New Portuguese Regulation, Tourists Fined Up To IDR 25 Million If Caught Running With Bikini

JAKARTA - The Albufeira city government, a popular tourist area in Algarve, Portugal, has proposed a new regulation prohibiting tourists from wearing swimming clothes, such as bikinis or swimming pants, in public areas off the coast and hotel swimming pools.

Reported by VOI from The Sun's website on Monday, February 17, tourists on vacation in Algarve this summer have been warned that they can be fined up to 1,250 Euros or IDR 21 million, if caught walking on the road wearing bikinis or swimming pants.

The city government of Albufeira, a popular tourist area, has announced the cost of the fine as part of law enforcement efforts against semi-nature behavior outside excluded areas such as beaches and hotel swimming pools.

The police will also give fines to tourists caught urinating carelessly in the same amount. In addition, tourists who act disrespectfully naked on the road can be subject to a larger fine, with a maximum fine limit of 1,500 Euros or Rp25 million rupiah, according to the new rules.

Drinking alcohol on the street is also prohibited, with fines starting at 250 Euros or IDR 4.2 million. The draft new behavior code Albufeira, which was approved at the end of last year, is now open for public consultation before it is implemented ahead of the summer. The city government revealed the purpose of this new rule.

"To create better conditions for regional development, while maintaining Albufeira as a multicultural, family-friendly, and safe tourist destination that respects its inheritance and identity," he explained.

Albufeira Mayor, Jose Carlos Rolo, in the official document made the announcement.

"It is very important to establish measures that effectively address bad behavior, especially by those who make Albufeira a tourist destination," he said.

Last summer, a group of British tourists were caught naked at the Route Ceffe 66 bar on Oura Strip, which is similar to the party strip area in Magaluf.

This unpleasant incident occurred as Albufeira tried to stay away from the image of party tourism and switch to a more exclusive market, reducing dependence on tourists.

In addition to bikinis, the government of Albufeira also prohibits tourists wearing triminists or shorts on the road. According to a draft opened for public consultation, this regulation prohibits people from traveling around half naked, including wearing swimwear, bikinis, triminists, shorts, and underwear.

Beach areas, beach access, and hotel swimming pools have been excluded from this rule. Fines for this semi-nature violation range from 250 to 1,250 Euros (IDR 4.2 million - IDR 21 million)

This regulation is not only in Portugal, several other countries have also imposed fines for tourists who behave poorly:

- Spain: In Marbella, tourists are subject to a fine of 632 Euros or Rp. 10 million if caught urinating at sea. A fine of 1,700 Euros or Rp. 28 million, can be imposed if caught smoking on several beaches, or 560 Euros (Rp. 9.4 million) if caught naked on the beach, which is not a nude beach.

- France: Tourists carrying too large bags on trains can be fined 42 Euros or IDR 710 thousand rupiah.

This regulation aims to maintain order and create a more comfortable and safe tourism experience for everyone.