Where British Tourists Aren't Welcome: Destinations That Push Back Against Brits Abroad

British tourists love to travel—no secret there. From sun-kissed Spanish beaches to wild nights in Thailand, Brits have a reputation for being everywhere, and sometimes, being a bit too much. The British tourist stereotype isn’t all that flattering: think loud pub crawls, boozy behavior, Union Jack swimsuits, and the “Full English” breakfast obsession. Sometimes, this behavior tips from charmingly cheeky to just plain annoying, pushing some destinations to actually discourage British visitors or make it tricky for them to feel welcome. Whether it’s laws, local attitudes, or just being fed up with the drunken Brit abroad trope, certain places are fighting back. So, where exactly are British tourists not so welcome, and more importantly—why?

Countries and Destinations That Have Drawn the Line

Spain is probably the first place Brits think about when dreaming of sand, sea, and sangria. Yet, certain Spanish holiday hotspots have finally had enough. Magaluf and San Antonio in Ibiza didn’t just make polite signs about “respect local culture”—they rolled out strict rules: you can’t drink alcohol on the street, there’s a limit on the number of drinks at all-inclusive hotels, and bar crawls are heavily fined. Why? Authorities got sick of the “Brits abroad” chaos—public urination, noise complaints, fights—especially in party towns overrun by stag dos. In 2023, Magaluf even considered banning tourist groups from staying in certain zones after news stories hit the headlines again and again.

Amsterdam’s mayor didn’t mince words. Their “Stay Away” campaign, launched in 2023, literally targeted young British men searching online for “Amsterdam stag do” or “cheap drugs Amsterdam.” They’d get ads telling them to stay away if they planned to party hard and disrespect the city. The tolerance for cannabis and red-light nightlife had limits, and British party-goers often brushed up against them. The campaign seems to have worked—a chunk of potential visitors did have second thoughts, according to city data.

Over in Portugal’s Algarve, it’s common to see bars and restaurants with “No Stag Parties” signs, and some even specify “No British Stags.” Residents have complained about loud, unruly groups causing sleepless nights and trashing beautiful towns. While no one’s stamping a ban in your passport, you might find yourself cold-shouldered or flat-out refused entry in certain spots.

It’s not just Europe. In Thailand, the image of loud, barely clothed British tourists getting rowdy on islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phangan is famous for all the wrong reasons. Enough incidents—like graffiti on sacred temples, drunken fights with locals, and damage to property—have left some resorts and hostels quietly refusing British guests or posting warning signs specifically for Brits. While not an official government ban, the message is pretty clear if you read between the lines.

You might not realize places like Venice and Florence are keen to crack down too. While Italians aim their restrictions mostly at tour groups in general, British tourists often top the lists of “problem guests” by local standards. New rules charge visitors to enter Venice on busy days, mostly to slow down the swarm of tourists—not just the Brits, but they’re not exactly praised for subtlety or good manners.

It’s not always about rowdiness. Since Brexit, British travelers also face stricter scrutiny at borders. EU countries now treat Brits as non-EU visitors, so you can’t just stroll through fast lanes at airports. Longer queues and more questions mean the days of arriving carefree are over in many sun-and-sea destinations. Plus, some Brits have run into trouble with paperwork: overstaying visas or failing to show enough funds can get you denied entry, especially now border agents are sticklers for the rules.

And then there’s the rare but real outright bans. Bali in Indonesia has openly discussed blacklisting certain nationalities after viral stories of tourists (including Brits) disrespecting local traditions. In summer 2023, local officials started publishing lists of “badly behaved foreigners” and threatened deportation for repeat offenders. A handful of British nationals have made those lists—particularly influencers chasing viral TikTok moments—but the reputation sticks, and some hostels won’t take the risk anymore.

The chillier the attitudes—or the harsher the rules—the easier it is to wonder if the glory days of the British holidaymaker are coming to an end in some places. Here’s the thing: tourism boards want your pounds, but not if it comes with the “lout factor.”

Why the Pushback: Stats and Stories Behind the Reputation

There isn’t a country on earth that doesn’t like tourists—at least, when they’re respectful, curious, and spend money. So why are British tourists singled out often? It comes down to a handful of issues mirrored in both tabloid headlines and official surveys.

A 2022 YouGov poll found that 46% of Spanish respondents thought British tourists had a negative impact on their area, mostly in party hotspots like Benidorm and Magaluf. That’s nearly half! Spaniards complained most about drunkenness, litter, and general disrespect for cultural norms. Meanwhile, another survey by Post Office Travel Money flagged that 38% of British travelers admitted to drinking too much on holiday and 14% openly confessed to causing trouble or being thrown out of venues abroad.

Stories crop up every summer. Think the British tourist who climbed Rome’s Trevi Fountain for a selfie, the group that trashed a Greek village tavern after a night of drinking, or the football supporters whose “banter” damaged fragile public spaces before or after European matches. These aren’t isolated incidents—they show up in social media feeds, spark angry Op-Eds in local papers, and leave scars on small places where everyone knows everyone.

It’s not just wild party scenes. Brits sometimes get into trouble over simple cultural misunderstandings. For example, ordering tea with milk in Italy can draw a long glare from a Sicilian nonna, and sunbathing topless in conservative parts of Croatia leads to angry shouts. Brits with loud voices or a lack of local language skills often stand out, sometimes in ways that make locals cringe. There’s even a guidebook called “How Not to be a Tourist”—and it’s popular with Brits for a reason.

