Anyone from countries outside the European Union (EU), including the UK, could soon face additional fees to enter some of Paris’s most iconic attractions, under a new proposal announced by French culture minister Rachida Dati. The plan would require non-EU visitors to pay extra fees at popular sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum, a policy intended to support the preservation and renovation of France’s historic landmarks.

Dati, who revealed the proposal, explained her intentions to charge entry fees for Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been closed since a 2019 fire caused extensive damage and forced its ongoing restoration. Before the fire, entry to the famous cathedral had been free. Dati has also proposed implementing a "non-EU surcharge" at the Louvre, which is currently set to begin in 2026.

While admission to the Louvre currently costs €22, the surcharge for non-EU visitors is anticipated to range between €25 and €30, though the final amount has yet to be confirmed. Culture ministry sources told The Times that the policy is still in development.

The charges, according to Dati, are intended to finance "the renovation of the national heritage." In an interview with Le Figaro, she stated, "My position is very clear – I want visitors from outside the EU to pay more for their entrance ticket, and for this supplement to finance the renovation of the national heritage."

Sky News reports that Dati is also advocating for additional fees at other historic locations in Paris, including the Louvre, to ensure these sites are preserved for future generations.