The world’s second-most visited country, Spain is one of Europe’s most well-liked vacation spots. In 2022, the place welcomed over 49 million foreign visitors.
Isn’t it obvious why? Spain features some of the world’s top beaches, sunshine throughout the year, and a rich cultural legacy. But because so many tourists come to Spain each year, the noise and mess they create annoy the locals. As a countermeasure, Many of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities enacted new laws and regulations for visitors.
Here’s everything tourists visiting Spain need to know from dress rules to noise limitations and public smoking bans:
Non-EU travellers coming to Spain will need to prove that they got enough cash to cover their trip’s expenses. For every day tourists spend in Spain, they need at least 100 euros. In addition, they need 900 euros extra for unforeseen circumstances.
This rule was confirmed by the Spanish Interiors Minister, who said: “Foreigners from third countries must prove if required to do so by the officials in charge of controlling the entry of people into Spanish territory, that they have economic resources for entering the country through cash, travellers’ checks, payment letters or credit cards.”
This restriction is rarely enforced because border control doesn’t check everyone for the funds they carry or their bank statements. However, it’s crucial to be aware that you might be asked to prove that you are financially sound enough to cover your trip.
Drinks and cigarettes in hand. Is that your idea of an ideal beach vacation? If yes, you must stay away from some beaches in Spain.
Barcelona banned smoking on all its beaches in 2022. And, if you are found smoking there, you might be issued a fine.
In 2023, smoking is now prohibited on many of the beaches in the Balearic Islands as well. It covers a total of 28 beaches. Under this program, every prohibited beach will now be marked with a 4-meter-tall banner saying that it is “smoke-free.”
Currently, no fines are being implemented. That’s because the local council believes it’s the civic duty of tourists to abide by the new regulations.
A popular region in Spain, Alicante, is going strict on noise pollution control. 2019 saw the implementation of regulations that penalised tourists and entertainment venues between 600 and 30,000 euros for excessive noise. Penalties were issued for dancing and loud music.
These regulations have been made even stricter this year. There are now fines for loud chatting, music on the beach, and even scratching furniture if it is moved across a patio during anti-sociable hours.
With all these, Alicante is becoming a desired place for visitors who prefer a peaceful and relaxed beach time.
The Spanish government considers unruly and intoxicated tourists to be a major issue. In an effort to counteract this, the meaning of the term “all-inclusive” has been changed in various Spanish vacation spots.
The all-inclusive hotels in Ibiza’s Sant Antoni, Mallorca’s Playa de Palma, El Arenal, and Magaluf now have drink restrictions.
As part of these packages, guests are now limited to six beverages per day, three at lunch and dinner each. For extra alcoholic beverages, tourists need to pay separately.
On Mallorca Island in Spain, some pubs and restaurants implemented new rules last year. These were put in place to make sure that visitors are dressed appropriately. The new rules banned strapless tank tops, all forms of swimwear, soccer strips and accessories obtained from street vendors.
Thus, before you travel, find out whether there are any dress requirements for the places you intend to visit. Dress rules in Spain can be rather tight.