New rules for entering Spain were rolled out in October (Image: Getty)
Spain is a popular destination which is set to become the most visited country in the world by 2040. However, overtourism has long angered locals who are increasingly aiming to curb the influx of visitors. Some of them relate to the new entry and exit system (EES) that the EU began implementing on October 12 at airports, ferry ports, and other border crossings. The stricter system will require fingerprints and photos taken on arrival and departure for shorter stays. Plus, Schengen Border Code questions such as your reason for travelling, whether you have enough money for your stay, as well as where you are staying, will be asked.
The EES rules are being introduced throughout the continent, coming in phases rather than all at once, initially with the 29 countries in the Schengen area. But following massive anti-tourism protests from Spanish locals, the new EES rules are by far not the only ones Brits will need to face upon arrival. Below is the comprehensive list of rules, as reported by Metro.co.uk.
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Full list of Spanish tourist rules travellers should know about
Changes to currency
Since July, retailers in Spain have been less likely to accept crumpled or worn €50 notes. The central bank is withdrawing damaged €50s from circulation as part of efforts to reduce fraud and combat counterfeiting.
Smaller denominations, such as €5, €10 and €20 notes, are generally still accepted without issue. The €50 note is specifically targeted because it is more prone to damage from anti-theft systems at cash points and is a frequent target for counterfeiters, making banks more cautious about its circulation.
Tourist taxes
Holidaymakers heading to Spain will soon face higher tourist taxes in the Balearic Islands and Barcelona. In the Balearics – including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera – overnight charges are expected to rise from £3.36 to £5.04 per person per night, depending on the standard of accommodation. Guests in four and five-star hotels during the peak summer months could pay up to £35.31 per person per week, an increase of nearly £12. Cruise passengers will also see a sharp rise, with fees increasing by 200% to as much as £5.04 per night. However, visitors in January and February, as well as children under 16, will be exempt.
In Barcelona, the city’s tourist tax is due to double by the end of 2025, reaching as much as £12.40 per person per night for those staying in top-tier hotels.
Barcelona residents have marked history by spraying tourists with water pistols (Image: Getty)
Mallorca walking tour caps
In Mallorca’s capital, Palma, new rules are being introduced to limit the size of walking tours to a maximum of 20 people per group. The move is part of efforts to manage overtourism in the city’s busiest areas and reduce disruption to residents. However, with smaller group sizes, it’s expected that the cost of tours may rise.
Palma tourist rental ban
Palma has also announced a crackdown on certain types of tourist accommodation and activities. Party boats, new tourist rentals and youth hostels are all being banned to reduce disruption to local life.
Mayor Jaime Martínez confirmed that the restrictions on tourist rentals take effect immediately from October and will be applied retrospectively over the past three months, meaning no new licences will be approved. The city has also prohibited the opening of new youth hostels, while existing ones will be encouraged to convert into hotels or residential housing.
Sóller ‘residents-only’ zone
In Majorca, the town of Sóller has introduced a ‘residents-only’ zone in response to concerns about overcrowding from tourist traffic. The new policy bans hire cars and any vehicles not registered locally from driving in the town centre.
Covering 70 hectares across 12 streets, only residents with registered cars are permitted to drive within the zone. Visitors arriving by car are expected to leave their vehicles in designated car parks near the Desvío road, ensuring the town centre remains quieter and more pedestrian-friendly
Alcohol ban
In parts of Majorca and Ibiza, including Llucmajor, Palma, Calvià (Magaluf) and Sant Antoni, a late-night alcohol ban was introduced in 2024. The measure prohibits the sale of alcoholic drinks between 9.30pm and 8am, and drinking on public roads during these hours is also not allowed.
The rules prevent people from stockpiling alcohol before the curfew and continuing to drink outdoors. Even party boats are affected: under a 2020 law, they cannot operate within one nautical mile of the restricted areas.
The six-drink cap
In response to rising levels of rowdy behaviour among holidaymakers, the Balearic government has imposed a six-drink limit at certain all-inclusive resorts in Mallorca and Ibiza. The rule applies specifically to Playa de Palma, S’Arenal and Magaluf in Mallorca, as well as the West End of San Antonio in Ibiza. Guests in these areas are now restricted to three alcoholic drinks at lunch and three at dinner as part of their package.
‘Three-year’ tourist ban
From January 14, 2025, a new three-year law comes into effect in Málaga that has been called a ‘tourist ban’ by some, though this is misleading. The law does not stop tourists from visiting the area; rather, it prohibits the registration of any new holiday rentals across 43 districts.
The measure aims to control the growth of short-term rental properties, which local authorities say can drive up housing costs and disrupt communities. Existing rentals are not affected, but no new licences will be granted while the law is in force.
Holidaymakers at the overcrowded Puerto Rico beach Gran Canaria (Image: Getty)
Banned beach items and behaviour
In Gran Canaria, authorities released a new list of banned items on the beaches in March. Using any on Spanish sand could hit you with hefty fines. Breaking these rules means you’ll have to pay authorities £25 to £629 for a minor infraction, £630 to £1,258 for a serious infraction, and fines of up to £2,517 for a very serious violation, Metro has reported.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed, and playing music in sunbathing areas, including beaches, promenades, and coastal zones, is prohibited. Cooking on the beach, using umbrellas for shade, or setting up tents and shelters is also forbidden, as is reserving spaces on sun decks or bathing platforms.
The long list continues with the prohibition of collecting shells or rocks, moving stones without returning them to their original place, and fishing with a rod within 150 metres of bathing areas or near divers. Unsurprisingly, public sexual activity is strictly prohibited, and access routes and walkways must remain clear at all times.
Finally, visitors must use public showers and foot-washing stations responsibly. They are also not allowed to waste water, fill containers, or wash with soap in these facilities.
It’s not clear what is considered a minor, serious or very serious offence.
