By: Mechele Briley

As global travel rebounds, several top destinations are tightening their tourism policies to address overtourism, environmental concerns, and infrastructure strain. Countries like Mexico, Japan, Peru, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Iceland are implementing new regulations, fees, and restrictions to balance visitor influx with sustainable practices. Here is an overview of the latest developments:

1. Mexico: Digital Entry Requirements and Regional Fees

Mexico continues to be a popular destination, but travelers should be aware of varying entry requirements and fees across its states. While the federal government has streamlined immigration procedures, some regions have introduced their own tourist taxes. For instance, the state of Quintana Roo, home to Cancun and Tulum, charges an $11.50 USD tourist tax, payable online before arrival. Additionally, digital entry forms are being adopted to expedite immigration processes.

Hotel Zone in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

2. Japan: Managing Overtourism with Fees and Restrictions

Japan has seen a surge in tourism, prompting measures to mitigate overtourism’s impact. Yamanashi Prefecture introduced a ¥2,000 (approximately $13 USD) fee for Mount Fuji climbers and capped daily visitors at 4,000 to preserve the environment. In Kyoto, unauthorized photography of geisha can result in a ¥10,000 fine, and certain alleys are off-limits to tourists. Tokyo’s Shibuya district has also implemented a year-round ban on public drinking during nighttime hours to maintain public order.

Mount Fuji in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan

3. Peru: Protecting Cultural Heritage with Access Limits

Peru’s iconic Machu Picchu faces challenges from excessive tourist numbers. To protect the site, authorities have limited daily visitors and introduced timed entry slots. Tourists must now book tickets in advance for specific timeframes, ensuring a controlled flow and reduced environmental impact. These measures aim to preserve the site’s integrity for future generations.

Lost City of the Incus, Machu Picchu, Peru

4. Italy: Tourist Taxes and Entry Fees in Historic Cities

Italy has implemented various tourist taxes to manage visitor numbers and fund maintenance of historic sites. Venice, for example, introduced a €5 entry fee for day-trippers to combat overcrowding and generate revenue for city upkeep. Other cities, like Rome and Florence, have increased accommodation taxes, with rates varying based on hotel classification. These fees are typically collected at check-in or check-out and are used to support local infrastructure and services.

5. Spain: Addressing Overtourism with Taxes and Regulations

Spain’s popular regions, including Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, have faced overtourism challenges. Catalonia postponed a planned increase in its tourist tax, which could have reached €15 per day, to October 2025 due to legal considerations. Barcelona plans to ban short-term tourist rentals by 2028 to alleviate housing shortages. Additionally, new regulations require tourists to provide extensive personal information when checking into accommodations, aiming to enhance security but raising privacy concerns.

Skyline Barcelona, Spain — Skyline of Barcelona, Spain

6. Netherlands: Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, is implementing measures to promote sustainable tourism. Amsterdam increased its tourist tax to 12.5% of the accommodation cost, the highest in Europe, to manage visitor numbers and fund city services. The city also launched campaigns discouraging disruptive behavior and is exploring ways to distribute tourists more evenly across the country to reduce pressure on popular areas.

Bikes on a Bridge Over a Canal in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

7. Thailand: Digital Entry Forms and Proposed Tourism Fees

Thailand introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) on May 1, 2025, requiring all foreign visitors to complete the form online at least three days before arrival. This digital system replaces the traditional paper arrival card, streamlining the immigration process and enhancing security. While a proposed 300-baht tourism tax has been delayed, the TDAC is part of broader efforts to modernize entry procedures and manage tourism sustainably.

8. Iceland: Environmental Conservation Through Tourist Taxes

Iceland has implemented a national tourist tax to fund environmental conservation efforts. Visitors are charged a flat fee per night, per room, contributing to the maintenance of natural sites and infrastructure. This approach aims to balance the benefits of tourism with the need to protect Iceland’s unique landscapes and ecosystems.

Conclusion

As tourism continues to grow, these countries are proactively implementing measures to ensure sustainable and responsible travel. By understanding and complying with new regulations, tourists can contribute to the preservation of these destinations for future generations.

Coming Soon: Your Complete Guide to Quintana Roo’s Tourist Fees

As one of Mexico’s most visited regions, Quintana Roo—home to Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel—has introduced several fees that every traveler should understand before they go. In the coming days, I’ll be publishing a dedicated blog post breaking down: