Barcelona is known as a year-round city, but now, gas-powered patio heaters, typically used outside bars and restaurants, have now been banned due to their carbon emissions.
Prohibited since 1 January, it’s the result of a years-long battle between Barcelona’s council and business owners, who are concerned they’ll lose customers.
Although electric versions with a capacity no greater than 150W/m2 will still be permitted between 1 November and 30 April, those machines don’t give out so much heat.
The move comes following a similar proposal in Madrid in 2024, which failed after a local court decided that the city council had not provided enough evidence that the heaters contributed to global warming.
Visitor data collection
Across Spain, new entry requirements came into force in December, which require a host of data to be provided when checking into accommodation or hiring a car, such as passport details, your home address and mobile phone number.
The law requiring this data collection was initially passed in 2021, to protect “public safety” from terrorist threats and organised crime.
Despite widespread opposition, in part due to concerns about data protection and “Big Brother” surveillance, it was enacted on 2 December.
Post-Brexit requirements
Since the end of the Brexit transition period, UK passport holders are subject to the same rules as other non-EU travellers. This includes a limit of 90 days in every 180-day period on staying in EU and Schengen Zone countries, including Spain, without a visa.
The time spent in the bloc is checked using passport stamps, a system that is slated to be replaced by the digital Entry/Exit System (EES).
However, it’s not clear when EES will start.
After several postponements, it is due to begin at some point in 2025.
The European Commission agency was not able to confirm a new date for the EES launch when approached by The i Paper.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), which is likely to come into force at least six months after EES, is another potential change in 2025.
If it does happen, the Etias will be the European Commission’s version of the US style electronic travel authorisation system, or visa waiver, for visitors from non-EU, visa-exempt counties.
Etias will see eligible non-EU residents pay a €7 fee to enter 30 countries in the bloc. People under 18 and over 70s will be exempt from the fee.
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Publish date : 2025-01-09 03:36:00
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