Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Irish tourists, with thousands expected to arrive in the coming months, reports The Mirror.
Ahead of the busy summer season, the Irish Foreign Office has updated its travel advice.
For Irish tourists planning a trip to Spain, it is crucial to know the latest regulations that can make a big difference to their experience.
There have been significant changes in Ireland’s favorite holiday destination in recent years due to the impact of the Covid pandemic, the impact of Brexit and changes in regional regulations.
Tired of the excessive noise and unruly behavior of some tourists, local communities have successfully lobbied for tougher measures to stop such activity. As a result, several new rules have been introduced to maintain order and maintain community standards.
Tourists who ignore certain rules, such as wearing bikinis, drinking alcohol and misbehaving on balconies, can be fined heavily, reports The Mirror.
Preparing for a trip to Spain now requires special attention to ensure compliance with these evolving guidelines
Here are some noteworthy new rules that should be on every traveler’s radar before embarking on a Spanish trip.
Clothing:
Ekinis and swim shorts can be worn in the pool or on the beach, but some parts of Spain have banned them from being worn when walking the streets.
For security reasons, some public authorities in Spain do not allow burkas and niqabs to be worn in their buildings.
Police and ID:
According to Spanish law, you must always carry a state-issued photo ID with you. This right applies equally to both residents and non-residents. Failure to produce satisfactory ID when requested by the Spanish police forces (Civil Guard, National/Regional/Local Police) may result in detention at the police station until identity is confirmed.
Alcohol:
Drinking alcohol in public places, except in licensed bars and restaurants, is generally prohibited and may result in a fine
Illegal drugs:
The DFA warned: “There have been fatalities involving Irish citizens who have consumed illegal drugs in Spain. The Spanish authorities take the possession of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously and such activity may result in imprisonment. The authorities in Mallorca and Ibiza are particularly active in anti-drug law enforcement, and are likely to prosecute in cases of use or possession of drugs,” reports The Mirror.
Smoking:
Last year saw an important change on Barcelona’s beaches as smoking was officially banned, which could lead to fines for violators. Initially introduced as a pilot scheme on four beaches, the smoking ban has now been extended to 10 scenic stretches along Barcelona’s coastline.
Balconies:
Spanish authorities can impose fines for risky behavior on balconies, including climbing or jumping off balconies.
Soap and shampoo:
Tourists can be fined €750 for using soap or shampoo in some shared beach showers. Because the chemicals in these products can be harmful to marine life.
Noise Pollution:
Spain’s Alicante hotspot has delivered the toughest crackdown on noise pollution.
Tourists now face hefty fines for violating anti-nuisance laws, ranging from €600 to a staggering €30,000.
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