Published on
September 12, 2025
Travelers planning to visit Spain in the near future should prepare for significant changes in the country’s tobacco laws. The Spanish government is on the verge of enforcing new smoking and vaping regulations in popular tourist destinations, including beaches, restaurant terraces, and other public outdoor spaces. These restrictions will affect both locals and tourists, so it’s essential to stay informed and avoid any penalties during your visit.
What’s Changing in Spain’s Tobacco Laws?
Spain’s government recently approved a draft tobacco law which will impose smoking and vaping restrictions across various public spaces. The bill still needs approval from Parliament, but it is expected to pass with minimal amendments. Under the new legislation, the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and similar products will be banned in many popular tourist spots, including outdoor terraces, beaches, and sports venues.
As Spain’s Minister of Health Mónica García Gomez put it in her address, the law is of great importance, in that it helps Spain continue leading the battle on tobacco use on the world stage. She also mentioned that new devices such as vapes and other products aimed at warming tobacco would be as tightly controlled as ordinary cigarettes. The aim of the law is to alleviate the very serious impact of tobacco and cigarette smoking, which continues to kill quite a number of people yearly.
Why Are These Changes Being Made?
The government is introducing these changes in response to growing concerns about public health. According to the Health Ministry, tobacco-related products continue to cause thousands of preventable deaths every year in Spain. While smoking indoors in bars and restaurants has been prohibited since 2010, the government is now targeting outdoor spaces where smoking is still prevalent. The introduction of new devices, like vapes and nicotine pouches, prompted the need for updated regulations to protect public health.
Spain’s actions are motivated by the intention and dedication to alleviate the adverse smoking-associated health issues. Laws aims to position Spain as the forefront leader of the fight against smoking and its use by the youth and foreigners. The data, as always, illustrates the country’s fight against tobacco. It continues the daunting feat with nearly a quarter of its folks as tobacco, e-smokers and smokeless users.
How Will This Affect Travelers?
For travelers visiting Spain, these new regulations will bring several important changes. Smoking and vaping will be banned in most outdoor public areas, including bar terraces, beaches, children’s playgrounds, bus stops, and educational facilities. This means tourists who are accustomed to enjoying a smoke or vape on Spain’s beautiful beaches or outdoor terraces may face fines if they ignore the law.
Alongside the ongoing regulation of smoking and vaping on public premises, the cost of tobacco products in Spain remains unchanged. A pack of cigarettes still costs less than €6 (£5.20) and unlike the 25 countries in the world that have adopted plain packaging for tobacco products, Spain has no plans for such measures.
Key Locations Affected by the New Law
- Beaches and Coastal Areas – Spain’s iconic beaches, which draw millions of tourists annually, will soon have a smoking ban in place. This includes the beaches in popular tourist cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga.
- Outdoor Terraces – Many of Spain’s charming bars and restaurants with outdoor seating will enforce no-smoking policies. This includes popular destinations like Madrid, Seville, and the Costa Brava region.
- Public Parks and Sports Venues – Parks, children’s play areas, and even stadiums will become non-smoking zones. Tourists visiting attractions like the Retiro Park in Madrid or attending a football match in Barcelona will need to be aware of these changes.
- Bus Stops and Educational Facilities – Smoking and vaping will also be banned at bus stops and near schools, making it important for tourists to be mindful of their surroundings.
Impact on Spain’s Tourism Industry
While the new restrictions may initially be seen as an inconvenience by some, the broader impact could be positive for Spain’s tourism industry. The country is already known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor culture, and the new tobacco laws may enhance these areas by making them more enjoyable for non-smokers and families.
Additionally, the move to limit smoking in public spaces aligns with Spain’s broader efforts to boost health and wellness tourism. With growing concerns over tobacco-related diseases and environmental pollution from cigarette butts, the new measures could make Spain an even more attractive destination for health-conscious travelers.
How Can Travelers Avoid Trouble?
To stay on the right side of the law, travelers should follow these simple guidelines when visiting Spain:
- Avoid Smoking and Vaping in Public Spaces: This includes beaches, outdoor terraces, parks, and bus stops.
- Look for Designated Smoking Areas: Many areas will provide designated smoking zones. Always check local signage to find the appropriate place to smoke.
- Stay Informed About Local Regulations: Laws may vary slightly by region, so it’s important to be aware of specific rules in the city or area you’re visiting.
- Respect Local Customs and Laws: Spain is known for its relaxed atmosphere, but respecting these new laws will ensure a pleasant and trouble-free holiday.
Conclusion: What You Need to Know
With the continuing development of the draft tobacco law, the Spanish government will have to rethink the implications of the law as there are several people who participate in the act of smoking or vaping in public spaces while at the same time trying to ease the social harms of tobacco usage. The law is likely aimed at controlling the practice of vaping and smoking in public spaces which is in line with the growing trend of regulating usage of tobacco products globally. Travelers will have to track changes in the regulations to make sure there are no issues while they make their visit.
Whether you’re relaxing on a beach in Barcelona or dining at an outdoor café in Madrid, it’s essential to respect the new laws. This will ensure you can continue to enjoy Spain’s beauty and culture without worry.
