Informational only, not legal advice. Verify with official sources before relying on this.

Know Abroad

SpainSpain

Local Laws & Customs

Last verified August 21, 2026

Written for U.S. passport holders

Public Conduct

  • Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, on public transport, and at some outdoor areas like beaches and playgrounds in various municipalities.

Medicines You Can't Bring

  • Bring prescription medications in original, labeled packaging with a copy of the prescription; some U.S. stimulant medications require prior notification or documentation to bring into Spain legally.

Photography & Drones

  • Drones require registration with Spain's aviation authority (AESA) if they weigh over 250g, and flying over crowds, near airports, or in many urban centers and historic sites is restricted or banned outright.

Drugs & Alcohol

  • The legal drinking age is 18. Drinking in the street, squares, parks, and other public spaces is banned across most of Spain under local 'ley antibotellón' ordinances, with fines typically €300–€600.
  • Cannabis possession for personal use in private spaces is decriminalized (an administrative offense, not a crime), but public consumption or possession is a fineable administrative offense carrying €601–€30,000 penalties, a much wider range than most tourists expect.

Carrying ID

  • Carrying a valid ID (your passport) is advisable; bars and shops routinely ask for photo ID if you look under 25.

The Gotcha

The gap between 'decriminalized' and 'legal' trips people up in Spain specifically: possessing cannabis for personal use in a private space is genuinely low-risk, but the same amount in public, on a street or in a park, is a fineable offense that can run into the thousands of euros. 'It's basically legal here' is not accurate the way it might be assumed from secondhand travel advice.

Sources

This page was drafted from the primary sources below. Rules change, so check the linked page directly before relying on any of this.