Spain is introducing a wave of new travel regulations in 2025 in response to record-breaking visitor numbers. In 2024, the country welcomed 94 million tourists – 10% more than the previous year – leading to increased pressure on local communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
To better manage mass tourism, national and regional authorities have implemented a slew of rules covering entry requirements, tourist taxes, and public behaviour. Here’s what Spain has implemented in 2025.
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Mandatory travel Insurance for Non-EU Visitors: All non-EU travellers must now provide proof of travel insurance covering medical expenses when entering Spain. This requirement aims to prevent unpaid healthcare costs incurred by tourists.
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Increased tourist taxes: Many popular destinations, including Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and the Canary Islands, are raising their tourist tax rates on hotel stays, cruise passengers, and short-term rentals. The extra revenue will be used to support local services and sustainability efforts.
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Stricter short-term rental regulations: Several cities, including Madrid, Seville, and Valencia, are imposing tighter rules on short-term holiday rentals. New permit systems will limit the number of properties available on platforms like Airbnb, with stricter penalties for illegal rentals.
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Tougher public drinking laws: In a bid to curb rowdy behaviour in nightlife hotspots like Ibiza, Magaluf, and parts of Barcelona, Spain has expanded its restrictions on alcohol consumption in public spaces. Drinking on the streets, in parks, and on beaches is now strictly prohibited, with fines reaching up to €3,000. Some areas have also introduced limits on alcohol sales in shops after a certain hour.
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New limits on tourist access to beaches and natural areas: To combat overcrowding and environmental degradation, Spain is introducing daily visitor caps at certain beaches, particularly in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Some nature reserves and marine parks will also implement new entry fees and stricter conservation rules.
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Tighter restrictions on tourist transport: Barcelona, Valencia, and other high-traffic destinations are rolling out new measures to limit congestion, including restrictions on tourist coaches in city centres and new pedestrian-only zones. Some areas are also considering quotas on rental cars to reduce overcrowding on roads.
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Fines for disrespectful tourist behaviour: Travellers behaving inappropriately – such as climbing monuments, engaging in excessive public nudity, or causing disturbances in historic areas – face higher fines. In Seville and Málaga, local authorities are cracking down on disruptive stag and hen parties, with new regulations targeting large groups wearing costumes in public spaces.
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Ban on new hotels in overcrowded areas: Some cities, including Barcelona, have previously halted new hotel developments to control tourism density. More regions may follow suit to ease pressure on housing and infrastructure.
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Limits on cruise ship arrivals: Ports like Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona have considered restricting the number of cruise ships docking per day to prevent overcrowding in city centres.
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Tourist entry fees for historic sites: Some cities may introduce new entrance fees for historic districts or landmarks, similar to Venice’s tourist charge, to fund maintenance and crowd control measures.