In brief
Spain introduces a set of new regulations aimed at enhancing national security, requiring hotels and car rental services to gather and report personal details of guests. Starting December 2, 2023, visitors will need to provide sensitive information, like passport numbers and payment details, igniting privacy alarms and potential check-in slowdowns.
As of December 2, all visitors to Spain will face new requirements before they can settle in for their holiday. A new law mandates that hotel owners and car hire companies send personal information about their guests to the Spanish government for national security purposes. This includes details like passport info, home addresses, and payment methods for individuals over 14. The Ministry of the Interior is set to receive this data directly.This significant change, known as Royal Decree 933/2021, has raised eyebrows within the tourism industry. The Spanish Confederation of Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) expressed serious concerns over how the law could impact businesses. They are actually considering legal action, highlighting fears that these rules could get in the way of smooth check-in experiences.Spain is a top European travel destination, boasting over 82 million visitors in 2023 alone, with a significant cohort arriving from the UK. The rollout of these new regulations comes after previous delays and is expected to add layers of complexity to the check-in process. Beyond hotels, Airbnb hosts must also comply by collecting similar data from their guests.Businesses will need to register with the Ministry of the Interior, submit collected data daily, and maintain digital records for three years. Those failing to adhere to these rules could face hefty fines ranging from €100 to €30,000.The Spanish government has defended these regulations as essential for citizen safety and combating organized crime and terrorism. However, travel experts warn that the increased bureaucratic requirements could negatively impact the experience of both tourists and locals alike. Civilization blogger Penelope Bielckus noted, “Additional paperwork can feel burdensome when you’re simply wanting to unwind on vacation.”While many accommodations are working on automation to handle the new requirements, initial chaos at check-in desks is anticipated. Industry insiders urge travelers to keep an eye on how these changes might affect spontaneous bookings and will be monitoring the actual impact on their journeys to ensure smoother travels in the months ahead.
