Brits heading on Spain holidays will need to take note of a host of new rules that have been introduced at some of its biggest hotspots in recent years, including the Canaries and Balearics.

We're not just talking about new passport requirements and hand luggage restrictions (although make sure you check these as well in our handy guide), but everything from some resorts' all-inclusive drinks limits to hefty fines for breaking rules on the beach.

There are also some extra rules in place at the moment as Spain suffers a severe drought, prompting a host of destinations to start introducing tough new restrictions including spots in Tenerife and Costa del Sol.

Meanwhile, local authorities are also calling for stricter nightlife restrictions which could see bars and restaurants being forced to close earlier, although these measures are in discussion rather than coming into force for now.

We take a look at some of the top rules you should take note of before heading on your holiday...

£1,000 fines on the beach

Benidorm has strict rules on when you can and can't swim in the sea (
Image:
Getty Images)

One little-known rule on Benidorm's beaches could see you accidentally falling foul of restrictions and facing £1,000 fines. The holiday hotspot has a ban on swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am. Those who ignore the restrictions can risk of a fine between €750 and €1,200 (£641 to £1,026). The same financial penalty will be headed your way if you're caught sleeping or camping on the beaches during these hours.

Smoking

Smoking is already not allowed on beaches in some parts of Spain, but new plans could mean even more rules against smoking in public places. Last year, the authorities said big changes were coming for tobacco and e-cigarettes. A new plan has been agreed by the Spanish Medical Association's General Assembly and several health groups - it's called the Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Smoking.

This plan suggests banning flavoured tobacco and vapes in public places like restaurant terraces, beaches and queues - and making tobacco more expensive to put young people off smoking. There could also be even stricter rules for smoking on beaches, with Barcelona banning it last summer. While not all beaches across Spain have these rules, those that do can give fines of up to 2,000 euros - that's around £1,703. These new rules haven't yet come into force.

Proof of stay

Brits who don't have an EU passport will need to show proof of where they're staying if they don't want their Spanish holiday cut short. Non-Schengen zone tourists, including those from the UK, must present a booking confirmation or proof of address at border checks if they're visiting their own property in Spain.

If you're being hosted by a Spanish resident, they'll need to get an official document known as a "carta de invitation". You'll be sent an "invitation letter" which you can use to prove that you have somewhere to stay. If you can't produce any of these documents, you could be refused entry into Spain.

Spain entry rules

Big changes are coming to how you enter and exit Spain. The European Union has set a date to roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will change how Brits get through Spanish airports. Starting 6th October, a new scheme will see holidaymakers scanning their passports at self-service kiosks. This replaces the traditional method of getting your passport stamped when you arrive in or leave Spain or any of the other 28 countries in Europe.

There are some exceptions to this rule: non-EU nationals with a residence card, people related to an EU national, and non-EU nationals who hold a residence permit and are related to a non-EU national with freedom to travel around Europe like an EU citizen.

Six-drink limits

Some resorts in the Balearics have introduced drinks limits at all-inclusives (
Image:
LightRocket via Getty Images)

British holidaymakers heading to some Spanish islands on an all-inclusive deal must stick to strict rules about how much alcohol they can drink. If you're off to Magaluf, Mallorca, Palma or parts of Ibiza, you'll only get six drinks with your package - three at lunch and the rest at dinner.

These rules were introduced in 2020 to stop too much drinking in popular tourist spots. The Balearic Government has also stopped pub crawls, banned boat party ads in some areas, and set limits on when alcohol can be sold.

£85 daily spending rule

If you're travelling to Spain from the UK, you might need to prove that you have enough money for your trip. This rule applies to those flying from outside the EU and Schengen area. Tourists need to have at least 900 euros - roughly £750 in their bank account.

But, the Spanish Tourist Office has said that this amount can change and not every visitor will be checked.

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