Recent headlines have sparked confusion regarding Spain's stance on tourism, with some suggesting a "tourist ban." However, these claims are somewhat misleading. Spain continues to welcome visitors; the term "tourist ban" refers to new regulations targeting short-term rental properties to address housing concerns. This is everything you need to know to understand Spain's recent measures on tourism and short-term rentals.
Clarifying the "tourist ban" misconception
Spain has not implemented a ban on tourists and the country remains very much open to travellers. The confusion arises from new regulations aimed at managing short-term rental properties, particularly those listed on platforms like Airbnb. These measures are designed to balance tourism with the housing needs of residents.
Regulations on short-term rentals in Spain
To address housing shortages and the impact of short-term rentals on local communities, several Spanish cities have introduced new regulations:
- Malaga: In January 2025, Malaga implemented a three-year freeze on new short-term rental registrations in 43 districts where such rentals constitute more than 8% of residential properties. This measure aims to improve housing availability for residents.
- Barcelona: The city plans to phase out 10,000 tourist apartments by 2028 to reintroduce these properties into the housing market, addressing concerns about housing affordability.
- Seville: Authorities have been granted the power to cut off water supplies to illegal tourist flats, aiming to enforce regulations and protect residents from the negative impacts of unregulated tourism.
Impact on tourists
Despite these regulatory changes, tourists can still visit Spain and enjoy its attractions. The new measures primarily affect short-term rental accommodations. Travelers can still book stays in existing hotels, registered short-term rentals, and other accommodations. However, they may encounter higher accommodation costs due to a reduced number of available rental options.
Visiting Spain in 2025
While Spain is implementing measures to regulate short-term rentals and manage tourism's impact on housing, there is no ban on tourists. Travellers can continue to visit Spain, keeping in mind the evolving landscape of accommodation options and potential changes in local regulations.