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Higher vignette prices, new environmental zones, and additional entrance fees—vacations in 2026 will require more planning. Here is a summary of the most important information for you.
2026 is also expected to be a strong year for travel – the ÖAMTC has summarized the most important changes for vacationers. The changes mainly affect road traffic in popular vacation destinations such as Spain, Greece, and Croatia. “Many of the changes mean additional organizational effort for travelers, but the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria will make paying much easier,” explains ÖAMTC travel expert Yvette Polasek.
From January 1, 2026: Euro in Bulgaria
Bulgaria will introduce the euro on January 1, 2026. Both currencies can be used until the end of the month, but from February 1, the euro will be the only valid currency. “This will make things much easier for vacationers—especially because it will finally eliminate the need for conversions and exchange rate issues,” says Polasek.
Changes on Europe’s roads
Whether traveling in their own vehicle or a rental car, many travelers are on Europe’s roads, especially in the summer. “There will be a few changes in 2026 that you should be aware of – especially in popular car travel destinations,” says Polasek.
Greece: Speed limits will be adjusted in built-up areas. From 2026, a general speed limit of 30 km/h will apply in residential areas and narrow inner-city streets, even without signage. The speed limit on major roads will remain 50 km/h.
Spain: “Anyone traveling in a rental car should be aware that in the future, warning triangles will no longer be allowed to be set up in the event of an accident or breakdown. Instead, a special flashing light will be required,” says the ÖAMTC expert. This requirement applies only to vehicles registered in Spain – including rental cars.
Croatia: From fall 2026, Croatia will switch to a digital highway toll system. In order to pay the e-toll in the future, drivers of motorcycles and motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons will be able to choose between digital vehicle registration and cashless payment or a toll box. The toll box is mandatory for trucks, buses, and other vehicles over 3.5 tons. “For summer travelers in 2026, everything will remain as usual – the changeover is expected to take place in September,” emphasizes Polasek.
Czechia: Cities such as Prague, Brno, and Pilsen will remain popular destinations for weekend trips in 2026. However, anyone traveling to or through Czechia by car will need a vignette, which will become more expensive in 2026. Particularly relevant for city travelers: the day vignette will cost CZK 230 in future, and the 10-day vignette CZK 300 – currently equivalent to around ten and twelve euros respectively.
Bulgaria: A daily vignette will be introduced in Bulgaria on February 3. “It replaces the previous weekly vignette and costs around four euros. This is particularly practical and cheaper than before for tourists who are only passing through Bulgaria,” explains the travel expert.
Poland: Krakow will introduce an environmental zone on January 1, 2026. Only gasoline vehicles with at least Euro 4 emissions standards or diesel vehicles with at least Euro 6 emissions standards will be allowed to enter. However, entry will still be possible for a fee until 2028. Foreign vehicles must register before entering the environmental zone for the first time.
Expansion of entrance fees
Venice is significantly increasing the entry fee for day tourists in 2026: it will be charged on 60 selected days between April and July – Fridays to Sundays and on individual additional dates such as Easter Monday, the end of April, and the beginning of June. The fee is five euros, or ten euros for last-minute registration, and is valid from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tourists in the US will also have to dig deeper into their pockets from January 2026: the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service have announced an additional fee of $100 per person for foreign visitors. Children under the age of 16 are exempt. The regulation affects well-known national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Yosemite National Parks, among others.
Everything at a glance:
Greece: Generally 30 km/h in residential areas/narrow streets (without signs).
Spain: Flashing lights mandatory instead of warning triangle (applies to rental cars).
Croatia: Switch to eMaut (digital license plate or box) from September 2026.
Czechia: Vignettes will become more expensive (daily vignette approx. 10 euros, 10-day vignette approx. 12 euros).
Bulgaria: New daily vignette (approx. 4 euros) from February 3.
Poland (Krakow): Low emission zone from Jan. 1 (registration required for foreigners).
Bulgaria: Introduction of the euro on Jan. 1 (transition period until the end of Jan.).
Italy (Venice): Entry fee (5 to 10 euros) on 60 days (April–July).
USA: New national park fee of $100 per person for foreigners.
- source: 5Minuten.at/picture: canva.com
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