Protesters in Europe march against over-tourism, target tourists with water guns
Thousands protested across southern European cities, including Barcelona, Venice and Lisbon, against the detrimental effects of overtourism. Demonstrators voiced concerns about soaring housing costs and displacement, accusing uncontrolled tourism ...
By ET Online | Updated:
Thousands of people marched across southern European cities on Sunday in a coordinated protest against over-tourism, saying it is driving up housing costs and pushing out local residents. Demonstrators in Barcelona fired water guns at tourists, covered shop windows with protest stickers, and lit smoke bombs, demanding action from authorities.
In Barcelona, protesters chanted “Your holidays, my misery,” while holding signs that read “Mass tourism kills the city” and “Their greed brings us ruin.” The city, home to 1.7 million people, welcomed over 26 million tourists last year.
Organised under the umbrella of SET -Southern Europe Against Touristification, activists in Spain, Italy and Portugal participated in the protest. Demonstrations were also reported in Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Granada, Malaga, San Sebastian, Lisbon, Venice, Naples, Genoa, Palermo and Milan.
Top 10 Schengen countries most likely to reject your visa
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If you're planning to visit Europe in 2025, it’s important to check visa rejection trends before finalising your travel plans. New data from 2024 shows that certain Schengen countries have significantly higher rejection rates than others.
Travelers, especially from countries like India, should be cautious when applying to destinations with stricter screening. Below are the ten Schengen nations with the highest visa refusal rates.
If you're planning to visit Europe in 2025, it’s important to check visa rejection trends before finalising your travel plans. New data from 2024 shows that certain Schengen countries have significan..
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Rejection Rate: 38.5%
Malta had the highest visa rejection rate in 2024. Out of 45,578 applications, 16,905 were denied. Despite being a sought-after Mediterranean destination, Malta’s limited processing capacity and strict scrutiny make it difficult for many applicants to secure approval.
Rejection Rate: 38.5%Malta had the highest visa rejection rate in 2024. Out of 45,578 applications, 16,905 were denied. Despite being a sought-after Mediterranean destination, Malta’s limited process..
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Rejection Rate: 27.2%
Estonia turned down 3,291 applications in 2024. Applicants from Egypt, the UAE, and India faced the highest rejection rates. Estonia's embassies are known for closely examining first-time travelers, especially those without clear plans or strong financial backing.
Rejection Rate: 27.2%Estonia turned down 3,291 applications in 2024. Applicants from Egypt, the UAE, and India faced the highest rejection rates. Estonia's embassies are known for closely examining f..
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Rejection Rate: 24.6%
Belgium rejected over 60,000 of the 255,000 applications it received. As the headquarters for the EU and NATO, Belgium sees high demand for visas. Many rejections stem from incomplete documentation or unclear travel purposes.
Rejection Rate: 24.6%Belgium rejected over 60,000 of the 255,000 applications it received. As the headquarters for the EU and NATO, Belgium sees high demand for visas. Many rejections stem from incom..
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Rejection Rate: 24.5%
Despite a lower volume of applications, Slovenia maintains a high refusal rate. The country denied 4,400 applications in 2024. Reasons often include missing travel insurance, incomplete bookings, and inconsistencies in travel itineraries.
Rejection Rate: 24.5%Despite a lower volume of applications, Slovenia maintains a high refusal rate. The country denied 4,400 applications in 2024. Reasons often include missing travel insurance, inc..
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Rejection Rate: 24%
Sweden refused 44,576 visa applications last year. Embassies here conduct detailed checks and expect applicants to show strong ties to their home country. Rejections are more common for those from politically unstable or economically weaker nations.
Rejection Rate: 24%Sweden refused 44,576 visa applications last year. Embassies here conduct detailed checks and expect applicants to show strong ties to their home country. Rejections are more commo..
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Rejection Rate: 23.7%
Denmark turned down 31,013 of the 132,158 applications it received. The country applies strict checks on travel intent and document authenticity. Applicants from Pakistan, Iran, and Morocco reported higher refusal rates.
Rejection Rate: 23.7%Denmark turned down 31,013 of the 132,158 applications it received. The country applies strict checks on travel intent and document authenticity. Applicants from Pakistan, Iran, ..
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Rejection Rate: 19.3%
Croatia received 42,165 visa requests and rejected 8,003. As a newer member of the Schengen Area, its visa procedures are still evolving. Applicants often face denials due to incomplete paperwork or failing to meet financial requirements.
Rejection Rate: 19.3%Croatia received 42,165 visa requests and rejected 8,003. As a newer member of the Schengen Area, its visa procedures are still evolving. Applicants often face denials due to inc..
