As the chilly winter days begin to wane, thoughts of sun-drenched summer getaways are on the rise, with hotspots like Greece, Spain, and Portugal topping travel wish lists.

However, would-be travellers should take heed of important regulations in these favourite destinations, which range from rules about appropriate attire to potential steep fines for common infractions.

Each of these countries shares membership in the Schengen Zone, thereby subjecting them to the forthcoming implementation of the European Union‘s Entry/Exit System (EES).

The EES represents a significant change for British holidaymakers, transitioning from manual passport-stamping to an automated process that records personal and biometric details at self-service kiosks.

Initially set for a November 2024 rollout, its launch has been deferred due to technical glitches. Meanwhile, UK tourists must continue to get their passports stamped upon entering and leaving these nations.

Spain

Specifically in Spain, Britons should be mindful of local regulations that carry penalties for what might seem like innocuous behaviour.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office cautions against wearing swimwear such as bikinis or swimming shorts on streets, even those close to beaches.

“Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets,” the FCDO warns.

Alcohol enthusiasts should be aware of varying local drinking laws, particularly in popular holiday spots such as Majorca and Ibiza, where strict rules are in place. Happy hours and open bars face bans alongside the organization of pub-crawls and party boat excursions, reports the Mirror.

Additionally, there’s a curfew on “off-licence” alcohol sales from 9.30pm to 8am.

Brits travelling outside the EU will encounter specific entry requirements set by the Spanish Government. Authorities expect ‘evidence’ ready for presentation on-demand at border control.

The UK’s Foreign Office cautions that this evidence could include several documents: a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, travel insurance confirmation, a hotel booking, an invitation from family or friends, and proof of sufficient finances for the duration of the stay.

As per the specifics detailed on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, tourists must show they have at least €114 (close to £95) per person for each day of their visit. For stays surpassing nine days, the minimum financial requirement is €1,021 (around £859).

However, it’s essential to note that these figures may not be up-to-date for 2025.

Proof of financial means can take various forms: cash, cheques, credit cards accompanied by a bank statement. One key point to remember is that online bank statements are not considered valid for proving financial capability.

As of December 2, 2024, the Spanish Government has introduced new regulations requiring hotels to collect extensive personal information from tourists. This includes family details, bank card specifics, and addresses, which will be shared with security services.

The updated rules mean that holidaymakers arriving in Spain will have to provide a significant amount of personal data to their hotel – in total, hotels will need to gather 42 pieces of personal data from each tourist.

The ‘Golden Visa’ scheme is also set to conclude. Since its inception in 2013, the programme has offered non-EU nationals residency rights in exchange for substantial investments in Spanish property.

Currently, an investment of over €500,000 (£420,405) into the Spanish housing market without leveraging loans is required. However, the scheme’s days are numbered, with renewals possible every five years, provided certain conditions are met.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has proposed that the cut-off for new applications should be April 3, 2025.

Tourist taxes are also set to increase, with several destinations including Asturias, Galicia, Tenerife, Alicante, and Seville, expected to hike fees in 2025. The tax will typically be applied when travellers check into their accommodation.

For instance, in Mogan, Gran Canaria, a new nightly charge was introduced, costing €0.15 (£0.12) per person daily.

Spain has been tightening the reins on holiday rentals across various regions, with ongoing crackdowns aimed at curbing over-tourism. Take Malaga for instance, where a halt has been placed on new rentals in 43 zones, particularly where holiday lets constitute more than eight per cent of housing.

This measure is part of a three-year experiment that began this past January.

Barcelona routinely hits the headlines for its battles with over-tourism and the problems caused by vacation rentals. In a bold move, Spain’s Prime Minister recently floated the idea of an eye-watering 100 per cent tax on property sales to non-residents.

At the announcement, he said: “Spain’s housing should be for Spanish people to live in, as well as for migrants who come here to work and build a life and contribute to the development and prosperity of our country.”

However, these proposals are still up in the air, pending legislative approval.

Additionally, those planning to hire cars for their Spanish escapades could face longer processes due to increased red tape and stricter identification checks. The cruising sector won’t be spared either, as many top destinations in the nation are aiming to cut back on cruise ship arrivals.

Spain’s iconic tourist spots may introduce further controls as well. Starting from next year, coaches full of tourists will be barred from Tenerife’s Anaga Rural Park to preserve its delicate ecosystem.

Seville’s famed Plaza de Espana is contemplating implementing a nominal entry charge to assist with maintenance costs. Even Binibeca Vell, a picturesque hamlet in Menorca, will be regulating tourist visits to certain times.

Greece

Holidaymakers planning a Grecian getaway should take note of the local laws to avoid any unwelcome surprises. It’s essential to carry identification, such as a passport, at all times while in Greece.

Additionally, smoking in indoor public spaces is strictly prohibited, with fines for violators reaching up to €500 (£416.15). .

For those embarking on a lads’ holiday or hen do, it’s crucial to keep behaviour in check; Greek police are known to arrest individuals for being “rowdy or indecent”. Moreover, certain fancy dress outfits might land you in hot water.

The FCDO cautions: “Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws. The courts are likely to impose a heavy fine or a prison sentence if they judge the behaviour to be illegal.”

The Foreign Office also highlights that travel insurance might not cover incidents related to alcohol-induced missed flights. And for those visiting during peak season, from April to October, be prepared to pay a daily tax of €8 (£6.66), adding up to an additional €56 (or £46) per person for a week’s stay.

Greece’s commitment to safeguarding its historical treasures has led to a rather unique measure being put in place: banning high heels at some of its most renowned sites.

Visitors aiming to explore the ancient splendour of Athens’ Acropolis or the majestic Epidaurus Theatre have been prohibited from donning stilettos since 2009, with potential penalties reaching €900 (£749.06) for those caught wearing damaging footwear.

Portugal

Portugal, on the other hand, prioritises identification checks and keeps a strict eye on gambling activities. Police officers may demand proof of identity at any time, but a photocopy of one’s passport typically suffices.

Gambling, a heavily regulated activity allowed exclusively in Government-licensed establishments, can bring about serious consequences such as arrest and imprisonment for parties involved in illegal setups.

To ensure compliance, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises: “The police may act on reports of illegal gambling in unauthorised premises without warning. You could be arrested, charged and fined or given a prison sentence. If in doubt, ask if the venue is licensed.”

Tourist taxes are another aspect travellers should be aware of while visiting Portugal; notable regions like the Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira impose these levies. For instance, Faro enforces tourist charges throughout the year, and from May 2024, Albufeira introduced a similar tourist tax.

In Lisbon, a tourist tax of €4 (£3.33) per person per night is levied for the first seven nights of a stay. However, certain exemptions apply, including for individuals with disabilities of 65 per cent or more, children under 13, and those receiving medical treatment.

Meanwhile, in Porto, a charge of €3 (£2.50) per person per night is imposed for up to seven consecutive nights.

Furthermore, British holidaymakers venturing to the Algarve in Portugal could face hefty fines of up to £1250 if found wandering the streets in just their swimwear. The local authorities in Albufeira, a popular party destination, are clamping down on semi-nudity outside designated areas such as beaches and hotel pools.

This summer, police will be handing out fines to tourists who dare to bare too much skin or engage in public sexual acts, with penalties potentially reaching as high as £1,500.