European Trip or Overtourism Mayhem, Mid-June Protests and Tourist Crackdowns in Spain, Italy, UK and More Bring New Entry Rules, Rental Bans, and Taxes — Key Facts You Should Know Before Planning Your Vacation

Muvhuro, June 9, 2025

A growing backlash against overtourism is reshaping summer travel in Europe, as mid-June protests and strict new tourist rules in Spain, Italy, the UK, and beyond aim to combat housing shortages, inflated rents, and environmental strain caused by record-breaking visitor numbers. On June 15, coordinated demonstrations will erupt in tourist-heavy cities such as Majorca, Barcelona, and Lisbon, as locals demand relief from skyrocketing rents, disappearing housing, and environmental pressures caused by mass tourism. At the same time, governments are tightening entry rules, banning new short-term rentals, and hiking tourist taxes to curb overtourism and reclaim control over local life. From Venice’s doubled day-tripper fees to Edinburgh’s incoming tourist tax and Japan’s soaring hotel levies in Kyoto, these measures are changing the rules for travelers. Before booking that dream vacation, it’s crucial to understand the growing backlash and new barriers you may face across Europe and beyond.

Mass Tourism Protests Set for June 15

Activists across Southern Europe are preparing for a coordinated wave of protests against mass tourism, targeting high-traffic landmarks, airports, and popular city centers. The Southern Europe Network Against Touristification, a coalition formed after a key meeting in Barcelona, is calling for peaceful but attention-grabbing actions, including blocking roads and even using water pistols to symbolically “soak” the problem.

The Spanish island of Majorca is expected to see one of the biggest turnouts, with over 60 local groups joining the protest under the slogan “For the right to a decent life; Stop touristification.” In recent years, locals have watched rents skyrocket, communities hollow out, and infrastructure buckle under the weight of seasonal tourism booms. The sentiment is echoed in Lisbon, Barcelona, and beyond, where residents say their cities have become unlivable playgrounds for outsiders.

Spain Introduces Rental Bans and Ends “Golden Visa” Scheme

Spain has taken several aggressive steps to curb the impact of tourism on its housing market. The city of Malaga has banned new holiday rental properties across 43 neighborhoods for at least three years. Meanwhile, Barcelona—already one of the most visited cities in Europe—has won a court ruling that will allow it to eliminate short-term rentals entirely by 2028.

Adding to the shift, the Spanish government has scrapped its “golden visa” program, which allowed non-EU citizens to gain residency by purchasing property worth over €500,000. The move shuts down a major path to Spanish citizenship for Australians and other non-Europeans, especially those buying second homes in tourist-heavy areas.

Italy Tightens Entry and Citizenship Laws

Italy has introduced new rules that make it harder for foreigners to claim citizenship by descent. Under the updated law, Australians can no longer obtain an Italian passport if their connection is through great-grandparents. Now, eligibility is limited strictly to those with an Italian parent or grandparent.

Venice, long the face of overtourism in Europe, has doubled down on its visitor management strategy. The day-trip entry fee, first introduced in 2023, has increased from €5 to €10 this season and now applies to a broader range of dates. Tourists who fail to book more than four days in advance could find themselves locked out or paying even more.

UK Introduces New Entry Requirements and Tourist Tax Plans

Australians and citizens of several other countries who once entered the UK visa-free must now apply for electronic authorization and pay a fee, as part of the UK’s new digital border system. This shift brings the UK in line with similar systems in the US and Canada.

Looking ahead, the Scottish capital of Edinburgh plans to implement a 5% overnight tourist tax starting in 2026, joining a growing list of cities that are taxing visitors to help cover the cost of tourism-related services and infrastructure.

Japan and Indonesia Urge Tourists to Venture Beyond the Crowds

In Asia, similar concerns are shaping travel policies. Japan is urging visitors—especially Australians—to go beyond the usual stops like Tokyo and Kyoto, which have seen record-breaking crowds in 2024 and 2025. Last year, 920,000 Australians visited Japan. This year, that number is expected to exceed one million for the first time.

Kyoto, a city struggling to balance its cultural heritage with tourism demands, is planning to raise its nightly accommodation tax from a modest ¥200–¥1000 (roughly $2–$11) to as high as ¥10,000 (up to $115), depending on the price of lodging.

Meanwhile, Indonesia continues its campaign to redirect tourists away from overcrowded Bali. Officials are encouraging Australians to explore other islands and regions, which offer cultural richness and natural beauty without the congestion and strain seen in the island’s most famous resorts.

Mount Fuji and Other Natural Sites Also Under Pressure

Japan’s famous Mount Fuji is another hotspot feeling the strain. In response to overwhelming foot traffic during the 2023 hiking season, the Japanese government has doubled the mandatory access fee to ¥4000 (about $46) for 2025. Hikers now also need to pre-book limited entry slots during the peak season. These changes are designed to preserve the environment and ensure a safer, more manageable experience for visitors and locals alike.

New EU Entry Rules Delayed but Still Coming

The EU’s long-awaited ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will soon apply to Australians and travelers from other previously visa-exempt countries. Although implementation has been delayed multiple times, the system is now expected to go live by the end of 2026. When it does, tourists will need to apply and pay a fee before entering any of the 30 participating European countries, similar to the U.S. ESTA system.

Zvinogona Kuita Vafambi

Experts say that tourists still have options to travel responsibly and reduce the strain on popular destinations. One of the best strategies is to visit during shoulder seasons or explore less-visited towns and countryside regions. Tour operators are increasingly encouraging smaller group sizes and more immersive local experiences that benefit host communities without overwhelming them.

It also pays to do your homework. Spending at locally-owned businesses, staying in certified sustainable accommodations, and avoiding illegal short-term rentals are all ways travelers can ensure their holiday dollars have a positive impact.

Europe’s top destinations are facing mid-June protests and strict new tourism crackdowns as locals push back against overtourism, prompting governments in Spain, Italy, the UK, and beyond to introduce higher fees, rental bans, and entry restrictions travelers must understand before planning their 2025 trip.

The summer of 2025 may be shaping up to be one of the most contentious travel seasons in recent memory. With mass protests on the horizon, tightened entry rules across Europe, and rising tourism costs everywhere from Kyoto to Edinburgh, travelers need to be more informed and intentional than ever. What was once a carefree European vacation may now require careful planning, cultural awareness, and a willingness to venture off the beaten path.

Your trip doesn’t have to be cancelled—but it does have to be smarter.