Spain is introducing new rules for tourists before the busy summer season. Travelers will face stricter passport checks, and some tourist activities will be banned.

These changes aim to address concerns about overcrowding. Popular spots like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands will have new entry requirements and regulations.

New entry system for tourists

Spain will soon introduce extra passport checks as part of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES). This system will record fingerprints and facial scans of non-EU travelers when they enter or leave the Schengen Area.

There is no official start date yet, but the new process could lead to longer wait times at Spanish airports. Majorca is already advising tourists to be ready.

Once registered, travelers’ information will be saved for future trips, making entry faster next time.

Nighttime pub crawls banned in Barcelona

Meanwhile, Barcelona is tightening rules on tourist behavior by banning organized pub crawls in certain areas.

Starting in June, a mayoral order will prohibit these events from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to reduce heavy drinking and rowdy behavior. Tour operators who promote pub crawls could be fined up to €900.

This decision comes after growing frustration from locals over disruptive tourism. In 2024, over 11.7 million visitors came to Barcelona, many joining large group events like stag and hen parties.

Authorities hope that these stricter rules will help balance tourism with residents’ quality of life.

Restrictions on short-term rentals

On the other hand, the growing demand for tourist rentals has increased property prices in Spain’s top travel destinations. To address this, authorities are tightening rules on short-term rentals.

Barcelona plans to ban tourist apartments by 2028, and cities like Malaga and Mallorca may follow.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez supports the decision, stating, “The government’s duty is to prioritize residential use of housing and prevent speculative and touristic uses from expanding in a totally uncontrolled manner at the cost of residents.”

Growing concerns over mass tourism

The growing demand for tourist rentals has increased property prices in Spain’s top travel destinations. To address this, authorities are tightening rules on short-term rentals.

Barcelona plans to ban tourist apartments by 2028, and cities like Malaga and Mallorca may follow.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez supports the decision, saying, “We are aware of the need to adopt measures before the next season to deal with episodes of tourist overcrowding.”

Changing travel requirements

The introduction of the EES and the future launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will change how visitors and migrants enter Spain and other EU countries.

For short-term visitors, the EES will replace passport stamps with a digital record of entries and exits, making it easier to track overstays. First-time travelers may experience longer wait times at border control, as the system will require facial scans and fingerprints.

Long-term visitors, including students, workers, and retirees from non-EU countries, will face stricter monitoring of their travel history. Overstays will be flagged automatically, which could lead to entry denials on future trips.

Once the ETIAS is in place, most visa-exempt travelers, including those from the UK, will need electronic travel authorization before arriving in Spain or other Schengen countries.

Migrants applying for residency or work permits may face stricter border controls, as the EES will help track irregular migration. However, those with long-term visas or residency permits will likely experience fewer disruptions since their data is already in the immigration system.

Shift in migration policy

Spain is tightening tourism rules, from banning short-term rentals in Barcelona to restricting pub crawls, as part of a broader EU effort to protect residents’ quality of life. 

Along with stricter entry requirements, these changes signal a move toward more controlled migration and visitor stays.

With housing shortages in Spain and other Mediterranean countries, new short-term rental restrictions could impact foreign property owners and digital nomads who rely on them.

Local governments are prioritizing affordable housing for residents over short-term tenants, which may also influence immigration policies.

Stricter border monitoring under the EES and the ETIAS could lead to tougher visa rules, especially for non-EU nationals seeking long-term stays.

As Spain and other EU nations reassess tourism’s effect on housing and infrastructure, they may introduce more selective visa programs that favor skilled workers and long-term residents over short-term visitors.

Preparing for the new rules

British tourists planning a trip to Spain should take note of these upcoming changes:

• Plan accommodations early: With rental restrictions in place, securing a place to stay could become more challenging, especially in cities like Barcelona.
• Expect stricter nightlife rules: Travelers who enjoy nightlife should be aware of pub crawl bans in certain areas.
• Prepare for biometric checks: Those traveling to Spain after the EES launch should allow extra time at the border for biometric registration.
• Monitor updates: Since the EES launch date remains uncertain, staying informed on changes to border procedures can prevent unexpected delays.

With these new measures, Spain hopes to create a more sustainable tourism model while preserving the experience for visitors and protecting the interests of residents. Holidaymakers should adjust their plans accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.