Spain has always been one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations — and for good reason. From Barcelona’s buzzing beaches to Madrid’s art-filled streets, Seville’s flamenco rhythm to the island paradise of Mallorca, millions of Brits head to Spain each year in search of sunshine, tapas, and a slower pace of life.
By 2040, Spain is even predicted to become the most visited country in the world. But if you’re planning to fly out soon, there are a few important new travel rules for 2025 that you need to know — including a major border change rolling out in October that could affect all travellers entering the EU.
Here’s a breakdown of Spain’s new entry requirements, updated travel restrictions, tourist taxes, and behaviour rules every Brit should know before packing their bags for 2025.
1. Major Change: The EU’s New Entry/Exit System (EES)
Starting 12 October 2025, Spain — along with 28 other European countries — will implement the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
This digital border control system replaces the traditional passport stamping process with a biometric registration system, collecting travellers’ fingerprints and facial images upon entry and exit. It will apply to all non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, visiting the Schengen area for short stays.
What this means for British tourists
When you arrive in Spain, you’ll be asked to:
- Provide your fingerprints and a facial photo at the border.
- Answer basic travel questions under the Schengen Border Code — such as your reason for visiting, proof of accommodation, return flight details, and financial means.
Because everyone will be registering for the first time, queues at airports and ferry ports are expected to be longer than usual, so plan extra time for border control.
Tip: Arrive at least three hours early for your flight during the first few months after the rollout.
Passport and visa reminders
- Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Spain.
- UK travellers can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, but working is not allowed on a tourist entry.
The EES is part of a wider effort to modernize border crossings across Europe, so expect similar procedures if you’re travelling to France, Italy, Germany, or Portugal too.
2. Tourist Tax Increases in Spain’s Most Popular Destinations
Balearic Islands Tourist Tax
(Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera)
The Balearic government has proposed raising the overnight tourist tax to help manage overcrowding and fund sustainability projects.
- New rates (pending approval): from £3.36 to £5.04 per person per night.
- Rates will depend on your accommodation — four- and five-star hotels will see the highest charges, especially during summer (June to August).
- This means a week’s stay in a luxury hotel could cost around £35.31 per person, an £11.77 increase from last year.
- Cruise passengers will face the steepest hike, with overnight fees rising by up to 200%.
Exemptions: Children under 16 and visitors in January or February won’t need to pay the tax.
Barcelona’s Tourist Tax Doubles
Barcelona’s city council has confirmed that by the end of 2025, the local tourist tax will double, reaching up to £12.40 per person per night.
- Current rates range between £4.70 and £6.20, depending on hotel class.
- Visitors staying in private flats or short-term rentals pay around £5.20.
- The wider Catalonia region will also introduce a small daily charge between 99p and £4.95.
Exemptions: Children under 16 remain exempt.
Travel tip: These new taxes are usually collected upon check-in, so budget accordingly when booking accommodation.
3. Alcohol and Behaviour Restrictions for 2025
Spain’s regional governments have become increasingly strict about rowdy tourist behaviour, especially in party hotspots like Magaluf and Ibiza. New alcohol laws and penalties are aimed at protecting local communities and improving Spain’s international image.
The Six-Drink Rule in All-Inclusive Resorts
Applies in: Playa de Palma, S’Arenal, and Magaluf (Mallorca), and San Antonio (Ibiza)
All-inclusive packages now limit alcohol to six drinks per day — three at lunch and three at dinner. Unlimited booze buffets are officially over.
The rule was introduced to combat antisocial behaviour linked to heavy drinking. Pub crawls and party tours have also been banned in Magaluf’s “strip” area.
Late-Night Alcohol Ban
Applies in: Llucmajor, Palma, Calvia (Magaluf) and Sant Antoni (Ibiza)
Introduced in 2024, this rule prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages between 9:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Drinking on public streets during these hours is also banned, and boat parties are restricted within one nautical mile of the coast.
These measures are part of a wider crackdown to reduce binge drinking and protect local residents from noise and vandalism.
4. Tourist Behaviour and Beach Rules
Spain’s beaches are iconic — but to protect the environment and local communities, several islands have implemented new rules that visitors should know before spreading their towels.
