American Tourists Warned Of $600 Fines Due To Suitcase Ban Rules In Popular Vacation Destinations Across Europe
As Americans head to their preferred holiday destination, Europe, most are unaware of the tourist-specific rules in various areas that can lead to hefty fines for violations. Different countries, cities, and tourist sites have different rules, aimed specifically at preserving history, culture, and the local economy. Recently, many Americans visiting popular European destinations have been facing multi-hour delays due to the new EES biometric border control. Furthermore, after exiting the airport, they could be in for another unpleasant surprise if they begin sightseeing without stowing their bags or even walk around in inappropriate clothing or footwear.
American Tourists Warned Of $600 Fines Due To Suitcase Ban Rules In Popular Vacation Destinations Across Europe
Tourist strolling along the cobblestone streets of Cremona, ItalyCredit: Shutterstock
It is common for many Americans to arrive at their holiday destination and start exploring the area right after leaving the airport or train station, without first checking into a hotel. Many tend to roll their suitcases or bags wherever they go. This practice is aimed at maximizing the time available during the holiday. Also, some travelers can’t contain their excitement until after checking into a hotel. However, doing so can lead to heavy fines in many parts of Europe. Historic structures that have stood for millennia are fragile testaments of time. European governments tend to be very particular about their preservation and protection. Rome, Italy, is a classic case in point. Rome's historic Spanish Steps are made of ancient stone, susceptible to structural damage from the constant rolling of thousands of suitcases that tourists may lug every day of every year.
Historic Spanish Steps, Rome, ItalyCredit: Shutterstock
The city's urban decorum laws ban dragging a wheeled suitcase up or down the steps, with fines starting at €250 ($295) and rising to €400 ($472) or more if damage is caused. Rome’s police are instructed to be on the lookout for such tourists at popular hotspots and apprehend them quickly. Jacob Wedderburn-Day, travel expert and CEO at luggage storage company Stasher, says, “These rules point people to doing what feels completely normal when arriving in a new city: bags in hand and heading straight to iconic landmarks.“
“The problem is that marble staircases that have stood for centuries can't handle millions of suitcase wheels grinding across them each year. Even the vibration from bouncing luggage down steps causes microscopic damage that accumulates over time.” Jacob explained.
Another popular tourist destination in Italy, Portofino, bans tourists who linger with suitcases in densely populated tourist areas, with fines reaching up to €500 ($590). Some unexpected Fines for dragging/rolling suitcases or bags in Italy
Italy
Fine
Reason
Rome (Spanish Steps)
$295 - $472
Rolling / dragging suitcase or bags
Portofino
$590
Linger with suitcases in congested tourist areas
Jacob’s suggestion to visiting tourists is to first check into their hotel or use a luggage storage service before sightseeing. He says, “Being slapped with a fine by local police before your holiday has even started is not the kind of experience anyone wants.” However, rolling a suitcase with wheels on sensitive surfaces isn’t the only problem. It is also not the only offense that can draw fines from Americans visiting European destinations. Other “completely normal” activities have also been identified and regulated in many parts of Europe, with fines for non-compliance.
Vacationing in Barcelona, SpainCredit: Shutterstock
To counter overtourism, protect historic sites, and maintain local economies, many popular European destinations are imposing strict fines and bans. Cities, and more specifically historic sites, are enforcing stricter codes of conduct. Some of these may seem harmless at first but make sense when in context.
Greece
For instance, Greece, a top destination for American tourists, has banned the wearing of high heels at its most famous historic attractions, the Acropolis and the Epidaurus Theatre.
Fine levied — up to €900 (over $1,060)
As per Jacob, the ban is “on surfaces that are thousands of years old, a single step causes micro-fractures. This is one of the most expensive unknown fines in European tourism.'
Italy
Feeding pigeons in Venice, ItalyCredit: Shutterstock
Tourists are not allowed to feed the pigeons in Venice. This is to protect the city’s historic, delicate architecture and art from the acidic, damaging effects of bird droppings. This leads to significant maintenance costs borne by residents, in addition to the obvious hygiene concerns.
Jacob says, “Pigeon droppings and pecking cause serious damage to Venice's fragile marble facades, and the clean-up bill runs into hundreds of euros per resident every year. It's taken very seriously.”
Venice has an estimated 40,000+ pigeon population, and feeding them can result in a significant increase in bird droppings.
Fine levied — up to €500 (over $590)
Elsewhere, the popular coastal town of Sorrento enforces a ban on men and women from walking in town centers in bikinis or without a shirt. This is aimed at upholding public decency. Violating the rule can result in fines ranging from €25 ($30) to €500 ($590).
Spain
Shirtless man walking in a crowded square, Barcelona, SpainCredit: Shutterstock
Spain’s traffic authority does not allow anyone to drive wearing flip-flops. They believe it affects ‘a driver's ability to control the vehicle safely.’ According to Jacob, the Guardia Civil officers have on-the-spot discretion to fine drivers.
Fine levied — up to €200 (over $235)
Furthermore, Spain’s tourism hotspot, Barcelona, as well as Majorca and the Balearic Islands, prohibit wearing bikinis or swimsuits and going shirtless in public streets and areas away from the beach. The ban aims to maintain public decorum and decency.
Fine levied in Barcelona — up to €300 ($355)
Fines levied in Majorca and the Balearic Islands — over €500 ($590)
In summary, many American tourists vacationing in Europe are unaware that seemingly normal activities, like rolling suitcases or inappropriate clothing and footwear, can lead to hefty fines under local laws. As European destinations tighten their regulations to manage overtourism and protect heritage sites, American travelers must understand local rules before sightseeing.
