UK Tourists Face Protests in Spain’s Canary Islands Over Mass Tourism &

UK Tourists Face Protests in Spain’s Canary Islands Over Mass Tourism

Charlie Spain 9 April 2025 | | 0

Spain is the go-to getaway for British holidaymakers, drawing in millions of visitors throughout the year.

British tourists heading to Spain’s Canary Islands may face anti-tourism protests as locals grow increasingly frustrated with rising living costs and overcrowding.

Fifteen local groups under the banner “The Canary Islands Have a Limit” plan to stage fresh demonstrations across all eight islands in May. Organisers say excessive tourism is driving up housing prices, worsening poverty, and damaging the environment, with many residents being priced out by foreign investors and short-term holiday rentals.

While it's unclear whether protests will happen in the capital Santa Cruz or popular southern resorts, organisers have warned the islands are “on the brink” and demand a tourism model that prioritises locals.

The upcoming protests follow mass demonstrations across Spain in April 2024, including a 20-day hunger strike in Tenerife and marches in cities like Málaga and Alicante, all calling for affordable housing and action against mass tourism.

Recent incidents have seen tourists jeered and booed by protestors in Majorca while dining in public spaces.

The eight Canary Islands include: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Graciosa.

Spain Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

Since the UK left the EU, the entry rules for Spain have continued to change and more updates are expected later this year and in 2026.

At the Spanish border, you may be asked to present:

A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area
Proof of a return or onward ticket
Travel insurance documents
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (amount varies by accommodation type)
Hotel booking confirmation or proof of property ownership if staying at your own home
Invitation letter (carta de invitación) or address details if staying with friends or family

UK tourists can stay in Spain and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Staying beyond this limit could result in penalties or future travel restrictions.

With the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES) launching later this year, authorities will digitally track your time spent in the Schengen Area, making it more important than ever to keep an eye on your travel dates.

Non-EU citizens residing in the UK must obtain a Schengen Visa to visit Spain. You can submit your application to London, Manchester, and Edinburgh with a prior appointment. If you need assistance with your Schengen Visa application, contact IaM.

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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