Introduction
In the wake of the pandemic and with an increasing focus on sustainability and responsible tourism, the global travel landscape has undergone significant changes. From visa requirements to driving restrictions, and from tourist number caps to prevention methods to reduce problem tourism, these modifications are shaping how and where we travel. This simple guide explores a few of these changes, offering insights into how various countries or cities are adapting to these new dynamics. Some of these changes are new, some are fairly recent or are still evolving, while others are upcoming or are still in discussion.
Visa Requirements, Permissions, and Restrictions
Europe
Schengen Zone Updates: The Schengen Zone, encompassing 26 European countries, has introduced the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Starting in 2024, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for ETIAS approval before entering any Schengen country. This electronic authorization aims to enhance security while simplifying the travel process within Europe.
Brexit Implications for the UK: Post-Brexit, EU citizens no longer enjoy free movement to the UK. Travelers from the EU must now ensure they have valid passports and may need visas for longer stays. Conversely, UK citizens face similar requirements when visiting EU countries, including the necessity of having at least six months' validity on their passports.
Türkiye Drops Many of it's Visa Requirements: As of January 2024 travelers coming from the EU, Britain, and North America who travel under a standard passport no longer require to purchase a visa for entry into Türkiye for travel of up to 90 days within a 180 day cycle. The changes affect many other tourists around the world looking to visit the country varying from 30 - 90 days length of stay depending on one's home country. To find out what the policies are check out the Turkish Visa Information Website.
Asia
Thailand's Visa Extensions: Thailand has extended its visa-on-arrival period from 15 to 30 days for citizens of certain countries to boost tourism. Additionally, the country has introduced the "Smart Visa" for highly-skilled professionals and digital nomads, allowing them to stay and work in Thailand for up to four years without a work permit.
Japan's E-Visa for Indian and Chinese Tourists: Japan has launched an e-visa system for tourists from India and China, making the application process more streamlined and efficient. This move is part of Japan's broader strategy to attract more visitors from these rapidly growing markets.
Americas
U.S. Visa Waiver Program Expansion: The United States has added several countries to its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing citizens of these nations to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. However, travelers must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to their trip.
Canada's Extended Visitor Visa: Canada has extended its visitor visa duration to 10 years or until the passport expiry, whichever comes first, for tourists from countries like India, China, and Brazil. This change simplifies repeat visits and encourages longer stays.
CLEAR Program: The most recent addition to the Trusted Traveler Program in North America is going through some updates to allow for facial recognition as opposed to retina or fingerprint scanning. The program has also been introducing more airports in Canada and the United states as well as adding various arenas or stadiums where CLEAR will help you bypass the ling lines.
Driving Restrictions
Europe
London's ULEZ Expansion: London has expanded its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to encompass more areas, aiming to reduce air pollution. Non-compliant vehicles must pay a daily charge, impacting tourists who plan to drive in the city. Similar zones are being introduced in other major cities like Paris and Milan and a similar program is being seriously considered in New York.
Spain's Driving Regulations: Spain has implemented stricter regulations on driving licenses for non-EU tourists. Visitors must now carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national driving license. Additionally, several Spanish cities, including Barcelona and Madrid, have introduced low-emission zones, restricting access for older, polluting vehicles.
Italy's Coastal Road Restrictions: Driving restrictions on the Sorrento Coast Road and the Amalfi Coast Road, particularly during the peak tourist season (April to October), are implemented to manage traffic and ensure safety. On the Amalfi Coast Road (SS163), access restrictions apply to vehicles over a certain length and width, typically banning buses, large vehicles, and caravans. Additionally, during busy times, there are alternating one-way systems in place, meaning that vehicles with odd or even license plates may only drive on certain days or at specific times.
Asia
Singapore's Restricted Zones: Singapore has designated certain areas as Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) zones, requiring foreign-registered vehicles to pay a fee. The city-state has also increased its focus on public transportation, making it a more convenient and eco-friendly option for tourists.
India's Green Number Plates: India has introduced green number plates for electric vehicles (EVs) to promote sustainable transportation. Tourists renting EVs can benefit from incentives like reduced tolls and parking fees in major cities.
