Hola Amigos! Longing for balmy coastlines, colorful cities, and internationally famous cuisine? Spain is one of the world's most popular holiday spots with millions of tourists every year. But before you reserve your holiday and take flight, it is important to learn about Spain's new policies and regulations in 2025.
As tourism fills the country's infrastructure, various new policies have been implemented to maintain tourism balance along with the welfare of the natives. From stricter entry conditions to increased Spain tourist tax and behaviour bans, here's all you need to know about current news in Spain to remain on the right side of the law when you travel to Spain on a holiday.
2025 New Spain Entry Requirements
The Spain travel rules regarding entry conditions now differ based on your country of origin and reason for visit.
For EU, EEA, and Schengen Area Visitors:
- A valid passport or national ID card is acceptable.
- No limit on length of stay, but compulsory registration for over 90 days.
For Non-EU Travellers (UK, USA, Canada, Australia):
Border controls have been tightened in Spain:
Passport Validity - Your passport should be valid for a minimum of three months after your intended departure date.
Travel Insurance - Documentation of valid travel insurance is now mandatory at the border.
Return/Onward Ticket - You can be asked to produce evidence of a return or onward ticket.
Financial Proof - Non-EU travelers will be required to demonstrate that they have at least €118 per person per day. In cases of stays lasting more than nine days, you will need to provide at least €1,065.
Accommodation Details
According to new Spain travel rules, have hotel reservations, documentation of ownership of property, or a signed 'carta de invitación' by welcoming hosts or family members receiving you.
Upcoming Changes
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) - Scheduled to be introduced in the fourth quarter of 2025, ETIAS will require non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries to submit an online application and be authorized prior to arrival. It will cost €7 and will last for three years.
EES (Entry/Exit System) - To take effect in October 2025, EES will eliminate stamping passports with electronic surveillance, replacing it with collecting biometric information on arrival and departure.
Rules on Accommodation – More Restrictions on Rentals
If Spanish news is to be believed then since January 2025, Spain has enacted new restrictions on short-term rentals to offset shortages of housing and overtourism. Under these laws you could be facing Spain tourist ban if any of them are breached;
All short-term rentals must be entered into a national registry and possess a valid license prior to promotion on sites such as Airbnb.
Hosts have to obtain sensitive guest data, such as ID and bank accounts.
Some places are going one step further:
Barcelona - Phasing out all 10,000 short-term rental permits by 2028.
Malaga - 43 neighborhoods in the city are now off-limits to new rental homes in which rentals comprise more than 8% of the housing inventory.
Hotels, guesthouses, and pre-booked Airbnb are all still options, but anticipate rental costs to increase in the next few years because of low supply.
Tourist Tax Spain – Pay More to Go to Popular Places
If you are wondering what all the talk about tourist tax news is then the new Spain news is that tourist taxes are getting more significant and expensive throughout Spain in 2025, particularly where overtourism is occurring.
Barcelona - Tourist taxes have been doubled.
- Luxury hotels - €7 per night (+€4 municipal supplement, €11 or higher total).
- Four-star hotels - €3.40 per night.
- Cruise tourists - €6 per visit.
- Doubling the municipal tax would result in taxes of up to €15 per night for luxury stays.
Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca):
Tourist tax was raised from €4 to €6 per person per night in the high season (June-August).
Canary Islands - Some local councils, such as Mogan, have already introduced tiny per-day charges.
Other Cities
Santiago de Compostela and Toledo have levied tourist taxes of €1 to €2.50 per night. These are usually collected on arrival from accommodation providers.
Behavioural Bans – Don't Get Clobbered by Excessive Fines
Spain has imposed draconian behavioural regulations to limit drunk tourist conduct. These can be broken with fines of up to €3,000:
Spain travel rules for Alcohol -
Barcelona
- Pub crawls prohibited in Eixample and Ciutat Vella areas.
Balearics
- Street drinking is prohibited in large resorts.
- Alcohol on sale between 9:30 pm and 8 am.
Driving Laws
Mallorca
- Tourists hiring cars are asked to deposit their personal information.
Soller
- Tourists cannot drive within the old town centre, but parking spaces exist outside.
Beach & Smoking Laws
Torrox (Costa del Sol)
- Tents, gazebos, and large tents prohibited for safety reasons.
Smoking Prohibitions
Implemented on more than 100 beaches along Spain, such as Barcelona, Balearics, Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Canary Islands.
Vaping is also prohibited at some beaches.
Special Fines
Urination Underwater Ban:
Malaga and Vigo penalize offenders with up to €750.
Pet & Ball Game Bans:
Ball games, sea dogs, and taking up beach space are prohibited at some beaches.
Travel Smart
While most of Spain travel rules aim to protect local communities and the environment, prevention of unnecessary fines is best achieved by being properly informed.
- Have required documents and proof of funds ready.
- Be mindful of local customs and restrictions on alcohol, driving, smoking, and beach behaviour.
All the information provided about is the latest Spain travel restrictions update today but for more current tourism in Spain news make sure to ask travel agents or contact the Spanish Embassy in your country before you book your holiday.
Stay informed, travel responsibly, and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable Spanish holiday in 2025!
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