Which? have put together a list of up-to-date travel rules in the European countries to keep travellers in the know.
Holidaymakers heading to Spain, Greece and Portugal for their holidays this year should be aware of new travel rules which are now in place.
From tourist taxes and border control rules across Europe, to navigating Spain’s so-called tourist bans, it can be tricky to understand how the latest travel news affects your trip.
Wearing the wrong clothing can also land holidaymakers in trouble in some countries, as well as breaking strict drinking regulations. On top of all of that there is the new laws affecting hotels in Spain for tourists to get their head around.
To keep you in the loop, consumer site Which? have put together a list of up-to-date travel rules in the European countries.
Spain travel rules
Is Spain banning tourists?
No. Several areas of Spain have announced bans on short-term holiday rentals — but this doesn’t amount to a ‘tourist ban’.
However, following anti-tourism protests from residents across popular tourist destinations in Spain, a number of cities and local councils have introduced new regulatory measures. The latest short-term rental bans have been put in place to relieve strained housing availability for locals.
What do short-term rental bans mean for tourists?
Holidaymakers may find fewer options for holiday accommodation in areas that have introduced bans — especially as those destinations were already popular with tourists. If you’re struggling to find a holiday let, you might want to consider booking a hotel with a reputable provider.
Spain data collection: what information do I have to give under the new law?
All hotel owners, private rental providers, campsites and car hire companies are now required to collect personal data on guests and supply it to the Spanish Ministry of Interior (similar to the UK Home Office) within 24 hours of check-in.
What is the £97 a day rule in Spain?
Non-EU citizens, including British tourists, entering any country in the Schengen area can be asked to provide evidence that they have enough money for the duration of their stay. This figure varies by country and in Spain it’s set at €118, or £98.63, after increasing slightly for 2025.
Visitors can also be asked to show that they have a return ticket and provide details of where they’ll be staying during their trip.
Local laws in Spain: alcohol limits and bikini bans
Spain has introduced local laws and restrictions on alcohol, smoking and wearing swimwear in public in recent years. Make sure you’re aware of these rules to avoid being fined.
Drinking and smoking in public in Spain
Some local authorities in Spain, including in Madrid, the Balearics and the Canaries, have banned drinking alcohol and smoking in public places with on-the-spot fines for anybody who doesn’t comply with the rules. These rules apply to some beaches as well.
There’s a limit on the amount of alcohol you can buy or consume in an effort to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in several resorts in the Balearics – Magaluf and Palma on Mallorca, and parts of Ibiza. Tourists on all-inclusive deals are limited to six drinks a day, and two-for-one drinks, happy hours and pub crawls are banned.
Smoking is prohibited on most Spanish beaches, including all beaches in Barcelona. Those caught smoking where they’re not supposed to could be fined £25.
Where do you need to cover up in Spain?
It’s against the law to wear just a bikini or swimming trunks in the street in Barcelona, parts of Malaga and Palma in Mallorca. Being bare-chested in the street has also been banned in some areas. You could be fined up to €300 (around £250) for not following the rules.
This rule applies to other public settings too, such as restaurants, shops and bars. Always cover up when walking back from the beach or swimming pool to be on the safe side.
Portugal travel rules
British travellers visiting Portugal will need to make sure their passports meet the requirements for entry to Portugal. And when the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS) is launched (currently expected in the last few months of in 2026), they will also need a visa waiver to enter the country — though this has been delayed.
How long do I need on my passport to visit Portugal?
Date of issue: it must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival date in Portugal.
Date of expiry: it must be valid for at least three months after the day you’re leaving Portugal.
These passport rules also apply to Madeira and the Azores, as well as every country in the EU and Schengen area apart from Ireland.
It’s a legal requirement to be able to show your ID if asked by the authorities, at all times when in Portugal. Sometimes a photocopy of your passport is enough, but you may be asked to show the original.
Portugal tourist taxes
Visitors to popular destinations in Portugal will likely have to pay a tourist tax, added onto the cost of accommodation. Lisbon’s tourist tax doubled from €2 to €4 in September 2024.
Setúbal, Caminha and Madeira all introduced a tax of €1.50-€2 per person per night in 2024, and Faro’s high season tourist tax also doubled to €2. The Azores began charging €2 per person per night from January 2025.
Cover up rules and fines
Travellers should watch out for dress codes or ‘cover-up’ rules, particularly in beach destinations. Albufeira in The Algarve recently proposed fines of up to €1500 for wearing a bikini or going shirtless outside of beach zones.
Greece travel rules
Just like in Spain and Portugal, travellers to Greece will need to make sure their passports meet validity requirements. And, when the Entry/Exit Scheme is introduced in October 2025, British travellers will need to provide biometric information at the border, starting with fingerprints or a facial photo.
When the Etias scheme is introduced (currently planned for the last few months of 2026), travellers will be required to have a visa waiver (Etias).
Greece tourist taxes
This year Greece raised tourist taxes significantly. Visitors between November and February will be expected to pay a tax of €2 per room per night (an increase from 50 cents). Those visiting in the high season will pay €8 per room per night between April and October. Greek officials say the money will help improve infrastructure and deal with climate-related damage.
Greece tourist laws
Tourists can be arrested for rowdy or ‘indecent’ behaviour. Some fancy costumes might also be considered offensive, and could lead to fines or arrest.
Greece smoking ban
It’s illegal to smoke indoors in public in Greece, including in malls and public transport buildings, with fines up to €500.
