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Louvre Raises Entrance Fees for Non-EU Visitors by EUR1 Starting July 2024

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -non-eu-visitors-by-eur1-starting-july-2024.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 3:42 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locale: Île-de-France, FRANCE

Louvre Entry Fees Get a Price‑Tag Lift for Non‑EU Tourists – What It Means for Your Paris Itinerary

The Louvre, a name that has become synonymous with French culture and the grandeur of the past, is known worldwide for its iconic glass pyramid, its collection that spans millennia, and its almost impossible task of keeping up with millions of visitors every year. In a recent development covered by Travel + Leisure, the museum has announced a modest but noteworthy price increase for non‑European Union (non‑EU) tourists. This shift—effective in the summer of 2024—comes amid rising operational costs and a global trend of museums revisiting admission fees. Below is a comprehensive look at the changes, why they were made, and how they affect travelers from outside the EU.

The Core Change: A €1 Increase for Non‑EU Visitors

According to the official announcement released on the Louvre’s website and reiterated by the Travel + Leisure article, the entry fee for non‑EU tourists will rise from €17 to €18 on July 1, 2024. EU citizens, EU residents, and visitors holding a valid EU passport enjoy free admission, a policy that has been in place for several years. The price increase is modest in percentage terms (about 5.9 %) but is significant because the Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world, and a single ticket is often the gateway to a day (or more) of cultural immersion.

The price hike will apply to the standard adult ticket, which grants access to the permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions. Visitors who wish to view a special exhibition or attend a workshop may need to pay an additional fee; however, those fees remain unchanged.

Why the Hike? A Cost‑of‑Living Reality Check

The Louvre’s own press release cites several reasons for the adjustment:

1. Rising Operational Costs – From staffing to conservation work, the costs associated with preserving and presenting millions of priceless works have climbed.
2. Inflation – General inflation in Paris has nudged the cost of utilities, maintenance, and security higher.
3. Sustainability Initiatives – The museum is investing in eco‑friendly technologies and exhibits, such as energy‑efficient lighting for the glass pyramid and new climate‑control systems for vulnerable works.

The article points out that the Louvre has not changed its pricing for EU visitors in the same period, a decision that reflects France’s commitment to cultural accessibility for its neighbors. The price increase for non‑EU tourists is therefore more a matter of balancing budgets than of discriminating against visitors.

What Remains the Same: Free Admission for Certain Groups

While the new fee affects non‑EU tourists, several key exemptions remain unchanged:

• EU and EU Resident Visitors – Free entry, subject to a national ID or passport.
• Children under 18 – Free, regardless of nationality.
• People over 65 – Free, as part of France’s “Culture for All” policy.
• Students with a valid EU student card – Free, on presentation.
• Disabled visitors – Free admission and special assistance available.
• Members of the “Pass Culture” – Free entry for all holders of France’s national cultural pass.

These exemptions are highlighted in the Travel + Leisure article as a reminder that the Louvre remains committed to cultural democratization, even as it grapples with practical constraints.

How to Get a Ticket: A Few Tips for the Budget‑Conscious

The Louvre’s website and the article explain the ticketing options in detail:

1. Online Purchase – The most convenient way to avoid long queues. Tickets are sold in 30‑minute time slots and can be printed or shown on a mobile device.
2. At the Museum – A limited number of tickets are available on the day of visit, but lines can run long—especially during peak tourist season.
3. Paris Museum Pass – For travelers who plan to visit several museums, the pass offers unlimited access for 2, 4, or 6 days. The pass includes the Louvre and other major museums like Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou.
4. Family Passes – Families with children under 18 can purchase a single ticket that covers the entire family, provided the children are under the age limit.

The Travel + Leisure piece emphasizes that buying tickets in advance online is a must, especially during the summer months and around major holidays. It also notes that the Louvre’s official site offers an English‑language ticketing portal, making it user‑friendly for international visitors.

The Broader Context: Museums Re‑thinking Admission Fees

The Louvre’s modest hike is part of a broader trend across Europe. Several high‑profile institutions, including the British Museum and the Vatican Museums, have also adjusted their pricing structures. According to a France Culture article linked in Travel + Leisure, these changes are often justified by the need to maintain and modernize priceless collections, to support staff, and to keep museums financially viable in a post‑pandemic era.

The article notes that many travelers, however, are not deterred by a €1 increase. In fact, it argues that the Louvre’s price is still highly competitive when compared with other major museums worldwide. For instance, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York charges about $25 for non‑resident visitors, while the Vatican Museums charge €17 for non‑EU tourists.

What to Expect on Your Visit

• Extended Hours – The Louvre is open until 9:45 pm on Fridays, a benefit that allows for a relaxed evening stroll through the Louvre’s galleries.
• Special Exhibitions – The museum’s calendar for 2024 includes exhibitions such as “Louvre & Modernity” and “Sculptures of the Classical Era.” Some of these require an additional fee.
• Educational Programs – Guided tours, workshops, and family programs are offered. These usually have separate fees but are a worthwhile investment for deeper understanding.

Travelers are encouraged to check the Louvre’s official site for the most up‑to‑date information on opening hours, special events, and any unforeseen closures (the article references a link to the museum’s COVID‑19 protocols).

Bottom Line

The Louvre’s €1 increase for non‑EU tourists is a pragmatic adjustment in a changing economic landscape. For visitors from outside Europe, it means a slightly higher upfront cost, but the museum’s continued commitment to free access for children, seniors, and EU residents ensures that culture remains broadly accessible. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, consider buying your tickets in advance, exploring the Paris Museum Pass if you have multiple cultural stops, and staying aware of any special exhibitions that might enrich your experience.

As the Travel + Leisure article reminds, the Louvre remains a must‑visit destination: an institution that balances historical reverence with modern operational realities, and a place where every step inside feels like a step back in time—and forward into the future.