Here are some of the latest developments affecting RVers and caravanners outside of North America — from new travel fees and campground changes to tourism crackdowns and road-trip trends. We have only included a limited number of countries this time. We’ll include more in posts to come.
• ITALY — Venice has expanded its controversial day-visitor fee system for 2026, charging tourists between about $5 and $11 on peak days. Rome is also considering small admission fees at some previously free attractions. RVers touring Europe this summer may want to budget for added local tourism charges in several Italian cities.
• SPAIN — Popular tourist areas are tightening rules aimed at reducing over-tourism. Some coastal regions are increasing tourist taxes and imposing stiffer fines for behavior such as overnight beach camping, public intoxication and littering. Travelers report that crowded destinations are becoming stricter about parking larger campervans in urban areas.
• NORWAY — Norway plans to allow heavily visited communities to add a tourism surcharge to overnight stays. Tent campers and caravanners are expected to be exempt in many cases, which could make RV travel more economical than hotel stays in high-demand destinations.
• FRANCE — More French cities are increasing overnight tourism taxes as officials attempt to deal with overcrowding and infrastructure costs. Some popular areas are also limiting overnight parking for self-contained motorhomes outside designated camping areas.
• EUROPEAN UNION — A long-delayed electronic entry system for non-European visitors is still expected to launch in stages beginning in 2026. Travelers from the United States and Canada will eventually need advance electronic authorization before entering many European countries. RVers planning extended European caravanning trips should monitor the rollout closely.
• SOUTH AFRICA — Caravanning continues to grow in popularity in South Africa as more travelers seek affordable road-trip vacations and outdoor experiences. Industry observers cite expanding rental options, improved camping infrastructure and growing interest in nature-based tourism. Fuel prices and limited infrastructure in remote regions remain challenges for long-distance caravan travelers.
• AUSTRALIA — Caravan and camping travel remains extremely popular, with industry officials reporting continued strong demand for caravan parks and camping reservations. Rising fuel prices and campground costs, however, are becoming bigger concerns for retirees traveling long distances around the continent.
• NEW ZEALAND — Several local councils continue tightening restrictions on “freedom camping,” the New Zealand term for overnight camping outside formal campgrounds. Travelers using self-contained RVs generally face fewer restrictions than tent campers or vans without onboard toilets. Some towns are adding designated RV-only parking areas to reduce conflicts with residents.
• CHINA — China is promoting more self-drive tourism as part of a broader effort to boost domestic travel and leisure spending. Government officials recently announced support for road-trip travel, expanded vehicle-modification industries and improved tourism infrastructure. Analysts say the changes could encourage more RV and campervan travel among China’s growing middle class, especially younger travelers seeking flexible vacations.
• JAPAN — Tourism officials in some heavily visited areas are considering new measures to limit overcrowding as international tourism surges. RV travel is growing slowly in popularity there, with more campgrounds adding hookups and services for small motorhomes and campervans.
• UNITED KINGDOM — Several caravan parks and holiday parks are adding luxury glamping units and upgraded amenities as demand for domestic travel remains high. At the same time, some coastal communities are debating tighter restrictions on overnight roadside parking by campervans.
• GERMANY — Germany continues to be one of Europe’s strongest caravanning markets, with growing interest in RV rentals and campground travel. Industry analysts say many younger travelers are embracing RV vacations as a lower-cost alternative to hotels and air travel.
• GREECE — Greece has introduced new visitor fees on many cruise passengers visiting its islands, part of a broader effort to reduce overcrowding. Independent RV travelers may benefit as some tourists shift away from cruise vacations toward slower-paced overland travel.
Overall, RV and caravanning travel continues to grow worldwide, but travelers are increasingly encountering higher tourism fees, tighter parking regulations, and efforts to control overcrowding in popular destinations. For RVers willing to travel more slowly and stay flexible, the road remains wide open.
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I really appreciated this article. I used to travel around Europe a lot (by train, not RV). It is interesting to see what other countries are doing and where RVing is booming.
I agree, this was a good and informative article. One theme I noticed is that most of the countries listed are increasing charges or fees, some with specific increases for foreign visitors, which is similar to here in the good ole U.S. of A.
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Interesting article