Visiting Spain in 2025? Here’s What You Need To Know

Spain is among the most popular vacation destinations in the world and attracted 94 million visitors in 2024 alone. However, the European nation has introduced new rules for tourists, relating to everything from beach behavior to holiday rentals. Read on to find out what you need to know for your next trip to sunny Spain.

Spain Introduces New Tourist Rules for 2025

Spring isn’t too far away, followed swiftly by the summer months when vacationers head to Spain to enjoy the beaches, history, food, and more. Last year alone saw 94 million travelers heading to the EU nation and the country expects a similar number in 2025.

While it’s good that Spain attracts so many tourists, it can also be a problem and the country has introduced new laws and tighter regulations this year, to curb disruptive tourist behavior and control the crowds. Anyone planning a Spanish vacation should note the new rules and how they can affect their trip.

Passport checks, travel insurance and ETIAS

Spanish authorities have introduced new border controls for anyone traveling from outside the EU or Schengen area. This year, travelers may need to show a return or onward ticket, proof of travel insurance and sufficient funds before crossing the border.

Meanwhile, ETIAS, the new European travel authorization system, could be launched by the summer of 2025, costing travelers €7 ($7.65) and lasting three years. As this will be an extra step for many non-EU visitors, including UK and US travelers, it’s best to check prior to travel.

Tourist taxes, vacation rentals and driving restrictions

After major problems with overtourism in certain cities, including Barcelona, Málaga and Mallorca, Airbnb stays are no longer as straightforward. Basically, the many Airbnb properties led to locals being unable to afford rentals, so action had to be taken.

Now, anyone renting their home must register it with a national database and get a permit first before advertising it. In hotspots like Barcelona, limits are being introduced on short-term vacation rental licenses.

Besides this, some of Spain’s most popular destinations, including Barcelona and the Balearic islands have hike tourist taxes, while some are introducing new levies for 2025. Travelers should bear in mind that cities like Soller in Mallorca now have restrictions on non-residents driving in the historic center. Due to this, it’s best to plan car rental and parking arrangements prior to travel.

How to avoid fines in Spain

Spain is also cracking down on rowdy tourism, with nightlife curfews, limits on bar crawls and bans on street drinking. Due to this, travelers should think twice before heading to pubs.

Meanwhile, in some areas of the country, smoking is banned on certain beaches, while vaping is also coming under tighter control.

As reported last year, some locations on the Costa del Sol and in Vigo in Galicia have famously introduced fines for urinating in the ocean. This year, other areas are considering similar bans. While some might find it amusing, anyone caught in the act of peeing can face hefty fines.

Moreover, in Vigo, pitching a gazebo on a busy beach, or trying to reserve prime sun-lounger spots can also lead to heavy fines.

On the subject of beaches, some areas of Spain also brought in new rules about walking the streets and shops in swimwear. The best practice is to cover up when leaving the beach or promenade.

Tourist behavior for 2025

With the introduction of all the changes and rules, it is more important than ever to be a respectful visitor. Most of the regulations and fines simply call for common courtesy. If travelers keep noise to a minimum, follow alcohol restrictions, and ensure they have all necessary documentation, everything should be smooth sailing.