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Rejection Rate: 17.2%
Out of 111,538 applications, Poland denied 19,277 in 2024. The country is increasingly popular among students and job seekers. Authorities closely examine financial documents and travel plans before approving visas.
Rejection Rate: 17.2%Out of 111,538 applications, Poland denied 19,277 in 2024. The country is increasingly popular among students and job seekers. Authorities closely examine financial documents and..
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Rejection Rate: 15.8%
France processed close to 3 million visa applications and rejected 481,139. Although its rejection rate is lower than others, the volume of applications makes it a major source of denials. Errors in documentation or weak travel justification often lead to rejection.
Rejection Rate: 15.8%France processed close to 3 million visa applications and rejected 481,139. Although its rejection rate is lower than others, the volume of applications makes it a major source o..
The protest in Barcelona drew attention with loud whistles, signs reading “Tourist Go Home,” and confrontations with hotel staff. Around 600 people joined the rally, according to local officials. In Mallorca, nearly 5,000 people participated. Protesters in both locations used squirt guns — some targeting tourists directly.
“We are being pushed out systematically,” said Andreu Martínez, 42, a Barcelona resident. “Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.”
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Barcelona's city government had earlier announced a ban on short-term apartment rentals to tourists by 2028. Spain’s government also recently ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 listings that violated regulations.
Europe gets tough: New travel rules, fines, and bans await tourists in 2025
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To manage overtourism and preserve cultural sites, these measures include bans, fines, and restrictions across popular destinations.
To manage overtourism and preserve cultural sites, these measures include bans, fines, and restrictions across popular destinations.
Authorities have implemented smoking bans on beaches in cities like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, with fines up to €2,000.Public urination, including in the sea, can result in penalties of €750.Walking in swimwear away from the beach in cities such as Malaga and Barcelona may incur fines. Driving in flip-flops, while not explicitly illegal, can lead to fines of €200 if deemed unsafe. Additionally, regions like Mallorca and Ibiza have banned pub crawls and party boats, with fines reaching €3,000 for public
Authorities have implemented smoking bans on beaches in cities like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, with fines up to €2,000.Public urination, including in the sea, can result in penalties of €750..
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A nationwide outdoor smoking ban will take effect from July 1, 2025, covering beaches, parks, and areas near schools.Violators face fines of €114.This initiative is part of France's National Anti-Tobacco Programme aiming for a tobacco-free generation by 2032.
A nationwide outdoor smoking ban will take effect from July 1, 2025, covering beaches, parks, and areas near schools.Violators face fines of €114.This initiative is part of France's National Anti-To..
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Venice has introduced an entry fee for day-trippers, ranging from €5 to €10, depending on booking time.Failure to pay can result in fines up to €300.The city has also prohibited loudspeakers, large tour groups, and swimming in canals.
Venice has introduced an entry fee for day-trippers, ranging from €5 to €10, depending on booking time.Failure to pay can result in fines up to €300.The city has also prohibited loudspeakers, large ..
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Cities including Lisbon, Madeira, and Faro have introduced a €2 per person per night tourist tax. The Azores implemented a similar fee in January 2025.
Cities including Lisbon, Madeira, and Faro have introduced a €2 per person per night tourist tax. The Azores implemented a similar fee in January 2025.
Amsterdam increased its tourist tax from 7% to 12.5% of accommodation costs.The city has also banned cruise ships from entering main ports to prevent overcrowding.
Amsterdam increased its tourist tax from 7% to 12.5% of accommodation costs.The city has also banned cruise ships from entering main ports to prevent overcrowding.
The Acropolis in Athens now limits visitors to 20,000 per day, requiring pre-booked slots.Wearing high heels at historical sites like the Acropolis is prohibited to prevent damage, with fines up to €900.
The Acropolis in Athens now limits visitors to 20,000 per day, requiring pre-booked slots.Wearing high heels at historical sites like the Acropolis is prohibited to prevent damage, with fines up to ..
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Dubrovnik launched the 'Respect the City' campaign, enforcing bans on sleeping in public areas, urinating in public spaces, climbing monuments, and public drunkenness, all punishable with high fines and potential jail sentences.
Dubrovnik launched the 'Respect the City' campaign, enforcing bans on sleeping in public areas, urinating in public spaces, climbing monuments, and public drunkenness, all punishable with high fines ..
Many locals link the housing crisis directly to the growth of short-term vacation rentals. “Your Airbnb was my home,” read one sign. “In the end, you realize that this is taking away housing from people,” said Txema Escorsa, a local teacher.
Spain hosted a record 94 million international visitors in 2024, a number that many locals say is no longer sustainable. Protesters called for a change in the tourism-driven economic model, while stressing the need for housing rights and urban balance.
Europe heatwave: What France, Italy and other countries are facing
