Is Spain introducing a 'tourist ban'? Here’s what you need to know before you go

Spain enacts new rules to balance tourism and housing needs. (Image: Canva)

Spain, a country known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline, vibrant cities, and rich history, attracted a record 94 million tourists in 2024, making it one of the most visited nations in the world. However, this surge in tourism has led to concerns about overtourism, overcrowding, and a growing housing affordability crisis in major cities. As a response, Spain's government is enacting new regulations to balance tourism with the needs of its residents.

Spain's Response to Overtourism and Housing Issues

The rapid influx of tourists in Spain has raised significant concerns among locals, particularly in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where rental prices have skyrocketed. The rise in short-term rentals, catering mostly to visitors, has contributed to the housing crisis by driving up prices and limiting availability for local residents. In response to these challenges, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez introduced a 12-part plan aimed at addressing housing issues, including stricter regulations for short-term rentals.

Spain enforces new regulations on short-term rentals to manage tourism impact, starting with Malaga. (Image: Canva)

What Changes Can Tourists Expect?

While Spain is not imposing an outright tourist ban, several cities, including Malaga, have started regulating short-term holiday rentals. Starting in January 2025, a new law will freeze the registration of new short-term rentals for three years in 43 districts where these rentals make up more than 8% of residential properties. This measure, approved by Malaga's city council in December 2024, follows local protests against housing shortages and the rising costs of living, which many residents attribute to the influx of tourists.

The new regulations aim to curb the impact of short-term rentals, particularly in areas where the housing market is under pressure. From February 22, 2025, tourist flats that do not have independent access separate from residential units will have their licenses revoked.

While these measures are being introduced, travelers can still enjoy their trips to Spain. They will be able to book hotels, resorts, and short-term rental properties across the country, but the focus is shifting towards promoting more sustainable and balanced tourism that prioritizes both residents and visitors.

Why Is Spain Taking These Measures?

Spain's housing affordability issue has worsened in recent years, especially in popular tourist destinations. Rents have soared, particularly in coastal cities and popular tourist hubs, creating a disparity between the cost of living for locals and the influx of short-term renters. The government is taking steps to prioritize long-term residents and make housing more accessible for them. Stricter regulations on short-term rentals aim to alleviate the pressure on local housing markets.

Additionally, Spain’s new regulations will require tourists to provide more personal details when booking accommodations or renting vehicles, with the introduction of a new law mandating the collection of passport information, home addresses, and payment details for national security purposes.

Overtourism in Spain sparks new regulations to protect locals and manage visitor impact. (Image: Canva)

Overtourism: A Global Challenge

Overtourism is a phenomenon where the number of tourists exceeds the capacity of a destination, negatively impacting both the environment and the quality of life for local residents. Countries around the world are taking similar measures to mitigate the effects of overtourism. From Italy to Japan, governments are implementing policies to control the number of visitors and manage tourism in a more sustainable way.

What Travelers Should Know

1. Accommodation: Tourists can still book hotel stays and short-term rental properties in most areas of Spain, but certain regulations are being introduced to ensure a more balanced distribution of visitors.

2. Car Rentals and Hotels: New paperwork will be required when renting a car or booking a hotel. Hotel owners and car rental companies will collect and send personal information, including passport details, to the Spanish government.

3. Tourism in Spain: While regulations are increasing, Spain continues to offer a wealth of travel experiences, from historical landmarks to beautiful beaches, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Other Countries Tackling Overtourism

Spain isn’t alone in addressing overtourism. Other countries such as Italy, Greece, Thailand, and Japan have also enacted measures to curb the negative impacts of excessive tourism. These regulations are part of a global effort to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.

(Image: Canva)

Spain’s new regulations aim to strike a balance between tourism and housing, ensuring that locals have access to affordable housing while still welcoming millions of tourists. Visitors should be aware of these changes and plan accordingly. As Spain moves forward with its strategy, other countries facing similar challenges may follow suit to create a more sustainable and enjoyable experience for both residents and tourists.