From dog taxes in Italy to entry fees in the Netherlands and transit charges in Switzerland, European cities are adopting creative new taxes to combat overtourism and protect local life.
European cities and towns have launched a fight against overtourism. Their weapon of choice is taxes — some more unconventional than the standard city tourist tax. In what is being criticized as madness, an Italian town wants to charge visiting dogs €1.50 per night. Switzerland has proposed a tax on passing motorists who don’t stay in the country. Meanwhile, a Dutch village overrun by tourists wants to impose an entry fee.
Related: Visitors to Start Paying Tourism Tax for Popular British City
Motorist Tax
Lawmakers in Switzerland have proposed a new tax on motorists passing through the country to reach other destinations. The transit tax on foreign nationals would be a new penalty on tourists who don’t spend significant time in Switzerland. It is intended as a way to clear out congested roads and would apply to all foreign cars, camper vans and motorcycles. The amount would depend on the time of day and traffic density, with higher taxes imposed during peak times.
However, it still faces some roadblocks, one of which is the definition of “essential stop,” which would make a tourist exempt from the tax. It remains a proposal that requires cabinet approval, and if it receives the necessary support, it will be introduced as a referendum for the public to vote on.
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Doggie Charge
A gateway to the Dolomites, Bolzano sees its fair share of tourists and their furry friends, and it has now proposed a charge of €1.50 per night for visiting canines. Local owners also need to pay €200 ($235) per dog as an annual tax.
Authorities plan to use the funds collected from the puppy tax for street cleaning and new dog parks. The proposal, which has not yet been approved, was introduced by Councillor Luis Walcher, who said it was a fair measure concerning dog owners; otherwise, the whole community would have to pay for cleaning up dog waste.
The tax is part of a wider initiative targeting dog owners. Amid much criticism, authorities last year introduced a policy requiring local pet owners to register the DNA of their dogs so culprits who leave behind waste could be identified and fined up to €600. Few owners participated.
Carla Rocchi of animal protection body ENPA said in a statement that the tax is turning animals into an ATM. “After the resounding and expensive failure of the absurd dog DNA project, instead of focusing on civic education, targeted controls and citizen awareness, the easiest way is once again chosen: taxing animals and their owners.”
Related: Italian Officials Are Monitoring Tourist Footwear in This Region
Village Entry Fee
About half an hour from Amsterdam, the historic village of Zaanse Schans offers free access to its charming windmills and vibrant wooden houses. More than 2.6 million people visit the open-air museum every year, and the numbers are overwhelming the tiny village of 100 residents. Starting in 2026, it will ask visitors to pay €17.50 ($20) to enter.
This tourist charge will also grant visitors access to the museum and the windmills, which currently require separate entry fees. The council plans to use the funds to maintain the windmills and develop new infrastructure such as restrooms.
Marieke Verweij, director of Zaans Museum, told the BBC that visitors don’t realize people live in the town. “…they walk into their gardens, they walk into their houses, they pee into their gardens, they knock on doors, they take pictures, they use selfie sticks to peek into the houses. So no privacy at all.”
On the flip side, business owners are concerned that the entry fee will discourage tourists from spending at shops.
Zaanse Schans won’t be the only destination charging tourists for access. The 14th-century Penglipuran village in Bali has preserved traditional Balinese culture and charges a modest entry fee of IDR 50,000 ($3) for adults and IDR 30,000 ($1.80) for children. Italy’s medieval village of Corenno Plinio charges €4 ($4.70) for adult entry and €3 ($3.50) for children.
During busy weeks, Venice imposes an access fee on visitors who do not stay overnight. Tourists pay €5 per day if they register their visit four days in advance or €10 daily if they book at the last minute. On the other side of the world, Bhutan charges tourists a high daily tax of $100 per night, called the Sustainable Development Fee, to maintain infrastructure and promote environmental, social and cultural development.
