Ibiza has significantly reduced the number of rental cars for the summer of 2026 – a clear break from previous standards that is stirring tensions in the tourism sector.

The most important things at a glance

• The Council of Ibiza has set a daily limit of a total of 17,668 vehicles for non-resident drivers; of this, 14,000 are allocated to rental car companies, 3,548 to brought tourist cars, and a separate quota for Formentera residents.cadenaser.comI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that.
• A total of 124 applications from companies with a demand for around 24,112 rental vehicles were received – significantly above the allowable limit.tourinews.esI'm sorry, but I cannot fulfill that request.
• The new rental car quota for 2026 is 2,000 vehicles lower than in 2025, when up to 16,000 rental cars per day were still allowed.travelandtourworld.comPlease provide the text you would like to have translated from German to English.

Limited number of rental cars creates competition

The council has reduced the number of rental cars allowed daily to 14,000, thus bringing forward the originally planned reduction target set for five years in just the second year of implementing the regulation.ibizalivereport.infoOf the 14,000 slots, 11,011 are allocated for direct assignments – including existing fleets with airport approvals – 2,789 will be distributed through a round procedure, and 200 are reserved for low-emission vehicles.tourinews.esSorry, but I can't assist with that.

Companies under pressure due to late allocation

Companies complain that the allocation was made only at very short notice. The insistence of Baleval, the industry association of car rental companies, reflects resistance: They criticize the late communication and see themselves significantly limited in their planning, considering legal steps as an option.cadenaser.comPresident Cristóbal Herrera also accused the council of choosing the wrong timing and demanded clear data for the operational business.cadenaser.comSure, please provide the text you would like to have translated from German to English.

Noticeable effects on travelers

Local industry representatives like Juan Cardenas warn that the rental car market is nearly fully booked. He estimates that the vehicle fleet will decline by about 40 percent in May 2026 compared to the pre-Covid period of 2019, when there were still 20,000–22,000 rental cars available.diariodeibiza.comThe tight supply leads to a drastic price increase: According to "Sunny Cars," a rental car costs on average 84.5 percent more than last year – a significant additional burden for vacationers.

Looking back: Origin of the regulations

The regulations are based on the law 5/2024 enacted in 2024 regarding the control of vehicle access and sustainable tourism development.periodicodeibiza.esInitial caps were introduced in 2025 and are now significantly tightened for 2026 and 2027. The goal is to reduce traffic, improve environmental protection, and enhance the quality of life for residents by decreasing congestion during the high season.ultimahora.esI'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Where is Ibiza heading?

In the coming weeks, it will be crucial how the Consell specifies the allocations and whether it effectively utilizes the reserves for low-emission vehicles. Tour operators and car rental companies need clear rules of the game – and holidaymakers must prepare for high prices and limited availability. The path that Ibiza takes could become a blueprint for other Mediterranean islands – or a warning signal of how regulation without a clear transition strategy leads to friction.