuring the long-term viability of global tourism.

While the new entry rules and reservation systems may require some extra planning, they are ultimately designed to improve the travel experience for everyone—locals and visitors alike. As travelers, we have a responsibility to respect the places we visit and contribute to their preservation for future generations.

Starting in 2025, US visitors will face new entry rules and reservation systems as Italy, Venice, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, and France implement measures like tourist taxes (up to €10 per night), visitor limits, and eco-friendly transport to promote sustainable travel and protect local environments.

With Italy, Venice, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain, and France at the forefront of the sustainable travel movement, US visitors can expect a very different travel experience in 2025 and beyond. As these countries lead the way in implementing new entry rules, reservation systems, and eco-friendly initiatives, travelers will need to adapt to the new norms of responsible tourism. By planning ahead and embracing these changes, visitors can enjoy their trips while helping to preserve these cherished destinations for years to come.