Europe clamps down on tourists: What Indian travellers must know before booking a ticket

From Spain to Italy, European countries are rolling out stricter measures to tackle over tourism as protests and local backlash grow. With record tourist numbers in 2024 and 2025, residents in many popular cities are voicing their concerns, and governments are responding with taxes, tourist caps, visa changes, and even squirt gun protests.

Tourist surge: Europe sees record high arrivals

In the first quarter of 2025, Europe saw a 2% increase in international tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. International tourist arrivals in Europe crossed 747 million in 2024: 5% more than 2023 and 1% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. In early 2025, numbers rose another 4.9% compared to the same period last year, according to UN Tourism.

For many Indians, Europe remains the top travel destination for its art, history, scenic cities, and laid-back culture. However, rising footfalls are now creating visible friction on the ground.

Why are locals protesting

Cities across Europe have seen demonstrations blaming mass tourism for:

• Housing shortages: Platforms like Airbnb reduce long-term rentals for locals.
• Environmental strain: Increased waste, water shortages, and pollution.
• Economic imbalance: Locals claim tourism benefits a few at the cost of everyday life.

Groups like the Assembly of Neighbourhoods for Tourist Degrowth (ABDT) are now calling for reforms that prioritise resident needs over tourism profits.

The summer of protests: From water guns to street marches

In 2024, protests spread across Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece. This summer, cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Lisbon witnessed similar demonstrations:

• In Barcelona, locals splashed water on tourists and carried signs reading “Tourists go home”.
• In Lisbon, an effigy of the city’s patron saint was marched to a luxury hotel site.
• In Genoa, demonstrators rolled empty suitcases in the streets during a “noisy stroll”.
• In Majorca, residents disrupted tourist buses with flares and banners.

Europe’s response: New rules and restrictions

Spain

• Ordered Airbnb to remove 66,000 illegal rentals.
• Barcelona to phase out all 10,000 short-term rentals by 2028.
• Tourist taxes increased; cruise passengers to pay 200% more.
• Launched a smart tourism platform to monitor overcrowding.

Greece

• From July 2025, cruise passengers will pay a Rs 2,000 fee.
• Acropolis capped at 20,000 visitors per day with timed slots.

Italy

• Venice reintroduced a €5–€10 entry fee for day tourists in peak season.
• Banned loudspeakers, capped tour group size at 25, and banned canal swimming.

France

• Louvre staff staged strikes demanding better crowd control and cultural preservation.
• Croatia
• Fines of up to €150 in Split for walking in swimwear.
• In Hvar, public drinking can lead to a €600 penalty.
• Dubrovnik limited cruise ships, reduced taxis, and cut back on café seating.

The Netherlands

• Amsterdam exceeded its limit of 20 million overnight stays in 2023.
• Introduced higher tourist taxes and a “Stay Away” campaign warning misbehaving visitors.

Visa rejections and travel tightening
Visa rules are also tightening. In 2024, Schengen countries rejected nearly 1.7 million visa applications, a rejection rate of 14.8%. Indian travellers are advised to prepare thoroughly and apply early.

Should you still travel to Europe?
Tourist arrivals continue to rise despite the protests and restrictions. But the atmosphere has changed, and travellers are expected to be more mindful.

Tips for Indian travellers:

• Avoid peak season
• Explore lesser-known places
• Follow local rules
• Support local, book eco-certified stays and avoid international hotel chains.

Europe isn’t closing its doors — but it is asking visitors to be more responsible. Travellers from India and elsewhere can still enjoy the continent, provided they respect the local way of life.