Spain tourist ban: British holidaymakers set to suffer under THREE YEARS of new restrictions
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GB NEWS
British holidaymakers are facing new restrictions in Spain as one of the country's top tourist destinations is set to implement a three-year "tourist ban".
The ban, on registering holiday rentals across 43 districts, took effect on January 14 - and comes in response to widespread anti-tourist protests that swept across Europe last summer.
The ban targets the Costa del Sol's capital city Malaga, where local residents have long voiced concerns about the impact of mass tourism on natural resources and the housing market.
The restrictions mark a significant shift in Spain's approach to tourism management, as authorities seek to address the growing challenges of overtourism in popular destinations.
The ban targets the Costa del Sol's capital city Malaga
GETTYThe new restrictions specifically target areas where holiday rentals exceed 8 per cent of residential blocks within a district.
The ban prevents new holiday rental registrations - but does not affect the 13,000 properties already officially registered in Malaga City.
Tourist flats registered since February 22 that lack independent access and separate resources from residential sections will have their licences revoked.
The measure represents an immediate response by the Malaga City Council and the Costa del Sol to control a surge in rental properties in the city's most crowded areas.
British tourists can still book Airbnbs, hotels and other accommodations across all 43 affected districts in Malaga.
MORE TRAVEL WARNINGS:
The ban prevents new holiday rental registrations - but does not affect the 13,000 properties already officially registered in Malaga City
GETTYExisting holiday rentals, including the 13,000 properties already registered in the city, remain available for tourist bookings.
However, the restrictions mean British holidaymakers will have fewer new rental options becoming available in popular areas over the next three years.
The measures specifically target property owners seeking to register new holiday rentals rather than tourists looking to book accommodation.
The ban aims to preserve the character of Malaga's historic centres while maintaining access for visitors to existing registered properties.
Similar restrictions have already been implemented in Alicante and Madrid over the past year, with Seville and other Spanish cities expected to follow.
The Malaga ban could potentially extend beyond its initial three-year term.
British tourists visiting Spain now face additional paperwork requirements unrelated to the rental restrictions.
Visitors must provide more detailed personal information, including bank card details, family relationships and home addresses when registering for car hire or hotel stays.
This measure was introduced by Spain's interior ministry in late 2024 to help police track criminals operating in Spain.
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