Spain will flood with tourists as Britons flee the UK for sun-drenched beaches and idyllic islands in the coming weeks.
Those with holidays booked have been warned about clothing mistakes that could see them handed hefty fines if violated.
Visitors baring their torsos in public spaces like restaurants and shops could be fined up to £500, the Foreign Office has warned.
The website cautions Britons that it is against the law to be in the streets wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts in some parts of Spain.
Tourists are discouraged from going shirtless outside of beaches
PAThe rules were introduced in parts of Spain in 2022 to curb the practice of going shirtless in shops and restaurants.
Henry Sunley, Managing Director at Travel Republic, commented: “The announcement from the Foreign Office of various new rules that will be coming into effect in some popular holiday destinations might be overwhelming news for people who have already booked their holidays.
“Understanding the new rules and how they could affect you should be a priority to make sure that nothing takes you by surprise during your trip.”
He went on: “Strict laws could see [...] travellers handed a £500 fine for wearing a bikini or going shirtless in Spain.”
“Tourists are fine to wear bikinis and swimwear on the beach or poolside - but if you head to local shops and restaurants, you could end up being fined if dressed inappropriately.”
In Barcelona, tourists caught topless or wearing a bikini in busy spots could be fined up to £250. In the Balearic Islands, shirtless tourists could be fined up to £500.
The Ordinance for Civic Coexistence also imposed fines reaching £700 for being shirtless in public spaces outside destinated areas like beaches and pools in 2022.
Britons visiting other popular holiday destinations could also see their alcohol consumption capped, the travel expert warned.
“Spanish islands like Magaluf, Mallorca, Palma and parts of Ibiza will have strict rules in place for their all-inclusive packages," Sunley cautioned.
“They will be limiting alcoholic beverages to six a day - three at lunch and the rest at dinner, so make sure your package meets your expectations and check what is actually included.
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Spanish authorities are cracking down on the practice of going shirtless
PA
“You can find foreign travel advice on the government website which will help you prepare for any regulations that could otherwise catch you off guard.”
It comes as mayors in Spain's Andalusia region have backed calls for a tourist tax in holiday hotspots.
Andalusia remains one of the last-standing regions with no specific tax on tourists who visit the area.
The levy could soon be implemented in the southern region as cities struggle to cope with the saturation of tourism.
