Spain Introduces New Travel Rules: Tourists Must Provide Personal Details

Starting December 2, 2024, Spain introduced a new law requiring tourists to provide detailed personal information when checking accommodations or renting vehicles. The Spanish government aims to enhance national security, but some travellers are concerned about privacy, comparing it to a “Big Brother” system.

Why Is Spain Introducing This Law?

The law targets increased security by tracking foreign visitors to prevent serious crimes and terrorist threats. According to Spanish authorities, organized crime and terrorism often involve international actors, making visitor data crucial for public safety.

What Information Do Tourists Need to Provide?

All tourists aged 14 and above will need to share personal details when staying in hotels, Airbnb, or renting cars in Spain. The required information includes:

• Full name
• Gender
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Landline phone number
• Mobile phone number
• Email address

For travellers with children under 14, guardians must provide their relationship details. While tourists won’t face fines for errors, accommodations may face penalties for mishandling data.

What Businesses Must Collect and Report

Hotels, car rental agencies, and other tourism operators in Spain will face stricter reporting requirements under the new law. Accommodations must gather and report over 40 pieces of information for bookings, while car rental companies will need to collect over 60 data points.

These regulations apply across mainland Spain and its popular islands, including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

Businesses that fail to comply with these measures could face fines of up to €30,000, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection and reporting.

Also Read: Spain Offers Up to €15,000 Grants to Digital Nomads: Apply Now!

Potential Impacts on Travellers

As Spain remains a top destination for international travellers, the new law may lead to longer check-in times at hotels and resorts. Many establishments are already adjusting processes to comply with the regulations. Tourists must prepare the necessary documents and information in advance to avoid delays.

What Travellers Can Expect

• Longer wait times: Hotels and rental agencies may experience slower check-in procedures.
• Data handling: Personal details will be cross-referenced against a national security database.
• Privacy concerns: Travellers are encouraged to be aware of their rights regarding data collection and handling.

FAQs about Spain’s New Tourist Law

1. Will tourists face fines for providing incorrect information?
No, tourists will not be fined for mistakes. However, accommodations may face penalties if found negligent in handling data.

2. Does this apply to all accommodations?
Yes, the law applies to all types of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals like Airbnb.

3. What if I forget to bring some of the required information?
Travellers should ensure they have all necessary details ready before arrival to avoid delays. Check with your accommodation for specific requirements.

4. Are children required to provide personal information?
Children under 14 do not need to submit information, but guardians must provide details about their relationship with the child.

5. How will this impact my privacy?
The Spanish government has assured that the collected data will be used solely for security purposes and will be handled under data protection regulations.

Final Words

Spain’s new travel rules emphasize security but may lead to longer check-ins. Tourists should prepare the necessary documents and be aware of data-sharing requirements. Compliance is key for businesses, with steep fines for violations, ensuring a safer experience for all travelers.