Throw in Brexit, and things get trickier—not because of bad behavior, but paperwork snafus. British travelers have been denied boarding or fined for not bringing proof of return flights or travel insurance in popular EU spots like Spain and France. That feels like a cold shoulder, even if it’s really bureaucracy.

It’s not only the older crowd raising eyebrows. Gen Z is under the spotlight for “influencer tourism”—that endless hunger for the best Instagram shot sometimes leads to climbing monuments, trespassing, or blocking streets for hours. In 2024, news broke about British TikTokers being fined in Budapest for staging dance videos on metro tracks, prompting debates over travel etiquette among younger Brits.

The reputation matters, but it’s not all doom and gloom. Plenty of Brits travel quietly and respectfully. But, as the saying goes, it only takes a few to spoil it for everyone else—and with over 72 million outbound trips by UK residents in 2023 alone (according to the Office for National Statistics), it’s no wonder a few antics can spark big headlines.

What Makes British Tourists Unwelcome: Culture Clashes and Local Frustration

So what exactly gets British travelers the side-eye—or outright bans? It’s not just wild stag parties. Culture clashes and sheer numbers play a big part. When locals suddenly find their sleepy fishing village crowded with boisterous groups demanding bacon sandwiches and unfazed by noise after 11pm, frustration boils over.

Let’s talk about alcohol. In Spain’s Balearics, the government passed “Decree Law 1/2020” which specifically targets tourist binge drinking. Hotels and clubs are forced to limit the number of drinks served with meals. Violations mean fines up to €600,000 for businesses—and that’s because British tourists, above all others, drove up alcohol-related hospitalizations during the summer. When local hospitals and police are overwhelmed, something’s got to give.

Dress codes matter, too. In Venice, it’s illegal to walk around bare-chested or in swimwear away from the beach (yes, this is aimed at the tan-line-resistant Brits). Ignore the rules, and you’ll be fined on the spot. On Thailand’s islands, failing to cover up at temples or public spaces can get you thrown out. For many locals, this disrespect feels personal—it’s their home, after all—not just another Instagram backdrop.

Language is another sticking point. Many Brits expect English to be spoken everywhere, which rubs some locals the wrong way. A 2023 poll in Lisbon showed that “not making an effort with basic Portuguese” ranked in the top three gripes about British tourists. The “talk louder if they don’t understand” method hasn’t done the UK any favors.

Holiday rentals have driven up rents for locals in places like Barcelona and Dubrovnik, and British property buyers are widely linked with rising costs. Anti-tourist graffiti has even appeared in Barcelona’s old town, warning British travelers to “go home.” Whether fair or not, it’s hard for locals to ignore these changes in their daily lives.

Oftentimes, it’s a numbers game. When five Brits visit a small rural French village in a week, no problem. When 55 British tourists descend on a bar in Prague, leave beer bottles in the river, and shout until 5am, resentment grows. Local councils in hotspots now cap the number of short-term rentals—and often admit it’s the large groups of British revellers who caused the tipping point.

Some places have tried to find a middle ground. For instance, Amsterdam isn’t banning all Brits—just warning party-minded ones to think twice. Greek islands now have fines for “public drunkenness” and bar owners in Mykonos can refuse service. Yet the people running guesthouses quietly admit that when they see large groups from the UK, they worry: will this be a peaceful stay, or another nightmare for the neighbors?

Even the type of British tourist matters. Retirees on a history tour are rarely a problem. Loud stag groups in matching T-shirts—well, you get the idea. The more tourists act like guests and fit in, the more welcome they’ll be.

Tips for British Travellers: How to Avoid the Cold Shoulder and Travel Better

If you’re reading this and planning your next getaway, don’t panic. Most places still love having British visitors—especially if you ditch the stereotypes. But if you want to avoid those frosty looks or the dreaded “No British Groups” sign at the bar, keep these tips in mind:

• Be mindful of local laws—especially around alcohol, dress, and public behavior. Google “local etiquette” before you go.
• Don’t treat everywhere like the Costa del Sol. If you’re in a small Italian town, you’ll get more smiles with a respectful hello and an attempt at a few words in the local language.
• Remember, not every place welcomes big groups, especially stag or hen parties. Split up, behave well, or choose a destination famous for its party scene—where you’re actually welcomed!
• Watch your noise levels, particularly at night. Thin hotel walls are an international problem, but local patience isn’t always endless.
• Check new travel rules, especially post-Brexit. Double-check visa requirements, insurance, and proof-of-funds if you’re headed to the EU.
• Share the culture. Order local food, listen to local music, try things outside the typical “British abroad” bubble. This isn’t just polite, it actually makes your holiday better.
• If you see anti-tourist signs or get a cold reception, don’t be offended—take it as an opportunity to show you can break the stereotype in the best way.

Pro-tip: In party destinations with strict drinking rules (like Magaluf or Sant Antoni), don’t risk the fines—one too many and you could be sent home, or at the very least, out of pocket. The fine for drinking alcohol on the street in Magaluf is often €600 or more per person, and police do enforce it.

If you’re travelling solo or as a couple, you’re unlikely to ever face outright discrimination. The real friction typically pops up with big groups—so if you’re the one planning that infamous “lads trip,” be the responsible organizer, not the chaos-bringer.

It’s not about shaming British travelers—it’s about recognizing that, like it or not, the actions of a few have painted a big, loud picture on the global stage. But with a bit of thought and respect, British tourists can flip the script and find a warmer welcome, even in places once fed up with the usual antics. Travel is changing, and everyone wants a piece—let’s just try not to leave too much of a mark, at least not the kind that gets you a place on the next “stay away” campaign.