Gran Canaria: What’s Banned on the Beach
Authorities have issued a long list of banned items and behaviours. Violators could face fines of up to £2,500.
Prohibited on beaches and promenades:
- Smoking or vaping
- Playing loud music
- Cooking or barbecuing
- Using umbrellas or tents for shade
- Reserving deck chairs or sunbeds
- Collecting shells, stones, or rocks
- Public nudity or sex (yes, it’s on the list)
- Fishing too close to swimmers
- Wasting water at public showers
Fines range from:
- £25 to £629 for minor offences
- £630 to £1,258 for serious infractions
- Up to £2,517 for very serious violations
If in doubt, follow local signage and avoid bringing restricted items to the beach.
5. New Traffic and Access Rules
Resident-Only Driving Zones in Mallorca
In the charming town of Sóller in Mallorca, officials have introduced resident-only zones to reduce congestion and protect the town’s historic core.
Over 70 hectares of the centre, covering 12 streets, are now off-limits to hire cars or non-resident vehicles. Visitors are asked to park in designated lots near the Desvío road before exploring on foot.
This policy is aimed at easing overcrowding and preserving the town’s “authentic Mediterranean” character.
6. New Restrictions on Walking Tours
In Palma, Mallorca, group walking tours will now be limited to 20 participants per guide, down from the previous cap of 70.
The change aims to reduce foot traffic in narrow historic areas and improve the experience for both visitors and locals. However, it may cause tour prices to rise slightly due to smaller group sizes.
Outside Palma, the rest of the Balearic Islands will continue to allow larger groups for now.
7. Currency Alert: €50 Notes May Be Rejected
Starting July 2025, Spain’s Central Bank began withdrawing damaged or crumpled €50 notes from circulation as part of an anti-fraud campaign.
This means that retailers may refuse worn €50 bills, particularly those showing ink stains or tears caused by anti-theft dye packs.
Other denominations — €5, €10, and €20 — remain unaffected.
Tip: Always carry a mix of smaller notes or use a card, as cashless payments are widely accepted across Spain.
8. The “Three-Year Tourist Ban” in Malaga (Explained)
In early 2025, Malaga introduced new housing laws that many dubbed a “tourist ban” — though the term is misleading.
The law doesn’t stop tourists from visiting. Instead, it prevents the registration of new short-term holiday rentals (like Airbnbs) across 43 districts for the next three years.
The goal is to control overtourism and make housing more affordable for locals in the Costa del Sol’s most crowded neighbourhoods.
Visitors can still book existing licensed Airbnbs, hotels, and guesthouses as usual.
Other cities following suit:
- Alicante
- Madrid
- Seville (expected soon)
9. Growing Backlash Against Mass Tourism
Spain’s love affair with tourism has also reached a turning point. In summer 2025, thousands of residents across Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Lisbon, Venice, and Genoa marched in protest against the overwhelming crowds and rising housing costs caused by short-term rentals.
In Barcelona, activists made headlines by spraying tourists with water pistols, claiming the city has been turned into an “amusement park.”
Local authorities are now tightening laws to balance tourism with local life, so expect more measures in the coming years aimed at sustainable travel.
10. How Brits Can Travel Smart in Spain in 2025
If Spain is on your holiday list for 2025, here’s how to make your trip smooth and stress-free:
Check your passport dates early — make sure it meets the 10-year issue and 3-month validity rules.
Register biometrics quickly — at airports using self-service kiosks once the EES is active.
Budget for extra taxes — include new tourist taxes when estimating trip costs.
Be respectful — avoid loud parties, littering, or disruptive behaviour in residential areas.
Carry cards and small notes — to avoid issues with damaged €50 bills.
Plan early arrivals — especially at airports during the EES rollout.
Final Thoughts
Spain remains an incredible holiday destination — full of sunshine, culture, and charm — but 2025 brings a wave of new rules that every British traveller should understand before arriving.
The EU’s biometric border system will change how we enter the continent, while new taxes, alcohol limits, and sustainability laws show Spain’s determination to balance tourism with local well-being.
If you prepare in advance and respect the new rules, your trip will still be as magical as ever — whether you’re sipping sangria in Seville, hiking in Mallorca, or exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces in Barcelona.
Stay informed, travel responsibly, and Spain will continue to welcome you with open arms.
