The Louvre Museum is making a major change for global tourists — non-EU visitors will soon pay 45% more for entry, starting 14th January 2026. The move is designed to raise about US$23 million in extra revenue to fix long-standing security and maintenance issues at the world’s most-visited art museum.

Under the new structure, travellers from countries like the US, UK and China will pay €32 instead of the current €22. Meanwhile, visitors from the European Union, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein will continue paying the existing rate.

The price hike follows a dramatic jewellery heist last month. During this heist, thieves stole items worth US$102 million — exposing outdated security systems and years of underinvestment in maintenance. Investigators later found that the Louvre had been spending far more on acquiring art than on preserving and protecting its facilities.

The museum welcomed nearly 9 million visitors in 2024, most of them foreign tourists. It has long struggled with overcrowded rooms, long queues and strained infrastructure. Earlier this year, President Emmanuel Macron and Louvre officials announced a broader upgrade plan. They even suggested additional taxes on non-EU visitors and relocating the Mona Lisa to ease congestion.

The museum will now begin renovating several areas. They will also add amenities, such as new restrooms and restaurants. The stolen items in the October heist included historic pieces linked to Napoleon, Empress Eugénie and French royalty. This underscores the need for stronger security measures.

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