No, Spain doesn't inherently dislike tourists, but some areas are experiencing overtourism, leading to local backlash against the negative impacts like high rents, overcrowding, and strain on resources, not necessarily against tourism itself or respectful visitors. The Spanish government promotes sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to explore less-known regions and travel off-peak, while implementing regulations on short-term rentals to manage issues in saturated hotspots like Barcelona, Palma, and Ibiza.
Is Spain banning tourists? No, not quite – but certain new rules and restrictions might impact your next trip to the country.
Beginning in April 2024, there have been protests in Spain against overtourism, specifically in the archipelagos of the Balearics and Canaries, and in the mainland cities of Barcelona, San Sebastian and Málaga. These first three locations are the top three most-visited in Spain by tourists.
Specific cities in Spain have been transformed by their local governments to please tourists, even implementing local laws that negatively impact locals. One example is that locals cannot afford buying or renting flats anymore, cause all of them are being used by airbnb and similars just for visitors.
Tourism in Spain is beginning to lose momentum. The sector closed 2025 with 2.5% growth, falling slightly behind the 2.9% GDP growth forecast by the Bank of Spain.
Brits have confessed they're ditching Spain in favour of other holiday destinations after it was reported the popular hotspot has become "eerily quiet." It's been claimed people are avoiding the country due to ongoing anti-tourism protests, with some Spanish locals dubbing tourism as "cancerous."
Housing isn't the only concern for locals who are angry about mass tourism. They say the huge influx of visitors is also putting enormous pressure on infrastructure such as health, transport, waste and water systems. Protests have been held about damage to the natural environment too.
Spain's "2-year rule" generally refers to a major 2025 immigration reform that reduced the required continuous legal residency for Arraigo Social (social roots) and Arraigo Sociolaboral (labor roots) regularization from three years to two, allowing easier access to work permits for those integrated into Spanish society. Additionally, nationals from Latin American countries, the Philippines, Portugal, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews can apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residency, a significant reduction from the standard ten years.
The UK's departure from the EU has brought about many challenges for British citizens living in Spain. The new residency rules, uncertainty around healthcare, tightening financial situations, and job market difficulties are just a few of the problems they face.
The "£97 rule" in Spain refers to a Schengen area entry requirement (now around €118/day or €1,065 minimum) for non-EU citizens, requiring proof of sufficient funds for their stay, though Spanish officials call the media hype a "hoax," stating it's rarely enforced for typical tourists but applies to all Schengen countries, not just Spain, and requires showing funds, accommodation, and return tickets.
I've lived in Spain for 35 years — these places welcome tourists
Terrorism in Spain
Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Spain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Unlike the United States and some European neighbors defined by tough immigration stances, Spain's left-wing government has projected an image of itself as the West's new melting pot. It has embraced immigrants, especially Latin Americans who speak Spain's language, share its religion and understand its culture.
Spain dropped the 90-day rule.
The rule is a European rather than a Spanish regulation. In addition to considering France's proposals, the government has stated that the ruling is unfair and outdated. However, they can only make changes or drop this rule with the agreement of other members of Schengen.
The Spanish government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media. The current threat level for Spain is level 4 (“high”) on a scale of 5.
For qualifying U.S. expats, Spain's Beckham Law offers something rare in international tax: simplicity and savings. A flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income—and no Spanish tax on your global earnings—can mean thousands saved over six years. But making it work means understanding more than just Spanish tax law.
Yes, you can still retire in Spain after Brexit, but you'll need to apply for a visa and meet financial requirements. As a British retiree, you're now considered a non-EU national, meaning you must secure a residency permit and follow specific legal obligations for long-term stays in Spain.
The possible consequences for staying in Spain or the Schengen Area for more than 90/180 days include: Fines – Depending on the country and how long you've overstayed, you could be made to pay a fine of anything from 500€ to 10,000€. This penalty may be combined with an entry ban.
The backlash against mass tourism, known locally as turismofobia, is not new, but it has intensified in recent years. Locals in cities like Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and San Sebastián have voiced concerns about overcrowding, rising living costs, and the loss of local culture.
Visa requirements. You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
“We call the British 'guiris' [an affectionate Spanish word for foreigners, comes from guirigay meaning festive chaos]. They're people who are out of place, disorientated, who come here looking for sunshine, food and the fiestas in Spain, who has no sense of the ridiculous,” says Luis.
The Costa Blanca town of Benidorm is the most British city in Spain! The Costa del Sol dominates the ranking, with 5 towns in the top 10.
Portugal is slightly cheaper than Spain overall. You'll save the most on housing, food, and transportation. Lisbon and Porto cost less than Madrid or Barcelona. However, small towns in both countries offer affordable living.