New Travel Rules in 20 Countries You Need to Know Before You Go

Let’s get one thing straight: post-pandemic travel has been a wild ride. As the world reopened, people packed their bags, booked tickets, and flooded their dream destinations. The result? Overtourism. Now, many countries are stepping up with new rules to protect their environment, culture, and communities.

From visitor caps to quirky restrictions, here’s your ultimate guide to the new travel norms around the globe.

Italy

• Venice: Day-trippers, get ready to pay an entry fee! Oh, and don’t even think about cruise ships in the centre, they’re banned.

• Rome: Fines for messy eaters, topless wanderers, and those infamous love locks. Keep it classy, people.

• Portofino: Lingering too long at photo hotspots? That’ll cost you.

• Sardinia: Caps on visitors to its beaches, and hefty fines for messing with its pristine sands.

• Florence: No more unlicensed Airbnb rentals in the historic centre. From now on, it’s all going to be about preserving the charm.

Greece

• Acropolis, Athens: Daily visitor limits because, let’s face it, even ancient ruins need a breather.

• Santorini & Mykonos: Fewer cruise ships and a possible building ban in Santorini’s caldera to keep things picturesque.

• Greece (Islands): Cruise ship visitors? Well hello, sustainable travel, because now there’s a levy for that. 

Austria

This fairytale town has had enough. Visitor numbers are being slashed, buses are limited, and wooden fences now block overcrowded selfie spots.

Ecuador

Visiting this ecological gem comes at a hefty but reasonable price of US $200 to enter now, guided tours only, and no private yachts in protected zones. Nature first, tourists second.

Philippines

Boracay went on a detox in 2018, shutting its doors for a massive cleanup. Now, it’s open with strict rules for sustainable tourism. Similarly, Maya Beach banned swimming to restore its reefs.

Thailand

Swimming? Nope. Motorboats? Forget it. Maya Bay has strict visitor caps and a mission to protect its underwater paradise.

Malaysia

Short-term rentals are banned in residential areas unless residents approve. It’s all about community vibes over tourist chaos.

Indonesia

A US $10 tourist tax, a cultural etiquette guide, and fines for bad behaviour. Bali means business when it comes to sustainable tourism.

Japan

Visitor caps aim to protect Okinawa’s natural habitats and the endangered Iriomote cat. Meanwhile, Kyoto raised accommodation taxes to manage tourism impacts.

Spain

• Barcelona: Higher tourist taxes and restrictions on cruise ships.

• Mallorca: Locals are protesting overtourism, and new policies are on the way.

• Ibiza: Cruise ship limits are in place to prevent overcrowding.

France

• Mont Blanc: Daily hiker quotas to protect the fragile environment.

• Marseille: A ban on key safes outside holiday lets to preserve local community life.

Bhutan

Bhutan charges a US $65 daily Sustainable Development Fee to control tourist numbers and protect its cultural heritage.

French Polynesia

Annual tourist caps are being introduced to protect these pristine islands and their delicate ecosystems.

Peru

Time slots, mandatory guides, and ticketing systems are now in place to manage crowds and preserve this iconic ancient site.

United Kingdom

• Cornwall: Mandatory registration for holiday lets is in the works.

• Wales: A proposed visitor levy aims to fund community development.

• Edinburgh: Tourist taxes on accommodation are already in place.

Croatia

Dubrovnik’s “Respect the City” campaign enforces entry fees and rules to protect its charm from over-tourism.

Hawaii

A tourist fee in O’ahu will help fund environmental initiatives to protect the island’s natural beauty.

South Korea

In Bukchon Hanok Village, curfews are being introduced to balance local life and tourism influx.

Portugal

Overtourism has caused traffic chaos in Sintra, and locals are demanding measures to preserve their town.

Czechia

Prague is cracking down on pub crawls and “silly” stag costumes to maintain its cultural integrity.

Final Thoughts

The rise of over-tourism has forced destinations worldwide to get creative with new rules and restrictions. While these measures might feel like a buzzkill for some travellers, they’re essential for preserving the beauty, culture, and environment of these iconic places.

So, before you book your next trip, check the rules, pack wisely, and remember: Travel Responsibly. After all, it’s the only way to keep our favourite destinations thriving for years to come.