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Date Published: 28/01/2025

It's not a 3-year tourist ban: UK media hype unfairly slams Spain

No, tourists are not being banned from going on holiday to Spain, despite what the papers might have you think

Recent media reports have left many UK and Irish holidaymakers questioning whether Spain is closing its doors to tourists. Headlines about a supposed “three-year tourist ban” have been circulating, but this narrative is far from accurate.

Here’s what’s really happening in Spain and why the claims of a tourist ban are misleading...

Tourism is a cornerstone of Spain’s economy, contributing significantly to local businesses, services and communities. The influx of holidaymakers is welcomed, but it’s not without its challenges.

One key issue that has sparked controversy is the impact of short-term holiday rental apartments listed on platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb. Critics argue that these rentals are putting increased pressure on the real estate market, making it harder for locals to find affordable housing for long-term rent.

To address these concerns, Spanish authorities have introduced a series of regulations aimed at managing the situation more effectively. These include the proposed tax on property purchases by non-EU residents, a suggestion that was made earlier this month to impose a 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU residents to curb speculation in the housing market. However, this idea has not been formalised into law, is likely unconstitutional, and was largely a political statement blown out of proportion by the media.

Another measure to limit the out-of-control short-term rental market is a series of new rules for tourist flats in Andalucía which mean that, starting in April 2025, property owners in the southern region of Spain will need approval from at least three-fifths of the building’s community of owners before registering a property as a tourist rental.

There is also the restriction on new holiday lets in Málaga city, where, in certain areas, the registration of new holiday rental properties has been temporarily halted. This measure has been inaccurately described by some media outlets as a “three-year tourist ban”, but it’s important to note that it targets property registrations, not tourist entry.

These measures are not so much about restricting tourism, but about promoting sustainable tourism practices and alleviating housing pressures in specific areas.

You may also like: What is the tourist tax, how much is it and where in Spain do you have to pay it?

It’s true that there have been anti-tourism protests in some parts of Spain, particularly during the summer, driven by frustrations over the housing crisis. However, there have also been mass pro-tourism events organised by business associations and other groups who understand the vital role tourism plays in Spain’s economy.

And the Spanish government recognises it, too. They're not about to ban tourists from coming to the country in any way, shape or form. You can still take a vacation to Spain, no problem.

In the meantime, tourists should do their best to be sensitive to the country's needs and challenges surrounding tourism – perhaps by choosing to stay in a hotel rather than an Airbnb – and the Spanish authorities will continue to try to promote sustainable tourism using responsible means.

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