Stricter entry and tourist rules: This is what Spain can expect in 2025!

Stricter entry and tourist rules: This is what Spain can expect in 2025!

Spain recorded a new record in the tourism sector in 2024 with 94 million tourists, making the country one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. However, despite the encouraging figures, there are increasing complaints from locals about overcrowding, water consumption and high accommodation prices. These challenges are leading to a rethink in government. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has already presented a comprehensive 12-point plan to regulate the housing market, responding to calls for stricter rules. This plan includes, in particular, measures against the exploitation of housing for short-term tourist rental contracts, which contributes to the increase in rental prices for locals.

While Spain's tourist appeal continues, protests against mass tourism are increasing calls for reviews of tourism practices. To reduce the negative impact of tourism on the local population, cultural heritage and natural resources, the government and regional authorities are taking measures. Tourists from third countries such as the UK, Canada and the USA must meet more extensive requirements to enter Spain, while visitors from the EU only need a passport or ID card. In addition, tourists coming from third countries are required to present travel insurance as well as proof of financial resources, hotel reservations and return tickets. The Portugal News reports that some cities are taking new regulatory measures to restructure tourism.

Regulations in the accommodation market

A central concern of the 12-point plan is the regulation of short-term rental properties, which are often rented to tourists. In Málaga, for example, a new ban has been in effect since January 2024 on rental properties if their number accounts for more than 8% of the housing stock in 43 city districts. The city is already facing protests as Barcelona plans to revoke the licensing of all 10,000 short-term rental apartments to ensure the availability of housing for long-term residents. This means that existing licenses will no longer be renewed after 2028.

Measures are also being taken in the Balearic Islands and other tourist regions. Catalonia has already introduced an eco-tax, while Barcelona has increased the tax rate for luxury hotels to 7 euros per night. The total tax for tourists in luxury accommodation can be up to 15 euros per night. In addition, price increases in the Balearic Islands can be expected from 4 to 6 euros in the high season. Similar regulations are being considered in the Canary Islands.

Rules of conduct for tourists

Outside of the accommodation regulations, there are also new rules of conduct. Pub crawls in Barcelona's Eixample district will be banned from June 2025, while a similar ban will apply in the Old Town until at least 2028. The consumption of alcohol in public spaces in tourist areas in the Balearic Islands is also restricted, with a ban on sales between 9:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. There are fines of up to 3,000 euros for non-compliance with these regulations.

Special features such as the ban on driving in the old town of Sóller on Mallorca or the ban on camping on beaches in Torrox show a clear direction towards more sustainable tourism. More than 100 beaches in Spain, including 28 in the Balearic Islands, have already ordered smoking bans. In Málaga, fines of up to 750 euros can be imposed for urinating in the sea or on the beach.

The increasing regulation of tourism in Spain reflects not only the increased number of visitors, but also the vigilance towards the interests of the local population. It remains to be seen how the new regulations will impact the country's tourism landscape and whether they will lead to long-term harmonization between tourism and the needs of locals.

Citizens are encouraged to check local regulations with their accommodation or travel agents to avoid unexpected problems during their stay. ZDF points out that these measures could be a necessary step to address the challenges of increasing tourism.