Spain will end its “golden visa ” programme this spring in a bid to address the country’s growing housing crisis. So-called “golden visas” grant residency rights to foreign citizens through investments in real estate.

Spain isn’t banning tourists but is introducing new measures to manage overtourism and housing issues, including freezing short-term rentals in some areas.

Housing shortages and rising prices have provoked people to protest against tourists in several cities such as Barcelona and Seville, as foreign buyers and mass tourism are seen as contributing factors to the crisis.

The biggest change is that the EU's Entry and Exit System (EES) will finally be launched in 2025, most likely in the first half of the year.

Here's what to know about this Spanish region's recent decision to change its tourism rental laws, and what this means for you as an international tourist.

Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world and last year welcomed a record-breaking 94 million tourists. It’s a particular favourite with Brits, who made up the biggest proportion of visitors in 2024.