British tourists face new crackdown on Spanish islands in time for 2026 holiday season

The Balearic Islands are moving to implement a crackdown on vehciles enetering the popular tourist destinations. Government representative and council presidents are set to meet to discuss a regional limit on vehicles entering all four islands.

While Formentera and Ibiza already have similar regulations, the new measure would be an umbrella law to include Majorca and Menorca as well. Restrictions on the arrival of vehicles and hire cars in Majorca are expected to be approved by the council before the end of the year and the Balearic Parliament in the first quarter of 2026. If passed, the limits will be in place before the 2026 tourist season begins.

Majorca in particular has been struggling to deal with the influx of cars. In 2023, 400,000 vehicles arrived at its port - double since 2017.

The draft proposals include a limit on the rental cars allowed on the island at any given time, a one car per driver rule, especially for non-residents who currently own property, and priority access for low-emission or electric vehicles.

They also put forward special fees imposed on vehicles not taxed in the Balearic Islands, ad registration and tax requirements for non-resident vehicles.

However, the limits are opposed by the conservative Vox party, meaning the Partido Popular in government will need the support of the opposition PSOE and Més.

The draft bill for Majorca includes fines for people and care hire companies that violate the regulations.

Individuals could be fined up to €10,000 for falsifying entry credentials, while care hire companies could receive a €30,000 penalty for failing to report the registration numbers of all vehicles transported to the island.