Record Heatwave Extends into Late September

Spain is still experiencing unusually high temperatures, with some regions hitting 36°C even after the hottest summer on record. This prolonged heat is affecting outdoor tourism, beach capacity, and wildfire risk.

Spain Nears 8 Million Foreign Residents

The country now has 7.9 million foreign residents with valid permits, reflecting strong migration and long term settlement trends. This affects housing availability in major tourist regions.

Airport & Airline Updates

Spain approved a near freeze on airport charges through 2031, with only a 0.33% annual increase, good news for airlines and ticket prices.
Iberia begins its countdown to its 100th anniversary, unveiling a special centenary livery.
easyJet launches new UK–Spain routes, including first ever flights to Girona Airport.

High-Speed Rail Decline

Passenger numbers on Spain’s high-speed AVE network dropped 14.1% in the first seven months of 2026, impacting long-distance travel patterns.

Tourism Policy & Regulation

Tourist Taxes Rising Across Spain

Spain continues tightening tourism taxation:
Barcelona plans to raise cruise passenger tax to €30 by 2030.
Cruise day trippers (12 hours) will pay €24 starting soon.
Multiple regions—including Valencia, Andalusia, Canary Islands—have expanded or introduced new nightly tourist taxes.

Border & Visa Updates

Spain continues implementing the EES biometric border system, while France and Germany request delays due to long queues.
The Digital Nomad Visa now requires €3,200 monthly income, with faster processing and expanded family benefits.