Travel warning for Brits in Spain as throwing away your bus ticket could cost you €100
A TRAVEL expert has warned Brits they could face a €100 fine if they throw away their bus tickets.
Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations with millions of Brits making the journey each year.
However, tourists risk paying a hefty sum if they don’t show a valid ticket on public transport.
Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have strict public transport rules with ticket inspectors conducting random checks.
Travelling without a valid ticket can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to €100.
Brits should purchase their tickets before boarding and ensure that it’s valid to avoid paying the fine, the expert revealed.
Make sure to keep your ticket until the end of your trip as proof of purchase.
Transport isn’t the only thing Brits need to be cautious of to avoid fines in Spain.
Littering is taken very seriously with fines ranging from €100 to a whopping €3,000, depending on the severity and location of the offense.
To ensure you avoid paying the eye-watering amount dispose of your waste in designated bins and participate in recycling programs.
Another fines trap that Brits may not be aware of is alcohol consumption restrictions.
Drinking alcohol in public places is restricted in several Spanish cities.
Brits consuming alcohol outside designated areas such as bars or licensed premises face fines ranging from €100 to €600.
The rule is particularly enforced in tourist hotspots to maintain public order.
The expert warned tourists not to drink in public streets or parks unless explicitly allowed.
It comes after hoteliers in Spain warned Brits of new “chaos” when they arrive at their accommodation from this autumn.
From October 1st, anyone in Spain who rents out accommodation or a hire car to tourists will have to fill in a traveller’s report.
Everything you need to know about visiting Spain
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Spain is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination.
This will require details not available on the normal form of identification ie a passport.
The new information will include things such as payment methods, bank details, email addresses, telephone numbers etc.
The Spanish hotel association, Cehat says this new requirement is going to cause chaos as hoteliers just can’t cope with this workload at reception.
And they point out that a huge percentage of travellers arrive at accommodation where there is no reception at all.
The new regulations were first announced on October 27th, 2021 but were postponed twice.
It was initially delayed until November 2nd, 2023 and then to October 1st, 2024.
This was because the tourism industry said a website set up to input data was inefficient and it was impossible to comply with the requirements.
Cehat is now launching a legal challenge against the new rules, saying they are not legal, and has demanded an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Interior.
Cehat said: “The regulations impose new requirements for the registration of travellers staying in tourist establishments, as well as the transmission of this data through a platform designed by the Ministry of the Interior.”
“Tour operators pointed out that this platform had proven to be very inefficient, making it impossible to collect and transmit this data.
“This led to the Ministry deciding to extend its entry into force on two occasions, in response to protests from companies, allowing the submission to be made through the traditional electronic system.”
“Cehat points out that the persistence of those responsible for the Ministry of the Interior, under the direction of Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, in causing chaos for the Ministry’s collaborators and in generating a threat of large fines and sanctions to all those who do not act under new parameters that, in our opinion, are unenforceable and illegal, and that will cause the certain loss of sensitive information about travellers and an increase in responsibility for unverifiable data, is incomprehensible.”
“Royal Decree 933/2021 expands the obligations of companies to collect data that is not limited to that which appears in official documents (such as ID and passport), such as payment methods, financial transactions, contract data, updated address, mobile phone or email of the user, which can only be collected manually.
“For hoteliers, it is impossible to collect and certify the authenticity of some of these data, which would cause organisational chaos at receptions to the detriment of users and flagrantly contravening the data minimisation rules of European directives and their protection.”
CEHAT also points out that more than 70 per cent of accommodation companies are small businesses and don’t have adequate cybersecurity protection to protect guests new data.
Cehat adds that according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), in Spain 83 per cent of Spaniards who stay outside their usual residence and 33 per cent of foreigners do not go through an establishment with a reception.
Top ways you can be fined during travel this summer in Spain
- Beach Regulations – €300
Spain’s beautiful beaches come with specific rules to preserve their condition and ensure safety.
Regulations can include prohibitions on smoking, bringing pets, camping, or using BBQs.
- Public Transport Tickets – €100
Ticket inspectors conduct random checks, and travelling without a valid ticket can result in an on-the-spot fine.
Purchase your ticket before boarding and validate it as required. Keep your ticket until the end of your trip as proof of purchase.
- Environmental Zones – €200
Many Spanish cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, have implemented Low Emission Zones (LEZ) to combat pollution.
Vehicles must meet specific emission standards to enter these zones. Non-compliant vehicles entering an LEZ will be fined.
- Noise Regulations – €100 to €600
Popular tourist destinations like Ibiza and Barcelona have strict noise regulations to ensure the peace and quiet of local residents.
This is enforced especially during late hours (typically between 11 PM and 8 AM).
- Littering – €100 to €3,000
Littering is taken seriously across Spain.
Always use designated bins and follow recycling guidelines where applicable.
- Alcohol Consumption – €100 to €600
Drinking alcohol in public places is restricted in many Spanish cities. Consuming alcohol outside designated areas, such as beach bars or licensed premises, can lead to fines.
This is particularly enforced in tourist hotspots to maintain public order.
- Pet Restrictions – €500
Travelling with pets can be enjoyable but comes with responsibilities.
Ensure your pets are allowed in the areas you visit, as many public spaces, including beaches and parks, have restrictions.
Wildlife Protection
Spain is home to several protected natural areas.
Disturbing wildlife, picking plants, or wandering off designated paths can result in fines.