Spain Joins Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece in Enforcing New Tourist Vehicle Bans as US, Japan, France, Austria and More Propose Similar Measures to Curb Overtourism: What Travelers Need to Know – Travel And Tour World

Spain has officially joined countries like Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece in enforcing new tourist vehicle bans to combat overtourism, protect local communities, and ease mounting infrastructure pressures during peak travel seasons. At the same time, nations such as the United States, Japan, France, Austria, and Switzerland are proposing similar restrictions as they grapple with overcrowded cities, strained road networks, and environmental degradation. The surge in global tourism has triggered a wave of regulatory action aimed at limiting vehicle-based congestion in popular destinations, marking a shift toward more sustainable, controlled, and livable travel experience.

Spain Targets Car-Centric Tourism in Ibiza

Starting June 1, 2025, Spain’s iconic island of Ibiza will begin limiting the number of tourist vehicles allowed on the island during its peak season. For the first time, non-resident vehicles will be capped at 20,000 per day, a figure that includes both rental cars and private vehicles arriving via ferry. Travelers planning to drive in Ibiza must obtain digital permits in advance, with 16,000 slots allocated to rental cars and only 4,000 available for privately owned vehicles arriving by ferry. Caravans and campervans face additional rules: they must show confirmed bookings at registered campsites, with wild camping and roadside parking strictly prohibited.

Ibiza’s authorities say the move is essential to preserving both the island’s fragile ecosystem and the quality of life for its 150,000 permanent residents. In recent years, traffic congestion has exploded alongside tourism, with vehicle registrations quadrupling in just two decades—from 51,000 in 2002 to over 207,000 by 2022.

This isn’t Spain’s first attempt to control the chaos. Its smaller neighbor Formentera has enforced summer vehicle caps since 2019, offering a model that includes small fees, digital permits, and limits on certain vehicle types. The early results have shown reduced traffic, improved air quality, and more positive visitor feedback. Mallorca is now expected to follow with its own vehicle control measures by 2026.

Italy Expands Access Limits in Cities and Coastal Destinations

Italy, long a magnet for mass tourism, has been tightening controls on vehicle access in popular areas for years. In Venice, authorities banned large cruise ships from entering the historic city center and recently doubled the day-tripper fee from €5 to €10 during peak days in 2025. Meanwhile, cities across the country operate “ZTL” (limited traffic zones), barring non-local vehicles—including tourist cars—from entering central areas without prior authorization.

Capri, one of Italy’s most visited islands, is now considering further restrictions on private vehicle access. Local officials are also exploring boat access controls to reduce overcrowding in sensitive marine zones. Italy’s efforts reflect a broader national trend: protect cultural sites, reduce pollution, and manage the flow of visitors in ways that align with long-term sustainability goals.

Sweden Leads with Urban Vehicle Bans in 2025

Sweden is taking one of the boldest steps yet. Starting in 2025, Stockholm will lead the way in Europe by prohibiting gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles in a designated downtown zone of its capital city. The plan affects a 20-block commercial zone and will apply to all non-electric vehicles, including those driven by tourists. The city is making exceptions only for emergency services and people with disabilities. The goal is to clean up the air, reduce traffic noise, and encourage more sustainable ways of getting around—benefiting residents and visitors alike.

Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany Tighten Emissions and Access

In Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, strict low-emission rules are already in effect, blocking access for older diesel vehicles that fail to meet environmental standards. Tourists arriving by car must ensure their vehicles meet strict environmental standards or risk fines. Amsterdam is gradually phasing out fossil fuel vehicles, with a complete ban on petrol and diesel cars scheduled to take effect by 2030.

Denmark has introduced similar rules in Copenhagen and other cities. Diesel vehicles without a particulate filter cannot enter low-emission zones, and violations are monitored through automatic license plate recognition.

Germany, meanwhile, operates a broad low-emission zone network across major cities, requiring all vehicles—domestic or foreign—to display an emissions sticker. These rules directly affect road-tripping tourists and have reduced urban congestion and smog in high-traffic areas.

Greece Puts Cruise Tourism in Check

Greece hasn’t banned tourist cars outright, but it’s making bold moves in other areas. On islands like Santorini and Mykonos, officials have introduced daily caps on cruise ship visitors. These islands, often overwhelmed by tens of thousands of visitors arriving all at once, now restrict how many cruise passengers can disembark per day. There are also discussions underway about better regulating local transportation and tour vehicle fleets to prevent small island roads from clogging up under pressure.

Who’s Next: Proposals in the US, Japan, France, Austria, and Switzerland

While not yet enforced, several countries are actively working on plans to rein in vehicle-driven tourism.

In the United States, national parks such as Zion and Yosemite are already piloting shuttle-only systems during peak periods, effectively restricting access to private vehicles. These models are being closely watched and may expand into more parks over time.

Japan has seen major congestion in cultural cities like Kyoto, where local residents have urged limits on non-local cars and expanded tourist-only transit systems. At Mount Fuji, the government has capped the number of daily climbers and begun charging entry fees, though vehicle restrictions are still under consideration.

France, Austria, and Switzerland are actively weighing new seasonal vehicle restrictions and emission-based entry limits for tourist-heavy mountain towns and lakeside destinations. The goal in each case is to prevent rural and historic communities from becoming gridlocked during the busiest travel months.

What This Means for Travelers

If you’re planning a vacation in 2025 or beyond, especially in Europe, you’ll need to think twice before booking a rental car or ferrying in your own vehicle. In many places, you’ll be required to register your car in advance, pay fees, or even park outside the main attraction areas. It’s a good idea to research local transportation policies before arriving—and to consider trains, public buses, bicycles, or even walking tours.

These vehicle bans don’t mean tourists aren’t welcome. They mean destinations are prioritizing balance—between locals and visitors, between economic benefit and environmental cost. And increasingly, they expect travelers to meet them halfway.

Final Thought

As the travel industry continues to rebound, the era of unregulated movement is shifting into one of mindful exploration. Spain’s latest move is not an outlier—it’s part of a larger transformation. Across continents, countries are rethinking how tourism can work not just for visitors, but for the places they’re visiting. And for travelers who are willing to adapt, the rewards—a cleaner, calmer, and more authentic experience—may be greater than ever.