Spain is a favourite tourist destination for many and welcomes millions of UK holidaymakers every year.
While the country is known as a party hotspot, both officials and businesses have been introducing laws and regulations to dissuade boozy tourists and move away from disruptive tourism.
From restaurant dress codes in certain resorts to a proposed fine for drunk swimming, the European country is beginning to crack down on tourism that causes a problem for locals.
Rules have also been put in place to make sure tourists have enough money to stay in Spain, so that they don't end up stranded or without accommodation in the country.
Here are 11 laws and regulations that have been introduced that you should know about if you plan to jet off to Spain.
Minimum of £750 spending money - nationwide
Holidaymakers entering Spain could be asked to show they have enough money to fund their trips at the rate of €100 or £85 per day.
The financial requirements go even further, as visitors must have €900 minimum (£766.94), together with two other forms of proof: a return or onward ticket and evidence of accommodation.
Extra travel documents - nationwide
From now on, Scots planning to travel to Spain will now need a number of documents that proves they are able to afford their stay in Spain and have organised accommodation.
At Spanish border control, the UK Foreign Office says you may need to show proof of a return or onward ticket, enough money for their stay, and proof that they have somewhere to stay in the country.
Proof of accommodation can include:
- hotel booking confirmations
- proof of address if visiting your own property (e.g, a second home)
- an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with a third party, friends or family.
Under Spain's current Covid-19 regulations, visitors will also need provide to proof of vaccination, a medical certificate or recovery record showing recovery from Covid-19 within the last six months, or a negative PCR (taken within 72 hours prior to departure) or an antigen test (taken within 24 hours).
All-inclusive drink limit - Balearic Islands
In April, Thomas Cook warned customers on new limits being imposed on alcohol in all-inclusive hotels at some of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations.
Holidaymakers heading to Magaluf, El Arenal, Playa de Palma in Mallorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza will be limited to six alcoholic drinks per day.
These will be distributed evenly between lunch and dinner - meaning tourists will only be offered three drinks per meal.
Restaurant and resort dress code - Balearic Islands
Last month, a dress code was adopted by 11 restaurants that are associated with Palma Beach resorts and involve a number of banned items of clothing, including football shirts, strapless vest tops and swimsuits.
CEO of Palma Beach, Juanmi Ferrer said: "The situation on public roads is worse now than in 2017, 2018 and 2019. We already consider the season lost in terms of incivility control.
"We need support from the authorities because neither the businesses nor the residents can stop it."
Banned apparel includes:
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Tank tops without straps
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Swimming trunks
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Swimsuits
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Any accessories purchased from street vendors
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Football strips
Bar shutdowns - Balearic Islands
As many as eight bars in Magaluf and Playa de Palma in Majorca are facing closure under the new Decree Law on Excessive Tourism, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
Officials say that they are not trying to dissuade British tourism, but instead are trying to move away from holidaymakers who cause disruptions.
The Magaluf bars had been cautioned for selling alcohol outside of their hours and for the degrading treatment of women. In Playa de Palma, the closure notices were sent to premises which breached licensing hours laws and sold booze to minors.
Proposed drunk swimming fine - San Sebastián
One city is now looking to fine reckless swimmers who need saving.
San Sebastián is tabling legislation, which they are hoping to get into place later this year, amid a rise in callouts to rescue partygoers.
“I would love to never charge a single euro, pound or dollar,” Martín Ibabe, the city councillor responsible for citizen safety, said, as reported by the Guardian.
“The objective here is to prevent these types of incidents from happening. The confrontational nature of this law is aimed at making people think twice.”
Mr Ibabe said that the city will be "blazing a new path" if the legislation gets passed, and that it'd be the first of its kind in Spain. He hopes to have the legislation in place by the end of the summer.
Fine for going to the toilet in the sea - Vigo
Last month, officials in Vigo, in the Galicia region in the north of the country, imposed the rule on beaches in the area.
Anyone found to be doing their business in the sea or on the beach could be hit with a penalty of £640.
City councillors have described the act as an “infringement of hygiene and sanitary regulations.”
They have stated that a number of public toilets will be installed during the high season to ensure that people are following the new laws.
Tour guide restrictions - Barcelona
According to a Sun report, Barcelona’s authorities have released new controls to minimise nuisance to the locals.
The restrictions mostly affect guided tours which are common in the major city as a way to learn about the sights.
Megaphones will no longer be allowed in the coastal city and so guides will need to use audio equipment or speak at a normal volume. Group leaders must plan walking routes that “minimise inconvenience”.
Tour groups must be limited to 30 people – with this reduced to 15 in smaller areas. And, some attractions will only accept groups of three to eight guests at a time.
Additionally, tours must follow a one way system and may only be conducted on a total of 24 streets and squares.
Mobility scooter fine - Benidorm
According to the Express, tourists in Benidorm could be fined £425 for improper use of a mobility scooter.
The announcement comes as an investigation claims many Brits lied to obtain the scooters.
Serious breaches of the rules can see tourists forced to pay a 500 euro (£425) fine and have their scooter confiscated. Only those over the age of 55 are allowed to use the scooters unless they have mobility problems.
A council spokesperson said: “A campaign has been launched to inform establishments that hire these vehicles to make sure they are complying with municipal by-laws and police officers are also keeping tabs on the people who are using them.”
Beach barbecues - Salobrena
But the biggest fine holidaymakers can be hit with is in regards to beach barbecues.
While a bit of a grey area, any Brits hoping to hold one should seek permission beforehand because in some areas such as Salobrena, you can be handed a massive £2,500 fine.
Inappropriate clothing or nudity - various cities
For those heading out to the beach to catch some sunshine, be aware that you'll likely need to cover up your bikini.
Men walking around with their shirts off, or women wearing only bikinis or swimwear could be hit with £250 fines and these fines have reportedly already been dished out in Barcelona and Mallorca.
As UK Foreign Travel Advice states: "In some parts of Spain it's against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts/trunks.
If any Brits go nude on a non-nudist beach, they can expect a £620 fine.
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