Latest Operational
Updates

Frontex has issued the latest ETIAS public information pack

The European Commission announce that EES implementation will start on 12 October

ETOA together with partner associations issued a press release expressing concerns about proposed ETIAS price increase

The European Commission has proposed raising the ETIAS fee from €7 to €20 per person

Official figures published on the number of Schengen visas issued and applied for in 2024.

EU/EFTA nationals (excluding Irish) require an ETA to travel to the UK unless exempt e.g. resident in UK.

VisitScotland and the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA), working with industry stakeholders, have developed a set of national FAQs to support accommodation providers in preparing for the visitor levy.

The Minister of Tourism has confirmed that the Basque Country is finalising the implementation of a tourist tax

City Council approved a tourist tax starting October 1

The European Commission has launched a consultation on the special VAT scheme for travel agents (TOMS) and VAT rules on passenger transport.

A new law allowing councils to tax visitors staying overnight in Wales has been agreed by the Senedd

New overnight stay tax proposed to be implemented from 1 October 2025.

The Norwegian Parliament has approved the bill that would allow municipalities to charge a 3% tourist tax on paid overnight stays

The Municipal Council of Bruges formally approved the new regulations for organised tourist walks, which will come into effect on 1 March 2026

The Venice City Council has approved the access fee guidelines for 2026, extending its application to 60 days

Road closures in Bibury will affect access from 24 September and temporary coach parking is now available in Bourton-on-the-Water

Starting in autumn 2025, a new pick-up and drop-off fee will be introduced

New Tourist Bus Stop at Piazza Vittorio Veneto Replaces Lungarno Pecori Giraldi

Vehicle access restriction at the Lawnmarket planned to be implemented between certain times from July 2025.

New Uffizi booking procedures start Monday 13 October

News outlets report on a possible closure of the Van Gogh Museum

Cathedral reservations for autumn and winter opening soon

Major renovation planned from 2026: what operators need to know

NEW UPDATE from the Basilica - deadline for application has been postponed

Until 16 October 2025, stakeholders are invited to share input in a public consultation aimed at simplifying taxation

Key features include the deletion of the concept of Linked Travel Arrangement, but uncertainty remains. Final approval expected in September.

UK Government has launched a consultation on review of its Package Travel Regulations which will close on 30th June.

Revision of some EU driving and rest time rules for occasional services (i.e. coach tours) is now in force across the EU. These changes do not currently apply in the UK, where the EU rules prior to 22 May 2024 remain in effect

Joint industry position about the European Commission’s proposed amendments to the Package Travel Directive

For recording of 19th March 2024 webinar on new regulation affecting guiding in Italy click on Read More below

Italy has published new law affecting provision of guiding services. This will have significant impact on professional not established in Italy intended to provide services there. Submitting a ‘prior declaration’ as soon as practical is advised to minimise risk of fine

The EU approved reforms to the Package Travel Directive, including a cap on prepayments to 25% of the package price, except when higher costs (e.g., full flight payments) justify more.