Europe Set to / Considering Implementing Fines for Tourists Naughty Behavior

Planning your next European escape for 2025? 

Picture it: the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik, the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve, the glamorous cafés of the Côte d’Azur. Now imagine a hefty fine slipping into your travel budget because you dared to walk around in flip-flops or got a little too cozy with your selfie stick. Sound dramatic? Perhaps. But this is the new reality for travelers navigating Europe’s ever-growing list of tourism rules. With record-breaking crowds expected, many beloved destinations are tightening the reins, introducing rules that range from sensible to downright surprising—and none of them come with a souvenir mug.

Let’s start in France, where your dreamy riverside picnic along the Seine could be cut short by a €135 fine if you crack open that bottle of rosé in the wrong spot. The fashion-forward may also want to double-check their outfit before heading to Cannes—skimpy swimwear far from the beach could cost you €38 and a side-eye from the locals. Meanwhile, over in Austria, a dashcam in your rental car might seem like a good idea, but privacy laws say otherwise. That tiny camera could cost you a jaw-dropping €25,000. And if you’re planning to linger too long in Portofino for the perfect shot, your selfie could earn you a €275 fine…YIKES! Influencers beware…YES, even your best angle might be too expensive.

Italy is certainly no exception. From a €500 fine in Sorrento for strutting through town in your swimsuit to Venice’s new entry fee and ban on swimming in canals (please don’t…also, read SOHA’s post concerning Venice’s tourist tax…SOHA warned you), the boot-shaped beauty is booting bad behavior faster than a Roman espresso. Greece, not to be outdone, now enforces quiet hours, cruise visitor caps, and a surprising ban on high heels at archaeological sites. The wrong footwear at the Acropolis? That’ll be €900, thank you, next. In Portugal, that carefree walk to town in swimwear could cost you €1,500, and noisy beach speakers could hit you with a fine higher than your flight. And NO, peeing in the sea in Spain is not a harmless splash—up to €750 later, you'll wish you'd just waited in line.

Then there’s Croatia, where Dubrovnik is leading the charge with its “Respect the City” campaign—no eating on the walls, no climbing, no swimwear in the streets, and definitely no rogue sandwiches by sacred landmarks. The Netherlands is also clapping back at unruly tourism. Amsterdam's new “Stay Away” initiative means no more cannabis in the streets of the Red Light District, earlier bar closures, and increased scrutiny of bachelor parties. Czechia’s Prague is cracking down too—no more beer bikes or public drunken debauchery. Even bars can be fined for over-serving tourists who’ve clearly had enough.

So, while the idea of a European vacation is as enchanting as ever, a word to the wise: travel smart. What was once a wink-and-nudge offense—like leaving your towel on a beach lounger or casually puffing on a vape—is now being met with serious consequences. Rules that were once lightly treaded upon are now enforced with the weight of a Euro-backed gavel. Know the local ordinances, respect the culture, and tread lightly—this is no laughing matter. After all, the only adventure you want to add to your itinerary is the one you planned…not the one you have to explain to customs or your credit card company.

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