Five rules to know before travelling to Spain from travel insurance to tourist tax

There are a book of new rules that Aussies need to know about holidaying in Spain from travel insurance to tourist tax. 

Planning a holiday to Spain in 2025? Whether you're travelling to discover the streets of Madrid, hitting the beaches of Costa del Sol or partying in Ibiza and Mallorca, here's what you need to know.

1. Insurance is a must

As of 2025, Spain has introduced stricter entry requirements for non-EU tourists and that means Aussies. Travellers may now be asked to present the following at the border:

• Valid travel insurance that covers health, accidents and emergencies for the duration of your stay.
• A confirmed return travel ticket or onwards to another destination showing that you intend to leave the Schengen Area within the permitted 90-day window.
• Details about accommodation such as a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter – or ‘carta de invitation’ – from a host if you're staying with family, friends or Airbnb.
• You’ll also need passport validity for at least three months after your planned departure date. 

It’s a good idea to have printed versions of these documents on you. Have digital backups as well, just in case. You could get asked for these documents whether you’re staying one day or two weeks in Spain.

Everything you need to know about holidaying in Spain this year.

2. New booze rules in Ibiza and Mallorca

If you're going to Ibiza or Mallorca, chances are you'll line up a few pre-drinks before you head out.

Since 2024, new alcohol laws have been introduced to curb disruptive behaviour in these popular party destinations. In designated areas of Mallorca and San Antonio (Ibiza), the sale of alcohol is now banned in shops between 930pm and 8am.

Boozing on the street is prohibited with local authorities enforcing fines for violations. These measures have been rolled out to reduce public disturbances and protect local communities. Get caught and you could be fined up to €1,500 (A$2,750) for disruptive behaviour.

Boozing in public places is off-limits in Ibiza and Mallorca.

3. Smoking bans on beaches, vaping included

While Europe took a while to catch up on banning smoking indoors, Spain is expanding its anti-smoking policies with more municipalities cracking down on beaches.

Smoking, including vaping, is now banned on many public beaches in Barcelona, on the Balearic Islands, Andalucia, the Canary Islands, Costa del Sol and some beaches in Costa Blanca. The rules vary by region and beach, so check local signage and government websites before lighting up.

Lighting up on many beach in Spain is now prohibited.

4. Tourist tax hike in Barcelona

While Spain has had tourist taxes in place for over 10 years, several cities and regions have since rolled out visitor taxes which usually get paid at your hotel during check in.

But Barcelona’s tourist tax has been one of the fastest rising in Europe. In 2025, it’s risen yet again with the Catalan government allowing Barcelona and other Catalan destinations to almost double their fees from €3.50 (A$6.40) to €7 (A$12.80) per night for luxury hotels. The fee is lower for four star properties and short term rentals, but still enough to create a dent in the Sangria budget.

In Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, the government has announced an increase to the Sustainable Tourism Tax (STT) specifically for June, July and August to mitigate the environmental impact of tourism in the Balearic Islands. A final agreement has yet to be made but if enforced, the overnight charge at luxury hotels could rise from around €4 to €6 (A$7 to $10) per person, per night. 

Be sure to budget for the Barcelona tourist tax.

5. Don’t pee in the ocean

Vigo in the northern region of Galicia has imposed a fine of roughly $1,340 for seaside urination since 2022. Malaga is looking to follow suit across 25 beaches within its municipality. The question is, how would they ever know?

They're watching you in Vigo.

Originally published as Five rules to know before travelling to Spain from travel insurance to tourist tax