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Early‑bird discounts, expanded summer flight schedules, and an undiminished appetite for travel: 2026 is shaping up to be another strong year for tourism. Austria’s automobile club ÖAMTC expects high demand and has outlined the most important changes holidaymakers should be aware of in the coming year.
According to ÖAMTC travel expert Yvette Polasek, many of the new regulations will require additional planning. One major simplification, however, will be Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro. The Southeast European country will introduce the common currency on 1 January 2026. For the first month, both the lev and the euro will be accepted; from 1 February, only the euro will remain legal tender.
Road Rules Changing Across Europe
Several popular holiday destinations are updating their traffic regulations:
Greece
Speed limits in urban areas will be adjusted. From 2026, 30 km/h will apply by default in residential zones and narrow inner‑city streets, even without signage. Major urban roads will continue to allow 50 km/h.
Spain
Travellers using rental cars should note a significant safety rule change: warning triangles may no longer be used in the event of an accident or breakdown. Instead, a special flashing emergency light becomes mandatory. The requirement applies only to vehicles registered in Spain — including rental cars.
Croatia
Croatia will switch to a digital motorway toll system in autumn 2026. Motorcycles and vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes will be able to choose between digital licence‑plate registration with cashless payment or a physical toll box. For trucks, buses, and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, the toll box will be compulsory. For summer travellers in 2026, nothing will change yet; the transition is expected in September.
Czech Republic
Cities such as Prague, Brno, and Pilsen will remain popular weekend destinations. However, motorway vignettes will become more expensive. In 2026, the day vignette will cost 230 CZK, while the 10‑day vignette will rise to 300 CZK — roughly ten and twelve euros respectively.
Bulgaria
From 3 February, Bulgaria will introduce a one‑day vignette, replacing the previous weekly option. Costing around four euros, it is particularly advantageous for travellers merely passing through the country.
Poland
Kraków will introduce a low‑emission zone on 1 January 2026. Only petrol vehicles meeting at least Euro 4 standards and diesel vehicles meeting Euro 6 will be allowed to enter. Until 2028, entry will still be possible for a fee. Foreign vehicles must register before entering the zone for the first time.
Higher Fees for Popular Destinations
Venice
The city will significantly expand its day‑visitor entry fee in 2026. The charge will apply on 60 selected days between April and July — Fridays to Sundays, plus dates such as Easter Monday, late April, and early June. The fee is €5, or €10 for last‑minute registration, and applies from 8:30 to 16:00.
United States
From January 2026, international tourists will face a new US$100 surcharge when visiting national parks. Children under 16 are exempt. The fee will apply to iconic parks including the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.
Plan Ahead, Experts Advise
Polasek recommends travellers prepare early and stay informed about registration requirements, environmental zones, entry fees, and vignette purchases. Good planning, she says, can help avoid unpleasant surprises during the holiday season.
- Hector Pascua with reports from derstandard.at/picture: pixabay.com
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