Spain Enforces New Tourist Regulations Across Popular Destinations

Tourists planning autumn and winter holidays in Spain should prepare for new regulations and stricter enforcement of existing rules across popular regions such as Tenerife, Lanzarote, Majorca, and Benidorm. Local authorities have announced measures aimed at tackling overcrowding, increasing rents, and disruptive behaviour associated with tourism. These changes include limits on all-inclusive drinks, dress codes, and the introduction of tourist taxes.

In recent years, Spain has progressively tightened its regulations on tourist behaviour. Many of these measures are not new, but enforcement is now more stringent, with local police conducting inspections to ensure compliance. Tourists caught violating the rules may face hefty fines ranging from €1,000 to €6,000, depending on the severity of the offence.

Key Regulations Affecting Tourists

One of the notable regulations originated in 2019, when the government of the Balearic Islands implemented legislation to reduce excessive drinking in resorts like Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and Ibiza. All-inclusive holidaymakers are limited to six alcoholic drinks per day, divided between lunch and dinner. Additional drinks cannot be ordered outside these designated times, and promotions such as “two-for-one” drinks are prohibited.

Furthermore, activities that encourage irresponsible drinking, including pub crawls and party boats in designated “special zones,” are also banned. The regulations include penalties for dangerous activities like balcony jumping. Tour operators are mandated to inform customers of these restrictions before their trip.

Alongside these drinking regulations, many Spanish regions have implemented a tourist tax that varies depending on the type of accommodation and the time of year. For instance, guests staying in four-star hotels in Majorca currently pay around €3.30 per night. The Valencia region is expected to introduce a similar “Valencian Tourist Tax” in the coming years, with rates projected between €0.50 and €2 per person per night.

Tourists should be aware that this tax is typically collected at the time of check-in and is separate from the holiday package price. Additionally, Spain mandates that tourists must stay only in registered accommodations. Enforcement against illegal holiday rentals has intensified, especially in cities like Barcelona, leading to risks of eviction for guests in unregistered properties.

Dress Codes and Compliance Measures

In response to rising concerns about inappropriate behaviour, several regions now enforce dress codes in public areas and dining establishments near beaches. In Barcelona and Majorca, individuals may face fines of up to €300 for walking shirtless or wearing swimwear outside designated areas. Some restaurants are also disallowing football shirts and swimwear, particularly in tourist-heavy locales.

Local police have ramped up on-the-spot fines as part of a broader initiative to promote respectful tourism and foster positive relationships between visitors and residents. The crackdown extends to unauthorized parties, particularly in Ibiza, where organisers and attendees of illegal events can incur significant fines. Organisers may face penalties as high as €300,000, while attendees risk fines of up to €30,000.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises travellers to check local regulations prior to their journey in order to avoid unexpected fines or disruptions. Their Spain travel advice page is regularly updated with critical information regarding alcohol restrictions, taxes, safety guidelines, and entry requirements.

Independent travellers are encouraged to review regional government websites for clarity on regulations concerning accommodation, behaviour, and potential charges. By being informed, tourists can ensure a more enjoyable and compliant experience during their visit to Spain.