Monday, June 2, 2025
Starting June 1 through September 30, 2025, Spain’s world-famous island of Ibiza has enacted a strict cap on tourist vehicles, limiting the number of non-resident cars and caravans to 20,000 per day. The move, aimed at curbing overtourism, easing traffic congestion, and supporting environmental sustainability, is the latest in a broader set of Balearic Islands tourism reforms backed by local and national government bodies.
The measure was formally introduced by the Consell Insular d’Eivissa (Ibiza Island Council) and aligns with regional goals outlined in the Balearic Islands’ Tourism Strategy Agency (AETIB) and Spain’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030, which seeks to rebalance the nation’s tourism model toward environmental resilience, local well-being, and smart mobility.
Breakdown of the 2025 Summer Vehicle Cap
According to an official statement published by El Periodico de Ibiza y Formentera and confirmed by the Balearic Islands Government:
- 16,000 of the 20,000 daily vehicle quota is reserved for rental cars operated on the island.
- The remaining 4,000 permits apply to private vehicles arriving via ferry crossings, contingent on prior online authorization.
- Caravans must present confirmed reservations at authorized campsites; wild camping or unauthorized rural parking is explicitly prohibited.
- Motorcycles are currently exempt from the seasonal restrictions.
These new rules are enforced through a digital permit system coordinated by the Consell Insular’s Department of Mobility and Transport, in collaboration with ferry operators, car rental firms, and municipal traffic services.
A Response to Overtourism Pressures
Ibiza, with a year-round population of just 150,000 residents, annually welcomes over 3.6 million tourists, according to figures from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) and the Balearic Institute of Statistics (IBESTAT). This influx puts immense pressure on infrastructure, traffic systems, and natural ecosystems—especially during the summer high season.
Data from the Balearic transport department shows that:
- In 2002, there were 51,000 vehicles registered on the island.
- By 2022, this number had surged to 207,000 vehicles, quadrupling in just two decades.
Vicent Marí, President of the Ibiza Island Council, defended the new restrictions:
“We’re introducing this limit to guarantee the sustainability of Ibiza. The island cannot withstand uncontrolled tourism flows. This measure is about protecting the quality of life for residents and the environment.”
Marí also acknowledged that the new rules faced resistance from powerful tourism operators, particularly car rental agencies and large hospitality investors. However, he stressed that economic interest must not override ecological limits and local capacity.
Regional Alignment: Formentera and Mallorca Set Precedents
Ibiza’s neighboring island, Formentera, has enforced similar vehicle restrictions since 2019 through its “Formentera Eco” program, now considered a best practice model by the European Union’s Committee of the Regions.
The system charges a small daily fee and issues electronic permits to visitors, with strict controls on camping and road usage. Early evaluations showed a 15% reduction in summer traffic, improved air quality, and greater visitor satisfaction.
Likewise, Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has announced plans to introduce vehicle access limits by 2026, pending final approval from the Balearic Ministry of Mobility and Housing.
Legal Foundation and Enforcement
Ibiza’s restrictions are grounded in Decree-Law 3/2023 of the Balearic Islands, which grants island councils the authority to regulate mobility in response to environmental or tourism-related emergencies.
The law also enables the integration of enforcement technologies such as:
- ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems at ferry terminals and key road junctions
- Online registration platforms with cross-checking against ferry bookings
- Mobile patrol units empowered to inspect vehicle permits and fine violators
Non-compliant vehicles may face fines ranging from €300 to €1,000, according to the latest regional legislation published in the Butlletí Oficial de les Illes Balears (BOIB).
Impact on Tourism: A Rebalancing Act
Spain remains the world’s second-most visited country, drawing in 94 million tourists in 2023, according to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Of those, 19 million visited the Balearic Islands, making it one of the most congested tourist zones in Europe during the summer.
The shift toward sustainability does not aim to reduce tourist numbers altogether but to manage flows more evenly throughout the year, promoting:
- Off-season travel
- Longer stays
- Public transport and cycling
To this end, the Balearic government has also ramped up investment in low-emission buses, bike-sharing infrastructure, and green walking trails, co-funded by the EU’s NextGenerationEU Recovery Plan.
Visitor Guidance: How to Comply with the 2025 Rules
Travelers planning to visit Ibiza with their own vehicle or by renting on the island must be aware of the following procedures:
- Rental Cars:
- Permits are managed by the rental agencies and deducted from the 16,000 daily quota.
- Visitors should confirm vehicle availability and permit status at the time of booking.
- Private Vehicles via Ferry:
- Must apply for entry authorization through the official mobility portal: [mobility.ibiza.es]
- Required documents: ferry booking, proof of accommodation, and vehicle registration.
- Caravans and Campervans:
- Proof of reservation at a licensed campsite is mandatory.
- Unauthorized rural parking will result in fines and possible vehicle impoundment.
- Motorcycles:
- Currently unrestricted but may be subject to review in future tourism policies.
Broader Significance for Sustainable Travel
The Ibiza initiative reflects a broader European trend toward destination carrying capacity management, echoed by other popular tourist destinations such as:
- Venice, Italy, which charges day-trip entry fees
- Amsterdam, Netherlands, restricting cruise ships and rental platforms
- Santorini, Greece, capping daily cruise arrivals
These policies align with EU Tourism Transition Pathway Goals, which advocate for a data-driven, community-inclusive, and environmentally responsible tourism industry.
Final Thoughts: Preserving Ibiza for Future Generations
As pressure mounts on global tourist hotspots, Ibiza’s bold move to limit vehicle traffic during peak travel months marks a decisive shift from passive growth to active stewardship. Though controversial, the 2025 restrictions seek to restore balance between tourism and territory, ensuring the island remains a welcoming, livable, and vibrant place for generations to come.
As Vicent Marí concluded:
“We are not closing the door to tourists. We are simply inviting them to enjoy our island in a way that is respectful, measured, and future-focused.”
For travelers, the message is clear: Ibiza is still open—but on the island’s terms.