Restrictions on Tourist Numbers and Access
Europe
Italy's Venice Tourist Cap: Venice has implemented a tourist cap and introduced an entry fee for day-trippers to control overcrowding and protect its fragile ecosystem. The fee varies depending on the season and the number of visitors, with higher charges during peak periods. They have also recently banned large cruise ships which are now required to dock at alternative ports outside the Venetian Lagoon. The main alternative port is Marghera, an industrial area on the mainland near Venice. Ships too large to enter Venice directly must shuttle passengers to the city using smaller boats or buses.
Greece's Santorini Restrictions: To preserve its iconic landscapes, Santorini has limited the number of cruise ships and daily visitors. The island now requires pre-booking for popular sites like the caldera and certain beaches, ensuring a more controlled and sustainable tourism flow.
Americas
Peru's Machu Picchu Limits: Peru has set strict limits on the number of daily visitors to Machu Picchu. To manage the flow, entry is now divided into time slots, and tourists must be accompanied by licensed guides. This measure helps protect the ancient site from over-tourism and degradation.
U.S. National Parks Reservations: Several U.S. national parks, including Yosemite and Glacier National Park, have introduced reservation systems for entry during peak seasons. This change aims to reduce overcrowding and environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience.
Canadian Visitor Quotas and Reservation Systems: In popular national parks like Banff, Jasper, and Pacific Rim, Canada has introduced visitor quotas and reservation systems to manage overcrowding. For example, access to some of the most popular hiking trails, campsites, and attractions requires advance reservations to prevent overcrowding and minimize environmental impact.
Changes to Reduce Problem Tourists
Europe
Amsterdam's Tourist Behavior Policies: Amsterdam has launched a campaign to address problematic tourist behavior, including a crackdown on rowdy behavior, public drunkenness, and illegal accommodations. The city has increased fines and employed "hosts" to monitor tourist hotspots and guide visitors on appropriate conduct. In particular, they have introduced much stricter regulations in the infamous Red Light District, including bans on guided tours of the area and bans on public drinking. The city has also implemented measures to reduce noise and limit disruptive behavior in this area, especially at night. There is even a discussion being had to restricting access to cannabis cafes (coffeeshops) to residents only, as a way to reduce drug tourism and its associated problems.
Barcelona's New Regulations: Barcelona has tightened regulations on some rental properties to combat over-tourism and housing shortages. They introduced stringent regulations on short-term rentals, particularly those listed on platforms like Airbnb. The city requires all short-term rental properties to be licensed, and has actively cracked down on illegal rentals. This has included fines for non-compliant property owners and even taking legal action against platforms that list unlicensed rentals.The city has launched campaigns aimed at educating tourists about respectful behavior, including the need to respect local customs, reduce noise, and avoid actions that disrupt daily life for residents. These campaigns are often visible through signage, social media, and information provided at tourist accommodations.
Asia
Bali's Conduct Guidelines: Bali has introduced guidelines for tourists, emphasizing respectful behavior towards local customs and religious sites. Violators can face fines or deportation. Bali has also created stricter regulations for certain tourism activities that have a significant environmental impact, such as water sports, trekking, and visits to sensitive natural areas. This includes setting limits on the number of visitors to popular spots like Nusa Penida and Mount Agung. The island is also considering a tourism tax to fund environmental and cultural preservation efforts and is looking at measures to regulate alcohol sales and consumption, particularly in areas where alcohol-related incidents are common
Japan's Overtourism Measures: Japan has implemented measures to disperse tourists from overcrowded areas like Kyoto. Initiatives include promoting lesser-known destinations, adjusting train schedules, and encouraging off-peak travel to balance the tourist load. Japan has also launched widespread educational campaigns aimed at informing tourists about Japanese customs and etiquette. These campaigns are often conducted through signs, pamphlets, and videos available in multiple languages at airports, train stations, hotels, and tourist attractions. Topics include proper behavior in public spaces, respecting cultural practices, and understanding local norms such as quietness in public transportation and proper queuing.
