Three popular European cities are bringing in new 'tourist tax' charges as a row rages on over a proposed EU tourist levy which all Britons will have to pay in order to cross the EU border. 

Venice, Valencia and Barcelona will all impose new tourist charges in the course of 2023, a move which some travel bodies have warned will damage the holidaying industry. 

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe already charge their own nightly tourist tax in a bid to limit 'overtourism'. 

In comes as a row over an EU tourist tax continues to grow. Under the EU's plan any non-EU tourists will have to pay €7 for visa-free entry - and this must be renewed every three years.

The rate, called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), will be applied to those visiting the Schengen Area from November.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

The ETIAS charge would be on top of any local tourist tax in the country or region of visit.

It will allow people visa-free entry for up to 90 days, during which visitors are not allowed to work or study, but can 'engage in business and tourism activities,' according to the Schengen visa info website.

The ETIAS will be valid for up to three years - and will count for multiple entries. Those under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from the fee.

The website states visitors 'can enter the Schengen member states as many times as you want, for as long as your ETIAS is valid, and you have not stayed more than 90 days in a 180-day period.'

In addition to the charge, holidaymakers could soon face considerable extra fees per night, most notably in Venice, where a proposed tax would cost day visitors from €3 to €10 to enter the city. 

But this tax has been delayed multiple times, most recently in December 2022, in part due to protests from locals who fear it will drive tourists elsewhere.

The city already charges an overnight tax for visitors of between €1 and €5 per night. 

The new day rate has been pushed back until at least June 2023. 

A growing number of Spanish regions are also charging for each night spent in hotel accommodation. 

Valencia is to implement a brand new tourist tax at the end of the year.

Tourists will have to pay from 50 cents to €2 depending on the type of accommodation they use, from camping to hotels.