Americas
Spring Break Mayhem: Ask anyone living near a popular beach town and they will tell you the biggest problem tourist are the spring breakers. Many cities in the United states have taken measure to limit the impact these often rowdy and heavily inebriated crowds have on the places they visit. Some cities have introduced curfews for minors and restrictions on late-night activities during spring break to prevent excessive partying and reduce noise levels. Miami Beach, for example, has imposed curfews in certain areas during peak spring break weeks. Many beach destinations, like Panama City Beach in Florida, have implemented temporary bans on alcohol consumption on beaches during the spring break season. Cities like South Padre Island in Texas and Daytona Beach in Florida have implemented zero-tolerance policies for behaviors such as public intoxication, drug use, and violence. Violators are often arrested on the spot and face immediate legal consequences.
Please Don't Feed the Bears to get a Selfie: Having lived in Alberta near Banff National Park I can honestly say that I have seen some of the dumbest tourists ever. I've seen people get out of their car and walk up to a grizzly bear on the roadside and try to feed it while their friend takes a picture. I've also seen a black bear that decided the tourist's hand was a much better meal. Not a pretty sight that. Not only is it dangerous for the humans it can have a detrimental impact to their animals as well. Encounters like that happened so often that many of the National Parks implemented a fencing system some time ago to both prevent these occurrences but also to minimize the vehicle collisions with the wildlife. More recently, in regions where wildlife encounters are common, Canada and/or the individual Provinces has established strict guidelines to prevent tourists from feeding, approaching, or disturbing animals. Violations can lead to significant fines. These measures are crucial for both the safety of visitors and the protection of wildlife.
Sustainability and Reducing Carbon Footprint
Europe
France's Ban on Short Domestic Flights: France has banned short domestic flights where alternative train routes of less than 2.5 hours exist. This measure aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of high-speed rail for intercity travel.
Scandinavian Countries Continue to Promote Train Travel: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland have all embraced sustainability and they continue to improve and promote it. Train travel is hailed as a more sustainable alternative to flying, particularly for domestic and regional trips. Sweden’s "Flygskam" (flight shame) movement has gained traction, encouraging people to opt for trains over planes to reduce their carbon footprint. High-speed and comfortable rail services make train travel an attractive option for tourists.
Germany's Green Initiatives: Germany has introduced a "Green Button" certification for sustainable travel and accommodations. Tourists are encouraged to choose certified hotels and services that meet strict environmental standards, supporting eco-friendly travel practices. This follows in the footsteps of the Scandinavian countries who had already developed and widely adopted eco-certification programs for hotels, such as the Nordic "Swan Ecolabel" and "Green Key".
Asia
Japan's Sustainable Tourism Strategies: Japan is investing in sustainable tourism by promoting eco-friendly accommodations and renewable energy sources in tourist areas. Initiatives include the "Eco Tourism Promotion Act," encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
Bhutan's High-Value, Low-Impact Tourism: Bhutan continues to uphold its high-value, low-impact tourism policy, requiring tourists to pay a daily sustainable development fee. This approach limits the number of visitors and ensures that tourism benefits the local community and environment.
Bali's Plastic Ban and Environmental Regulations: To combat pollution and environmental degradation, Bali has implemented a ban on single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam. The island also encourages tourists to be mindful of their environmental impact, particularly in terms of waste disposal and water usage.
Americas
Costa Rica's Carbon Neutrality Goal: Costa Rica aims to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2050. The country promotes eco-tourism and offers incentives for sustainable practices in the tourism industry, including certification programs for eco-friendly lodges and tours.
Sustainable Travel Initiatives: The United States is promoting sustainable travel through initiatives like the "Leave No Trace" campaign, encouraging responsible outdoor ethics. National parks and other natural attractions are increasingly focusing on sustainability and conservation efforts. Canada also actively promotes the "Leave No Trace" principle across its parks and wilderness areas, encouraging tourists to minimize their environmental impact. These programs include packing out all waste, staying on designated trails, and avoiding disturbing wildlife.
Conclusion
As the global travel landscape evolves, tourists must stay informed about new regulations, restrictions, and opportunities. From stricter visa requirements and driving rules to measures designed to control tourist numbers and promote sustainability, these changes reflect a broader shift towards more responsible and sustainable travel. By understanding and adapting to these new dynamics, travelers can enjoy richer and more meaningful experiences while contributing to the preservation of the destinations they visit.
Comentários